JP2000196791A - Image forming device, image forming method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image forming device capable of easily expanding a prescribed function, such as a PC print function and a PC-FAX receiving function and avoiding user setting errors and erroneous decisions and to obtain an image forming method and a storage medium. SOLUTION: A digital compound device 32 side detects the mounting of an interface board 31, and only when the interface board 31 is mounted, an image for selecting 'other sizes' of special paper to be used for an image data output from a personal computer 15 and an image for setting a PC-FAX receiving function are shown on an operation displaying part 7 in a settable way.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function, a copy function, and a printer function, an image forming apparatus such as a digital multifunction peripheral, an image forming method, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The above-mentioned image forming apparatus has a plurality of paper feed trays or can be mounted on the paper feed trays. A PC print function that connects one of a plurality of paper trays to a printer and prints out image data created by a personal computer on paper in the printer's paper tray. PC to transfer to
-Some have a FAX reception function.

In such an image forming apparatus, setting of PC-related functions such as a PC print function and a PC-FAX reception function is controlled by the interface, and, for example, a predetermined function key provided on an operation display section is depressed. ON / OF of various modes displayed on the operation display section
It is configured to designate and input F. In addition, PC
Some print-dedicated paper feed trays can set small-size paper (special paper) other than plain paper, such as A4, Letter, Legal, F4, etc., and the paper size is set from the personal computer side.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-185155 discloses a device related to this type of device.

[0005]

In the above prior art,
PC by the interface in the image forming apparatus
Since the user controls PC-related function settings such as the print function and PC-FAX reception function,
Even when the user does not want the reception function and turns off the PC, or when the user does not want the PC print function and has not loaded paper in the print tray, the user can press the function key. A setting display for turning on / off the PC-FAX reception function and an option display for setting the size of special paper in PC printing are displayed on the operation display unit.

[0006] The unnecessary display may cause a user to make a setting error or may erroneously determine that the apparatus is abnormal. On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus that does not have a special paper size setting function or a PC-FAX reception function in PC printing, it is required to easily expand the functions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve such problems, to easily expand predetermined functions such as a PC print function and a PC-FAX reception function, and to avoid image setting errors and misjudgments by a user. It is to provide a device.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
An image forming apparatus that has a facsimile function and a printer function, is an image forming apparatus connected to a line, an interface unit that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus, and a mounting detection unit that detects whether the interface unit is mounted, Setting screen display means for displaying a screen for setting a predetermined function of an external device connected via the interface means when the mounting detection means detects that the interface means is mounted. Only when the interface means is mounted, a predetermined function of the external device connected via the interface means is displayed so as to be settable. Here, the external device includes an information processing device such as a personal computer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a detection result storing means for storing a detection result by the mounting detecting means. Memorize the detection result by
The setting screen display means is characterized in that the detection result is recognized by referring to the detection result storage means, and a screen for setting a predetermined function is displayed according to the detection result.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the setting contents storing means for storing the setting contents of the predetermined function, and the setting contents of the predetermined function set when the interface means is mounted are set before the interface means is mounted. Resetting means for returning to the contents, when the predetermined function is set when the interface means is installed and stored in the setting content storing means, and then when the power of the image forming apparatus main body is turned off and then turned on again, It is characterized in that the setting contents of the predetermined function are returned to the state before the interface means is mounted by the resetting means, and a screen for setting the predetermined function based on the setting contents before the interface means is mounted is displayed by the setting screen display means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the interface means includes a register which can be accessed from the image forming apparatus at the time of mounting. It is characterized in that whether or not the interface means is mounted is detected by accessing. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the predetermined function is a printer function of outputting image data from a personal computer connected via an interface means to a dedicated sheet, and receiving a facsimile from a line. Facsimile receiving function of transferring the selected image data to the personal computer, and setting screen display means for selecting a paper size of the dedicated paper and setting the facsimile receiving function only when the interface means is mounted. The feature is that the screen of (1) is displayed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method for an apparatus having a facsimile function and a printer function and connected to a line, wherein when an image forming apparatus main body is powered on, an interface with an external apparatus is provided. A mounting detection step of detecting whether or not the device has been mounted; a detection result storing step of storing a detection result of whether or not the interface means has been mounted; and a setting function for setting a predetermined function of the external device based on the detection result. And a setting screen displaying step of switching and displaying the screen.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when a screen for setting a predetermined function of an external device is displayed upon detection of the mounting of the interface means, the predetermined function is set based on input information. Setting step, setting content storing step of storing the setting content of the predetermined function,
A power-on detection step for detecting that the power is turned on again after the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned off, and a resetting step for returning the setting contents of the predetermined function to the state before the interface means is mounted if the power-on is detected. And a reset screen display step of displaying a screen for setting a predetermined function based on the setting contents before the interface means is mounted.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the setting screen displaying step, the image data from the personal computer connected via the interface means is output only when the interface means is mounted. It is characterized by displaying a screen for selecting a paper size of a dedicated paper to be used and a screen for setting a facsimile reception function of transferring image data received by facsimile from a line to the personal computer.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium which has a facsimile function and a printer function, and stores a program for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a line, wherein a power supply of the image forming apparatus main body is turned on. A mounting detection step of detecting whether or not the interface means with the external device is mounted; a detection result storing step of storing a detection result of whether or not the interface means is mounted; and It is characterized by storing a program for executing a setting screen display step of switching and displaying a screen for setting a predetermined function.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, when a screen for setting a predetermined function of the external device is displayed when the interface unit is mounted, the predetermined function is set based on the input information. A setting step, a setting content storing step of storing the setting content of the predetermined function, a power-on detection step of detecting that the power is turned on again after the power of the image forming apparatus main body is turned off, and a power-on detection of In this case, a resetting step of returning the setting content of the predetermined function to before the interface means is mounted, and a resetting screen displaying step of displaying a screen for setting the predetermined function based on the setting content before the interface means is mounted,
Is characterized in that a program for executing the program is stored.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 9 or 1
0, in the setting screen display step, only when the interface means is mounted, a screen for selecting a paper size of dedicated paper used when outputting image data from a personal computer connected via the interface means, and a line. It is characterized in that a screen for setting a facsimile reception function for transferring image data received by facsimile from the personal computer to the personal computer is displayed.

