JP2000326592A - Image input/output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically perform setting on the basis of the content of a non-volatile memory card. SOLUTION: When the predetermined copy setting altering key of an operation part is operated by a user, a message urging the insertion of a card is displayed on the liquid crystal display part of the operation part. When the insertion of a flash memory card in a flash memory card I/F is detected by a CPU 502, the content of the flash memory card is read by the CPU 502 and stored in an SDRAM 505 to renew the content of each set item. Subsequently, each function item is set according to the set content of the SDRAM 505 and the display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display part of the operation part is altered.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input / output device that can use a nonvolatile memory card such as a flash memory card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, peripheral devices used in offices have become multifunctional and networked. In order to use this multi-functional peripheral device, the user must set the peripheral device individually. However, the number of functions is increasing, and with the increase in functions, the setting contents are becoming complicated and increasing. . Information set by the user personally (hereinafter referred to as personal information) for such a peripheral device includes, for example, operation setting information (double-sided setting, density setting, etc.) of the peripheral device required when using the peripheral device. ), FAX address book information, E-mail address book information, and the like.

[0003] In recent years, such peripheral devices have often been shared and used by a plurality of users in offices. In such a case, personal information for all users who use the peripheral device is often stored in a storage device of the peripheral device.

When a user uses a peripheral device in which his or her personal information is stored in advance, personal information previously set by the user is transferred from a storage medium in which setting contents set by all users are stored. I found it, called it again, and did the processing.

[0005]

However, even with such a peripheral device that the user has previously set, since many other users use the same peripheral device, a large amount of user setting information is used. The user has to search for his own, so the user has a lot of trouble.

On the other hand, when a user uses a peripheral device whose personal information is not stored in advance, even if the personal information set in this peripheral device is the same as the personal information set in other peripheral devices. I had to set again.

[0007] Further, since the storage capacity of the setting contents for each user depends on the capacity of the storage medium of the peripheral device, the number of users that can be set in the peripheral device is limited.

Further, since the personal information of all the users who use the peripheral device is stored in the storage medium of one peripheral device, such a peripheral device is managed from the viewpoint of protecting the privacy of the individual. There was a problem that it was difficult.

Further, when a failure occurs in a storage device of a peripheral device, there is a risk that all user data is lost.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem and to provide an image input / output device which can be automatically set based on personal information of a nonvolatile memory card.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided card detecting means for detecting insertion of a nonvolatile memory card into a card interface, and when the insertion of the nonvolatile memory card is detected by the card detecting means. Reading means for reading personal information from the nonvolatile memory card, storage means for temporarily storing personal information read by the reading means, and setting means for making settings based on the personal information temporarily stored in the storage means. And characterized in that:

In the first aspect, the personal information can include operation mode data of the apparatus.

According to the first aspect, facsimile transmitting means can be further provided, and the personal information can include facsimile address book data connectable to the facsimile transmitting means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, facsimile receiving means can be further provided, and the personal information can include facsimile address book data connectable to the facsimile receiving means.

[0015] In the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further comprise network interface means for connecting to a network, and the personal information can include E-mail address book data of a device connectable to the network interface means via the network.

In the present invention, the personal information can include personal telephone directory data.

[0017] In the first aspect, a display means for displaying personal information read by the reading means can be further provided.

[0018] In the first aspect, a selection means for selecting personal information from predetermined information, a write instruction means for instructing writing to a nonvolatile memory card, and a write operation by the write instruction means Writing means for writing the personal information selected by the selection means to a nonvolatile memory card inserted into the card interface when the instruction is issued may be further provided.

The erasure instruction means for instructing erasure of the contents of the nonvolatile memory card, and the nonvolatile memory card inserted into the card interface when the erasure instruction means issues an erasure instruction. Erasing means for erasing the contents of the memory card.

[0020]

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

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
An embodiment will be described. This is the printer 111 and PC
(Personal computers) 112 and 114, facsimile (hereinafter also referred to as facsimile) 113, and scanner 11
5 and the image input / output device 100 are connected to a LAN (localarea
network) via a network 120. LAN 120 is Ethernet.

The image input / output device 100 includes a reader unit 101
, Printer unit 105, control unit 104, operation unit 10
8 is provided.

The reader unit 101 includes a document feeding unit 102
And a scanner unit 103. The document feed unit 102 transports a document to the scanner unit 103. The scanner unit 103 includes the document feed unit 1
02 is for optically reading the original conveyed.

