JP2001047700A - Image processing device and method for controlling image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To hold a job of an image processing device in operating failure in a freely attachable/detachable storage medium, and read the held job by means of another device to resume the execution of the job. SOLUTION: When a fatal operating failure occurs in an image input/output device 100, a control part 104 makes a freely attachable/detachable storage medium 124 store a job to be processed that is already accepted but not processed yet. Further, the control part 104 of another image input/output device on which the storage medium 124 is mounted by a user reads the job stored in the storage medium 124 to be executed.

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 having storage means for storing a job to be processed, and a method for controlling the image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image processing apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer function for outputting image information from a computer by a printer unit, and a document image placed on a platen of a reader unit are read and input to a computer. A multi-function copier (multifunction machine) with a scanner function and an attached device for realizing a facsimile function capable of transmitting and receiving images by being connected to other facsimile devices via a public line such as a telephone line and an Internet line. ) Has been put to practical use.

In the above-described multifunction peripheral, a single multifunction peripheral can receive a plurality of jobs, and there are some multifunction peripherals in which different types of jobs and different types of attached devices are simultaneously processed.

In such an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions, all of a large number of jobs (print data, transmission data and instruction information specified by the user) are requested based on requests from a plurality of users. It is not possible to accumulate the data, and only a part of the job and a part of the job are temporarily accumulated in the storage device in the device to terminate the processing, and the data of the completed job is deleted from the storage device, and the next job is deleted. And resumes importing of the subsequent job data from the job request source.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional image processing apparatus, when the paper runs out or the paper jam occurs, the user can resume the job processing by replenishing the paper, removing the jam, and the like. However, there is no guarantee regarding the retention of job data during processing when an error or a failure occurs during job processing in a multifunction peripheral including print processing. When a fatal failure occurs in the printer unit during the processing of another job, there is a problem that data of the job being processed cannot be recovered.

[0006] Recently, print job data from a computer via a network and other job data are often large in data size, and have an image having a means for temporarily storing data in a storage device inside the apparatus. Although there is a processing device, when a fatal abnormality or failure occurs, the job data must be sent again from the computer to another non-faulty device, and the operator (user) is not required. It is necessary to take time and effort, and there has been a problem that the work efficiency of the user is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus which has already accepted a process to be processed when a catastrophic failure occurs. By storing the processing job and the halfway processing job in a removable storage medium, the job information of the failed image processing apparatus can be retained, and the job stored in the storage medium can be read by another image processing apparatus. The present invention provides an image processing apparatus and a control method for the image processing apparatus that allow a user to continuously resume a job without resending the job instructed to the failed image processing apparatus by executing the job. That is.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having storage means (an HDD 229 shown in FIG. 3) for storing a job to be processed, wherein the image processing apparatus has a failure. In this case, the job stored in the storage means can be detached from the storage medium (the storage medium 12 shown in FIG. 2).
4) and a control means (controller chip 201 for controlling the information recording / reproducing device 123 shown in FIG. 3).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a selection means (a storage job selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 6) for selecting a job to be stored in the storage medium. When a failure occurs, the job selected by the selection means is stored in the removable storage medium.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the image processing apparatus fails, all the jobs stored in the storage means are stored in the removable storage medium, or the job selected by the user is stored in the removable storage medium. Setting means for setting whether to store in the removable storage medium (operation unit 108 shown in FIG. 2)
It has.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a reading means (information recording / reproducing device 123 shown in FIG. 2) for reading a job stored in the removable storage medium and a job read by the reading means are selected. The selection means (execution job selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 7) for executing the job selected by the selection means (controller chip 201 shown in FIG. 3).

A fifth invention according to the present invention has an instruction means (operation unit 108 shown in FIG. 2) for instructing a processing mode of a job selected by the selection means, and the execution means comprises the selection means Is executed in the processing mode instructed by the instruction means.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the control means displays that the job is stored in the removable storage medium (large liquid crystal touch panel 108a shown in FIG. 2).
Is displayed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the control means displays a failure state of the image processing apparatus on a display means (large liquid crystal touch panel 108a shown in FIG. 2).

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the job includes an image input job, an image output job, or an image input / output job.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the job includes a print job, a copy job, a facsimile transmission job, a facsimile reception job or a scanner job.

[0017] In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the control means stores the in-process job stored in the storage means in the removable storage medium.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the control means stores the unprocessed job stored in the storage means in the removable storage medium.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a storage unit (an HDD 229 shown in FIG. 3) for storing a job to be processed.
In the control method of the image processing apparatus having the above, when the image processing apparatus fails, a storage step of storing a job stored in the storage unit in a removable storage medium (step (304) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4) , (30
5)).

