JP2001127923A - Image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-forming device which can perform interrupt processing and also prevent adverse effects due to the interrupt processing. SOLUTION: A main control part 11 performs the interrupt processing, for instance, when the interrupt key 14 of an operating part 13 is operated, and the part 11 receives an interrupt instruction. However, the part 11 controls so as to reject the interrupt instruction, because there is the possibility of giving annoyance to the opposite side if a transmission function, especially the interrupt processing is performed, during read processing. The part 11 similarly controls it, so as to reject the interrupt instruction when a record output function is performed manually and further, such as when a device internal state list is recorded and outputted, which is performed automatically by the device. Thus, it is possible to prevent adverse effects due to the interrupt processing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an interrupt processing function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus has been provided with an interrupt function. For example, if another copy is to be performed while a large amount of copy is being performed, an interrupt is instructed. As a result, the process shifts to the interrupt process, and another copy process can be performed. After performing another copy process, the user can return to the original copy process and continue copying by giving an instruction to cancel the interrupt.

[0003] With the recent advancement of functions, an apparatus in which a communication function is added to an image forming apparatus has also been developed. In an apparatus to which such a communication function is added, a problem occurs if all functions are stopped by an interrupt instruction and the process shifts to an interrupt process as in a copying apparatus. For example, if the transmission is interrupted by an interrupt instruction during the transmission of an image, a communication error occurs and the image cannot be transmitted normally, and the communication partner is inconvenienced.

Usually, a reading device for reading an image and a recording device for recording an image are used in the interrupt processing. For example, communication devices do not need to be stopped during interrupt processing,
Communication may be continued even during the interrupt processing. As a result, it is possible to avoid interruption due to the interrupt instruction during transmission as described above.

[0005] However, for example, in the case where transmission is performed while an image is being read by a reading device, a communication error also occurs if the reading device is stopped by an interrupt instruction. Further, even when an image read by the reading device is temporarily stored in a memory and then transmitted, the reading process interrupted by the interrupt process is not normally restarted in many cases, and the communication partner is often troublesome.

Further, when various kinds of information held by the apparatus are automatically recorded and output, or when a user designates an image or data held in a memory, the information is recorded and recorded by the recording apparatus. In some cases, an interrupt instruction may be received. In such a case, the conventional image forming apparatus interrupts the operation of the recording apparatus by interrupting the operation of the recording apparatus.

However, for example, if the recording process is interrupted and the information is divided while the information inside the apparatus is being automatically recorded and output, it is assumed that the recording has been completed with halfway of the information, and an erroneous operation is performed. There have been problems such as going out or losing only a part. Also, when the user performs recording and output by designating images and data, the user who has performed the recording and output may have to wait for a long time due to the interrupt processing even though the recording and output are completed immediately. There was a problem.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing an interrupt process and preventing the adverse effects of the interrupt process. It is the purpose.

[0009]

According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a communication function, a communication unit, a reading unit,
A recording unit, an operation unit capable of instructing an interrupt, and executing an interrupt process in response to the instruction of the interrupt by the operation unit and reading the transmission image by the communication function by the reading unit. It is characterized by having control means for controlling so as to reject the interrupt instruction by the operation means. As a result, it is possible to prevent adverse effects due to the interruption processing, such as the interruption of communication with the other party at the time of the interruption or the inadvertent transmission of an unintended image to the other party.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a recording unit for recording and outputting an image, an operation unit capable of performing various instructions including an interruption instruction, and an interruption instruction received by the operation unit. Control means for executing an interrupt process by means of the control means and for rejecting an interrupt instruction by the operation means while the recording means outputs a record by an operation from the operation means. It is assumed that. As a result, the interruption processing is not performed on the recording output due to the user performing the recording output operation, and the recording output that ends immediately is interrupted by the interruption processing, and the user has to wait for a long time. Can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus provided with a recording unit for recording and outputting an image, an operation unit capable of performing various instructions including an interruption instruction, and receiving an interruption instruction from the operation unit. And a control unit for performing control so as to reject an interrupt instruction from the operation unit while the recording unit is performing the internal device state list record output automatically performed by the device while executing the interrupt process. It is characterized by the following. As a result, it is possible to prevent adverse effects due to the interrupt processing such as interruption of the recording output of the apparatus internal state list in the interrupt processing, and to reliably inform the user of the internal state of the apparatus.

Of course, these inventions have an interrupt processing function, so that while the transmission image is being read by the communication means by the reading means, or a record output by an operation from the operation means is output by the recording means. During the execution, except when the recording unit is automatically executing a device internal state list record output which is automatically performed by the device, for example, when using a copy function, an interrupt instruction is issued and interrupted. Can be performed.

