JP2000001008A - Image-processing apparatus and image communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively use memories in an image-processing apparatus and an image communication apparatus for transmitting image data to the apparatus. SOLUTION: A communication part 350 communicates with an external image communication apparatus, thereby receiving image data. The received image data is temporarily stored in a RAM 313. A recording part 305 records images to a sheet-like recording medium. The recorded medium is discharged in a manner to carry a succeeding recorded medium at the side of a record face. The communication part 350 judges on the basis of a vacant area of the RAM 313 in which of a reception order whereby the image data is received and an opposite order to the reception order the images are to be recorded. When the images are judged to be recorded in the reception order, an order change signal is sent out to require the image communication apparatus to transmit the image data in a direction opposite to a predetermined order.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image communication apparatus, and more particularly, to an image recording apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile for recording an image on a sheet-shaped recording medium by input image data. The present invention relates to an image processing device used for a communication device and an image communication device that transmits image data to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image recording apparatus (image processing apparatus) used for a digital copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, etc., as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2523559, a recorded sheet-shaped recording medium ( (Hereinafter referred to as a sheet or sheet material) is reversed and recording is performed again.
In order to prevent the page order from being disordered when the sheet is discharged down, there is a type in which a sheet is switched back after recording and inverted, and then stacked on a sheet discharge tray.

Further, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 6-41339, there is provided a first tray for face-up loading and a second tray for face-down loading. There is one in which recorded sheets are loaded face up on one tray.

[0004]

In the above conventional example,
The configuration described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2523559 requires a path for reversing recorded sheets, and a selection mechanism for further selecting a desired discharge tray when sheets after recording are stacked on a plurality of discharge trays. , The cost of the apparatus tends to increase. Further, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-41339 does not disclose a method of using an image memory for reception when recording is performed with the configuration of a paper discharge unit.

Further, in recent years, for example, a facsimile using an image recording apparatus has a multifunctional function such as having a printer function. Since a memory is used for each function, the total amount of memory used is increasing. . The unit price per unit capacity of image memory tends to decrease, but the amount of image data to be communicated is also increasing, so in order to provide inexpensive facsimile, memory is shared by each function, and limited reception image It is necessary to use memory efficiently.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus which solves the above problems, and an image communication apparatus which transmits image data to the apparatuses. I do.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device for communicating with an external device to receive image data, and a communication device for communicating with an external device. Storage means for temporarily storing data in an image storage unit; recording means for recording an image based on the temporarily stored image data on a sheet-shaped recording medium; Ejecting means for ejecting the recorded medium via a transport system so as to load the recorded medium, wherein the recording of the images is performed in the order in which the communication means receives the image data. First determining means for determining whether to perform the image processing or in the reverse order based on a reference value of a free area of the image storage unit, and the communication means includes: Records of When it is determined that the power sale, characterized in that it sends an order change signal for requesting the external device to transmit the image data in a predetermined order and reverse order.

[0008] The device of the present invention according to claim 2 is based on claim 1.
Wherein the discharging means selects one of the plurality of trays by switching a plurality of trays on which the discharged recorded medium is stacked, and a transport path in the transport system, and stores the recording medium in a predetermined tray. Switching means for loading and discharging the next recorded medium on the recording surface side of the recorded medium, and loading and discharging the next recorded medium on the side opposite to the recording surface on another tray When the switching unit selects a transport path to the predetermined tray so that the next recorded medium is loaded on the recording surface side of the recorded medium, Is performed.

The device according to the third aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the present invention.
Or in 2, when the communication unit receives a change rejection signal transmitted from the external device in response to the order change signal and indicating that the image data is not to be transmitted in an order reverse to the predetermined order. And a second determining unit for determining whether to record the image in the order in which the communication unit receives the image data or in the reverse order.

[0010] The device of the present invention according to claim 4 is based on claim 3.
A display unit that displays information on the image recording order when the second determination unit determines to record the images in the order in which the images are received.

[0011] The device of the present invention according to claim 5 is based on claim 1.
In any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first or second determination means changes a determination criterion according to information received from the external device.

Further, the apparatus of the present invention according to claim 6 is based on claim 1.
In any one of the first to fifth aspects, the communication unit includes a plurality of communication units that can communicate with the external device independently of each other, and the change rejection in response to the order change signal by communication of any of the plurality of communication units. Receive the signal, and
When the second determination unit determines that the image is to be recorded in a reverse order to the order in which the image data is recorded, another reception unit of the communication unit that has received the change rejection signal is receiving the image data to be recorded. One of the units is configured not to newly perform communication.

[0013] The device according to claim 7 is the same as the device according to claim 6.
In any of the above, when any one of the plurality of communication units performs communication, a predetermined amount of the free space in the image storage unit is reserved to change the free space.

The device according to claim 8 of the present invention is characterized in that
A means for determining whether or not the external device can transmit the image data in an order reverse to the predetermined order in response to a request by the order change signal,
Means for determining whether to record the image in the order in which the communication means receives the image data or in the reverse order when it is determined that transmission in the reverse order is impossible. It is.

The device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the present invention.
In any one of the first to eighth aspects, the image processing apparatus further includes an image data generation unit that reads an image of a document and generates the image data.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, there is provided a means for determining whether or not another communication means accepts a new reading operation in accordance with the free area of the image storage unit. A new read operation is not performed in accordance with the result.