A thirteenth invention according to the present invention is a reading step of reading a job stored in the removable storage medium (step (402) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5).
And a selecting step (step (4) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5) for selecting the job read by the reading step.
05)) and an execution step (step (406) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5) for executing the job selected in the selection step.

[0021]

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

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment,
A description will be given using an image input / output device which is a composite image processing device as an example of the image processing device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image input / output device;
Reference numeral 102 denotes a document feed unit (hereinafter, DF unit). Reference numeral 301 denotes a platen glass as a document placing table. Reference numeral 302 denotes a scanner, which includes a document illumination lamp 303, a scanning mirror 304, and the like. The scanner 302 reciprocates in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown) and transmits reflected light of the document through a lens 308 via scanning mirrors 304 to 306. Then, an image is formed on a CCD sensor (image sensor unit) 309.

Reference numeral 320 denotes an exposure control unit constituted by a laser, a polygon scan, or the like. The exposure control unit 320 converts the laser beam 329 converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 309 and modulated based on the image signal subjected to image processing to the photosensitive member. Irradiate the drum 310. Around the photosensitive drum 310, a primary charger 3
12, developing device 321, transfer charger 318, peeling charger 3
19, a cleaning device 316, and a pre-exposure lamp 314.

In the image forming section 326, the photosensitive drum 310 is rotated by a motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and after being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 312, the exposure control section 320 Is applied to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 310 is developed by the developing unit 321 and is visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the pickup roller 33 is moved from the upper recording paper cassette 331 or the lower recording paper cassette 332.
The recording paper fed by the feed roller 3334
5 and 336, the toner image is fed to a transfer belt by a registration roller 337, and the visualized toner image is transferred to recording paper by transfer chargers 318 and 319. After transfer, the photosensitive drum 310 is cleaned of residual toner by the cleaning device 316, and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 314. The recording paper after the transfer is separated from the transfer belt 330, the toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 339 and 340, sent to the fixing unit 341, fixed by pressure and heat, and discharged by the discharge roller 342 to the finisher unit 107. Is discharged.

The image input / output device 100 has, for example, 400
A deck 350 capable of storing zero recording paper is provided. The lifter 351 of the deck 350 includes a paper feed roller 352
The recording paper rises according to the amount of recording paper so that the recording paper always contacts.

Further, a multi-hand 353 capable of accommodating 100 sheets of recording paper is provided. Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 354 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. Discharge roller 3
The recording paper sent out from the paper discharge flapper 35
4 switches to the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side. Reference numeral 358 denotes a lower transport path, and the discharge roller 34
The recording paper sent out from 2 is turned over and guided to the re-feeding tray 356 via the reversing bus 355. Also, 35
Reference numeral 7 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. By inverting the flapper to the left, the recording paper is guided directly to the lower conveyance path 358 without passing through the reversing path 355.

Reference numeral 359 denotes a paper feed roller which feeds the recording paper to the photosensitive drum 310 through a path 360. A discharge roller 361 is disposed near the discharge flapper 354, and discharges the recording paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 354 to the outside of the apparatus. At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 354 is raised upward, and the copied paper is turned upside down via the reversing path 355 and the lower transport path 358 to re-feed the paper. 35
6 is stored.

At this time, at the time of double-sided recording, the multiplex flapper 357 is tilted to the right, and at the time of multiplex recording, the recording sheets stored in the re-feeding tray 356 are passed one by one from the bottom by the sheet feeding roller 359 to the path 360. Through the register roller 337 of the image input / output device. When the recording paper is judged and discharged from the image input / output device 100, the discharge flapper 354 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 357 is tilted rightward, and the copied recording paper is transferred to the reversing path 355, and the recording paper is transferred. After the trailing end of the second feed roller 36 passes through the first feed roller 362,
The recording paper is conveyed to the side 2a, and the recording paper is turned over by the discharge roller 361 and discharged to the finisher unit 107.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the image input / output device 100 capable of printing in a single color. However, it is possible to print in a plurality of colors, for example, three colors of black and red, yellow, cyan, and magenta. An image input / output device capable of printing in four colors of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black may be used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 101 denotes an image input device (hereinafter, referred to as a "reader unit"), which optically reads a document and converts it into image data. The reader unit 101 includes a scanner unit 103 having a function of actually reading a document optically, and a DF unit 1 having a function of automatically conveying a document so that the scanner unit 103 can read the document.
02.

Reference numeral 105 denotes an image output device (hereinafter, referred to as a "printer unit") having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes (upper and lower recording paper cassettes 331 and 332), and recording image data according to a print command. It is output as a visible image on recording paper conveyed from a cassette. Printer unit 1
Reference numeral 05 denotes a printer unit 106 having a function of transferring and fixing image data on recording paper, and a finisher unit 107 for performing recording paper notes and staples on which images are fixed.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a control device (hereinafter, referred to as a “control unit”), which is electrically connected to the reader unit 101 and the printer unit 105, and is connected to the image input / output device 100 and the image input / output device 100. It controls various devices, etc., and has various functions. This control unit 104
There are a facsimile communication unit, each computer I / F (interface) communication unit,
An image processing unit, a PDL formatter unit, and an operation unit I / F are provided.