[0017]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital multifunction device 32 includes a scanner 1, a plotter 2, an encoding / decoding unit 3, a CPU 4, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, an image memory 6, a parameter memory 14, an operation display unit 7, a communication control unit 8, a modem 9, a personal computer interface. (PC interface unit) 16, a network control unit 28, a detachable interface board 31, and the like.

The document sensor 11 is a group of sensors provided on the scanner 14 for detecting the setting of a document and the occurrence of a paper feed jam. The scanner 1 optically reads an image of a document line by line and outputs it as image information. The reading unit (not shown) is constituted by a line image sensor using a CCD or the like.

The paper sensor 12 is a group of sensors provided on the plotter 2 for detecting the setting of paper and the occurrence of paper feed jam. The plotter 2 is configured to print out read image data or received image data, a report, a mark sheet, and the like by a known electrophotographic method having processes such as charging, tracing, exposure, development, charge removal, transfer, separation, and cleaning. ing. The outline is that an electrostatic latent image is recorded by exposing a charged photoconductor with a light image containing image data,
A voltage is applied to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor so as to obtain a desired density, toner is adhered and developed, and corona discharge is performed from the back surface of the paper conveyed in close contact with the photoreceptor. To transfer the toner image onto paper.

The operation display unit 7 includes a start key 7a, a stop key 7b, a ten key 7c, a cancel key 7d, a speed dial key 7e, a pause key 7 as shown in FIG.
f, one-touch dial key 7g, function key 7h, YES key 7j, NO key 7k, cursor key 7
1 and a display 7i including an LCD, an LED, and the like. Then, the content input by the key operation is transferred to the CPU.
4 and the input contents and messages from the digital multi-function peripheral (communication, error status, etc.)
And a guidance screen (function setting screen) are displayed on the display 7i.