[0013]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 11 is a main control unit, 12 is a display unit, 13 is an operation unit, 14 is an interrupt key, 15 is a reading unit, 16 is a recording unit, 17 is a PC interface, 18 is an NCU, 19 is a modem, and 20 is An image memory, 21 is a RAM, 22 is a ROM, 23 is a bus, and 31 is a computer.

The main control section 11 controls the entire apparatus and operates each section to realize an image transmitting / receiving function, a copying function, a PC printing function, and the like. In the image transmission function, the image read by the reading unit 15 is transmitted to the communication partner using the modem 19 and the NCU 18. In the image receiving function, an image transmitted from a communication partner is received via the NCU 18 and the modem 19, and is recorded and output by the recording unit 16. In the copy function, the image read by the reading unit 15 is recorded and output by the recording unit 16. In the PC printing function, the PC interface 17
The data sent from the computer 31 through the recording unit 16 is recorded and output. When executing these functions, a received image, an image to be transmitted, an image to be copied, data to be printed, and the like can be temporarily stored in the image memory 20. It also has a function of recording and outputting the image and data stored in the image memory 20 by the recording unit 16 after receiving designation from the operation unit 13 later. Also, various setting states in the apparatus, transmission / reception journals, and the like are stored in the operation unit 13
The recording unit 16 records and outputs the data in accordance with the instruction from. Further, for example, a journal for transmission and reception is automatically recorded as a device internal state list under a predetermined condition.
6 also has the function of recording and outputting.

When the main control unit 11 receives an interrupt instruction from the operation unit 13, if there is a document being read by the reading unit 15, the reading process is interrupted when reading of one document is completed. If there is an image being recorded by the recording unit 16, the recording process is interrupted when the recording of one sheet being recorded is completed, and the process proceeds to an interruption process. In the interruption state, various processes such as a copy process, an image transmission process (only a transmission image reading process during transmission), a recording process of an image and management information in an image memory, and various settings are performed. be able to. However, in a case where the operation is shifted to the interrupt processing and a problem occurs, the instruction of the interrupt is rejected, and control is performed so as not to shift to the interrupt processing. At this time, for example, a message such as “Interruption is not possible” is displayed on the display unit 12 and a buzzer (not shown) is sounded to inform the user that the interrupt instruction has been rejected. The case where the process does not shift to the interrupt process is performed while the transmission image is being read by the reading unit 15 by the image transmission function or when the user operates the operation unit 13 to operate the image memory 2.
For example, while the image and data in 0 are being recorded and output by the recording unit 16, the recording and output of the apparatus internal state list, which is performed automatically, is being executed by the recording unit 16. Note that, even if the processing shifts to the interrupt processing, the transmission / reception processing using the NCU 18 and the modem 19, for example, continues as it is. Further, the processing for transmitting and receiving images and data to and from the computer 31 via the PC interface 17 can be continued as it is.

The display unit 12 can display various information such as a message to the user, a message indicating the state of the apparatus, and operation guidance. For example, a message when an interrupt instruction is rejected can be displayed. The operation unit 13 is used when the user performs various settings and instructions. For example, a selection key for selecting a transmission function or a copy function, a start key for instructing execution of the selected function, and the like are provided. In particular, an interrupt key 14 for instructing an interrupt process during execution of various functions is provided. An operator can operate the interrupt key 14 to instruct an interrupt. Also, when returning from the interrupt processing, the interrupt key 14 may also be operated. Of course, another key may be used to instruct the interruption instruction and the return from the interruption. Further, the operation unit 13 can instruct the recording unit 16 to record and output images and data stored in the image memory 20, for example, polling images and confidentially received images. Further, it is also possible to instruct the recording unit 16 to record and output the status and settings of the apparatus, the communication journal, and the like. In the operation unit 13, various other inputs and settings can be made.

The reading section 15 reads an image on a document to be transmitted or copied under the control of the main control section 11. As the reading unit 15, various image reading devices such as an image scanner and a digital camera can be applied. The recording unit 16 records the received image or the image read by the reading unit 15 on a sheet under the control of the main control unit 11. As a recording method, various methods such as an electrophotographic method and an ink jet method can be adopted.