Reference numeral 108 denotes an operation unit of the image input / output device 100, which includes a large liquid crystal touch panel 108a, and a user I / F which allows a user to easily give an execution instruction or the like to the image input / output device 100. Department.

The image input / output device 100 including the reader unit 101, the control unit 104, the printer unit 105, and the operation unit 108 can communicate with various external devices via the control unit 104.

Reference numerals 112 and 118 denote personal computers (PCs) normally used by users for creating documents. The PC 112 is a network (LAN (local area network), W
The PC 118 is connected to the control unit 104 via an AN (Wide Area Network) 120 or the like.
/ F 121 is connected to the control unit 104.

The PC 112 exchanges e-mail with another computer connected to the network 120, and transmits / receives e-mail to / from the
It is possible to browse an HTML file by a service of a server such as a server.

Reference numeral 114 denotes a computer having a function as a workstation (WS).
Reference numeral 17 denotes a facsimile machine (fax). The fax 113 can communicate with the image input / output device 100 via the network 120, and the fax 117 is a public line such as a telephone line (G3 which is an international communication standard for fax).
Alternatively, it can communicate with the image input / output device 100 via G4). 111 is a printer, and 115 is a scanner.

Reference numeral 123 denotes an information recording / reproducing device. By connecting the information recording / reproducing device 123 to the control unit 104, a large-capacity detachable storage medium 124 can be used as a storage device.
The information recording / reproducing device 123 includes the image input / output device 100
This is a device for recording and reproducing various information and jobs handled by.

The network 120 is generally an Ether Net or the like. Further, the computer I / F 121 generally includes RS232C, Centronics I / F, IEEE1284, SCSI, and the like.

As described above, the image input / output device 100
Is an example of an image processing apparatus including a control unit 104 capable of connecting an accessory device having a plurality of functions, and particularly includes an information recording / reproducing apparatus 123 for driving a large-capacity detachable storage medium 124. Network 12
It is possible to connect to the PCs 112 and 118 through a connection medium such as 0, print out data on the PCs 112 and 118, perform facsimile transmission, and record data in the image input / output device 100 in the storage medium 124. It has a function to do.

Hereinafter, the signal processing configuration and operation of the control unit 104 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of control unit 104 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 201 denotes a controller chip, which is a one-chip microcomputer mainly including a CPU 202, a RIP 203 and the like. The CPU 202 causes each function block provided in the control unit 104 to execute the following processing. The RIP 203 develops a PDL (Page Description Language) format such as PS or PCL input from the PCs 112 and 118 shown in FIG.
It has a function of converting to an image format (bitmap data) that can be output by the printer unit 105 connected to the printer unit 04. The cott roller chip 201 is a PC which will be described later.
A PCI controller (not shown) for controlling the I bus is built in.

Reference numerals 215 and 218 denote connectors each having a bidirectional asynchronous serial I / F and a video I / F.
The connector 215 is connected to the scanner unit 103 shown in FIG.
The connector 218 is connected to the printer unit 106 shown in FIG.

The CPU 202 transmits a control command to the scanner unit 103 via the connector 215, requests an image transfer, and sends an image transfer request to the scanner unit 103.
03 is received. Also, the CPU 202
Transmits a control command to the printer unit 106 via the connector 218, requests an image transfer, and transmits image information to the printer unit 106.

Reference numeral 216 denotes a scanner image processing circuit which performs image processing on an image transferred from the scanner unit 103.
Is controlled via The main functions of the scanner image processing circuit 215 include an RGB phase correction function, a background removal function,
Examples include a character determination function, an image processing function, a chromatic color determination / count function, a main scanning scaling function, a binarization function, a contour, an edge enhancement function, and the like.

The above-described RGB phase correction function is for correcting a reading phase (sub-scanning position) shift between the respective color components of the scanner unit 103.
This is to remove the background color from the image input from the scanner unit 103, and the character determination function is to determine the edge area of the character / thin line portion.

The image processing function includes an italic function for converting a corresponding portion in an image determined as a character by the character determining function into an italic, a mirror image function for inverting an image to a mirror image, and a plurality of image processing functions. There is a repeat function that can output the same image.