[0017] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an eleventh aspect is provided.
An image communication apparatus for transmitting image data by communicating with the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus transmits the image data in an order reverse to a predetermined order. First determining means for determining whether to transmit the image data in the predetermined order or in the reverse order in response to an order change signal from the image recording device or the image processing device requesting the Means for transmitting the image data in an order according to the result of the judgment by the first judgment means.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, when the transmission of the image data in the order reverse to the predetermined order is requested by the order change signal, the image data is transmitted in the order. A second determining unit that determines whether or not the image processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus that transmits the order change signal when the second determining unit determines that transmission is impossible in an order reverse to the predetermined order. Means for sending a change rejection signal to the image processing apparatus to notify that the image data is not transmitted in the reverse order of the predetermined order.

According to the present invention, with the above configuration, the image memory for reception can be used efficiently with a simple configuration, and the occurrence of page order disorder when performing face-up recording can be suppressed. An image processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus that employs image data generating means for reading an image of a document at low cost are provided, and an appropriate order is provided in response to an order change signal from both apparatuses. To provide an image communication device for transmitting image data.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a facsimile apparatus constructed according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus.

First, an outline of the entire facsimile apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

1 and 2, reference numeral 101 denotes an apparatus main body;
Reference numeral 102 denotes a document table configured to stack a plurality of documents S, 103 denotes an image reading unit that reads image information of the document S, and 104 denotes a recording apparatus main body including a laser beam printer. An operation unit 105 includes a display unit, input keys, and the like.
Denotes a document pressing unit, 108 denotes a contact type image sensor such as a CCD, and 109 denotes a document discharge tray. 110, a laser scanner; 111, an image forming unit; 112, a cassette sheet feeding unit; 113, an upper sheet discharging unit configured to stack a plurality of sheet materials P on an upper cover of the apparatus main body 101; 114 is a cartridge cover.

The sheet material P may be any material as long as it can record on both sides.

Reference numeral 115 denotes an ADF (auto document feeder) cover; 116, an external document guide;
Reference numeral 7 denotes a document holding plate, and reference numeral 118 denotes an inner document guide. 119
Denotes a partition between the laser scanner 110 and the main body of the recording apparatus;
Reference numeral 20 denotes a control unit of the facsimile apparatus, 121 denotes a recording sheet transport unit, 122 denotes a front cover, 123 denotes a paper discharge cover, and 124 denotes a registration transport unit. Reference numeral 125 denotes an MP (multi-paper) sheet feeding unit which can also serve as a front cover, and 150 denotes a double-sided conveying unit.

The image reading section 103 separates the originals S stacked on the original placing table 102 one by one by a separation roller 106b pressed against a separation pad 106a, and a transfer roller pressed against a transfer roller 106c pressed by a pressing spring. 106d
Thus, a U-turn paper path constituted by a part of the outer document guide 116 and a part of the inner document guide 118 is conveyed.

Further, the sheet is conveyed to the close contact type image sensor 108 by a sheet feeding roller 106f or the like pressed against the sheet feeding roller 106e pressed by a pressing spring, and the original pressing portion 107 deforms the original pressing plate 117 by the elastic force. After reading the image information of the original S while pressing the original S against the contact image sensor 108 and bringing the original S into close contact therewith, the discharge roller 10 that presses the original S against the discharge roller 106g pressed by the pressing spring
6h, the document is discharged to the document discharge tray 109. During this time, the original S is guided by the outer original guide 116 and the inner original guide 118.

The document table 102 is provided with a slider 102a slidable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of transport of the document S (the width direction of the document S), and the document stacked on the document table 102 by the slider 102a. Both sides of S can be aligned.

When the original S is a long original, the extension original tray 102b is opened to prevent the trailing end of the original S from protruding from the original table 102 and hanging down.

The contact type image sensor 108 irradiates the image information surface of the original S with light from an LED array as a light source, and forms the reflected light reflected from the image information surface on the sensor element by a Selfoc lens (trademark). To read image information.

The cassette paper feeding unit 112 is provided in the main body 101.
It is arranged at the bottom of the. The sheet material P stacked on the sheet feeding cassette 112a is pressed upward by the middle plate spring 112f by the middle plate spring 112f, pressed against the semicircular sheet feeding roller 112b, and separated one by one by the separation pad 112c (the friction piece). (Separation method) and transported. The leading end of the separated sheet material P is detected by the resist sensor 124b after a predetermined time.

If the registration sensor 124b does not detect the leading edge of the sheet material P within a predetermined time after the start of sheet feeding, it is determined that a jam has occurred, and a display is made on the operation unit 105. If the registration sensor 124b detects the leading edge of the sheet material P within a predetermined time after the start of sheet feeding, the separated sheet material P is continuously pressed and conveyed by the sheet feeding roller 112b and the separation pad 112c. -It is guided to the press nip N of the roller pair 124a.

The registration roller pair 124a is controlled to stop rotating when the leading end of the sheet material P reaches the pressure nip N of the registration roller pair 124a. The leading end of the sheet material P abuts against the press-contact nip portion N of the registration roller pair 124a in the rotation stopped state and is received. Thereafter, the sheet material is fed by the sheet feeding roller 112b, so that the sheet material P A bending loop is formed, and the sheet material P
Is parallelized along the nip line of the press-contact nip N, thereby correcting the skew of the sheet material P.

Next, the registration roller pair 124a is driven at a predetermined control timing, and the sheet material P is conveyed. The sheet material P to be conveyed is a sheet conveyance U-turn guide constituted by a registration conveyance guide 124c in which a pair of registration rollers 124a and a registration sensor 124b are arranged and a part of a main body frame forming a framework of the apparatus main body 101. 124d and by the MP guide 125g arranged in the apparatus main body 101.