The PC interface 17 is connected to an external computer 31 or the like, and receives, for example, data to be recorded by the recording unit 16 and data to be transmitted to another device via the modem 19 and the NCU 18 from the external computer 31. . The received data is stored in, for example, the image memory 20.
Can be stored once. Further, for example, a received image or an image read by the reading unit 15 can be transmitted to the external computer 31. The PC interface 17 may be configured according to the connection method with the computer 31 to be connected. For example, the PC interface 17 is configured by a LAN interface or the like, and is configured to be connectable to a plurality of computers and other devices via the LAN. You may. Of course, it may be directly connected to the computer 31 via a predetermined interface.

The NCU 18 controls a line to communicate with an external device. The modem 19 modulates and demodulates image data to be transmitted and received.

The image memory 20 stores image data to be transmitted and received, image data read by the reading unit 15,
It stores data sent from the computer 31 or the like via the C interface 17 and other images and data being processed. When storing an image, the image may be stored as it is or may be stored in a compressed state.

The RAM 21 is used when it is necessary to store data in the processing of the main control unit 11 and other units.
The ROM 22 stores a program that defines the operation of the main control unit 11, fixed data, and the like.

The bus 23 includes a main control unit 11, a display unit 12,
Operation unit 13, reading unit 15, recording unit 16, PC interface 17, NCU 18, modem 19, image memory 20,
The RAM 21 and the ROM 22 are connected to each other to enable data transfer between them. Of course, in addition to these, various devices such as an external storage device may be connected to the bus 23.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
First, in S41, a state is set in which an interrupt operation is permitted. Then, processing for each function is executed. Here, a copy function, an image transmission function, a manual print, a list print, an image reception function, and a PC print function are shown. It goes without saying that other functions may be added.

When executing the copy function, this is detected in S42, and copy processing is performed in S48.
Since this copy process is performed in a state where the interrupt operation is permitted, the process can shift to the interrupt process by operating the interrupt key 14 on the operation unit 13, for example. The copying process includes a reading process performed by the reading unit 15 and a reading process performed by the reading unit 15.
This is realized by executing a recording process of recording, on the recording medium such as a sheet, the recording unit 16 records the image read in step S1 or an image obtained by processing the image as necessary.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the reading process. In S61, the reading unit 15 reads an image of one page of the document, and in S62, the image memory 20
To be stored. In S63, it is determined whether or not there is an interrupt instruction. If there is no interrupt instruction, it is further determined in S64 whether or not there is a next page document. If there is a next page document, the process returns to S61 to perform reading. to continue. The processes in S61 to S64 are repeated until there is no document to be read, and the image is read up to the last document.

If there is an instruction to interrupt, this is detected in S63, the current number of read pages is stored in S65, and the flow proceeds to the interrupt processing in S66. In S67, it is determined whether or not the interrupt has been released, and the interrupt processing in S66 is performed until the interrupt is released. In the interrupt processing, the reading unit 15 can also be used.

When an instruction to cancel the interrupt is issued, the original before shifting to the interrupt processing may have been removed when performing the interrupt processing. Therefore, the page number at the time of resuming the reading is displayed in S68. A message is displayed on the unit 12 to urge the user to set the original document. Then, the process waits in step S69 until the user sets a document and gives a restart instruction. When the user issues a restart instruction, the process returns to step S64 to restart the normal reading process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the recording process. For example, when an image to be recorded is stored in the image memory 20, the recording process is started. In step S71, an image for one page is extracted from the image memory 20, and the recording unit 16 records the extracted image on a recording medium such as a sheet. In S72, it is determined whether or not there is an interrupt instruction. If there is no interrupt instruction, it is further determined in S73 whether or not there is an image of the next page to be recorded. If there is an image of the next page, the process returns to S71 to record the image of the next page. In this way, recording is repeatedly performed until the images of all pages are recorded.

If there is an interrupt instruction, the process proceeds from S72 to S74, and an interrupt process is performed in S74 until an instruction to cancel the interrupt is issued. When there is an instruction to cancel the interrupt and the interrupt processing ends, the process returns from S75 to S73, and performs the recording processing before the interrupt processing.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when performing the copy process, the image read by the reading unit 15 is temporarily stored in the image memory 20 and then recorded by the recording unit 16. However, for example, the image read by the reading unit 15 may be sent to the recording unit 16 without being stored in the image memory 20, and may be recorded by the recording unit 16.