Further, the chromatic color judgment / counting function separates a color character from a black character, controls a character signal,
This determines whether the original image read by the scanner unit 103 is a monochrome image or a color image. The main scanning scaling function changes the size of the main scanning direction of the image input from the scanner unit 103. The binarization function is a simple binarization for binarizing a multilevel signal at a fixed slice level.
It includes a binarizing function, a binarizing function based on a variable slice level in which a slice level varies from a pixel value around a pixel of interest, and a binarizing function using an error diffusion method.

Reference numeral 217 denotes a printer image processing circuit which performs image processing on an image to be transferred to the printer unit 106, but a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The image transferred from the scanner unit 103 is transmitted to the controller chip 2 according to an instruction from the CPU 202.
01 to the printer image processing circuit 217,
The image processed by the printer image processing circuit 217 can be transferred to the connector 218. The printer image processing circuit 217 can process the image into an optimal image that can be output by the printer unit 106, request the printer unit 106 to output the image, and transfer the image information to print out an orderly image. is there.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a ROM, which is a storage medium for storing a control program of the control unit 104 and the like. All control of the control unit 104 described in this embodiment is executed by the CPU 202 based on the program stored in the ROM 204. You.

Reference numeral 205 denotes an SDRAM, which is a volatile storage medium used as a main memory by the CPU 202, and can also store various set values required for the operation of the control unit 104. It is also possible to save the image data as it is, the contents saved in the SDRAM 205 can be backed up by the backup circuit 208 and the secondary battery 209, and the power of the control unit 104 is turned off.
Even when it becomes F, the stored contents are not lost. Further, the SDRAM 205 stores configuration information and the like of devices connected to the control unit 104.
Further, when there is a change in the configuration, the content can be updated.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a compression / expansion unit which has a function of compressing / expanding image data using the RAM 207.
The compression format is JPEG, JBIG, MR, MM
R and the like. Further, it is directly connected to the controller chip 201 and can exchange image data with the SDRAM 205. The compression / expansion unit 206 has a function of rotating an image in addition to a function of compressing and expanding a binary image. The above-described rotation function rotates the binarized image clockwise by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees.

A MAC ROM 212 stores a network physical address. The controller ROM 201 and the SDRAM 20 are connected via a connector 210.
5 is connected.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a 10/100 BASE-T connector (network connector) for connecting the control unit 104 to a private network (network 120), and a connector for transmitting and receiving data to and from the private network. In addition, 10/10 / BASE-
The T connector 211 is connected to the controller chip 201 via the connector 210.

Reference numeral 213 denotes an operation unit I / F for connecting the operation unit 108 shown in FIG. The operation unit 108 has a large liquid crystal touch panel 108a including a liquid crystal display unit and a touch panel input device attached to the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys (not shown). The signal input by the large liquid crystal touch panel 108a or the hard key is transmitted to the C through the operation unit I / F 213 described above.
The information is transmitted to the PU 202, and the liquid crystal display unit operates the operation unit I / F 21.
3 has a function of displaying the image data sent from
In addition, a function display or the like in the operation of the image input / output device 100 is also possible.

Reference numeral 214 denotes an IEEE1284 connector.
This is a connector conforming to EEE1284, and can be connected to an external PC.
An I / F that can be connected to the I / F 118. The external PC 118 issues a scan / print request to the control unit 104 via the IEEE1284 connector,
For example, status information of 0 can be obtained.

An LCD controller 219 is used to connect a color LCD (not shown). The LCD I / F 219 is controlled by the CPU 202 through the I / O 227 and
It is possible to display an image on a color LCD connected via the LCD 20.

Reference numeral 221 denotes a real-time clock module, which counts time.
202 has an alarm function for generating an interrupt.

Reference numeral 222 denotes a facsimile communication unit, which is a unit connectable to a public line.
4 and a function of modulating digital data sent from the PCs 118 and 112 via the public line so that the modulated data sent from the public line can be processed in the image input / output device 100. Has a function to convert to data. In addition, a decompression unit 223, a compression unit 224, a rotation unit 225, and a scaling unit 2 that perform various image processing functions for transmitting and receiving images to and from another FAX or the like on a public line.
Equipped with 26 etc.

Reference numeral 228 denotes an HDI / F, which is an I / F for connecting the HDD 229. Generally, E-IDE,
And an interface such as SCSI. H
DD229 is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device.
2 stores a plurality of applications, image data, and the like for the operation of the PC 2. Job information including most job data (image data) of a job executed by the image input / output apparatus 100 and data necessary for executing the job is temporarily recorded in the HDD 229 (storage device). The external device (PC 11) is connected via the printer unit 105, the network connector 211, and the like.
2, 118, WS 114, printer 111, fax 113, etc.).

An information recording / reproducing device 123 for recording / reproducing a removable storage medium 124 connected to the end of the HDI / F 228 is connected via an I / F such as SCIS. With this information recording / reproducing device 123, it is possible to record and reproduce information in the image input / output device 100 on the removable storage medium 124.