Further, the sheet material P being fed continues to be conveyed after reaching the pre-transfer roller pair 124e, and the TOP sensor 1
24f, the tip position is detected, and the photosensitive drum 111
After the sheet feeding and the image output timing are adjusted so that the leading end of the toner image formed on the sheet a coincides with the leading end of the sheet material P, the sheet is conveyed between the transfer charger 111f and the photosensitive drum 111a.

The side edge of the sheet material P is regulated by a sheet regulating plate 112d movably mounted in accordance with the sheet size, so that skewing and non-feeding do not occur. The image is recorded on the lower surface side of the sheet material P stacked on the sheet cassette 112a.

The presence or absence of the sheet material P is detected by the cassette sensor 112h. The cassette 112a is about 2
It is capable of stacking 50 sheets, and is configured by a front-loading method that is pulled out in front of the apparatus main body 101. There are seven types of sheets that can be stacked: A3, A4, A5, B4, B5, letter, and legal.

Further, the facsimile apparatus has an
The MP (multi-paper) paper feed unit 125 can be disposed by removing the front cover 122 disposed on the front of the apparatus 01. The MP (multi-paper) paper supply unit 125 has an openable and closable MP tray 125f.
Sheets that cannot be fully loaded on the P tray 125f
By pulling out the MP extension tray 125e, the rear end of the sheet is prevented from protruding and hanging down. M
The P middle plate 125c is urged upward by the MP middle plate spring 125h. However, since the MP middle plate 125c is pressed down by a cam (not shown) in the standby state, the sheet material P is pressed by the MP middle plate 125c. It can be loaded on

The MP from the control unit 120 of the facsimile machine
When a signal for starting paper feeding is transmitted, a cam (not shown) is rotated, and by pressing down the MP middle plate 125c,
The stacked sheet material P is a semicircular MP sheet feeding roller 125.
a and is separated one by one by the MP separation pad 125b (friction piece separation method) and transported. The separated sheet material P continues to be pressed and conveyed by the MP feed roller 125a and the MP separation pad 125b, and is transferred to the pre-transfer roller pair 124e.

Within a predetermined time from the start of sheet feeding, TO
If the P sensor 124f does not detect the leading end of the sheet material P, it is determined that a jam has occurred, and a display is made on the operation unit 105.

Further, the sheet material P being fed continues to be conveyed even after reaching the pre-transfer roller pair 124e, and the TOP sensor 1
24f, the tip position is detected, and the photosensitive drum 111
The paper is fed between the transfer charger 111f and the photosensitive drum 111a after the sheet feeding and the image output timing are adjusted so that the leading end of the toner image formed on q and the leading end of the sheet material P coincide with each other.

Since the MP sheet feeder 125 does not have a registration mechanism, the side edge of the sheet material P is regulated by a sheet regulating plate 125i movably mounted in accordance with the sheet size, and skew or non-feeding occurs. Not to be. The image is recorded on the upper surface side of the sheet material P stacked on the MP tray 125f.

The presence or absence of the sheet material P is determined by the MP sensor 12.
5d. The number of sheets that can be stacked in the MP sheet feeding section 125 is about 100. By attaching the MP sheet feeding section 125, a postcard or a business card can be added to a sheet size that can be fed.

The cassette sheet feeding section 112 and a second-stage cassette sheet feeding section (not shown) having the same structure as the cassette sheet feeding section 112 can be separated and combined as options, respectively. Can be varied from about 250 sheets to about 600 sheets.

The recording apparatus main body 104 controls the laser scanner 110 based on the image signal output from the control section 120.
A modulated beam is emitted from the laser beam oscillator 110a, and the modulated beam is deflected by the polygon mirror 110b to irradiate the photosensitive drum 111a of the image forming section 111 with scanning light. As a result, image information (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111a.
The image is transferred onto the sheet material P fed from the cassette sheet feeding unit 112 to the image forming unit 111.

The photosensitive drum 111a is a primary charger 111
b, developing roller 111c and cleaning blade 111
d and is integrally incorporated in the recording cartridge 111e, and is configured so as to be exchangeable and detachable with respect to the apparatus main body 101. The surface of the photosensitive drum 111a is uniformly charged by the primary charger 111b, and when the scanning light from the polygon mirror 110b is reflected by the folding mirror 110c and irradiated on the surface, an electrostatic latent image is formed.
This electrostatic latent image is developed by toner supplied from the developing roller 111c and is visualized.

The photosensitive drum 111a of the image forming unit 111
A transfer charger 111f is disposed in a peripheral portion, and a thermal fixing device 111g is disposed in a sheet conveyance path downstream of the photosensitive drum 111a.

After the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111a is transferred by the transfer charger 111f, the sheet material P is transported along the recording sheet transport unit 121. The sheet conveyance guide 121a has a conveyance belt 121 at the center.
b, 121c in a V-shape.
The sheet conveyance from the downstream of a to the heat fixing device 111g is assisted, and the sheet material P shorter than the conveyance path length of the photosensitive drum 111a and the heat fixing device 111g can be conveyed without disturbing the toner image.

The sheet material P conveyed along the recording sheet conveying portion 121 is fixed with a toner image by a heat fixing device 111g. If the sheet material P is not conveyed to the double-sided conveying portion 150, small-size paper can be conveyed. Discharged intermediate roller 1 arranged
11j.

The sheet P conveyed to the discharge intermediate roller 111j is subjected to a discharge tray switching operation by a signal from the control unit 120 by a discharge flapper 126 disposed thereafter, and is disposed above the apparatus main body 101. The sheet is selectively discharged to one of the upper sheet discharge unit 113 and the rear sheet discharge tray 128 disposed at the rear of the apparatus main body 101.