Returning to FIG. 2, when executing the image transmission function, this is detected in S43, and the flow proceeds to S49. In the image transmission function, for example, an image of a document is transmitted from the NCU 18 and the modem 19 while being read by the reading unit 15. If an interruption is instructed during such a transmission process and the communication is interrupted, not only does the communication not end normally, but also the other party becomes annoying. In some cases, the image read by the reading unit 15 is temporarily stored in the image memory 20 and then transmitted. In such a case, if the interrupt processing is performed during the reading, as described with reference to FIG. Then, an operation such as setting the original again is necessary. At this time, an erroneous operation or the like is likely to occur, and in that case, the other party may be troubled. Therefore, when executing the image transmission function, in S49, after disallowing the interruption operation,
At 50, reading and transmission of all originals are performed. If an interruption instruction is issued during this time, the instruction is rejected, and a message such as “Interruption is not possible” is displayed on the display unit 12 and a buzzer sounds to notify the user. When the transmission is completed, an interruption operation is permitted in S53, and the image transmission function is terminated.

When the image read by the reading unit 15 is temporarily stored in the image memory 20 and then transmitted, an interrupt operation may be permitted when the reading process in the reading unit 15 is completed. Of course, during the subsequent transmission processing by the NCU 18 and the modem 19, even if an interruption instruction is issued and the processing shifts to the interruption processing, the processing is executed without interruption.

The manual print function is provided, for example, in the image memory 2
This is a function of recording and outputting from the recording unit 16 an image stored in the storage unit 0 and settings and states in the apparatus by operating the operation unit 13. For example, it is possible to record and output a journal with which communication has been performed in the image transmission function or the image reception function, a speed dial list in which communication destinations are registered as speed dials, and other various setting information. Further, for example, when images to be transmitted by polling, confidentially received images, and the like are stored in the image memory 20, these images can be recorded and output.

When such a manual print function is to be executed, it is detected in S44 and the process proceeds to S51. In the manual printing function, if an interruption process occurs while recording and outputting the information and status of the apparatus as described above, the information may be divided and lost. Also,
Since only a few sheets of recording output are required, waiting for the interrupt processing does not have much effect. When recording and outputting images in the image memory 20, the number of images is often not so large, and since only recording and output is performed, it does not take much time. Furthermore, when using such a manual print function,
Since the user of this function simply waits near the apparatus, there is a resistance that the waiting time is longer in the interrupt processing. Furthermore, while recording a confidentially received image, it is presumed that there are many cases where it is not desired that other users come to visit, and it is considered that the user does not want to perform the interrupt processing.

For this reason, when the manual print function is executed, the interrupt operation is prohibited in S51, and then, in S52, for example, the image data in the image memory 20 specified by the user through the operation unit 13 is stored. Information such as images and settings and status inside the apparatus is recorded and output on all pages. If an interrupt instruction is issued during the recording and output, the instruction is rejected, and a message such as “Interrupt is not possible” is displayed on the display unit 12 and a buzzer sounds to notify the user. After the recording and output are completed, in S53, the interruption operation is permitted and the manual print function is terminated. In this manner, when the manual print function is used, no interrupt processing occurs, so that the above-described problem due to the interrupt processing can be avoided.

The list printing, image receiving function, and PC printing function in the following S45 to S47 are functions for the apparatus to automatically record and output even if there is no user. The above-described copy function can also be said to be a function in which the apparatus automatically performs recording output in the sense that the user instructs reading start but does not instruct recording start. When such a device automatically performs recording and output, basically, an interrupt operation is permitted, and the process shifts to an interrupt process upon receiving an interrupt instruction. However, when executing a list print function for recording and outputting a device internal status list indicating the internal status of the device, for example, recording and outputting a journal and an error status that have been communicated in the image transmission function and the image receiving function. When the process shifts to
Information may be fragmented and lost.
In particular, since the device automatically outputs the data, it is often left unattended until the administrator notices it. This has a great effect when the information is divided. In addition, since only a few sheets of recording output are required,
Waiting for interrupt processing has no significant effect.

For this reason, when the apparatus executes the list print function for automatically recording and outputting the internal state list of the apparatus, the same processing as in the above-described manual printing is performed. If the execution of the list print function is detected in S45, the interruption operation is not permitted in S51, and then, in S52, the internal state list is recorded and output. If an interrupt instruction is issued during the recording and output, the instruction is rejected, and a message such as “Interrupt is not possible” is displayed on the display unit 12 and a buzzer sounds to notify the user. After the recording and output are completed, in S53, the interruption operation is permitted and the list print function is ended. In this manner, when the list print function is used, since the interrupt processing does not occur, the above-described problem due to the interrupt processing can be avoided.

As for the image receiving function and the PC printing function, which are functions for automatically recording and outputting by other devices, each function is executed in a state where an interrupt operation is permitted. For example, N
When an incoming call arrives at the CU 18 from an external device, an image receiving function is executed. When this is detected in S46, the image sent from the other party is received in S54,
Store at 0. Thereafter, in S55, the image memory 2
The recording unit 16 records and outputs the received image stored in the “0”. Processing for recording and outputting is the same as that shown in FIG. 4 described above. If an interrupt instruction is issued during the reception of the image in S54, the process proceeds to the interrupt process, but the communication with the other party is performed as it is, and the received image is stored in the image memory 20. Become.

Note that the recording process may be performed after the reception process is completed, or the recording process may be started when an image for one page is received. Further, the recording unit 16 may be configured to record an image received without passing through the image memory 20. In this case, when an interrupt process occurs, the received image may be switched to be stored in the image memory 20.

When PC data is sent from the computer 31 via the PC interface 17, a PC printing function is executed. When this is detected in S47, the PC data sent from the computer 31 is received by the PC interface 17 in S56 and stored in the image memory 20. Thereafter, in S55, the recording unit 16 records and outputs the PC data accumulated in the image memory 20. Processing for recording and outputting is the same as that shown in FIG. 4 described above. If an interrupt instruction is issued during the reception of the PC data in S56, the process proceeds to the interrupt process, but the communication with the computer 31 by the PC interface 17 is performed as it is, and the received PC data is stored in the image memory 20. It will be accumulated.

Note that the recording process may be performed after the PC data reception process is completed, or the recording process may be started when one page of PC data is received. Also,
The recording unit 16 may be configured to record the received PC data without passing through the image memory 20. In this case, when an interrupt process occurs, switching may be performed so that the received PC data is stored in the image memory 20.

Although the six functions shown in FIG. 2 are shown here, in an apparatus having other functions, permission or non-permission of an interrupt operation is considered for those functions in consideration of various influences. It is good to decide.

In the configuration shown in FIG.
Although an example is shown in which a PC interface 17 for inputting and outputting data to and from the PC is provided, a configuration without the PC interface 17 is also possible. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a configuration in which the NCU 18 and the modem 19 are not provided but a network printer having a copy function is provided.

[0044]

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, the interrupt processing can be executed by the instruction of the interrupt, but the transmission function (particularly at the time of the reading processing) and the manual recording can be performed. At the time of the output function, and at the time of outputting the internal state list record automatically performed by the apparatus, the interrupt instruction is rejected. These functions are greatly affected by the execution of the interrupt processing, and have an effect that by rejecting the interrupt instruction, it is possible to prevent the adverse effects of the execution of the interrupt processing.
For example, in the transmission function, it is possible to avoid a problem of inconvenience to the other party, such as a communication error with the other party or careless image transmission. Also, at the time of manual recording output,
The user of this function, which ends immediately, does not have to wait due to the interrupt processing. Further, it is possible to prevent a disadvantage that the device internal state list record output automatically performed by the device is dissipated by the interrupt processing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reading process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a recording process.

[Explanation of symbols]

11: Main control unit, 12: Display unit, 13: Operation unit, 14 ...
Interrupt key, 15 ... Reading unit, 16 ... Recording unit, 17 ... PC interface, 18 ... NCU, 19 ... Modem, 20 ... Image memory, 21 ... RAM, 22 ... ROM, 23 ... Bus,
31 Computer.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 AQ05 AQ06 HH01 HJ06 HJ07 HJ08 HN04 HN15 HQ01 2H027 EE10 EJ15 FA10 FA32 GA36 ZA07 5C062 AA05 AA14 AB17 AB20 AB22 AB38 AB41 AC04 AC21 AC55 AE15 BA00

Claims (3)

[Claims] In an image forming apparatus having a communication function, a communication unit, a reading unit, a recording unit, an operation unit capable of instructing an interruption, and an interruption unit receiving an interruption instruction from the operation unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to execute an interruption process and to reject an interrupt instruction by the operation unit while the transmission unit is reading a transmission image by the communication function. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising a recording unit for recording and outputting an image, an operation unit capable of performing various instructions including an interruption instruction, and an interruption unit receiving an interruption instruction from the operation unit. An image characterized by comprising control means for performing processing and controlling so as to reject an interrupt instruction by the operation means while the recording means executes a recording output by an operation from the operation means. Forming equipment. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising a recording unit for recording and outputting an image, an operation unit capable of various instructions including an interruption instruction, and an interruption receiving an interruption instruction from the operation unit. Control means for controlling so as to reject an interrupt instruction by the operation means while the recording means is executing the processing and the apparatus internal state list recording output automatically performed by the apparatus. Image forming apparatus.