Reference numeral 232 denotes a PCI bus, which is controlled by arbitration performed by a PCI arbiter 230 that executes an arbitration function of the PCI bus.
The CPU 202 can transfer data to the PCI bus 232 via a PCI controller (not shown) built in the controller chip 201, and thereby the I / O
It is possible to access O227 and communicate with other peripheral devices connected beyond the PCI connector 231.

In the image input / output device 100, a copy job in which an image read by the reader unit 101 is output by the printer unit 105, print data received from the PC 112, WS 114, or the like via the network 120 or PC 1
18, a print job for outputting print data received from the printer unit 105 by the printer unit 105, a first facsimile transmission job for transmitting an image read by the reader unit 101 to the fax 117 via the facsimile communication unit 222, PC 112, and WS 11.
4 via the network 120 or the data received from the PC 118.
A second facsimile transmission job to be transmitted to the facsimile 117 via the PC 22 and an image read by the reader unit 101 to the PC
Scanner jobs sent to 112, 118, WS 114, etc., facsimile data received by facsimile communication unit 222, first facsimile reception job output by printer unit 105, and facsimile data received by facsimile communication unit 222 are sent to PCs 112, 118, WS 114, Printer 111
And a plurality of jobs such as a second facsimile reception job to be sent to the user.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image input processing executed by the CPU 202 based on the control program stored in the ROM 204 in FIG. This corresponds to a control procedure when a fatal failure (a failure that cannot be restored in a short time) occurs in the output device 100. Note that (301) to (309) indicate each step.

First, when a catastrophic failure is detected in the image input / output device 100 by a sensor (not shown) or the like (30)
1) The state of the detected failure is displayed on the large liquid crystal touch panel 108a of the operation unit 108 (302), and it is determined whether a job being processed or an unprocessed job is temporarily stored in the HDD 229 (303). If it is determined that neither an intermediate job nor an unprocessed job is stored in the HDD 229, the process is terminated. If it is determined that an intermediate or unprocessed job is stored, the automatic recording mode is set. It is determined whether the manual recording mode is set or not (304).

The automatic recording mode is a mode in which, when a catastrophic failure occurs in the image input / output device 100, job information that is being processed and is not processed is automatically stored in the removable storage medium 124. In the manual recording mode, when a catastrophic failure occurs in the image input / output apparatus 100, the user selects an in-process job to be stored in the removable storage medium 124 and an unprocessed job when the failure occurs. Mode. The switching between the automatic recording mode and the manual recording mode is performed by the operation unit 108, P
C112, 118 and the like can be set. As described above, the user selects the stored job selection screen 500 which is a means for interactively selecting a job with the apparatus by a manual operation of the user and the means for automatically recording the job in the large-capacity removable storage medium 124. Are prepared.

If it is determined in step (304) that the automatic recording mode is set, the HDD 229
Storage medium 124 for detachable job information stored in
(305), and returns to step (303).
D229, all the job information stored in the storage medium 1
24 is repeated until all the job information that has been temporarily stored in the HDD 229 and is not processed is stored in the storage medium 12.
Then, the processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (304) that the manual recording mode has been set, the storage job selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the large liquid crystal touch panel 108a of the operation unit 108 (306). The user checks the check box 501 corresponding to the job to be stored in the removable storage medium 124 among the unprocessed jobs displayed in the job display field 502 during the processing, so that the job to be stored in the storage medium 124 is checked. Select and O
When the K key 503 is pressed, the process proceeds to step (307).

In step (307), step (30)
It is determined whether or not all the job information selected in 6) has been stored in the storage medium 124. If it is determined that there is job information not stored in the storage medium 124 among the selected jobs, the HDD 229 temporarily stores the job information. The temporarily stored job information is stored in the removable storage medium 124 (308), and the process returns to the step (307) until all the selected job information is stored in the storage medium 124.
(308) is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (307) that all the selected job information has been stored in the storage medium 124, the selected job information is stored in the removable storage medium 1.
Screen for notifying the user that the data is stored in the operation unit 10
8 on the large LCD touch panel 108a (30
9), end the processing.

When the automatic recording mode is set, after all the job information stored in the HDD 229 has been stored in the storage medium 124, step (30) is executed.
Proceeding to 9), a screen for notifying the user that the saving of the job information in the storage medium 124 has been completed may be displayed on the large liquid crystal touch panel 108a.

Hereinafter, the image input / output apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The operation when a fatal error occurs in the printer unit 106 while a print job is received from the client PC 112 via the client PC 112 during processing or standby of the print job will be described.