That is, the sheet material P discharged to the upper sheet discharging portion 113 has the image information on the lower side (face / face).
The sheet materials P stacked (down) and discharged to the rear sheet discharge tray 128 are configured to be stacked with the image information facing upward (face up).

A cartridge cover 114 is provided on the apparatus main body 101 so as to be openable and closable. When the cartridge cover 114 is opened, the recording cartridge 111 is opened.
e can be pulled out of the apparatus main body 101 and replaced. Further, the cartridge cover 114 is provided with an interlock mechanism so that the cartridge cover 114 is open or the recording cartridge 11
When 1e is not set in the apparatus main body 101, the recording apparatus main body 104 does not operate.

The photosensitive drum shutter 111i provided on the recording cartridge 111e is
When the cartridge cover 114 is opened and the recording cartridge 111e is set in the apparatus main body 101, the shutter 111i opens and the recording cartridge 111e is taken out of the apparatus main body 101. At this time, the shutter 111i is closed to prevent unnecessary exposure of the photosensitive drum 111a.

If a jam occurs during recording, the sheet material P staying inside can be taken out by opening any of the cartridge cover 114, the front cover 122, and the paper discharge cover 123. It has become.

The partitioning section 119 is of a duct type for separating the laser scanner 110 and the recording apparatus main body 104, and generated from the recording apparatus main body 104 by flowing air through the duct section by a fan (not shown). The heat prevents the laser scanner 110 from being adversely affected, and prevents the water vapor evaporated from the sheet material P from condensing and dropping on the sheet material P.

The double-sided conveying section 150 is disposed at the rear of the apparatus main body 101, and the sheet material P conveyed by the heat fixing device 111g is provided.
By switching the flapper 151 based on the image signal output from the control unit 120, the sheet material P can be conveyed to the duplex conveying unit 150. The sheet material P conveyed to the double-sided conveyance unit 150 by switching the flapper 151 is corrected by a curling roller pair 152 for curl generated by the application of heat and pressure by the thermal fixing device 111g, and is a next-stage conveyance unit. It is transported to the switch back roller 153. Switch back roller 153
Is transported to the sheet cassette 112a
Is transported onto the cover 112g disposed on the upper part of the apparatus 101, and is stored in the lower part of the apparatus main body 101.

Thereafter, when the rear end of the sheet P is conveyed to the vicinity of the switchback roller 153, the rear end of the sheet P is detected by a sensor (not shown), and the sheet P is switched back. The transport temporarily stops before exiting the roller 153. And the switch back roller 15
3 is reversed, and the sheet material P is conveyed to the sheet re-feeding unit 154 disposed below the rear part of the duplex conveying unit 150.

The sheet material P conveyed to the re-feed unit 154
After the skew is corrected by a plurality of rollers arranged in the paper re-feeding unit 154, the paper reaches the paper re-feeding roller 155 and further passes through the inside of the paper feeding cassette 112a.
1 again.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system 300 of the facsimile apparatus using the LBP according to the present invention.

In the figure, a CPU 301 controls the entire facsimile apparatus.
ROM 31 for storing a control program of MPU 311 and the like
2, a RAM 313 used for temporary storage of a work area for various data processing, image data, and the like, and an image processing unit 314 that performs image scaling, resolution conversion, and the like.

The CPU 301 is provided with a calendar and a clock function having a known configuration, and an area for storing important system setting information such as one-touch key destination information and software switch information in the RAM 313 is:
Battery backup protects against accidents such as power outages. The control system of the facsimile apparatus employs a configuration in which the above-described CPU 301 and the following elements 302 to 310 are connected through an interface.

The operation unit 302 includes various key switches such as a ten key 315, a function key 316, a one touch key 317, a start key 318a, and a stop key 318b. The display unit 303 includes an LCD 319 for displaying various messages, various LEDs 320a for displaying a transmission mode and the like, a tally lamp 320b for notifying a distant operator of a communication state and occurrence of a failure, and the like.

The reading unit 304 includes a driving unit 3 such as a reading motor.
21, a reading sensor 322 such as a CCD linear image sensor for reading an image, an image processing unit 323 for shading and binarizing the read image, various sensors 324 for detecting a document, and the like.

The recording unit 305 is a driving unit 32 such as a recording motor.
5, a recording unit 326 for controlling a laser scanner, an electrophotographic process, and the like, an image processing unit 327 for smoothing an image to be recorded, and various sensors 328 for detecting a sheet and the like.

A communication control unit 306 for performing outgoing calls, incoming calls, encoding of image data, and the like has a connection unit 329 including a modem, an NCU (network control unit), and the like. Hand set 3
08 is connected. The communication control unit 306 and the connection unit 32
A plurality of sets 9 can be connected to the CPU 301, and a combination of the two elements 306 and 329 and the image processing of the CPU 301 constitutes a communication unit 350 of a broken line block. The communication unit 350
For example, a plurality (not shown) may be provided so as to be able to communicate with an image communication device such as a computer device independently of each other. Receiving image data from the image communication apparatus
313.