The printer unit 105 includes the printer unit 10
6 and a finisher unit 107, the printer unit 106 has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, and transfers and fixes a visible image on recording paper based on image data in accordance with a print command.
Reference numeral 07 denotes sorting, stapling, and the like on the recording paper on which the image is fixed.

The control unit 104 is capable of communicating with an external device, and is capable of communicating with a fax 117 and a public line (G3 or G4).
, A computer I / F (interface) communication unit connected to the PC 118, an image processing unit, and a PDL (page description language).
age) a formatter unit, an operation unit I / F connected to the operation unit 108, and a computer I / F 121. As the computer I / F 121, generally, R
S232C, Centronics I / F, IEEE (Instit
ute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 12
84, SCSI (small computer system interface)
Etc. The PC 118 can issue a scan / print request to the control unit 104 and acquire status information of the image input / output device 100.

The operation unit 108 functions as a user I / F for the user to operate the large liquid crystal touch panel and give an execution instruction. The operation unit 108 has a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device pasted on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys.

The PC 112 usually allows a user to create a document, exchange e-mail with another computer connected to the LAN 120, and use an HTML (hypertext transfer protocol) server on the network to provide an HTML (hypertext transfer protocol) service. mark
up language).

The PC 114 has a function as a workstation. Fax device 113 is LAN
120 can communicate with the image input / output device 100.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the control unit 104 of FIG.
The controller 501 is a CPU (central processing uni
t) 502 and RIP (raster image processor) 503
And a one-chip microcomputer having: C
The PU 502 causes each unit of the control unit 104 to execute processing described later. RIP 503 is the control unit 10
PDL such as PS (postscript) and PCL input to 4
The format is developed according to the instruction of the CPU 502,
It has a function of converting to an image format (bitmap) that can be output by the printer unit 105 (FIG. 1). The controller 501 is connected to a PCI (peripheral component i
nterconnect) Contains a PCI controller for controlling the bus.

The connectors 515 and 518 are composed of a bidirectional asynchronous serial I / F and a video I / F. The connector 515 is connected to the scanner unit 103 and the connector 518 is connected to the printer unit 106.

The CPU 502 connects via the connector 515
A control command is transmitted to the scanner unit 103 or an image transfer request is sent to the scanner unit 103.
03 is received. The CPU 502 transmits a control command to the printer unit 106 via the connector 518, requests an image transfer,
The image information is transmitted to the printer unit 106.

A scan image processing unit 516 performs image processing on an image transferred from the scanner unit 103, and is controlled by the CPU 502 via an I / O 526. The main functions of the scan image processing unit 516 include an RGB phase correction function, a background removal function, a character determination function, an image processing function, a chromatic color determination / counting function, a main scanning scaling function, a binarization function, and a contour / edge. An emphasis function is provided. Scanner unit 1 for RG8 phase correction function
This function corrects a reading phase (sub-scanning position) shift between the respective color components 03. The background removal function is a function for removing the background color in the image input from the scanner unit 103. The character determination function is a function for determining an edge area of a character / thin line portion. As image processing functions, it is possible to output multiple identical images, with an italic function to convert the corresponding part in the image determined as a character by the character determination function to italic, a mirror image function to invert the image and a mirror image There is a repeat function etc. The chromatic color determination / count function is a function of separating a color character and a black character, controlling a character signal, and determining whether the original image read by the scanner unit 103 is a monochrome image or a color image. The main scanning scaling function is a function for changing the size of the input image from the scanner unit 103 in the main scanning direction. The binarization function includes a simple binarization function for binarizing a multi-level signal at a fixed slice level, a binarization function using a variable slice level in which the slice level varies from a pixel value around a target pixel, and error diffusion. And a binarizing function.

The print image processing unit 517 performs image processing on an image to be transferred to the printer unit 106. The image transferred from the scanner unit 103 can be transferred to the connector 518 by the print image processing unit 517 via the controller 501 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 502. The print image processing unit 517 processes the image into an optimum image that can be output by the printer unit 106, requests the printer unit 106 to output the image, and transfers the image information to print out an orderly image. is there.

A ROM (read only memory) 504 stores a control program for controlling each unit of the control unit 104.

An SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) 505 is a volatile storage medium used as a main memory for the CPU 502, and can store various setting values required by the control unit 104, and can store image data as it is. Is also possible. The contents stored in the SDRAM 505 can be backed up by the backup unit 508 and the secondary battery 509, and the power of the control unit 104 is turned off.
Even if it becomes F, the stored contents will not be lost.

A compression / decompression unit 506 uses the RAM 507 to compress / decompress an image. The compression format by the compression / decompression unit 506 is JPEG (Joint Ph
otographic Experts Group), JBIG (Joint Bi-lev)
el Image Experts Group). Compression / expansion unit 50
6 is directly connected to the controller 501, and the SDRA
It is possible to exchange image data with the M505. The compression / expansion unit 506 has an image rotation function in addition to a binary image compression / expansion function. This rotation function rotates the binarized image clockwise by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 2 degrees.
This is a function to rotate 70 degrees.

MAC (media access control) ROM 5
12 is an RO for storing a network physical address.
M.

10/100 BASE-T connector 511
Is for connecting the control unit 104 to the local network, and for transmitting and receiving data to and from the local network.

The operation unit I / F 513 is for connecting the operation unit 108 (FIG. 1). A signal input from the touch panel or the hard keys of the operation unit 108 is transmitted to the CPU 502 via the operation unit I / F 513, and the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108 displays the image data transmitted from the operation unit I / F 513. In addition, a function display in the operation of the image input / output apparatus 100 is also possible.

The IEEE 1284 connector 514 is an IEEE
A connector conforming to E1284, and an external PC1
18 (FIG. 1).

An LCD (liquid crystal display) controller 519 is used to connect a color LCD. LCD controller 519 is I / O 52
7 is controlled by the CPU 502 through the LCD I
It is possible to display an image on a color LCD connected to / F 520.

The real-time clock module 521 counts the time.
2 has an alarm function for generating an interrupt.

A facsimile communication unit 522 is a unit connectable to a public line, and is an IEEE1284 connector 514.
It has a function of modulating digital data sent from the public line so that it can be sent to the public line, and a function of converting modulated data sent from the public line into digital data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus. The facsimile communication unit 522 also has an image processing function (rotation function, compression function, decompression function, scaling function) for exchanging images with another fax or the like on a public line. HD (hard disk) I / F
Reference numeral 528 is for connecting the HD 529. HD
As the I / F 528, E-IDE (Enhanced-Int
egrated Device Electronics).
The HD 529 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device and has a CPU
A plurality of applications or image data for the operation of 502 is stored. The HD 529 stores default personal information such as copy setting items, fax address book data, personal telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses.

The PCI arbiter 530 is a PCI bus 532
Arbitration function. CPU 502
Can transfer data onto a PCI bus 532 via a PCI controller built in the controller 501, thereby accessing the I / O 526,
It is possible to communicate with other peripheral devices connected to the end of the CI connector.

The flash memory card I / F 533 is an I / F for connecting a flash memory card.
Generally, as a flash memory card I / F, P
C card drive or PCMCIA (Personal Compu
ter Memory Card International Association)
F and the like. When using the PCMCIA I / F, a card adapter is required.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the copy setting program stored in the ROM 504 of FIG. It is assumed that personal information of copy setting items is stored in the flash memory card, and a default setting example of the operation unit 108 is as shown in FIG.
The data format of the flash memory card is DO
It is in S (disk operating system) format.

When a predetermined copy setting change key of the operation unit 108 is operated by the user, a notification to the effect that the default setting is not used is sent to the CPU via the operation unit I / F 513.
502 (S601). Notified CP
U502 is an operation unit 108 via an operation unit I / F 513.
Is requested to display a message "Please insert a card", and the message is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108 (S602).

Then, when the flash memory card is inserted into the flash memory card I / F 533 and the insertion of the flash memory card is detected by the CPU 502 (S603), the contents of the flash memory card are read out by the CPU 502 (S604).
05, and the content of each setting item is updated. Then, according to the updated settings of the SDRAM 505,
In addition to setting each function item, the display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108 is changed (S605). FIG. 5 shows an example of the copy setting screen. Based on the contents of the flash memory card, double-sided setting, staple sort, enlargement by 133% by magnification, second density from the top, and 20 copies are set.

When the copy start key of the operation unit 108 is operated by the user, processing is performed based on the setting function of the SDRAM 505 (S606).