The image memory 6 stores the image data encoded by the encoding / decoding section 3 by the MH method or the like.
The image data stored in the image memory 6 is managed by the CPU 4. The received data when an error occurs is held in the RAM 22. The ROM 21 outputs a control program for the entire digital multifunction device 32, a program for correcting image data to be sent to the plotter 2 according to the difference in image density, or image data from the personal computer 15 to a special sheet by a PC print function. PC and image data received by facsimile
5, a program for realizing a PC-FAX reception function to be transferred to the display unit 5, a display control program of the operation display unit 7, and the like.

The RAM 22 is used as a transmission / reception buffer or a work area. Parameter memory 14
Stores the name of the destination of facsimile communication, a telephone number such as one-touch dialing, other communication results necessary for creating various management reports, a determination result by the user restriction function, and the like. Also, the setting contents such as the printer-only mode, the setting size of the special paper used in the printer-only mode, the detection result of the mounting of the interface board 31,
The setting contents (ON / OFF) of the FAX reception function and the like are stored.

The encoding / decoding section 3 shortens the transmission time of the image data to improve the efficiency. The encoding / decoding section 3 compresses (encodes) the image data at the time of transmission, and compresses the image data at the time of reception. Decompress and reproduce the original data. CPU4
Performs predetermined processing based on operation inputs, command signals, and various types of sensor information in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 21 in advance, controls the entire digital multifunction peripheral, controls data communication with external devices such as the personal computer 15, and the like. I do.
Particularly, in the present embodiment, a function of feeding paper from a preset priority tray when printing image data received by facsimile from a line, a function of checking whether the interface board 31 is mounted, and a function of PC print function to print the image data of the printer on the paper in the printer paper feed tray, and display a screen for setting the “Sonotano size” of special paper (postcard, envelope, A5 size, etc.) used in the printer only mode when the interface board 31 is installed. A PC-FAX reception function of transferring image data from the line to the personal computer 15 when the interface board 31 is mounted, a function of displaying the presence or absence of paper in another paper supply tray regardless of the presence or absence of special paper, and the like. .

The communication control unit 8 exchanges a facsimile control signal with a communication terminal of the other party via a communication line and executes a control procedure. That is, it is connected to a public line or a dedicated line to detect an incoming signal, transmit a dial pulse,
Facsimile switching is performed. At this time, the communication procedure is executed by either the G3 protocol or the G4 protocol according to the communication function of the partner communication terminal, and the PSTN or I
Select one of SDN.

The modem 9 also has the function of a network control unit (NCU), modulates the image data signal sent from the communication control unit 8 during transmission and sends it to the line, and converts the image data signal from the line during reception. The signal is demodulated and sent to the communication control unit 8. Further, it is used as a communication function of the personal computer 15 connected via the personal computer interface unit 16. Network control unit 2
Reference numeral 8 controls disconnection and establishment of a line by performing predetermined line control at the time of outgoing and incoming calls.

The personal computer interface unit 16 is connected to the RS2
32C, parallel bus, etc., and a personal computer (P
C) The 15 and the digital multifunction device 32 are electrically connected to transmit / receive / process / analyze data. The interface board 31 includes a personal computer 15 and a digital multifunction device 32.
And a register 31a for checking the presence / absence of attachment from the digital multifunction device 32.

The personal computer 15 has a CPU, RAM, RO
M, CRT and other display devices, mouse and keyboard and other input devices, etc.
Is connected to the digital multifunction device 32 via the. This C
The PU has a function of transmitting image data to the digital multifunction device 32 through the personal computer interface unit 16 and the interface board 31 by designating a paper size including special paper, and feeding and outputting from the corresponding paper feed tray. Have.

FIG. 3 shows a connection example between the digital multifunction device 32 and the personal computer 15. This digital composite device 32
Is connected to the personal computer 15 by a Centronics cable (or a cable such as RS232C) 40, and is also connected to a PSTN / ISDN line 41.
It is configured to selectively output image data from the personal computer 15, image data received by facsimile from the line 41, or image data read from a document.
The interface board 31 can be attached to the cable 40. This interface board 3
1 is attached to the digital multifunction device 32
From the result of access to the register 31a of the interface board 31, and the result of this determination (detection result) is stored in the parameter memory 14.