The CPU external interface 309 is a CP
An interface for directly transmitting and receiving data from the U301. For example, the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is connected to a computer outside the apparatus via a line such as RS232C, SCSI, LAN or the like to perform image data communication. Alternatively, it can be used as a printer or the like. The hard disk storage device (HDD) 310 is used as a large-capacity storage device for storing image data and the like.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for conceptually explaining the basic operation of the LBP.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 400 denotes a semiconductor laser for turning on / off a laser beam in accordance with image data to be recorded;
1 is a polygon motor, 402 is a polygon motor 40
This is a polygon mirror that rotates by 1 and deflects the laser light. Reference numeral 403 denotes an optical system for performing image formation, tilt correction, and the like;
Reference numeral 04 denotes a photo detector, and reference numeral 405 denotes a folding mirror. 406, a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
7 is a developing device, 408 is a sheet material, 409 is a conveyance guide,
Reference numeral 410 denotes a fixing device.

In the above configuration, first, the semiconductor laser 4
The laser light emitted from 00 is a polygon mirror 402
Then, the light is deflected by being reflected on the photosensitive drum 406 via the optical system 403 and the folding mirror 405 (main scanning). At this time, the photo detector 404
And the irradiation start position is determined. While the main scanning is completed for one line, the photosensitive drum 406 rotates by one line (sub-scanning).

As described above, the image (electrostatic latent image) formed on the photosensitive drum 406 is developed by the developing device 407, and is transferred onto the sheet material P (408). further,
The sheet material P is transported along the transport guide 409, is fixed by the fixing device 410, and is discharged.

The photosensitive drum 406 and the developing device 4
Elements of the sub-scanning system such as 07 and the fixing device 410 are synchronously driven by a recording motor, a gear, a belt and the like (each not shown).

Next, FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention at the time of reception, and shows the flow of control by the control part called at the time of reception from the main control part. The control operation will be described in detail according to the step numbers given in FIG.

In S501, the recording setting is FU (face
Up) Check if the sheet is ejected and branch. If it is FU sheet ejection, S5
02, if not, proceed to S507. In S502, the remaining amount of the receiving memory is checked. Here, the remaining amount of the receiving memory is an area of the RAM 313 excluding the system setting information area and the work area.

In S503, it is checked whether the remaining amount (empty area) of the receiving memory confirmed in S502 is equal to or larger than a predetermined reference value, and the receiving mode is determined and the process branches. The reference value is, for example, 500 kilobytes (about 30 standard originals). If the free area of the receiving memory is equal to or more than the predetermined reference value, the process proceeds to S519 as a memory reception mode in which recording is started in reverse order after reception of all pages is completed, and the free area of the receiving memory is equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. In the case of, the process proceeds to S504 as a reverse transmission request mode for requesting the transmission side to perform reverse transmission.

In step S504, an image transmission order change signal is sent to the transmission source to request reverse transmission. For communication, a control signal such as a parameter portion of the company mode is used.
In step S505, a response to the reverse transmission request of the image transmission order change signal transmitted in step S504 is confirmed.

In step S506, the response confirmed in step S505 is determined and the process branches. If the response is "perform reverse transmission", the process proceeds to step S5.
The process proceeds to step S07, and if it is “do not perform reverse transmission”, or if there is no response because the partner device does not have a function of responding, it is determined that forward transmission is performed, and the process proceeds to S511.

In S507, one page is received, and in S508
Then, the received one page is recorded. The recorded image data is deleted at an appropriate timing. In S509, it is determined whether there is a next page, and the process branches. If there is, the process returns to S507. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S510. In S510, a reception end process is performed.

When it is determined that the forward transmission is performed, S5
At 11, the remaining amount of the receiving memory is checked again. Here, the remaining amount of the reception memory is an area of the RAM 313 excluding the system setting information area, the work area, and the reserved area.

In S512, the receiving mode is determined according to the remaining amount (free area) of the receiving memory confirmed again in S511, and the process branches. The reference value of the empty area for mode determination is, for example, 250 kilobytes (about 15 standard originals) or more. At this time, the reference value in S503 (500 kilobytes)> the reference value in S512 (250 kilobytes)
Byte) ", the remaining amount of the receiving memory is reduced by not performing reading by the reading unit 304 in the memory reception mode or performing new reception by another communication unit other than the communication unit currently performing the reception operation. It is possible to make it difficult for the convenience to decrease due to the suppression of the occurrence.

If the remaining amount of the receiving memory is equal to or larger than the predetermined reference value in S512, the memory receiving mode is set to S51 in which the recording is started in the reverse order after the reception of all pages is completed.
Proceed to 4. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the receiving memory is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the normal reception mode in which recording is performed in the order of reception is performed in S513.
Go ahead.

In step S513, a normal output message is displayed to avoid confusion in the recording order when the operator takes out the sheet material P. For example, the LCD of the display unit 303
319, such as "Please note that the stacking order of the recording paper has changed."

This message display need not be performed when one communication is for one page. In addition, the message is displayed when the timer does not enter the normal reception mode for a predetermined time or more. When a communication result report is output. A sensor (not shown) for detecting whether or not the sheet material P is loaded.
May be deleted when there is a condition such as when it is determined that the operator has taken out the sheet material P.

In step S514, a setting is made so as not to perform a reading operation by the reading unit 304 or a new reception by a communication unit (not shown) other than the communication unit 350 that is currently performing a receiving operation. Lock 350. This is to prevent the remaining amount of the reception memory from being reduced by another process capable of performing the time division multiplexing operation. While the lock is being performed, a message such as “Reading operation cannot be performed” is displayed on LCD 319 of display unit 303, for example.

[0097] By doing as described above, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the reception of the memory becomes insufficient during the memory reception and the memory reception is interrupted.