Normally, the print job received by the image input / output device 100 is temporarily stored in the HDD 229, and the status of the job (job type, progress status, etc.) is stored in the HD 229.
D229, SDRAM 205, etc., and report to the outside (client or printer server) as needed. When the normal job is completely completed, a completion notification is sent to the client or the print server, and job information including job data (image data) temporarily stored in the HDD 229 and data necessary for executing the job is transmitted. to erase. However, job information of a job whose processing has not been completed is temporarily stored in the HDD 229.
And so on.

Here, when a fatal failure occurs in the printer unit 105 or the like (301), a failure status is displayed on the large liquid crystal touch panel 108a of the operation unit 108 (302), and job information during processing or unprocessed job information is displayed. It is determined whether the job information is temporarily stored in the HDD 229 of the image input / output apparatus 100 or the like (303). If there is no job information in the middle of processing or unprocessed in the image input / output apparatus 100 (step (303) NO), the process ends without doing anything.

On the other hand, if the job information of the job being processed or not processed is temporarily stored in the HDD 229 of the image input / output apparatus 100 (YES in step (303)), the job information is automatically stored. If the <automatic recording mode> for recording on the removable large-capacity storage medium 124 is set (YES in step (304)), the processing is performed on the removable large-capacity storage medium 124 when a failure occurs. The recording of the midway and unprocessed job information is started (3
05), steps (303) to (3) until all the job information temporarily stored in the HDD 229 is recorded.
05) is repeated.

Further, job information of a job which is being processed or has not been processed is temporarily stored in the HDD 229 of the image input / output apparatus 100 or the like (YE in step (303)).
S), if manual backup (manual recording mode) is set (NO in step (304)), a list of unprocessed and unprocessed jobs is displayed on large LCD touch panel 108a of operation unit 108 (see FIG. 6). The storage job selection screen 500) is displayed (306), and a selection operation by the user is awaited. When a backup operation is instructed (in the storage job selection screen 500 shown in FIG. When a job is selected with the check box 501 and the OK key 503 is pressed),
The storage of all the job information selected in step (306) in the processing medium or unprocessed job information stored in the HDD 229 in the storage medium 124 is started (30).
7), (308), after all the job information of the job selected by the user has been recorded in the storage medium 124, it is displayed that the storage of the job information in the storage medium 124 has been completed (309), and the processing is terminated. .

As described above, when the <manual recording mode> is set, the user can give an instruction through the operation unit 108 in front of the image input / output device 100 and selectively record a necessary job on the storage medium 124.

The job information includes a job owner (information for identifying a user who instructed to execute the job, a PC, etc.), job security (information indicating whether or not the job can be executed), a password, a job name, and a finishing process. Information (sort, staple, etc.), job status and job data (image data, PDL data), RIP
If the function is completed, the developed data and the like are stored in the storage medium 12.
4 is stored. These pieces of job information are used to execute a job in another image input / output device or the image input / output device 1
This is information necessary to re-execute the job after the failure of 00 has been recovered.

In the fax reception job, the data received by the normal fax communication unit 222 is decompressed, temporarily stored in the HDD 229 via the I / O unit 227, and printed out if the printer unit 105 is available. However, if a fatal failure occurs in the printer unit 106, the data of the fax reception job cannot be printed out while being stored in the HDD 229. Here, if the above-mentioned automatic recording mode is set, it is recorded as job information in the removable storage medium 124 based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

Further, with respect to a copy job, the image data read by the reader unit 101 is temporarily recorded and stored in the HDD 229 together with the job information. FIG. 4 also shows a case where a fatal failure has occurred in the printer unit 105 during print output or print output.
The job information of the copy job is recorded on the removable storage medium 124 based on the flowchart of (1).

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A method of restoring and re-executing a job recorded on the removable storage medium 124 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 202 based on a control program stored in the ROM 204 shown in FIG. ,
This corresponds to the job re-execution processing procedure recorded in the storage medium 124.

First, the storage medium 124 is inserted into another image input / output device (401), the job information recorded on the storage medium 124 is read (402), and it is confirmed whether there is any job information that is being processed or has not been processed. If it is determined (403) that the in-process and unprocessed job information is not recorded in the removable storage medium 124, the processing is terminated, and the in-process or unprocessed job information is stored in the removable storage medium 124. If the information exists, the execution job selection screen 60 shown in FIG.
0 is displayed on the large liquid crystal touch panel 108a of the operation unit 108 to display a list of jobs recorded on the storage medium 124 (404). From the displayed list, the user selects a job to be restored (executed) and inputs an image. Output device 100
Send the execution instruction to.

The CPU 202 executes the execution job selection screen 60
It is determined whether there is a job selected at 0 (40).
5) If it is determined that there is a selected job, the job information of the selected job is read and the job is executed (406), and the process returns to step (405), and the execution of all the selected jobs is completed. The processing is continued until all the selected jobs are executed, and the processing ends.