Thereafter, when the user removes the flash memory card from the flash memory card I / F 533, the CPU 502 that has detected the removal of the flash memory card stores the contents of the flash memory card in S.
If it is in the DRAM 505, the contents of the SDRAM 505 are all cleared.

On the other hand, when the user operates a predetermined copy setting change no key of the operation unit 108 (S601), C
The PU 502 reads a default setting function from the HD 529, writes the default setting function to the SDRAM 505, and updates the contents of each setting item. Next, according to the updated setting contents of the SDRAM 505, each function item is set and the display screen of the operation unit 108 is changed. Then, when the copy start key of the operation unit 108 is operated by the user, processing is performed based on the setting function of the SDRAM 505 (S606).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a fax address setting program stored in the ROM 504 of FIG. It is assumed that the personal information of the fax address book data is stored in the flash memory card, and the default setting example of the operation unit 108 is as shown in FIG. The data format of the flash memory card is a DOS (disk operating system) format.

When the user operates a predetermined fax address setting change key on the operation unit 108, the CPU 502 notifies the CPU 502 via the operation unit I / F 513 that the default fax address book setting is not used. (S701). Upon receiving the notification, the CPU 502 operates the operation unit I /
A request is made to the operation unit 108 via F513 to display a message "Please insert a card", and the message is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108 (S702).

Then, when the flash memory card is inserted into the flash memory card I / F 533 and the insertion of the flash memory card is detected by the CPU 502 (S703), the contents of the flash memory card are read out by the CPU 502 (S704).
05 and updates the fax address book data. Next, the fax address book is set according to the updated fax address book data in the SDRAM 505, and the display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108 is changed (S705). FIG. 8 shows an example of the display screen of the fax address book. After that, this processing is changed.

Thereafter, when the user removes the flash memory card from the flash memory card I / F 533, the CPU 502 which has detected the removal of the flash memory card stores the contents of the flash memory card in S.
If it is in the DRAM 505, the contents of the SDRAM 505 are all cleared.

On the other hand, when the user operates a predetermined fax address setting no change key on the operation unit 108 (S7).
01), the CPU 502 reads default fax address book data from the HD 529, and
505 to update the fax address book data. Next, the fax address book is set according to the updated fax address book data in the SDRAM 505, and the display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108 is changed. After that, this processing ends.

In essentially the same manner as described above,
Instead of the fax address book data, personal information such as personal telephone book data and E-mail address book data can be set. SD52 and HD52
9 is stored, the fax cover as shown in FIG.
5 while SDRAM 505
If the personal information of the flash memory card is stored, a fax cover as shown in FIG. 10 can be created.

The fax cover created in this way is
When sending a fax, it can be attached as a cover to the fax document.

<Second Embodiment> This embodiment is an example of displaying and confirming the contents of a flash memory card.
When the user operates the operation unit 108 to make a request to display and check the contents of the flash memory card, the request is sent to the CP via the operation unit I / F 513.
Notify U502. Upon receiving the notification, the CPU 502 requests the operation unit 108 to display a message “Please insert a card” via the operation unit I / F 513, and displays the message on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108. Let it. When the CPU 502 detects that the flash memory card is inserted into the flash memory card I / F 533, the CPU 502 reads the content of the flash memory card, stores the content in the SDRAM 505, and displays the content on the liquid crystal display of the operation unit 108.

On the screen of the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108, the user can check the contents of the flash memory card.

<Third Embodiment> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a content change or update program of a flash memory card stored in the ROM 504 of FIG. 2 in the present embodiment. Operation unit 10 by the user
8 is operated and a request to update the contents of the flash memory card is issued, the request is sent to the operation unit I /
The CPU 502 is notified via F513 (S80).
1). Upon receiving the notification, the CPU 502 operates the operation unit I / F 513.
"Please insert the card" to the operation unit 108 via
Is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108 (S80).
2).

Then, when the flash memory card is inserted into the flash memory card I / F 533 and the insertion of the flash memory card is detected by the CPU 502 (S 803), the CPU 502 instructs the operation unit 108 to “update which setting information. Is displayed, and the user is inquired about which of the Ex, E-mail address, copy settings, fax number, etc. is to be updated (S804). Then, wait.

When the setting information is selected by the user, the CPU 502 confirming that the setting information has been selected displays on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 108 a message requesting a new setting for the information to be updated.

When a new setting is made by operating the operation unit 108 by the user, the new setting is notified from the operation unit 108 to the CPU 502 via the operation unit I / F 513. Update content to SD
The data is temporarily stored in the RAM 505. Then, the SDRAM 50
5 is transmitted to the flash memory card I / F 533 together with the flash memory card write request, and in response to the flash memory card write request, the flash memory card I / F 533 writes the updated content to the flash memory card. Update the contents of the flash memory card.

<Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a program for erasing the contents of a flash memory card stored in the ROM 504 of FIG. 2 in this embodiment. When the operation unit 108 is operated by the user and a request to erase the contents of the flash memory card is issued, the request is notified to the CPU 502 via the operation unit I / F 513 (S901). Upon receiving the notification, the CPU 502 requests the operation unit 108 to display a message “Please insert a card” via the operation unit I / F 513, and transmits the message to the operation unit 1
08 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit (S902).

When the flash memory card is inserted into the flash memory card I / F 533 and the insertion of the flash memory card is detected by the CPU 502 (S903), the CPU 502 issues a content erasure request to the flash memory card I / F 533. Do. Then, the flash memory card I / F receiving the content erasing request
A step 533 erases the entire contents of the flash memory card, and thereafter ends the processing.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention,
With the configuration described above, the automatic setting can be performed based on the contents of the nonvolatile memory card.

Therefore, a user can share personal information with a plurality of devices, and can protect privacy. At the same time, there is a danger that personal data of all users who use the device will be lost at the same time. Can be avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit 104 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a copy setting program stored in a ROM 504 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of default settings.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a setting based on data of a flash memory card.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fax address setting program stored in a ROM 504 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displaying a default fax address book when a fax address is set.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a fax address book set based on data in a flash memory card.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a fax cover created based on default fax address book data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fax cover created based on fax address book data set based on data in a flash memory card.

FIG. 11 shows a ROM 50 of FIG. 2 in a third embodiment;
4 is a flowchart showing an example of a content change or update program of the flash memory card stored in the flash memory card 4.

FIG. 12 shows a ROM 50 of FIG. 2 in a fourth embodiment;
4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a content erasure program of a flash memory card stored in a flash memory card 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Image input / output device 101 Reader unit 102 Document feed unit 103 Scanner unit 104 Control unit 105 Printer unit 106 Printer unit 107 Finisher unit 501 CPU 504 ROM 513 Operation unit I / F 533 Flash memory card I / F 529 Hard disk

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 107 H04N 1/00 107A F term (Reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 BB10 BB15 CQ24 CQ25 CQ34 HJ10 HK11 HN04 HN15 HQ17 2H027 EJ04 EJ05 EJ08 FB03 GA32 GA43 GB13 ZA07 5C062 AA02 AB10 AB17 AB23 AB38 AB42 AC35 AC58 AF00 AF02 BA04 BD09 9A001 BB04 CC03 JJ25 JJ28 LL03

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. Card detecting means for detecting insertion of a nonvolatile memory card into a card interface, and when the card detecting means detects the insertion of the nonvolatile memory card, personal information is read from the nonvolatile memory card. An image input device comprising: reading means for reading; storage means for temporarily storing personal information read by the reading means; and setting means for setting based on the personal information temporarily stored in the storage means. Output device. 2. The image input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the personal information includes operation mode data of the device. 3. The image input / output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising facsimile transmission means, wherein said personal information includes facsimile address book data connectable to said facsimile transmission means. 4. The image input / output apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising facsimile receiving means, wherein said personal information includes facsimile address book data connectable to said facsimile receiving means. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a network interface unit for connecting to a network, wherein the personal information is an E-mai of a device connectable to the network interface unit via the network.
(1) An image input / output device comprising address book data. 6. An image input / output apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said personal information includes personal telephone directory data. 7. The image input / output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying personal information read by said reading unit. 8. The writing instruction means according to claim 1, wherein: selecting means for selecting personal information from predetermined information; writing instruction means for instructing writing to a nonvolatile memory card; And writing means for writing the personal information selected by the selecting means to a nonvolatile memory card inserted into the card interface when a writing instruction is issued by the image input device. Output device. 9. The non-volatile memory card according to claim 1, further comprising: an erasing instruction unit for instructing erasure of the contents of the nonvolatile memory card; and when the erasure instruction unit issues an erasure instruction, the erasure instruction unit is inserted into the card interface. And an erasing means for erasing the contents of the non-volatile memory card.