This locking may be performed for all of the reading unit 304 and the communication unit, or may be performed for only a specific one of the reading unit 304 and the communication unit. When the reception is performed by the communication unit that is not locked, the reception memory is small, and thus the probability of shifting to the normal order reception mode (performing S513) increases, but the chance of reception increases. If it is possible to set which part of the reading unit 304 and the communication unit is locked by software, a desired reception operation pattern can be obtained. In addition, this setting may be automatically switched according to conditions such as day and night, weekdays / holidays, and the like.

After locking, in step S515, all pages are received using the receiving memory, and in step S516, reception termination processing is performed. In S517, all pages are recorded in reverse order while being retrieved from the receiving memory in reverse order, and the image data for which recording has been completed is deleted at an appropriate timing. When the recording is completed, in S518, the lock set in S514 is released. The lock release may be performed at the time when the memory reception in S515 ends.

If the free area of the receiving memory is equal to or larger than the predetermined reference value in S503, a predetermined amount of the remaining amount of the receiving memory is reserved and reserved for the image data being received in S519. Here, the reservation amount is, for example, 250 km
Bytes (about 15 standard originals). The reserved receiving memory cannot be used for other purposes until the reservation is released.

In S520, all pages are received using the receiving memory. If it is predicted that the reception memory area reserved during reception is large in amount of received data, the data is reserved again and the necessary capacity is secured. The re-reservation may be performed at a predetermined timing before the reception memory area actually runs short.
You only need to do this when the size drops below 0 kilobytes. The reservation amount at the time of re-reservation may be the same as the initial reservation amount or may be different. In this way, by always preceding the memory reservation, it is possible to always reserve a predetermined amount of free area for the image data being received.

When all pages have been received, a reception end process is performed in S521. In S522, all pages are recorded while being retrieved from the receiving memory in reverse order, and the image data for which recording has been completed is deleted at an appropriate timing. When the recording is completed, in S523, the reservation of the receiving memory made in S519 is released. The reservation cancellation may be performed when the memory reception (all page reception) in S520 is completed.

In the above processing, S515, S5
When the received data is very large at the time of receiving the memory 20 and the free area of the receiving memory becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 10 kilobytes), the received image data is recorded in the page order. An empty area is secured by deleting the recorded image data. After performing this process, the image data until the end of the reception is recorded in the page normal order.

According to the present embodiment, the order of pages can be prevented from being out of order during communication.
Further, the setting of the free space of the receiving memory to be shifted to this processing is performed according to the data transfer speed and the recording speed of the communication unit 350 during reception, so that the received image data is deleted before being deleted. Can be prevented from running out of free space in the storage memory.

At this time, in order to avoid confusion in the recording order when the operator takes out the sheet material P, the display unit 30 is used.
For example, a message such as "Please note that the stacking order of the recording papers has been changed." Is displayed on the LCD 319 of the third unit to call attention. The timing of display erasure may be the same as in S513 under the above conditions. Also, in S514, S5
As in the case of 19, control may be performed so as to reserve the receiving memory area.

Further, the reference value in S503 or S512 and the reservation amount of the receiving memory in S519 are preferably changed according to the data transfer speed and resolution of the communication unit 350 during reception. In the case of reception, the value is changed to twice the normal value.

In the above, the control at the time of reception without the time division multiplexing operation has been described with reference to FIG. 5. However, when there is the time division multiplexing operation, for example, the following is performed.

Assuming that the free area of the receiving memory is 700 kilobytes in the initial state (standby state),
For the task 1 of the first receiving operation, the remaining amount of the receiving memory is equal to or more than the predetermined reference value (500 kilobytes), and the process proceeds to S519 as the memory receiving mode in S503. At this time, in S519, 2 of the remaining
Since 50 kilobytes are reserved, the remaining amount of the receiving memory is 450 kilobytes.

Next, for the task 2 of the second receiving operation, the reception of which has been started after the task 1, the remaining amount of the receiving memory is set to a value equal to or smaller than the predetermined reference value (500 kilobytes).
Since it is 0 kilobytes, the flow advances to S504 as the reverse transmission request mode in S503. Thereafter, it is determined in S506 that the normal transmission is performed, and the remaining amount of the reception memory confirmed again in S511 is 450 kilobytes which is equal to or more than the predetermined reference value (250 kilobytes). Then, the reading unit 304 and the communication unit 350 are locked to perform reception.

Task 3 of the third receiving operation, the reception of which is started after task 2, is basically a task 2
This does not occur when the reading unit 304 and the communication unit 350 are locked in a state in which is operating. The task 3 occurs when, for example, the communication control unit 306 is able to perform a plurality of receptions from the communication network 307 and receives from the unlocked communication unit 350.

Next, the control operation at the time of transmission of the facsimile apparatus when it becomes the communication partner of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention which performs the above-described control will be described in detail with reference to the flow chart of FIG. explain.

FIG. 6 shows the flow of control by the control part called at the time of transmission from the main control part, and shows the part after transmission processing has been completed and transmission has started.

First, in step S601, it is confirmed whether or not an image transmission order change signal requesting reverse transmission has been transmitted from the reception destination.

In step S602, it is determined whether reverse transmission has been designated based on the image transmission order change signal confirmed in step S601, and the process branches according to the determination result. Confirmed signal is "Reverse transmission request"
If so, the flow advances to step S603 since there is a designation. on the other hand,
If the confirmed signal is a “forward transmission request”, or if there is no response because the partner device itself does not have a function of responding, it is assumed that forward transmission was requested without specifying reverse transmission, and S608 is performed. Go ahead.

In step S603, it is confirmed whether reverse transmission is possible in response to the reverse transmission request and whether transmission is possible. here,
Whether or not reverse transmission is possible may be determined in consideration of, for example, the following points.

I) All transmission image data has already been stored in the transmission memory. Ii) A predetermined amount of free space that can be determined to be highly likely to store all transmission image data, for example, 5000 kilobytes ( Iii) The reading unit 304 has a configuration capable of reading from the last page. The above iii) will be described in the present embodiment. Not.

After the confirmation in S603, the process branches in S604 according to the confirmation result. If it is determined that the reverse transmission is possible, the process proceeds to S605. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reverse transmission is not possible, the process proceeds to S607.

In S605, a reverse transmission signal is transmitted to reply "perform reverse transmission". In S606, all pages are transmitted in reverse order. Here, when all the transmission image data has already been stored in the transmission memory, all pages are transmitted in reverse order, and when there is an unstored portion, transmission is performed after storage. Also,
If reverse reading is possible, the transmission may be performed while reading.

On the other hand, in step S607, a reverse transmission rejection signal is transmitted, and a response indicating that "reverse transmission is not performed" is sent, and transmission termination processing is performed. Then, in S608, all pages are transmitted in the normal order. When the transmission processing of S606 and S608 is performed, S6
In step 09, reception end processing is performed.

By operating as described above, it becomes possible to change the page order in S606 and transmit in reverse order in accordance with the request of the receiving side. Further, even when the reverse transmission cannot be performed, the reception side can notify the fact in S607, thereby enabling the reception side to cope.

In the above description, whether or not reverse transmission is possible is simply notified in S607. If reverse transmission is not possible, the reason is coded and notified to the receiving side, so that the receiving user can respond. Can be flexible.

For example, when the number of documents is large and the transmission memory overflows during reading and the reverse transmission cannot be performed, the amount of image data at the time of overflow is coded and transmitted. Above, reverse transmission is not possible "," Overflow, data 100
A message including a specific reason for disabling reverse transmission, such as "Kilobyte or more, reverse transmission disabled" or "direct transmission setting, reverse transmission disabled", is notified.

The receiving side receiving such a message compares the remaining amount of the receiving memory confirmed in S511 in FIG. 5 with the amount of the notified data to determine whether or not to perform the memory receiving. Can help.

For example, when the image data is “800 kilobytes or more”, the operation has been changed so that memory reception is not performed because the image data has already exceeded 250 kilobytes set as the initial reference value. I do.

As described above, it is possible to correct the discrepancy of the reference value when the image memory capacity of the transmitting side is largely different from the free memory area of the receiving side.

As described above, a situation in which the remaining amount of the receiving memory is insufficient after actually starting the reception of image data, or a situation in which normal recording is performed even though reverse recording is possible. Can be suppressed from occurring.

In the above embodiment, the facsimile reception has been described.
The same processing may be performed on image data sent from a personal computer (not shown) or the like through the program 09, and the transmitting side may use not only image data read from a sheet but also a word processor, graphics, The present invention may be applied to image data created by a program.

The standard value of the remaining amount of the receiving memory is set to 500 kilobytes (about 30 standard originals) in the standard state.
This is because the number may exceed the number of sheets. Therefore, since the optimum value differs depending on the frequently used image data and resolution, the reference value can be changed by changing the setting of the software switch, and the flexibility can be further increased. In addition, this reference value is set at the time of facsimile reception and
The value may be different from that when the external interface 309 is used, or may be dynamically changed depending on the area already used. If there are many receiving memories to be mounted, the reference value may be increased.

In the above embodiment, only the case of single-sided printing has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to the case of double-sided printing. Specifically, after recording on the back side, the case where the front side is stacked upward is face-up, and the case where the front side is stacked downward is face-down. At this time, if two pages (one sheet) are set as a unit, the page order can be prevented from being disordered by recording the image on the back surface first. At the time of double-sided recording, the reference of the remaining amount of the receiving memory may be changed to, for example, 1000 kilobytes, which is twice that at the time of single-sided recording.

Further, the transmitting side is notified that double-sided recording is to be performed. For example, when recording four pages (two sheets) face down, the page order is 2-1-4-3.
When face-up is performed, transmission may be performed in the page order of 4-3-2-1. If the transmission order is appropriately changed by face-down / up in this way, it is not necessary to rearrange the front and back sides in the reverse order on the receiving side, so that both sides can be processed with the same reception memory capacity as one side, which is advantageous in terms of memory capacity. It is. Also, in the case of odd-numbered page reverse transmission, the last page is transmitted as a blank page, or the page number information is transmitted in advance to prevent the last page from being erroneously recorded on the back side. You can also.

[0118]

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus and the image communication apparatus of the present invention, the communication means for receiving the image data from the image communication apparatus external to the image processing apparatus, and the image data received by the communication means are transmitted to the image processing apparatus. Storage means for temporarily storing in the storage unit, recording means for recording an image based on the temporarily stored image data on a sheet-shaped recording medium, and the next recorded medium on the recording surface side of the recorded medium by the recording means. Ejecting means for ejecting a recorded medium via a transport system so as to be stacked (face-up recording), and image storage for recording an image in the order in which the communication means receives image data or in the reverse order. First determining means for determining based on the reference value of the free area of the copy unit, wherein the communication means determines that the image data is to be recorded in the predetermined order when the first determining means determines that the images are to be recorded. A simple configuration for sending an order change signal for requesting an external device to transmit in the order described above is realized, the device can be provided at low cost, and the image storage unit for reception can be used efficiently, There is an effect that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of page order disorder when a recorded medium is discharged after performing face-up recording.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a facsimile apparatus (image processing apparatus) configured according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the facsimile apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the facsimile apparatus using the laser beam printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for conceptually explaining the basic operation of the laser beam printer.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention during reception / recording.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention at the time of transmission.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Device main body 102 Document mounting table 103 Image reading part 104 Recording device main body 105, 302 Operation part 106 Document conveyance part 107 Document pressing part 108 Contact image sensor 109 Document discharge tray 110 Laser scanner 111 Image forming part 112 Cassette feeding Paper unit 113 Upper sheet discharging unit 114 Cartridge cover 115 ADF (Auto Document Feeder) cover 116 Outer document guide 117 Document holder 118 Inner document guide 119 Partition unit 120 Control unit 121 Recording sheet transport unit 122 Front cover 123 Discharge cover 124 Register transport section 125 MP (multi-paper) paper feed section 128 Rear sheet material discharge tray 150 Double-sided transport section 300 Control system 301 CPU 303 Display section 304 Reading section 305 Recording section 30 Communication control unit 307 Communication network 308 Handset 309 CPU external interface 310 HDD 311 MPU 312 ROM 313 RAM 314, 323 Image processing unit 315 Numeric key 316 Function key 317 One-touch key 318a Start key 318b Stop key 319 LCD 320a Various LEDs 320b Tally lamps 321 and 325 Drive unit 322 Reading sensors 324 and 328 Various sensors 326 Recording unit 327 Image processing unit 329 Connection unit 400 Semiconductor laser 401 Polygon motor 402 Polygon mirror 403 Optical system 404 Photodetector 405 Folding Mirror 406 Photosensitive drum 407 Developing device 408 Sheet material 409 Transport guide 410 Fixing device P Sheet material S Document

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) G03G 21/00 370 G03G 21/00 370 3F053 F term (reference) 2C059 AA51 AB06 AB13 2C061 AP02 AP03 AP04 AQ06 AR03 AS02 HJ04 HK16 HN15 HN18 HR01 HV06 HV09 HV32.

Claims (12)

[Claims] A communication unit configured to communicate with an external device to receive image data; a storage unit configured to temporarily store the image data received by the communication unit in an image storage unit; and a storage unit configured to store the image data based on the temporarily stored image data. Means for recording the recorded image on a sheet-shaped recording medium, and discharge for discharging the recorded medium via a transport system such that the next recorded medium is stacked on the recording surface side of the recorded medium by the recording means. Means for performing the recording of the image in the order in which the communication means receives the image data or in the reverse order based on a reference value of a free area of the image storage unit. The communication means transmits the image data in a reverse order to a predetermined order when the first determination means determines that the image is to be recorded in the received order. Do The image processing apparatus characterized by delivering an order change signal for requesting the urchin the external device. 2. The discharge means selects a plurality of trays on which the discharged recorded medium is stacked, and a plurality of trays by switching a transport path in the transport system and selects one of the plurality of trays. The next recorded medium is loaded and discharged on the recording surface side of the recorded medium, and the next recorded medium is loaded and discharged on another tray on the side opposite to the recording surface. Switching means for selecting the transport path to the predetermined tray so that the next recorded medium is loaded on the recording surface side of the recorded medium. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination is performed by means. 3. When the communication unit receives a change rejection signal transmitted from the external device in response to the order change signal and indicating that the image data is not to be transmitted in an order reverse to the predetermined order. 3. The image according to claim 1, further comprising a second determination unit that determines whether to record the image in the order in which the communication unit receives the image data or in the reverse order. Processing equipment. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: display means for displaying information relating to the image recording order when the second determination means determines that the images are to be recorded in the order in which the images are received. An image processing apparatus as described in the above. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first or second determination unit changes a determination criterion according to information received from the external device. 6. The communication unit includes a plurality of communication units that can communicate with the external device independently of each other, and transmits the change rejection signal responding to the order change signal by communication of one of the plurality of communication units. When the second determination unit determines that the image is to be recorded in the order opposite to the order in which the image is received, the communication receiving the change rejection signal while receiving the image data to be recorded is performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of the other receiving units does not newly perform communication. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when any one of the plurality of communication units performs communication, a predetermined amount of the free space in the image storage unit is reserved to change the free space. Image processing device. 8. A means for determining whether or not the external device can transmit the image data in an order reverse to the predetermined order in response to a request by the order change signal, and transmitting the image data in the reverse order. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit configured to determine whether the recording of the image is performed in the order in which the communication unit receives the image data or in the reverse order when it is determined that the recording is not possible. 8. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 7. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image data generating means for reading an image of a document to generate the image data. And means for determining whether or not another communication means accepts a new reading operation in accordance with a free area of the image storage unit, and not performing a new reading operation in accordance with the result of the determination. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: 11. An image communication device for transmitting image data by communicating with the image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image data is transmitted in a reverse order to a predetermined order. Determining whether to transmit the image data in the predetermined order or the reverse order in response to an order change signal from the image recording device or the image processing device requesting the first order.
An image communication apparatus comprising: a determination unit; and a unit that transmits the image data in an order according to a determination result of the first determination unit. 12. A second judging means for judging whether or not the image data can be transmitted in the order when the order change signal requests transmission in an order reverse to the predetermined order; When the second determining means determines that transmission is impossible in the reverse order to the predetermined order, the second determination unit sends a change rejection signal to the image processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus that has transmitted the order change signal, and 12. An image communication apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising means for notifying that the image data is not transmitted in a reverse order to the above.