As described above, since a job that is being processed at the time of occurrence of a failure is output halfway, the user can select whether or not to re-execute.

In the job list displayed in step (404) of the flowchart shown in FIG.
The job to be executed is selected. At this time, a processing mode of the selected job, for example, a photograph mode or an econo mode may be designated. In the case of such a configuration, the job selected in the processing mode instructed in step (406) is executed.

Further, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the job list to be executed is selected by the user from the list of jobs displayed in step (404). May be configured to start processing unprocessed job data.

Hereinafter, the storage job selection screen and the execution job selection screen described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example of a save job selection screen displayed on the large liquid crystal touch panel 108a shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, a save job selection screen 500 is displayed.
Is a screen for displaying an instruction for restoring job information. In the job display column 502, a job that is being processed by the image input / output device 100 and is stored in the HDD 229 and a job that is not processed by the image input / output device 100 are displayed. A list of job names, job types, and their states (under processing, unprocessed) of the jobs stored in the HDD 229 is displayed.

A check box 501 is a column for selecting a job to be recorded on the removable storage medium 124.
The user can make a selection by pressing a check box corresponding to a job to be recorded on the storage medium 124.

Reference numeral 503 denotes an OK key, which is a removable storage medium 124 for the job selected in the check box 501.
Press to execute recording for. A cancel key 504 is pressed when not recording a job stored in the removable storage medium 124 in the HDD.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining an example of the execution job selection screen 600 displayed on the large liquid crystal touch panel 108a shown in FIG.

In FIG. 7, an execution job selection screen 600
Includes a removable storage medium 124 in the job display field 602.
A list of the job names, types, and statuses of the jobs recorded in. A check box 601 is a field for selecting a job to be executed. The user can select a job by pressing a check box corresponding to the job to be executed.

Reference numeral 603 denotes an OK key, which is pressed to execute the job selected in the check box 601.
A cancel key 504 is pressed when canceling the job execution.

Stored job selection screen 5 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7
By displaying the execution job selection screen 600 on the large-sized liquid crystal touch panel 108a, the user can select a job requiring backup in the removable storage medium 124 in an easy-to-view screen. The user can select a job to be executed from among the jobs to be recorded.

As described above, when an abnormality, a failure, or the like occurs during the job processing of the composite image forming apparatus shown in the present embodiment, the user is notified that the processing in the image input / output apparatus 100 has been interrupted. A storage medium 1 in which job information that is being processed or is waiting (unprocessed) when it occurs can be removed.
24, the job information stored in the HDD 229 can be restored, and the job information not only in the middle of the processing but also in the waiting state can be continuously instructed to continue or resume processing in another device. When instructed, the job information can be read by another device to continue the job processing.

Further, the unprocessed job data temporarily recorded in the HDD 229 of the image processing apparatus before the failure, not during the processing, is transferred to the large-capacity removable storage medium 124.
Can be completely recorded, and it is also possible to have another image processing apparatus read and execute the job processing from the beginning.

As long as the user does not intentionally delete a mid-process or unprocessed job recorded on the storage medium 124, the job recorded on the storage medium 124 can be re-executed. It is also possible to carry the job 124 and execute the job on another device at a remote location to obtain the required document.

The large-capacity removable storage medium 124
Although no particular reference is made in the present embodiment, since the capacity of the HDD 229 in the image input / output device 100 has been increased, the DVD-RAM, the magneto-optical disk, the CD-
An RW or the like may be used, or another removable storage medium may be used.

Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the above-described technologies are combined and implemented.

Further, in the above embodiment, the image processing apparatus is described as an example. However, various image processing apparatuses, image forming apparatuses, image input apparatuses, image output apparatuses, and the like, such as electrophotographic apparatuses, digital copying apparatuses, etc. Machines, monochrome copiers, color copiers, color laser copiers, laser beam printers, color laser printers, inkjet printers, facsimile machines, multifunction copiers with copy and / or print and / or facsimile functions, etc., and The technology described in the present invention and the present embodiment may be applied to various image processing apparatuses, control apparatuses for controlling image forming apparatuses, information processing apparatuses, data processing apparatuses, computers, and the like.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, is stored. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention is also applicable to a case where a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0118]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, an image processing apparatus having storage means for storing a job to be processed, wherein when the image processing apparatus fails, the job stored in the storage means is stored in a removable storage medium. Because of the control means for causing the failure, even if a catastrophic failure occurs, the job information can be reliably stored in a removable storage medium without loss of job information.

According to the second invention, there is provided a selecting means for selecting a job to be stored in the storage medium, and the control means selects the job selected by the selecting means when the image processing apparatus fails. Since a job is stored in the removable storage medium, a desired job can be reliably stored in the removable storage medium when a failure occurs.