Further, first and second paper feed trays 21 and 22 for a normal size (A4 size, letter, legal, F4 size, etc.) are mounted on the digital multifunction device 32.
A third paper feed tray (optional paper feed tray) 23 is also mounted. The third paper feed tray 23 can also handle "Sonotano size" special paper, which is smaller than the normal size, and the user inserts and sets the special paper when setting the PC print function. The system control unit (CPU 4) switches any of these paper feed trays 21, 22, 23 according to a command from the personal computer 15 or an operation signal from the operation display unit 7 only when outputting image data from the personal computer 15. The printer is set as a printer-specific paper feed tray capable of feeding paper, and the setting contents including the paper size are stored in the parameter memory 14.

In this embodiment, the paper feed tray is not provided with a paper size sensor, and the paper feed cassettes 21, 22,
The size of the paper set in 23 is configured to be set from the operation display unit 7. For example, when “Sonotano size” is set from the operation display unit 7, the specific postcard, envelope, A5 portrait, etc.
Specified when requesting C print output.

Here, the CPU 4, the operation display unit 7, and the parameter memory 14 of the digital multifunction device 32 of the present embodiment.
And the like function as mounting detection means, setting screen display means, detection result storage means, setting content storage means, and resetting means. Next, a facsimile communication operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 32 according to the present embodiment will be described.

The image data read by the scanner 1 is temporarily stored in the image memory 6. Next, while reading image data from the image memory 6, redundancy is removed according to the mode of the encoding / decoding unit 3,
Store it in M22. The RAM 22 is used as a transmission buffer to transmit image data to the modem 9 via the communication control unit 8. The modem 9 performs modulation processing, and the modulated image data signal is sent out to the line.

On the other hand, the image data received from the line is demodulated by the modem 9, sent out to the system bus 29 via the communication control unit 8, and stored in the RAM 22. At this time, the RAM 22 is used as a reception buffer,
The stored image data in 22 is sequentially input to the encoding / decoding unit 3 via the system bus 29. The image data decoded by the encoding / decoding unit 3 is stored in the image memory 6, called, sent to the plotter 2, and output to a predetermined sheet.

Although the image data only passes through the communication control unit 8, the communication control information (caller ID notification, identification signal, etc.) is interpreted and understood in the communication control unit 8 so that transmission control,
Processing such as error control is executed, and when a communication history including an incoming call and a caller ID notification is required, the communication history is stored in the parameter memory 14. For image data that does not require encoding and decoding, for example, the system bus 29 and the personal computer interface unit 1 are directly transmitted from the image memory 6 through the scanner 1.
6. Send the data to the personal computer 15 via the interface board 31, perform image processing on the personal computer 15, and again connect the line via the interface board 31, the personal computer interface unit 16, the system bus 29, the communication control unit 8, and the modem 9. It is also possible to send the data to a computer (transmission to a personal computer).

Next, referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the digital multifunction device 32 of the present embodiment at the time of startup will be described. In step 101, the power of the digital multifunction device 32 is turned on from the off state. When the power supply is turned on, each hardware is checked. In step 102, the CPU 4 sets the register 3 of the interface board 31
1a to access predetermined data (address, data)
Is executed.

In step 103, the CPU 4 determines that the interface board 31 is mounted if the access result to the register 31a is normal, and that the interface board 31 is not mounted if the access result is abnormal. . Then, the detection result of the presence or absence of the interface board is stored in the parameter memory 14.

In step 104, the CPU 4 accesses the parameter memory 14 to confirm the setting contents of the PC-FAX reception function. In step 105, PC-FAX
If the receiving function is set to off, step 107
Then, if the PC-FAX reception function is set to ON, the process proceeds to step 106.

In step 106, the CPU 4 executes the PC-F
Forcibly reset the AX reception function to off. Thus, when a predetermined function key 7h of the operation display unit 7 is pressed, the CPU 4 controls to display a setting screen of the PC-FAX reception function on the display 7i.
In step 107, the CPU 4 does not reset the PC-FAX reception function, leaves the PC-FAX reception function off, and further checks the paper size setting of the third paper feed tray 23 for PC printing stored in the parameter memory 14. I do.

In step 108, if the paper size of the third paper feed tray 23 is set to "sonotano size", the process proceeds to step 109, and if it is set to a value other than "sonotano size", the processing is performed. finish. In step 109, the setting of the "Sonotano size" of the third sheet tray 23 is forcibly cleared, and the "Sonotano size" is forcibly cleared.
Reset to a normal size other than. In this way, “Sonotano size” is displayed as an unset option on the screen for setting the size of the paper set in the third paper feed tray 23.

In this embodiment, the interface board 3
1 is mounted, the power of the image forming apparatus main body is turned off after the setting of the PC-FAX reception function and the selection setting of “Sonotano size” for PC printing, and when the power is turned on again, Since the setting contents are switched from on to off and the reset screen is always displayed, the user can always start the operation from the same setting state without considering the previous setting contents. Therefore, it is possible to avoid setting mistakes and erroneous determinations by the user.

Next, the display control of the function setting screen when the interface board 31 is attached / detached in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step 201, C
The PU 4 determines whether a predetermined function key 7h has been pressed based on a signal from the operation display unit 7, and if so, proceeds to step 202.

In step 202, the CPU 4 accesses the parameter memory 14 and
It is confirmed whether or not is mounted. As a result, if it is mounted, the process proceeds to step 203, and if it is not mounted, the process proceeds to step 204. In step 203, display processing of the function setting screen when the interface board 31 is mounted (1)
Is performed, and a predetermined setting screen is displayed on the display 7i of the operation display unit 7. This display processing (1) includes the PC shown in FIG.
-Display of the setting screen of the FAX reception function and display of the paper size selection setting screen when the third paper feed tray 23 is used in the PC print function shown in FIG.

With regard to the PC-FAX reception function, when a predetermined function key 7h is pressed, a transition is made from the previous function to the screen shown in FIG. Here, when the user presses the YES key 7j, the PC
-The setting process of the FAX reception function is selected, and the screen transits to the screen shown in FIG. Here, when the user selects the setting ON, the PC-FAX reception function is set ON, and the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. Here, when the user presses the YES key 7j, the PC-FAX
The ON setting of the reception function is registered, and the screen transits to the next function setting screen.

As for the selection of the paper size when the third paper feed tray 23 is used in the PC print function, when a predetermined function key 7h is pressed, the function shifts from the previous function to the paper size setting function, and is not shown. After the screen for setting the paper size of the first and second paper feed trays 21 and 22 is displayed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. Here, if the user passes without selecting the A4 size, the screen transitions to a selection screen other than the “A4” size, and if the user similarly passes, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 7B.
Here, when the user presses the YES key 7j, "Sonotano size" is selected, and the screen changes to a screen shown in FIG. 7C. Here, when the user presses the YES key 7j, “Sonotano size” is registered as the paper size of the third paper feed tray 23, and the screen shifts to the next function setting screen.

In step 204, the CPU 4 performs a display process (2) of the function setting screen when the interface board 31 is not mounted, and a predetermined setting screen is displayed on the display 7i of the operation display unit 7. This display processing (2) includes PC-F
The display of the setting screen of the AX reception function and the selection setting screen of “Sonotano size” used in the PC print function are not included. That is, in FIG. 6, the function jumps from the previous function to the next function, and in FIG.
The display of the screen of (a) is prohibited.

In step 205, information input by operating the ten keys 7c and the cursor keys 71 of the operation display unit 7 is sent to the CPU 4, and the CPU 4 stores the setting contents of each function in the parameter memory 14 based on the input information. Remember. In the present embodiment, the display of the function setting screen when the interface board 31 is mounted / not mounted is selectively switched, and the PC-FA is displayed only when the interface board 31 is mounted.
Since the setting screen of the X reception function is displayed, and "Sonotano size" which is not used except for the PC print function when the interface board 31 is mounted is displayed only when the interface board 31 is mounted as an option of the paper size selection screen, The user does not mistakenly set the PC-FAX reception function when the interface board 31 is not mounted, or select the special paper size used in the PC print function as the paper size of the third paper feed tray 23.

Since not only the display control but also the setting contents stored in the RAM 22 (or the parameter memory 14) for the PC-FAX reception function are turned off, the interface board 31 is not mounted and the personal computer 1
The digital multifunction peripheral 32 does not perform the PC-FAX reception operation even though it is not connected to the PC 5. Also,
After “Sonotano size” is selected and set as the paper size of the third paper feed tray 23, the interface board 3
1 is removed, a predetermined initial value (for example, A in Japan) is set as the paper size of the third paper feed tray 23.
4. Control to return to letter in the United States). That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control such that a predetermined function is set when the interface board 31 is mounted, and then, when the interface board 31 is removed and then mounted again, the setting contents before the mounting are automatically returned.

Next, the setting control of the printer-dedicated paper feed tray in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, one of the second and third paper feed trays 22 and 23 can be set as a printer-specific paper feed tray. First, when any of the function keys 7h of the operation display unit 7 is pressed, the CPU 4 displays a mode setting screen on the display 7i by a signal from the operation display unit 7. On this screen, a plurality of operation modes are displayed.
When the printer-only mode is selected by operating the (or the numeric keypad 7c), a screen for further setting the paper cassette to be used is displayed.

On this screen, the interface board 31
The third paper feed cassette 23 that can feed the "Sonotano size" special paper used in the PC print function only when the paper is mounted and the third paper feed tray 22 that can feed normal size paper are displayed as options. . Here, the user sets the cursor key 7
By operating the l (or the numeric keypad 7c) to select and input the third paper feed cassette 23, the CPU 4 sets one of the second and third paper feed trays 22 and 23 exclusively for the printer, and The mode settings are stored in the parameter memory 14.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a description will be given of the procedure of paper feed control according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the interface board 31 is mounted and the PC print function is set. In step 300, when there is a print request, the CPU 4 determines the content, and when the content is output of image data from the personal computer 15 (PC print), the process proceeds to step 301, where the content is output of facsimile reception data. If it is, the process proceeds to step 304.

In step 301, the CPU 4 checks the contents stored in the parameter memory 14 and
It is determined whether or not No. 3 is set only for the printer.
As a result, if the setting is exclusive for the printer, the process proceeds to step 302. If the setting is not exclusive for the printer, the process proceeds to step 303. Step 3
At 02, only the feeding of special paper from the third paper feed tray 23 is permitted, and the plotter 2 is caused to feed paper from the third paper feed tray 23.

In step 303, paper supply from a paper supply tray (second paper supply tray 22 in this embodiment) set exclusively for the printer is permitted, and the PC 15 is sent to the plotter 2.
Paper is fed from the paper feed tray specified by. Normally, the PC interface unit 16 is connected to the interface board 3.
Since the signal for instructing selection of the second paper feed tray 22 is received from the personal computer 15 via the PC 1, the plotter 2 selects the second paper feed tray 22 according to the information.

In step 304, since the print request is for printing image data to be received by facsimile, a parameter indicating which of the first and second paper feed trays 21 and 22 is set as the priority tray is set as a parameter. Memory 14
Check the stored contents and make a decision. As a result, when the first paper feed tray 21 is set as the priority tray,
The flow shifts to step 305, and if the second paper feed tray 22 is set as the priority tray, the flow shifts to step 307.

In step 305, the paper feed tray 21
Is determined by checking the contents stored in the parameter memory 14 as to whether or not is set only for the printer. As a result, if the setting is exclusive for the printer, the process proceeds to step 306. If the setting is not exclusive for the printer, the process proceeds to step 306.
08. In step 306, paper is fed from the second paper feed tray 22, and the first and third paper feed trays 21 and
Prohibit paper feed from # 3.

In step 307, the paper feed tray 22
Is determined by checking the contents stored in the parameter memory 14 as to whether or not is set only for the printer. As a result, if the setting is exclusive for the printer, the process proceeds to step 308. If the setting is not exclusive for the printer, the process proceeds to step 308.
Shift to 06. In step 308, paper is fed from the first paper feed tray 21, and the second and third paper feed trays 22 and 2 are fed.
Prohibit paper feed from # 3.

When the interface board 31 is mounted and the PC-FAX reception function is set to ON, the image data received from the line is demodulated by the modem 9 and then transmitted through the communication control unit 8. The data is sent to the system bus 29 and stored in the RAM 22. At this time, RAM2
Reference numeral 2 is used as a reception buffer, and the stored image data in the RAM 22 is sequentially input to the encoding / decoding unit 3 via the system bus 29. The image data decoded by the encoding / decoding unit 3 is stored in the image memory 6 and then transmitted to the personal computer 15 via the system bus 29, the personal computer interface unit 16, and the interface board 31, and transmitted to the personal computer 15. It is captured.

In this embodiment, the interface board 3
1, the first, second, and third paper feed trays 2
When a print request is issued in a state where any one of the printers 1, 22, and 23 is set only for the printer, the content of the request is determined. Feed paper from the paper tray,
When printing image data to be received by facsimile, paper feeding from the printer paper tray is prohibited, so that facsimile-received image data is reliably prevented from being output to paper in the printer paper tray. Can be.

In the present embodiment, when the second paper feed tray 22 is set to be dedicated to the printer, the first paper feed tray 21 in the first paper feed tray 21 which can feed paper when facsimile-received image data is printed. The presence or absence of the sheet is determined, and if there is no sheet, control is performed so that the fact is displayed on the display 7i of the operation display unit 7. By doing so, the user can immediately replenish the paper after seeing the display. Therefore, facsimile reception can always be maintained. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the third paper feed tray 23 is set to be dedicated to the printer,
Regardless of the presence or absence of paper in the second paper feed trays 21 and 22,
Control is performed so that the presence or absence of paper in the third paper feed tray 23 is not displayed. By doing so, the image data from the personal computer 15 can be reliably printed on special paper such as a letterhead while performing display necessary for facsimile reception or copy processing (the presence or absence of paper of a size capable of facsimile / copy output). Can be.

In this embodiment, the paper used for output of the PC print function is used only when the interface means is mounted, based on the program stored in the ROM 21 in the digital multifunction device 32 and the data stored in the parameter memory 14 or the like. A screen for selecting a size and a screen for setting the PC-FAX reception function are displayed. A program and data for performing such screen display and changing the setting contents are stored in a storage medium such as a ROM. In the digital multifunction peripheral 32 or the personal computer 15 or the like.

[0060]

According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function and a printer function and connected to a line,
Only when an interface means (interface board) is mounted, a predetermined function of an external device connected via the interface means is displayed so as to be settable, so that the predetermined function can be easily expanded and the user can set the function. Mistakes and misjudgments can be avoided.

According to the invention, after the power of the image forming apparatus main body is turned off after the predetermined function is set,
When the power is turned on again, the setting contents of the predetermined function are returned to the state before the interface means is attached, and the screen is displayed based on the returned setting contents, so that the user is aware of the previous setting contents. The operation can always be started from the same setting state without any change. Therefore, it is possible to avoid setting mistakes and erroneous determinations by the user.

For example, a screen for selecting a paper size used only for printing by the PC print function (predetermined function) and a PC-FAX reception function only when the interface means is mounted on an image forming apparatus connectable to a personal computer. By displaying a screen for setting (predetermined function), the PC print function and the PC-FAX reception function can be easily extended. In addition, when the interface is not mounted, the screen display relating to the functions (including the PC-FAX reception function and the PC print function) that cannot be used except when the personal computer is connected is not performed, so that the setting mistake by the user can be reliably prevented.

By storing the program and data for displaying the screen for setting the function only when the interface is installed in a storage medium such as a ROM, the stored contents can be simply installed in an image forming apparatus or a personal computer. Thus, the above-described effect can be easily obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation display unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a connection example between the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1 and a personal computer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the digital multifunction peripheral is started according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a display control procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a transition of a setting screen of a PC-FAX reception function when an interface board is mounted according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a transition of a paper size selection setting screen when an interface board is mounted according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a paper feed control procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 CPU 7 Operation display unit 8 Communication control unit 9 Modem 14 Parameter memory 15 Personal computer (information processing device) 16 Personal computer interface unit 21 ROM 22 RAM 31 Interface board 31a Register

Claims (11)

[Claims] A facsimile function and a printer function;
An image forming apparatus connected to a line, comprising: interface means mountable on the image forming apparatus; mounting detection means for detecting whether or not the interface means is mounted; and interface means mounted by the mounting detection means. Setting screen display means for displaying a screen for setting a predetermined function of the external device connected via the interface means, when it is detected that the interface means is mounted, only when the interface means is mounted. An image forming apparatus which displays a predetermined function of an external device connected via the interface means so as to be settable. A detection result storing means for storing a detection result by the mounting detecting means, wherein when the power of the image forming apparatus main body is turned on, the detection result storing means stores the detection result by the mounting detecting means and displays a setting screen. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means recognizes the detection result by referring to the detection result storage means, and displays a screen for setting a predetermined function according to the detection result. 3. A setting content storage means for storing the setting content of the predetermined function, and a resetting means for returning the setting content of the predetermined function set when the interface means is mounted to the setting content before mounting the interface means. When the predetermined function is set at the time of mounting the interface means and stored in the setting content storage means, and the power of the image forming apparatus main body is turned off and then turned on again, the setting contents of the predetermined function are reset by the resetting means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus returns to a state before the interface unit is mounted, and displays a screen for setting a predetermined function based on the setting contents before the interface unit is mounted by the setting screen display unit. 4. The interface means has a register accessible from the image forming apparatus at the time of mounting, and the mounting detecting means detects whether the interface means is mounted by accessing the register. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. A printer function for outputting image data from a personal computer connected via interface means to a dedicated sheet, and a facsimile reception function for transferring image data received by facsimile from a line to the personal computer. The function, wherein the setting screen display means displays a screen for selecting a paper size of the dedicated paper and a screen for setting the facsimile receiving function only when the interface means is mounted. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. It has a facsimile function and a printer function,
An image forming method for an apparatus connected to a line, comprising: a mounting detection step of detecting whether or not an interface unit with an external device is mounted when the power of the image forming apparatus main body is turned on; and A detection result storing step of storing a detection result as to whether the external device is set, and a setting screen display step of switching and displaying a screen for setting a predetermined function of the external device based on the detection result. Image forming method. 7. A setting step of setting a predetermined function based on input information when a screen for setting a predetermined function of an external device is displayed upon detection of the mounting of the interface means, and setting contents of the predetermined function. And a power-on detection step for detecting that the power is turned on again after the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. If the power-on is detected, the setting contents of the predetermined function are stored. 7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: a resetting step of returning to a state before the interface means is mounted; and a resetting screen display step of displaying a screen for setting a predetermined function based on the setting contents before the interface means is mounted. Image forming method. 8. The setting screen display step includes a screen for selecting a paper size of a special paper used when outputting image data from a personal computer connected via the interface means only when the interface means is mounted. 8. The image forming method according to claim 6, further comprising displaying a screen for setting a facsimile reception function of transferring image data received by facsimile from a line to the personal computer. 9. It has a facsimile function and a printer function,
A storage medium storing a program for controlling the image forming apparatus connected to the line, wherein when the power of the image forming apparatus main body is turned on, a mounting detection step of detecting whether or not an interface unit with an external apparatus is mounted; A detection result storing step of storing a detection result of whether or not the interface means is mounted; and a setting screen displaying step of switching and displaying a screen for setting a predetermined function of the external device based on the detection result. A storage medium storing a program to be executed. 10. When detecting the mounting of the interface means,
A setting step of setting the predetermined function based on the input information when a screen for setting a predetermined function of the external device is displayed; a setting content storing step of storing the setting content of the predetermined function; A power-on detection step for detecting that the power has been turned on again after the power of the main body has been turned off, and a resetting step for returning the setting contents of the predetermined function to the state before the interface means is attached, when the power-on is detected, 10. The storage medium according to claim 9, wherein a program for executing a reset screen display step of displaying a screen for setting a predetermined function based on the setting contents before the means is mounted is stored. 11. The setting screen display step includes a screen for selecting a paper size of a special paper used when outputting image data from a personal computer connected via the interface means only when the interface means is mounted. 11. The storage medium according to claim 9, wherein a screen for setting a facsimile reception function of transferring image data received by facsimile from a line to the personal computer is displayed.