According to the third aspect, when the image processing apparatus fails, all the jobs stored in the storage means can be stored in the removable storage medium, or the job selected by the user can be stored in the removable storage medium. Since the setting means for setting whether to store the data in the removable storage medium is provided, the user can set whether to automatically back up the job in the event of a failure or to perform the job manually.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the reading means for reading the job stored in the removable storage medium, the selecting means for selecting the job read by the reading means, and the selecting means for selecting the job read by the selecting means. Since there is an execution unit for executing the job, even if a failure occurs, the job can be read out by another device and the job can be easily executed again.

According to the fifth invention, there is provided instruction means for instructing the processing mode of the job selected by the selection means, and the execution means is instructed by the instruction means for the job selected by the selection means. Since the job is executed in the selected processing mode, the job can be easily restarted in the desired processing mode.

According to the sixth aspect, the control means displays on the display means that the job has been stored in the removable storage medium, so that when a failure occurs, the user is assured that the backup of the job has been completed. Can notify.

According to the seventh aspect, the control means displays the failure state of the image processing apparatus on the display means, so that the user can be reliably notified of the occurrence of the failure.

According to the eighth aspect, since the job includes an image input job, an image output job or an image input / output job, even if a failure occurs, various image processing jobs that are being processed or are not processed are stored. Can be reliably stored on media.

According to the ninth aspect, the job includes a print job, a copy job, a facsimile transmission job,
Since a facsimile reception job or a scanner job is included, even if a failure occurs, various jobs can be reliably stored in the storage medium.

According to the tenth aspect, the control means includes:
Since the job being processed, which is stored in the storage unit, is stored in the removable storage medium, the job being executed at the time of occurrence of the failure can be reliably stored in the storage medium, and can be easily restarted by another device. Can be done.

According to the eleventh aspect, the control means includes:
Since the unprocessed job stored in the storage means is stored in the removable storage medium, the unprocessed job waiting in the HDD can be reliably stored in the storage medium, and can be easily executed by another device. Can be executed.

According to a twelfth aspect, in the control method of the image processing apparatus having the storage means for storing the job to be processed, when the image processing apparatus fails, the job stored in the storage means is detached. Since there is a storage step of storing data in a possible storage medium, even if a catastrophic failure occurs, job information can be reliably stored in a removable storage medium without loss of job information.

[0130] According to the thirteenth aspect, a reading step of reading a job stored in the removable storage medium,
Since there is a selection step of selecting the job read in the reading step and an execution step of executing the job selected in the selection step, even if a failure occurs, the job is read by another device and the job is executed. It can be easily re-executed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a save job selection screen displayed on the large liquid crystal touch panel illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution job selection screen displayed on the large liquid crystal touch panel illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 reader unit 103 scanner unit 104 control unit 105 printer unit 106 printer unit 108 operation unit 124 large-capacity detachable storage medium 123 information recording / reproducing device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 BB10 CQ41 HV19 HV32 HV36 2H027 EJ08 EK09 GA41 GB07 HA01 ZA07 5B021 AA01 AA05 AA19 CC05 DD19 NN21 9A001 BB03 CC02 DD13 EE02 EE05 FF05 HH24 LL05 HH24 KK

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having storage means for storing a job to be processed, wherein when the image processing apparatus fails, the job stored in the storage means is stored in a removable storage medium. An image processing apparatus comprising a control unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit configured to select a job to be stored in the storage medium, wherein the control unit is configured to detach the job selected by the selection unit when the image processing apparatus fails. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is stored in a storage medium. 3. When the image processing apparatus fails, all jobs stored in the storage unit are stored in the removable storage medium, or jobs selected by a user are stored in the removable storage medium. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising setting means for setting whether to store. A reading unit for reading a job stored in the removable storage medium; a selecting unit for selecting a job read by the reading unit; an executing unit for executing the job selected by the selecting unit; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 5. An instructing unit for instructing a processing mode of a job selected by the selecting unit, wherein the executing unit executes the job selected by the selecting unit in a processing mode instructed by the instructing unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes a display unit to display that the job is stored in the removable storage medium. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays a failure state of the image processing apparatus on a display unit. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job includes an image input job, an image output job, or an image input / output job. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job includes a print job, a copy job, a facsimile transmission job, a facsimile reception job, or a scanner job. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the in-process job stored in the storage unit in the removable storage medium. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores an unprocessed job stored in the storage unit in the removable storage medium. 12. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus having a storage unit for storing a job to be processed, wherein, when the image processing apparatus fails, a job stored in the storage unit is stored in a removable storage medium. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising: 13. A reading step of reading a job stored in the removable storage medium, a selecting step of selecting the job read in the reading step, and an executing step of executing the job selected in the selecting step. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 12, comprising: