JP2001283181A - Device and method for counting sheet and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet counting device capable of increasing the reliability of a count value indicating the number of ejected sheets. SOLUTION: The number of sheets whose ejection is normally completed is counted as a counter value, and check data are generated based on the counted counter values, and the generated check data are recorded with the counter values in storage devices such as an EEPROM 200B, an SRAM 2004A, and an HDD 22004 whose storage systems are different, and the recorded counter values are collated with the check data so that whether or not the matching of the counter values stored in each storage device is maintained can be judged. When any storage device in which the matching of the counter values is not partially maintained is present as the result of the judgment, the counter values of the storage device in which the matching of the counter values is not maintained are replaced with the counter values of the storage device in the other storage system in which the matching of the counter values is maintained so as to be restored.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet counting apparatus for counting and storing the number of sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus, a sheet counting method, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a copying machine counts the number of sheets (including a special recording medium such as an OHP sheet) output after forming an image as a means for recording a usage state of a user, and stores the number in a device. In many cases, the discharge counter value is held.

The paper discharge counter value has been held by counting the number of papers to be discharged using a mechanical device. In order to reduce the price per unit and improve the reliability, a system has been put to practical use in which a counter value is calculated by control software for controlling a copying machine, and the calculated counter value is stored in a nonvolatile storage device.

[0004]

However, in the conventional counter holding method using control software, data destruction, storage device failure, and failure occurrence due to electrical noise, physical impact, control software failure, and the like. There is a problem that the reliability is inferior to the mechanical counter holding method.

[0005] In particular, when charging for the number of discharged sheets used by the user, destruction and disappearance of the counter data is a serious problem for both the user and the charging side.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet counting apparatus, a sheet counting method, and a storage medium that can increase the reliability of a count value indicating the number of discharged sheets.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet counting apparatus for counting the number of sheets that have been normally discharged as a counter value. Check data generation means for generating check data for determining the validity based on the counted counter value, a plurality of storage means having different storage methods, and combining the generated check data with the counter value. Means for recording in a plurality of storage means having different storage methods, and by checking the recorded counter value with the check data, the consistency of the counter value stored in the storage means is maintained. If there is a consistency determination unit that determines whether or not there is a storage unit that does not maintain the consistency as a result of the determination, it is determined that the consistency is not maintained. The counter value of the constant has been storing means,
There is a counter value restoring unit that restores by replacing the counter value with a counter value of a storage unit of another storage method that is determined to maintain the consistency, and a storage unit that maintains the consistency as a result of the determination. And stopping means for stopping the device if not performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sheet counting apparatus according to the first aspect, when the counter values of all the storage units are different, the counter value restoring unit is most reliable based on the storage system. It is characterized by replacing with a counter value of a storage means determined to be highly likely.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the sheet counting apparatus according to the first aspect, the counter value restoring means is replaced with a counter value of a storage means selected by majority decision.

A sheet counting device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the sheet counting device according to the first aspect, further comprising an obtaining unit that obtains a counter value recorded by the recording unit, and before the counter value is obtained. And determining the consistency by the consistency determining means and restoring by the counter value restoring means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet counting apparatus according to the first aspect, when the power supply of the apparatus is started, the consistency determination by the consistency determination unit and the recovery by the counter value recovery unit are performed. It is characterized by performing.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet counting apparatus according to the first aspect, the counter value is a counter value used for charging a user.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sheet counting apparatus according to the first aspect, the counter value includes an operation type such as copy, print, and facsimile, a paper size, a paper type, etc. The check data is recorded separately for each item, and the check data is
It is characterized in that it is generated as a checksum of all counter values for each operation type such as printing and facsimile.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet counting method for counting the number of sheets that have been normally discharged as a counter value, and for determining the validity of the sheet based on the counted counter value. A check data generating step of generating check data, a recording step of recording the generated check data together with the counter value in a plurality of storage devices having different storage systems, and a step of recording the recorded counter value and the check data. A matching determining step of determining whether or not the consistency of the counter value stored in the storage device is maintained by collating; and, as a result of the determination, the consistency is not maintained in part. If the storage device is present, the counter value of the storage device that is determined not to maintain the consistency is replaced with another counter value determined that the consistency is maintained. A counter value restoring step of restoring by replacing with a counter value of the storage device of the storage system, and a stopping step of stopping the device when there is no storage device that maintains the consistency as a result of the determination. .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium which is executed by a computer which controls a sheet counting apparatus and stores a program for counting the number of sheets to be ejected. A counting step of counting the number of discharged sheets as a counter value; a check data generating step of generating check data for determining validity based on the counted counter value; A recording step of recording data together with the counter value in a plurality of storage devices having different storage methods, and comparing the recorded counter value with the check data to obtain a counter value stored in the storage device. A consistency determination step of determining whether or not consistency is maintained; and, as a result of the determination, If there is a storage device that does not maintain consistency, the counter value of the storage device that is determined not to maintain consistency is stored in another storage method that is determined to maintain consistency. A counter value restoring step of restoring by replacing the counter value with the counter value of the apparatus, and a stopping step of stopping the apparatus when there is no storage device that maintains the consistency as a result of the determination. .

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a sheet counting apparatus, a sheet counting method and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described. The sheet counting apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to an image forming apparatus.

[Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The controller (Controller Unit) 2000 in the image forming apparatus includes:
Scanner 207 as an image input device
0, and a printer (Printe
r) Connected to 2095. Also, the controller 200
0 indicates the LAN 2011 and the public line (WAN) 205
1 for inputting and outputting image information and device information.

A controller CPU 2001 controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 2001, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. ROM2003
Denotes a boot ROM, which stores a system boot program.

Hard disk drive (HDD) 200
Reference numeral 4 stores system software and image data. An operation unit interface (I / F) 2006 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 2012,
Image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012
, And transmits information input by the system user from the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001.

A network control unit (Network) 2010
Is connected to the LAN 2011 and inputs and outputs information. A modem (Modem) 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs and outputs information.

The controller CPU 2001, RAM
2002, ROM 2003, HDD 2004, operation unit I
/ F2006, network control section 2010 and modem 2050 are connected to system bus 2007.

The image bus interface (Image Bu
An s interface (I / F) 2005 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 2007 and the image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts a data structure. Image bus 20
08 comprises a PCI bus or IEEE 1394.

An image bus 2008 has a raster image processor (RIP) 2060 and a device I / F unit 202.
0, scanner image processing unit 2080, printer image processing unit 2090, image rotation unit 2030, and image compression unit 204
0 is connected. The RIP 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. Device I / F section 202
Numeral 0 connects the scanner 2070 and printer 2095 as image input / output devices to the controller 2001, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

The scanner image processing unit 2080 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data. A printer image processing unit 2090 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on printer output image data. Image rotation unit 203
0 rotates the image data. The image compression unit 2040
JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBI for binary image data
The compression processing to G, MMR, and MH and the decompression processing are performed.

[Image Input / Output Unit] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image input / output device in the image forming apparatus. A scanner 2070 serving as an image input device illuminates an image of a document and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown) to convert raster image data, which is a read image, into an electric signal. The original paper is the original feeder 207
The tray is set on the tray 2 and the user issues a read start instruction from the operation unit 2012, thereby causing the controller CP to operate.
U2001 gives an instruction to the scanner 2070. Thus, the document feeder 2072 feeds the document paper one by one, and the scanner 2070 performs a reading operation of the document image.

Printer 209 as image output device
Reference numeral 5 denotes a portion for converting raster image data into an image on a sheet. The printing method includes an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, an ink jet method in which an image is printed directly on paper by discharging ink from a minute nozzle array, and any method can be adopted. .

The printing operation is performed by the controller CPU 20.
It is started by an instruction from 01. Printer 2095
Has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, and 2104 corresponding to each stage. The paper discharge tray 2111 receives the printed paper.

[Operation Unit] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 2012. The LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet affixed to the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and when a displayed key is pressed, transmits position information to the controller CPU 2001.

A start key 2014 is used to start a document image reading operation. Start key 201
4 is provided with a two-color LED 2018 of green and red.
4 indicates whether or not 4 is ready for use. A stop key 2015 is used to stop an operation in operation. I
A D key 2016 is used to input a user ID of a user. The reset key 2017 is operated by the operation unit 2012.
Used to initialize settings from.

[Scanner Image Processing Unit] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080. Image bus I /
The F controller 2081 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2008. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation using a spatial filter. Editing unit 2083
Recognizes, for example, a closed area surrounded by a marker pen from input image data, and for image data in the closed area,
Perform image processing such as shadowing, shading, and negative / positive reversal.

When changing the resolution of the read image, the scaling processing section 2084 performs an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image to enlarge and reduce the image, and performs an image reading line sensor ( (Not shown) by changing the scanning speed.

The table 2085 is used for table conversion for converting image data which is read luminance data into density data. The binarizing unit 2086 binarizes the multi-value gray scale image by error diffusion processing or screen processing. The processed image data is again transferred to the image bus 2008 via the image bus controller 2081.
Transferred on.

[Printer Image Processing Unit] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of the printer image processing unit 2090. Image bus I /
The F controller 2091 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and controls each device in the printer image processing unit 2090 and generates timing.

The resolution converter 2092 is connected to the network 2
011 or the image data sent via the public line 2051 is converted into a resolution suitable for the printer 2095. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs a process of smoothing jaggies (roughness of an image appearing at a black-and-white boundary such as an oblique line) of the image data after the resolution conversion.

[Image Compressor] FIG. 6 shows an image compressor 2040.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2041 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls a bus access sequence thereof, and
2. It performs timing control for exchanging data with the output buffer 2045 and control such as mode setting for the image compression unit 2043.

The CPU 2001 performs setting for image compression control on the image bus I / F controller 2041 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 causes the image compression unit 204
The settings necessary for image compression (for example, MMR compression, JBIG decompression, etc.) are made for the image No. 3. After making the necessary settings,
Again, the CPU 2001 permits the image bus I / F controller 2041 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041
Transfer of image data from the RAM 2002 or each device on the image bus 2008 is started.

The received image data is stored in the input buffer 2
The image data is temporarily stored in the storage unit 042, and the image is transferred at a constant speed in response to an image data request from the image compression unit 2043.

At this time, the input buffer 2042 determines whether image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, and reads image data from the image bus 2008. When writing of an image to the image compression unit 2043 is not possible, control is performed so as not to transfer data (hereinafter, referred to as “data transfer”).
Such control is called handshake.)

The image compression section 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This is because several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing when performing image compression, and several lines of image data are prepared in order to perform the first one-line compression. This is because image compression cannot be performed unless the image is compressed.

The image data subjected to image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045. Output buffer 204
In step 5, handshaking is performed with the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, and the image data is transferred to the image bus I / F controller 2041. The image bus I / F controller 2041 transfers the transferred (or decompressed) image data to the RAM 2002 or each device on the image bus 2008.

Such a series of processing is performed until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed) or until a stop request is issued from the image compression unit 2043 (when an error occurs during compression and decompression). Etc.) are repeated.

[Image Rotation Unit] FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of FIG. Image bus I / F controller 2
Reference numeral 031 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus sequence, performs control for setting a mode and the like in the image rotation unit 2032, and performs timing control for transferring image data to the image rotation unit 2032.

The CPU 2001 makes settings for image rotation control in the image bus I / F controller 2031 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I
The / F controller 2031 makes settings (for example, image size, rotation direction, and angle) necessary for image rotation for the image rotation unit 2032.

After making the necessary settings, the CPU 20
01 permits the image bus I / F controller 2031 to transfer image data. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. In this embodiment, the image data is represented by 32 bits, and the image size to be rotated is 32 × 32.
When transferring image data to the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits. It is also assumed that the image to be handled is a binary image.

As described above, in order to obtain an image of 32 × 32 bits, it is necessary to perform the data transfer in the above-mentioned unit 32 times, and it is necessary to transfer the image data from a discontinuous address. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the address of the image data of the transfer source. The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written to the RAM 2033 such that the image data is rotated to a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, 90
Degree counterclockwise rotation, the first 32b transferred
It writes the image data of it in the Y direction as shown in FIG. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing writing and reading directions of image data.

Image rotation of 32 × 32 bits (RAM 20
33), the image rotation unit 2032
Reads image data from the RAM 2033 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image to the image bus I / F controller 2031.

The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to the RAM 2002 or each device on the image bus 2008 by continuous addressing. Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed).

[Device I / F Unit] FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a / F unit 2020. Image bus I / F
The controller 2021 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls its bus access sequence, and
The control and timing generation of each device in the / F unit 2020 are performed. Also, it generates control signals to external scanner 2070 and printer 2095.

The scan buffer 2022 is connected to the scanner 2
070 to temporarily save the image data sent from
The image data is output in synchronization with the image bus 2008.
Serial-parallel / parallel-serial converter 2023
The image bus 20082 arranges or decomposes image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order.
To the data width of the image data that can be transferred to The parallel-serial conversion unit 2024 decomposes or arranges the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 and converts the image data into a data width of image data that can be stored in the print buffer 2025. The printer buffer 2025 is
The image data sent from the image bus 2008 is temporarily stored, and the image data is output in synchronization with the printer 2095.

At the time of image scanning, the image data sent from the scanner 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 2070.

When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when image data enters the scan buffer 2022 in a length of 32 bits or more, the image data is first-in first-out for 32 bits. Send to 2023, 3
The image data is converted into 2-bit image data and transferred to the image bus 2008 via the image bus I / F controller 2021.

The image bus 2008 is connected to the IEEE 139
4, the image data in the scan buffer 2022 is sent from the scan buffer 2022 to the serial / parallel / parallel / serial conversion unit 2023 on a first-in first-out basis, is converted into serial image data, and is converted via the image bus I / F controller 2021 into the image bus. 2008.

When printing an image, the image bus 2008 is connected to a PC.
In the case of the I bus, the 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is transferred to the image bus I / F controller 2021.
And sends it to a parallel-serial / serial / parallel conversion unit 2024 to decompose it into image data of the number of input data bits of the printer 2095,
To save.

The image bus 2008 is connected to the IEEE 139.
If the number is 4, the serial image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller 2021, and the serial / serial / parallel conversion unit 202
4 and is converted into image data of the number of data bits input to the printer 2095 and stored in the print buffer 2025. Then, in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the printer 2095, the image data in the print buffer 2025 is sent to the printer 2095 on a first-in first-out basis.

[Overall System Configuration] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system. Image forming apparatus 1
Reference numeral 001 includes the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 as described above, and sends an image read from the scanner 2070 to the local area network (LAN) 2011, and prints out an image received from the LAN 2011 by the printer 2095. In addition, a facsimile transmission unit (not shown) reads the image read from the scanner.
Depending on the general public line (PSTN line) or ISDN
An image transmitted to a line or received from a PSTN line or an ISDN line is printed out by a printer 2095.

The database server 1002 manages the binary image and the multivalued image read from the image forming apparatus 1001 as a database. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a database client of the database server 1002, which browses and searches image data stored in the database server 1002. An e-mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the image forming apparatus 1001 as an attached file of an e-mail.

An e-mail client 1005 can receive, browse, and transmit the e-mail received by the e-mail server 1004. Reference numeral 1006 denotes a WWW server that provides an HTML document to the LAN 2011, and the image forming apparatus 1001 is a WWW server.
An HTML document provided by the server 1006 can be printed out.

Reference numeral 1011 denotes a router.
Is connected to the Internet / intranet 1012. The Internet / intranet 1012 includes a database server 1002, a WWW server 100
6. E-mail server 1004 and image forming apparatus 10
01, ie, a database server 1021, a WWW server 1022, an e-mail server 1023, and an image forming apparatus 1020 are connected.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1001 has a PSTN
Transmission / reception to / from the facsimile machine 1031 via a communication line or an ISDN line.
It is possible to print out the image read from the printer 1040 connected via the.

[Whole Software Configuration] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus).
In the figure, reference numeral 1501 denotes a user interface (U
This is a UI module that manages I), and is a module that mediates with devices when the operator performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral. This module transfers input information to various modules to be described later, requests processing, sets data, and the like in accordance with the operation of the operator.

Reference numeral 1502 denotes an address book (Address)
s Book), which is a database module that manages data transmission destinations, communication destinations, and the like. The contents of the address book are added, deleted, and acquired by operation using the UI module 1501, and are used as data transmission / communication destination information to each module described later by operation of the operator.

Reference numeral 1503 denotes a web server.
ver.) module, which is used to notify management information of the multifunction peripheral in response to a request from a web client (not shown). The management information is Control described later.
Read via the AP 1518 and the HTTP
1512, a TCP / IP 1516, and a network driver (Network Driver) 1517 are notified to the Web client.

Reference numeral 1504 denotes a module (Universal Send) for distributing data, which distributes data specified by the operator via the UI module 1501 to the communication (output) destination similarly specified. When the operator instructs the generation of distribution data using the scanner function of the multifunction peripheral, the device is operated via a Control API 1518 described later to generate data.

Reference numeral 1505 denotes Universal Send.
A module (P550) that is executed when a printer is specified as an output destination in 1504. 1506 is Uni
A module executed when an e-mail address is specified as an output destination in the general send 1504 (E-
mail). 1507 is UniversalSe
The module (DB) is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in the nd1504. 1508 is U
A module (DP) that is executed when a multifunction peripheral similar to the present device is specified as an output destination in the universal send 1504.

Reference numeral 1509 denotes a remote copy scan (Re
A remote copy scan module that uses the printer function of the multifunction peripheral and performs processing equivalent to the copy function realized by the multifunction peripheral alone, using another multifunction peripheral connected via a network or the like as an input destination. Module.

Reference numeral 1510 denotes a remote copy print (Re
move Copy Print) module.
A module that uses the printer function of the multifunction peripheral and performs processing equivalent to the Copy function realized by the multifunction peripheral alone, using another multifunction peripheral connected via a network or the like as an input destination. Reference numeral 1511 denotes a module (Web Pull Print) for reading and printing information of various homepages on the Internet or an intranet.

Reference numeral 1512 denotes a module used when the multifunction peripheral communicates by HTTP.
/ Server by IP / IP module 1516
The module 1503 provides communication to the Web Pull Print module 1511.

Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module, which is uni-directional by a TCP / IP module 1516 described later.
Printer module 1 in rsal Send1504
Provide communication to 505.

Reference numeral 1514 denotes an SMTP module.
Universa by CP / IP module 1516
l E-mail module 15 in Send1504
06 to provide communication.

Reference numeral 1515 denotes Salutation Man.
ager (SLM) module, and a Universal Send by the TCP / IP module 1516.
Database module 1507, DP module 1508, and Remote Copy Scan in 1504
Module 1509, Remote Copy Pri
Provide communication to the nt module 1510.

Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module, and a network driver (Net) is added to various modules.
(work director) to provide network communication. Reference numeral 1517 denotes a network driver which controls a part physically connected to the network.

Reference numeral 1518 denotes a Control API, which provides an interface to an upstream module such as the Universal Send 1504 with a downstream module such as the Job Manager 1519, and reduces the dependency between the upstream and downstream modules to reduce the dependency between the upstream and downstream modules. It enhances diversion.

Reference numeral 1519 denotes a Job Manager, which controls the control API 15 from various modules.
It interprets the processing instructed via 18 and gives an instruction to each module. This module centrally manages hardware-based processing executed in the multifunction peripheral.

Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC Manager, and Job Manager 1519 and Scan M
It manages and controls various types of compression and decompression of data in the process specified by the analyzer 1524.

Reference numeral 1521 denotes an FBE encoder, which compresses data read by the scan processing executed by the Scan Manager 1524 in the FBE format.

Reference numeral 1522 denotes JPEG CODEC.
Job Manager 1519, Scan Mana
In the scan processing executed by the ger 1524 and the print processing executed by the Print Manager 1526, JPEG compression of the read data and JPEG expansion processing of the print data are performed.

Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR codec.
ob Manager1519, Scan Manag
er1524, and P
In print processing executed by the print manager 1526, MMR compression of read data and MMR decompression processing of print data are performed.

Reference numeral 1524 denotes a scan manager which manages and controls a scan process specified by the job manager 1519. Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver which communicates between the Scan Manager 1524 and a scanner internally connected to the multifunction peripheral.

Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver.
The communication between the an Manager 1524 and the scanner internally connected to the multifunction peripheral is performed. 1526 is Prin
tManager, Job Manager 15
19 manages and controls the printing process instructed. Reference numeral 1527 denotes an Engine I / F driver, and PrintMa
Provide an I / F between the printer 1526 and the print section. 1
Reference numeral 528 denotes a parallel port driver,
The I / F 1511 provides an I / F when outputting data to an output device (not shown) via a parallel port.

[Application] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embedded application related to distribution. In the figure, reference numeral 4050 denotes a block indicating an operation unit application. A block 4100 indicates a transmitting side of the remote copy application. Reference numeral 4150 denotes a block indicating a transmitting side of the broadcast distribution. 4200 is Web
It is a block showing a Pull Print module. Reference numeral 4250 denotes a block indicating a Web Server module.

Reference numeral 4300 denotes a block indicating the remote copy receiving side. Reference numeral 4350 denotes a block for receiving and printing the image transmitted by the broadcast by a general-purpose printer. Reference numeral 4400 denotes a block indicating the receiving side (printing side) of the remote print. 4450 is a publicly known Note Serv.
This block is received and stored by the er.

Reference numeral 4500 denotes a block for receiving and storing the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution as a binary image. Reference numeral 4550 denotes a block for receiving and storing the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution by a known Mail Server. Reference numeral 4600 denotes a block for receiving and storing the multi-valued image transmitted by the broadcast distribution. 4650
Is a well-known Web server containing information content
It is a block showing. 4700 is Web Server
1 shows a known Web Browser that accesses r and the like.

Hereinafter, a group of applications will be described with reference to each block. (User Interface application)
User Interface shown in block 4050
e (UI) is as described above. Here, Add
The less Book4051 will be shown. This Add
The less book 4051 is stored in a non-volatile storage device (such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk) in the device, in which characteristics of the device connected to the network are described. For example, the device's official name or alias name, the device's network address, the device's processable network protocol, the device's processable document format, the device's processable compression type,
These are the image resolution that can be processed by the device, the paper size that can be fed in the case of a printer device, paper feed stage information, and the name of a folder that can store documents in the case of a server (computer) device.

Each of the following applications is an Address
It is possible to determine the characteristics of the distribution destination based on the information described in the ss Book 4051. Also, this Add
The less book can be edited, and can be downloaded from a server computer or the like in a network and used, or can be directly referred to.

(Remote Copy Application) The remote copy application sends resolution information that can be processed by the device designated as the distribution destination to the Address Book.
4051, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed by using a known MMR compression, and is compressed by a known TIFF (Tagged Image Fi).
le Format), and transmits it to the printer device on the network through the SLM 4103. SLM410
3 is a well-known Salutation Manager
(Or Smart Link Manager) is a type of network protocol that includes device control information and the like.

(Broadcast Distribution Application) Unlike the remote copy application, the broadcast distribution application can transmit images to a plurality of distribution destinations by one image scanning. The distribution destination is not limited to the printer device, and can be directly distributed to a so-called server computer.

When the destination device is a well-known network printer protocol, LIPS (Line Print)
r Daemon), it is possible to process a known LIPS as a printer control command.
If it is determined by ok4051, similarly, Address
An image is read according to the image resolution determined by the Book 4051, and the read image is
BE (First Binary Encoding)
, And further converted to LIPS, and transmitted to the partner device by LPR, which is a known network printer protocol.

If the destination device is a server device that can communicate with the SLM, the address book 4051 determines the server address and the designation of the folder in the server, and the binary image read by the scanner is read in the same manner as the remote copy application. Compress using known MMR compression and compress it using known TIFF (Tagged Im).
age file format, and can be stored in a specific folder of the server device on the network through the SLM.

In the present embodiment, when the server as the partner device determines that the known JPEG-compressed multi-valued image can be processed, the image is read out in the same manner as the binary image by reading the multi-valued image. It can be converted into a known JFIF using JPEG compression and stored in a specific folder of a server device on a network through an SLM.

If the destination device is a publicly known E-mail server, the mail address described in Address Book 4051 is determined, and the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using publicly known MMR compression. It is converted to a known TIFF and a known SMTP (Simple
Mail Transfer Protocol) 41
Send to e-mail server using 53. After that, the mail server (Mail Server) 455
0 is performed. (Web Pull Print application,
Web Server application) Web Pu
ll Print application and Web S
Since the server application is not directly related to the present embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[Operation Unit] In the operation unit 2012, as shown in FIG. 3, the LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet stuck on the LCD, and displays an operation screen of the system. When a key is pressed, the position information is transmitted to the controller CPU 2001.

A start key 2014 is used to start a document image reading operation. Start key 201
As described above, LEDs of two colors, green and red, are provided at the center of 4, and the colors indicate whether the start key 2014 can be used.

A stop key 2015 is used to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 2016 is used to input a user ID of a user. Reset key 2
017 is used when initializing the settings of the operation unit 2012.

(Operation Screen) FIG. 14 shows an operation screen. The functions of the operation screen are Copy, Send, Ret
rieve, Tasks, Management, Co
nfiguration, which is divided into six large categories, and displayed at the top of the operation screen 3010.
Two main tabs (COPY, SEND, RETRIEV
E, TASKS, MGMT, CONFIG) 3011
3016.

By pressing these main tabs, switching to a screen of each category is performed. If switching to another category is not allowed, the display color of the main tab changes and there is no response even if the main tab is pressed.

The Copy function has a function of copying a normal document using its own scanner and printer, and a function of copying a document using a printer connected to its own scanner and a network (remote copy). )including.

The Send function is a function for transferring a document placed on the scanner of the own device to an e-mail, a remote printer, a facsimile, a file transfer (FTP) and a database, and it is possible to designate a plurality of destinations. .

The Retrieve function is a function of acquiring an external document and printing it with its own printer. WWW, e-mail, file transfer, and fax can be used as a document acquisition means.

The Tasks function automatically processes a document sent from outside such as a facsimile or an Internet print, and periodically generates and manages a task for performing Retrieve.

The Management function manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, documents, account information, and the like. With the configuration function, settings related to the own device (network, clock, etc.)
I do. A method for setting these functions will be described below using an LCD screen display.

(ID Input Screen) FIG. 15 shows an ID input screen. ID after power on and ID key pressed
An input screen 3020 is displayed. ID input screen 3020
Then, when the user correctly inputs the user ID and the password using the numeric keypad 3023 and presses the OK button 3024, the above-described operation screen is displayed and the operation becomes possible. ID input area 3021 and password input area 302
Switching of 2 can be performed by directly pressing the input area.

If the input of the user ID or the password is incorrect, an error screen is displayed. FIG. 16 shows an error screen. On the error screen 3030,
A message “Invalid ID or Password” is displayed. In this case, the confirmation key 3032
By pressing, it is possible to return to the ID input screen again.

(COPY Screen) FIG. 17 is a view showing a COPY main screen. When the start button is pressed during the display of the COPY main screen, the scanner operates, and the selected printer outputs a copy according to each setting parameter displayed on the screen.

A COPY main screen 3100 includes a printer selection button 3103, a printer display area 3102,
Image Quality selection button 3105 and Image Quality display area 3104, copy parameter display 3101 similar to a conventional copying machine, same-size setting button 3106, enlargement setting button 3107, paper selection button 3108, sorter setting button 3110, double-sided copy setting button 3112 , A density indicator and density setting button 3109, and a numeric keypad 3114.

When the printer selection button 3103 is pressed, a list 3120 of available printers (own printers and printers connected via a network) is displayed in a pull-down display. FIG. 18 shows a printer list display.
When a desired printer is selected from the list, the list disappears and the selected printer name is displayed in the printer display area 3102.

Image Quality setting button 3
Press 105 to get Image Quality List 31
25 is displayed, and the desired Image Qua
lite can be selected. FIG. 19 shows an image.
It is a figure which shows Quality list display.

When each copy parameter setting button described above is pressed, a sub-screen (enlargement / reduction setting sub-screen 3130, paper selection sub-screen 31)
40, a sorter setting sub-screen 3150, and a double-sided copy setting sub-screen 3160) are displayed, and parameters can be set in the same manner as in a conventional copying machine. Also, the density setting can be operated in the same manner as in a conventional copying machine. FIG. 20 shows an enlargement / reduction setting sub-screen. FIG. 21 shows a paper selection sub-screen. FIG. 22 shows a sorter setting sub-screen. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a double-sided copy setting sub-screen.

(SEND Screen) FIG. 24 is a view showing a SEND main screen. When the start button is pressed when the Send screen is displayed, the scanner operates to start processing for transmitting the read image data to the set destination by the transmission method specified. The Send main screen 3200 includes a destination display area 3202, a detailed destination number display area 3203, a destination scroll button 3204, and a delete button 32.
11, Subject input area 3205, Message
e input area 3206, File Name input area 32
07, Cover page check button 3212,
Put Into HD check button 3213, Pr
int Out check button 3214, Scan S
It consists of an etting button 3215.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a SEND initial screen. At initialization including reset, SEND initial screen 3
As shown in 201, a list of input destinations is displayed in the destination display area 3202. Inputs are added sequentially to the end. The number of destinations currently set is displayed in the detailed destination number display area 3203. When a delete button 3211 is pressed after selecting a destination from the destination display area, the selected destination is deleted. Subject
Input area 3205, Message input area 3206,
When the File Name input area 3207 is pressed, a full keyboard is displayed, and each input can be performed.

(Address Book Sub-Screen) FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the address book sub-screen. Address
When the Book button 3208 is pressed, an address book sub screen 3220 is displayed. Address book display area 322
By pressing the OK button 3231, the destination marked with the selection mark 3232 in 1 is added to the destination display area 3202 of the SEND main screen.

By pressing the sort item setting buttons 3224 to 3226, the address book is sorted by class, in ascending name order, and in descending name order. Item selection number display area 3
In 227, the number of items marked with a selection mark is displayed.

When the OK button 3231 or the cancel button 3230 is pressed, the address book sub screen is closed and the SEND main screen is displayed. When a “Detail” button 3229 is pressed while one item in the address book is selected, a “Detail” sub screen 3235 is displayed.
Is displayed. On the Detail sub-screen 3235, all information obtained from the address book as information on the selected item is displayed. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the Detail sub-screen.

(Search sub-screen) When the Search button 3228 in the address book sub-screen is pressed, a search sub-screen 3240 for searching for a destination from the local address book or an external address server is displayed. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a search sub-screen.

The upper part of the search sub screen is a search condition setting part. The currently selected class is displayed in the search target class display area 3245, the search target attribute display area 3247, the search target condition display area 3249, and the search target address book display area 3252. When a search target class setting button 3246 is pressed, a search target class list is displayed. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a search target class list display. The one selected from this list is displayed in the search target class display area 3245. Search target attribute setting button 3
By pressing 248, a search target attribute list 3261 is displayed. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a search target attribute list display screen.

The attributes displayed in this list change as follows depending on the selected search target class. Com
mon Name ・ Address ・ Country (Class: Person) 、 Common Name ・ own
er ・ Location ・ Model ・ Type ・ Re
solution ・ Color ・ Finisher (Class: Printer) 、 Common Name ・ Me
mber (class: Group), all attributes (class: Everything).

When a search target condition setting button 3250 is pressed, a search target condition list 3262 is displayed, and a condition is selected from the list. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a search target condition list display screen. When a search target address book setting button 3253 is pressed, a search target address book list 3263 is displayed, and it is possible to select from the list. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a list display screen of the search target address book. Search target attribute value input area 3251
Pressing displays a full keyboard 3040, which allows the user to enter a value. FIG. 33 shows a full keyboard 30.
FIG. Do Search button 32
When 54 is pressed, a search is performed according to the set search conditions.

The search results are displayed in a search result display area 3241, and the number of search results is displayed in a search result number display area 3244. When one of the items in the search result display area is pressed and the Delay button 3255 is pressed, detailed information 3235 for the item is displayed. The selection mark 3 is added to the items in the search result display area to be added to the destination.
265 is added. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a search result screen.

When the OK button 3257 is pressed, the search sub-screen is closed, the screen returns to the SEND main screen, and the item to which the selection mark has been added is added to the destination. When the cancel button 3256 is pressed, the search sub screen is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen, but the destination remains unchanged.

[Detailed Destination Sub-Screen] When the New button 3209 on the SEND main screen is pressed, a Person class detail sub-screen 3270 is displayed, and a new destination can be set. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a Person class details sub screen. Enter the destination by the transmission method (email,
When a transmission method selection button 3271 to 3274 corresponding to a fax, a printer, or FTP) is pressed, or a detailed destination input area 3275 to 3278 is pressed, a ten-key keyboard 3050 for fax and a full keyboard 304 for others.
"0" is displayed and input becomes possible. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a numeric keyboard.

Reference numerals 3279 to 3282 denote buttons for performing transmission options of the respective transmission methods, but a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. E with the Person class destination selected on the SEND main screen
When the dent button 3210 is pressed, the Person class details sub screen 3290 is also displayed. FIG. 37 shows Pe
It is a figure showing an rson class details subscreen.

The details of the selected destination are displayed in the corresponding areas of the detailed destination input areas 3275 to 3278. When the keyboard is displayed by the above-described method, the destination can be edited. The Edit button 321 is displayed when the destination of the Data Base class is selected on the SEND main screen.
When 0 is pressed, a Data Base class details sub screen 3310 is displayed. FIG. 38 shows Data Bass.
It is a figure showing an e-class details subscreen. The database class details sub screen 3310 includes a database name 331
1. A folder list 3312 is displayed.

When the Edit button 3210 is pressed while the destination of the Group class is selected on the SEND main screen, the Group class details sub screen 3320
Is displayed. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a Group class details sub screen. Group class details sub screen 332
At 0, a group member display 3321 is displayed.

[HD SETTING sub-screen] Put
When an Into check button 3213 is pressed, HD SETTIN for setting for transmission to the hard disk is set.
The G sub screen 3330 is displayed. FIG. 40 shows the HD SE
It is a figure showing a TTING subscreen. The detailed description is omitted.

[Print out sub screen] SEND
Print out check button 321 on the main screen
When 4 is pressed, a printout sub screen 3340 is displayed. FIG. 41 shows the printout sub-screen. On the printout sub screen 3340, the number of prints, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, double-sided printing, sorting, resolution, and the like are set. When a paper size selection button 3345 is pressed, a paper size list 3360 is displayed, from which a paper size is selected. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a paper size list display screen. When the sorter selection button 3350 is pressed, a list 3365 of selectable sorters is displayed. FIG. 43 shows a sorter list display screen.

[Scan Setting sub screen] S
Scan Setting button 3 on the END main screen
If you press 215, Scan Setting sub screen 3
370 is displayed. FIG. 44 shows Scan Settin.
It is a figure showing a g subscreen. Scan Setting
When one scan setting is selected from the Preset mode selection area 3371 in the sub screen, the corresponding display area 3377, 3379, 3381 is displayed with the preset resolution, scan mode, and density. These values can be changed manually.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a paper size list display. Reference numeral 3390 denotes a screen in which a paper size selection list is displayed in a pull-down list.
Select an orientation. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a resolution list display. FIG. 47 shows a scan mode list display. Reference numerals 3391 and 3392 denote a state in which a resolution and a scan mode list are displayed in a pull-down manner.

[RETRIEVE screen] FIG. 48 shows RET
It is a figure showing a RIEVE main screen. RETRIEV
E main screen 3400 includes WWW, E-mail, F
ax, FTP subtabs 3401, 3402, 340
3, 3404 and a PUT INTO HD check button 3405 commonly used in each sub category, PR
An INT SETTING button 3406 is displayed.
Pressing a subtab will cause the corresponding WWW, E-ma
The sub screens il, Fax, and FTP are displayed. At the time of initialization including reset, a WWW sub screen is displayed.

[WWW Sub-screen] When the start button is pressed when the WWW sub-screen is displayed, the home page is printed according to the settings displayed on the screen. However, UR
If nothing is displayed in the L input area, no function is performed even if the start button is pressed.

When the user presses a URL input area 3411 on the WWW sub screen 3400, a full keyboard 3040 is displayed, and direct input of the URL becomes possible. Link Dep
When the th3412 and Max Pages 3414 input areas are pressed, a numeric keyboard 3050 is displayed, and it becomes possible to directly input a numerical value.

[Bookmark sub-screen] Bookm
When an ark button 3419 is pressed, a Bookmark sub screen 3460 is displayed. Fig. 49 is a Bookmark
It is a figure showing a sub screen. A list of set bookmarks is displayed in a bookmark display area 3461 in the Bookmark sub screen, and a selected display state is established by pressing any one line. OK button 3466
When the user presses the button, the Bookmark sub screen 47 is closed, and the URL corresponding to the selected item is displayed in the URL input area of the WWW sub screen 46. Bookm
Descriptions of the functions of the other buttons in the ark sub screen are omitted.

[E-mail Sub Screen] FIG.
It is a figure showing an aile subscreen. On the E-mail sub screen 3430, settings for receiving the E-mail are made. When each of the input areas 3431 to 433 is pressed, a full keyboard 3040 is displayed, and input becomes possible.

[Fax Sub-Screen] FIG. 51 shows the Fax sub-screen. On the fax sub screen 3440, a fax number is input. When the input area 3441 is pressed,
A numeric keyboard 3050 is displayed, and a fax number can be input.

[FTP Server Sub-Screen] FIG. 52
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an FTP Server sub screen. FT
On the P Server sub screen 3450, settings for receiving data from the server are made. Each input area 3451
When the user presses ~ 3453, a full keyboard 3040 is displayed and input becomes possible.

[HD Setting sub screen] Put Into HD check button 3 common to each category
By pressing 405, the HD setting sub screen 333
0 is displayed. Features HD Sending from Send
Same as the sub screen.

[Print setting sub-screen]
FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a Print setting sub screen. Print Settings that are common to each category
When g button 3406 is pressed, Print settin
The g sub screen 3470 is displayed. Function is Send P
This is the same as the printout sub screen.

[TASKS Main Screen] FIG.
It is a figure showing a KS main screen. When the start key is pressed while the TASKS main screen 3500 is displayed, an automatic RETRIEVE operation is performed in accordance with the parameters set on the TASKS main screen. The TASKS main screen 3500 includes WWW, E-
mail, Print Receive, Fax Re
sub tab 350 of “ceive”, “Fax Polling”
1 to 3505 are displayed. At the time of initialization including reset, the WWW sub screen 3500 is displayed.

[WWW sub-screen] In the WWW task list display area 3511, tasks held in the device are displayed in the order of input. Tasks that need to be actually executed are marked with a selection mark. Tasks for which no selection mark is displayed are held in the device as tasks, but are not actually executed.

When the New button 3513 is pressed, a WWW task details sub screen 3520 is displayed, and a new task can be input. The WWW task details sub screen will be described later. When an Edit button 3514 is pressed while one task is selected from the WWW task list, the WWW task details sub screen 3 including the selected task information is displayed.
520 is displayed, and the settings can be edited.
De with one task selected from the WWW task list
Pressing the let button 3515 deletes the selected task.

[WWW Task Details Sub Screen] FIG.
It is a figure showing a WW task details subscreen. The WWW task details sub-screen 3520 includes components 3521 to 533 having functions common to the RETRIEVE main screen and the RETRIEVE WWW sub-screen, a check time display area 3534, and a check time setting button 35.
35, a PRINT WHENCHANGED check button 3536, a transfer check button 3537, an OK button 3539, and a cancel button 3538 are displayed.
A description of the common parts with RETRIEV is omitted.

The check time display area 3534 has a WW
When the W task setting sub-screen is displayed by the New button, an empty day is displayed, and when the W task setting sub-screen is displayed by the Edit button, the set task execution time is displayed. Immediately after the setting is performed on the check time sub-screen described later, the set task execution time is displayed.
When the check time setting button 3535 is pressed, a check time sub-screen described later is displayed, and it becomes possible to set the timing at which the task is executed.

[Check Time Sub Screen] FIG. 56 is a diagram showing the check time sub screen. Check time sub screen 3550 includes schedule mode setting button 3
551-3553, a time input area 3554, an OK button 3558, and a cancel button 3557 are displayed. In addition, of the schedule mode setting buttons, Once
When the button 3551 is selected, the month input area 35
55, a date input area 3556 is displayed. Weekl
Check day button 35 when y button 3552 is selected
61 is displayed. FIG. 57 shows the Weekly button 355
It is a figure showing check time subscreen 3560 at the time of selection 2. When the Monthly button 3553 is selected, a date input area 3571 is displayed. FIG. 58 shows a check time sub screen 3570 when the Monthly button 3553 is selected.
FIG. When each of the input areas is pressed, a numeric keyboard 3050 is displayed, and a numerical value can be input. The day setting check button allows selection of a plurality of days.

[MGMT screen] FIG.
FIG. 35 shows an ent screen 3600. This detailed description is omitted.

[CONFIG screen] FIG.
It is a figure showing the modification screen 3700. This detailed description is omitted.

[Full Keyboard] The full keyboard 3040 shown in FIG. 33 is displayed when a character input area is pressed. WWW. When the button 3041 and the com button 3042 are pressed, “WWW.”
"m" is input. The other keys have the same functions as in the related art, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[Ten-Keyboard] The ten-key keyboard 3050 shown in FIG. 36 is displayed when a numeric input area or a month input area is pressed. Description of each key is omitted.

[Error screen] Error screen 3 shown in FIG.
030 is displayed when there is any error.
The error screen includes a message display area 3031 for displaying an error message in text, and an OK button 3032 for closing the error screen.

[Device lnformation]
Service (DIS)] Controls the setting values for jobs, functions of devices (scanners, printers, etc.), status, billing information, etc.
A database that holds data in a data format conforming to the API, and an I / F with the database are DeviceInf
operation service (hereinafter referred to as DIS).

FIG. 61 shows DIS7102, Job Man.
ager7101, Scan Manager7103
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating data exchange between the Print Manager 7104 and a Print Manager 7104. Basically, dynamic information such as a job start command is transmitted from the JobManager 7101 to each of the Document Managers 7103 and 71.
04 is directly instructed, and static information such as device functions and job contents is referred to by the DIS 7102.
Static and dynamic information and events from each Document Manager are sent to the Job Ma via the DIS7102.
The information is transmitted to the namer 7101.

When setting and acquiring data from each Document Manager to the DIS database, the internal data format of DIS is set to Control API.
Since it is compliant, a mutual conversion process between a data format compliant with the Control API and a data format that can be understood by each Document Manager is performed. For example, when setting status data from each document manager, the device-specific data is interpreted, converted into corresponding data defined by the control API, and written into the DIS database.

When setting and acquiring data from the Job Manager to the DIS database, the Job
No data conversion occurs between Manager and DIS. In DIS, the Document Management
The event data is updated based on various event information notified from r.

FIG. 62 is a view showing various databases (DB) held in the DIS. In the figure, the round rectangles represent individual DBs. A Superv 7201 holds status and user information about the entire device.
Information that needs to be backed up, such as a user ID and a password, is stored in a non-volatile storage device such as an HD device or a backup memory.

Reference numeral 7202 denotes a Scan component.
DB, 7203 is Print Component
DB, and these Component DBs are held corresponding to each existing Component. For example, if the device consists of only a printer, Print C
In the case where there is only a component DB and a device provided with a facsimile, the FAX component DB
Is held. Each Component DB has a corresponding Document Management at the time of initialization.
r sets the function and status of Component.

Reference numeral 7204 denotes a scan job service.
ce DB, 7205 is PrintJob Service
ce DB. These Job Services
In the DB, similarly to the Component DB, at the time of initialization, the corresponding Document Manager sets the functions that can be used by the device and the support status thereof.

Next, Job DB, Document
The DB will be described. 7206 is Scan Job
DB, 7207 is each Job of Print Job DB
DB, 7208 is Scan Document D
B, 7209 is a Print Document DB.

The Job DB and the Document DB are dynamically secured and initialized by the Job manager each time a Job and a Document accompanying the Job are generated, and necessary items are set. Each Docum
The ent Manager sets the Job before the Job processing starts.
Items necessary for processing are read from the DB and the Document DB, and Job is started.

After that, when the Job ends, these Jobs
b and the DB of the Document attached thereto are released. Since a Job has one or more Documents, a plurality of Documents for one Job
A DB may be secured.

Reference numeral 7210 denotes each Document Mana.
A database holding event information notified from the ger. Reference numeral 7211 denotes a counter table for recording the number of times of scanning and the number of times of printing of the apparatus.

Events notified from the Document Manager include ScanDocument M
Status transition of Component from the analyzer 7103, completion of Scan processing operation, various errors, Pr
There is a state transition of the Component from the int DocumentManager 7104, the completion of the print processing, a paper jam, a paper cassette oven, and the like, and an event ID for identifying each event is predetermined.

When an event is issued from the Document Manager, the DIS 7102 registers the issued event ID in the event database 7211 and, if necessary, detailed data accompanying the event. Also,
When the cancellation of the event is notified from the Document Manager, the event data designated to be canceled is deleted from the event database 7211.

When an event is polled by the Job Manager 7101, the DIS 7102 refers to the event database 7210, and returns the currently generated event ID and, if necessary, detailed data accompanying the event to the Job Manager 7102. If not, reply to that effect.

Also, when the Scan processing operation is completed, Print
When the processing operation completion event is notified, Scan,
The counter value of the user who has performed the printing is updated. This software counter is written back to the backed-up memory device or the non-volatile storage device of the HD device every time the value is updated so that the value is not lost due to accidental power-off or the like.

[Scan Operation] The scan operation will be described in detail. FIG. 63 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a part related to the scanning operation. The PCI bus 8105 includes a CPU 81
01, memory 8102, image compression / decompression board (CO
DEC) 8104 and a SCSI I / F circuit 8103 that provides an I / F for connecting the scanner 8107 to the system.

The SCSI I / F circuit 8103 and the scanner function unit 8107 of the copier having a scanner or a composite function are connected to the SCSI interface cable 8103.
It is connected at 106. An IDE controller 8108 is connected to the PCI bus 8105, and an IDE controller 8108 is connected via the IDE cable 8109 to the IDE controller 8108.
ard Disk 8110.

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a software structure relating to the scanning operation. Job Manager820
1 has a function of classifying and storing application-level requests. The DIS 8202 stores parameters required for a scan operation from the application level. The request from the application is stored in the memory 8102. The scan operation management unit 8203 is a job manager.
Information necessary for performing a scan is acquired from the ER8201 and the DIS8202.

The scan operation management unit 8203 stores Job M
The table receives the job number and document number table data 8301 shown in FIG. 65 from the "analoger" 8201 and scans the scan parameters 8302 from the DIS 8202 based on the job number and document number table data 8301.
Receive. FIG. 65 is a diagram showing table data 8301 of job numbers and document numbers.

Thus, the scan is performed based on the scan conditions requested by the application. The scan operation management unit 8203 passes the scan parameters 8302 obtained from the DIS 8202 to the scan sequence control unit 8204 in document number order. Scan sequence control unit 82 that has received scan parameters 8302
04 according to the content of the scan image attribute 8308
The CSI control unit 8207 is controlled. FIG. 66 is a view showing the scan parameters 8302.

As a result, the PCI bus 8105 shown in FIG.
SCSI controller 8103 connected to
Is operated, a scan is executed by sending a SCSI control command to the scanner 8107 via the SCSI cable 8106.

The scanned image is a SCSI Cable
SCSI Controller 81 via 8106
03, and further stored in the memory 8102 via the PCI bus 8105.

The scan sequence control unit 8204 completes the scan, and sets the Memory via the PCI bus 8105.
When the image is stored in the y8102, the compression / decompression control unit 820 is used to compress the scan image stored in the Memory 8102 according to the content of the scan image compression format 8309 of the scan parameter 8302.
Make a request to 5. Upon receiving the request, the compression / decompression control unit 8205 controls the C connected to the PCI bus 8105.
Using the ODEC 8104, compression is performed by specifying the scan image compression format 8309 from the scan sequence control unit 8204. The compression / decompression control unit 8205 transfers the compressed image to the memory 8102 via the PCI bus 8105.
To be stored.

The scan sequence control unit 8204 is different from the compression / decompression control unit 8205 in that the scan image compression format 830 is used.
Compress the scanned image to the format specified in Step 9
ry8102, the scan parameter 8
Me according to image file type 8307 of
The compressed scan image stored in the memory 8102 is filed.

The scan sequence control unit 8204 sends the scan parameters 8 to the file system 8206.
A request is made to create a file in the file format specified by the image file type 8307 of 302. The file system 8206 stores the Mem according to the image file type 8307 from the scan sequence control unit 8204.
The compressed image stored in the ory 8102 is converted into a file, and the IDE con
transfer to the controller8108 and the IDE Cable
IDE Hard Disk 8110 via 8109
The compressed image scanned is transferred to a file.

The scan sequence control unit 8204 determines that the file system 8206 is an IDE Hard Disk 8
At the point when the filed image is stored in 110, Sc
It is determined that the processing of one document on the answerer 8107 has been completed, and a scan end notification is sent back to the scan operation management unit 8203.

At this point, there is a document on the Scanner 8107 that has not been scanned yet, and Job
If there is a scan request from the Manager 8201, the scan request is made to the scan sequence control unit 8204 again using the scan parameters 8302 stored in the DIS 8202.

When there is no unscanned document on the Scanner 8107, or when Job Man
If there is no scan request from the aggregator 8201, it is determined that the scan operation has been completed and Job M
The scanner 8201 issues a scan end notification.

[Print Operation] Details of the print operation will be described. FIG. 67 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portion related to a printing operation. The PCI bus 9005 includes a CPU 90
01, memory 9002, image compression / decompression board 900
And an I / F board 900 for providing an I / F for connecting the printer 9007 to the system
3 are connected. Engine I / F board 90
03 and a printer (or a printer function unit of a copying apparatus having a composite function) 9007 are connected by an engine interface cable 9006.

The engine I / F board 9003 has a DPRAM inside, and sets parameters to the printer, reads the status of the printer, and exchanges print control commands via the DPRAM. Also, this board has a video controller, and an engine interface cable 9
VCLK (Video clo
ck) and HSYNC, and transmits image data developed on the PCI bus to the printer 9007 via the engine interface cable 9006.

FIG. 68 is a diagram showing the transmission timing of image data transmitted to the printer 9007 via the engine interface cable 9006. VCLK
Is always output, and HSYNC is given in synchronization with the start of one line of the printer. The Video controller reads data for the set image width (WIDTH) from the memory (SOURCE) on the set PCI bus, and outputs the data to the engine interface cable 9006 as a Video signal. This is designated line (L
INE) After repeating, generate an IMAGE END interrupt.

As described above, the control API 1518 is transmitted from the application program on the CPU.
When a print job instruction is passed to the
The API 1518 converts this to a controller level Job.
The job is passed to the Manager 7101 as a job. Furthermore, the Job Manager 7101 stores the job settings in the DIS 7102 and prints the Print Manager.
er 7104 is instructed to start a job. Print
When the Manager 7104 receives the job, the DIS 7
Read information required for job execution from 7102, and select En
The setting is made in the printer 9007 via the Gine I / F board 9003 and the DPRAM.

FIG. 69 is a view showing the setting items of the Engine I / F board. FIG. 70 shows the DPRAM of the printer.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing setting items, control commands, and status commands via the. Uncompressed, letter (11 ") for simplicity
x8.5) Size, binary image, one page print,
The operation of this job will be specifically described as a printer having a performance of 600 dpi.

First, when this job is received, Print
The Manager 7104 calculates the number of image bytes of the width of the image (in this case, the side of 8.5 ″).

WIDTH = 8.5 × 600/8 ÷ 630
(Bytes) Next, the number of lines is calculated.

LINES = 11 × 600 = 6600 (Lines) These calculated values and the SOURCE address where the given image of the first page is stored are set to WIDTH, LINES, and SOURCE shown in FIG. 69. I do. At this point, the Engine I / F board 9003 has completed the preparation for image output, but has not output image data because the HSYNC signal has not been received from the printer 9007 (VCLK has been received).

Next, Print Manager 710
4 is a predetermined address (Bo) of the DPRAM shown in FIG.
ok No) is written with the value 1 which is the number of output copies. Thereafter, a request to feed the output paper for the first page (FEED
REQ) and IMAGE from the printer 9007
Wait for REQ. IMAGE R from printer 9007
When the EQ comes, give IMAGE START. In response to this, the printer 9007 starts issuing HSYNC,
Engine I / F board 900 waiting for YNC
3 outputs an image. The printer 9007 outputs IMAGE END when detecting the rear end of the output sheet, and outputs SHEET OUT when the output sheet is discharged.

Print Manager 7104 is 1
In response to IMAGE END of the page, WIDTH, LINES and SOURCE of the second page are engineered.
It sets the I / F board 9003, issues a FEED REQ, and waits for an IMAGE REQ. Second page IM
The operation after the arrival of the AGE REQ is the same as that of the first page.

[Detailed Description of Software Counter] The details of the software counter will be described. Here, HDD 2004 (magnetic disk), SRAM (backed-up memory) 2004A, and EEPRO are used as non-volatile storage devices for holding the value of the software counter.
M (rewritable ROM) 2004B is shown. SRAM 2004A and EEPROM 20
04B is a system bus 200 like the RAM 2002.
7 is connected to the software.
d / Write access is possible.

FIG. 71 shows the data structure of the software counter held in the storage device. The software counter data includes a counter value main unit 110 and a counter check data unit 120 generated from the counter value. The counter value is the Cop at which the paper was discharged.
It is divided into items such as y, Print, FAX operation type, paper size, paper type (plain paper / OHP). Further, a total counter for recording the total number of discharged sheets is provided.

In this embodiment, the checksum of all counter values for each of Copy, print, FAX, and Total is used as counter check data.
In addition, check data can be prepared for each counter value.

FIG. 72 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of the count up subroutine of the counter. Paper ejection,
Printed paper information, job type, etc. are Print Ma
Prin since it is detected by the
Each time the tManager 1526 detects discharge, it calls a count-up subroutine using the parameters of the job information and the count-up counter identification information.

When called by the Print Manager 1526 and control is transferred to the count-up routine, first, it is determined whether or not the job information of the parameter and the identification information of the counter to be counted are within the correct range.
It is determined whether the combination of the job information and the count-up target is correct (step S201). If the parameters are not correct, the process ends.

On the other hand, if the parameters are correct, the SRA
The counter value and the counter check data to be counted up are read from the M, EEPROM, and HDD, and it is checked whether the counter value held in each storage device and the check data are consistent (step S202). ).

Then, it is determined whether or not the consistency of the counter data of all the storage devices is maintained (step S).
203). If the consistency of the counter data of at least one storage device is lost, that is, if it is determined that there is a storage device having counter data that may have been destroyed for some reason, the counter data can be recovered. It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S206).

When the counter data is recoverable,
The counter data of the storage device whose consistency is lost is replaced with the counter data of the storage device whose consistency is maintained (step S207). After that, the processing shifts to the processing of step S210.

On the other hand, in step S206, the SRAM and EE
If the consistency of the counter data of all the storage devices of the PROM and the HDD is lost, since there is no longer any reliable counter data, the operation of the device is displayed as a fatal error that the operation of the device cannot be continued. Screen 20
At 13, a display notifying the user is displayed, and
All operations involving paper ejection are prohibited (step S208),
The process ends. As a result, all the counter data are always in a correct and consistent state, or the device operation is stopped as an unrecoverable error.

On the other hand, in step S203, the SRAM,
If the consistency of all the storage devices of the EEPROM and the HDD is maintained, the values of the individual counter data to be counted up are compared between the storage devices, and whether or not all the counter data values are equal is determined. Determine (Step S20)
4). If all the counter data values are equal, the process directly proceeds to the process of step S210.

On the other hand, when the three counter data values do not match among the SRAM, EEPROM, and HDD, for example, when there are two storage devices having the same value, the counter values of the remaining storage devices are set to The counter values of the two storage devices that match each other, that is, the counter values of the storage devices selected by majority decision, are replaced, and the counter check data is recalculated and replaced (step S205). Further, for example, when all the counter values of the three storage devices are different, since the consistency of the counter data is maintained in each storage device, the storage determined to be the most reliable based on the storage method is performed. The counter data of the remaining two storage devices are replaced using the counter data of the device. At this time, the counter data existing in all the storage devices maintain the consistency and all have the same value.

Then, the counter data of each target storage device is actually counted up, and further, the counter check data is calculated and written to each storage device (steps S210, S211 and S212). At this time, the operations of counting up and writing the counter check data are performed as a series of operations on each storage device in order to cope with an unexpected power-off.

That is, in this embodiment, the EEPROM
2004B count up and writing of counter value,
Calculation of the counter check data of the EEPROM and writing of the counter check data are performed (step S21).
0), count up and write the counter value to the SRAM 200A4, calculate the counter check data of the SRAM, and write the counter check data (step S211), and count up and write the counter value to the HDD 2004; The check data is calculated and the counter check data is written (step S212). Thus, the count-up process ends.

As a result of this processing, the software counter data reflects the number of sheets that have been discharged by the apparatus and is recorded together with the counter check data.
Each counter data of the RAM, the EEPROM, and the HDD is in a correct and consistent state. In addition, it is possible to improve the reliability by performing this process whenever the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, but has the functions indicated in the claims or the configurations of the embodiments. Any configuration that can achieve the function is applicable. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which an SRAM, an EEPROM, and an HDD are used as a plurality of non-volatile storage devices having different storage methods. Any device may be used, and a magneto-optical disk (MO), a memory card (for example, a flash ROM) or the like may be used. Further, in the present embodiment, even when the type of the recording medium is simply different, the storage device is described as having a different storage method. For example, even when a hard disk and a floppy disk are used as storage devices, these are storage devices having different storage methods.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.) or may be applied to an apparatus including one device. .

It is needless to say that the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus using a recording medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments. Nor. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the program code shown in the flowchart of FIG.
03 is stored. The storage medium for supplying the program code is not limited to the ROM, and may be, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk,
A magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used.

[0203]

According to the present invention, a counter value of a sheet to be discharged is stored together with check data in a plurality of nonvolatile storage means having different storage systems, and these data are collated. The reliability of the count value indicating the number of discharged sheets can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image input / output device in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit 2012.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a scanner image processing unit 2080.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer image processing unit 2090.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image compression unit 2040.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image rotation unit 2030.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating addresses of transfer source image data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating writing and reading directions of image data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device I / F unit 2020.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an entire network system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus).

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an embedded application related to distribution.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an operation screen.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an ID input screen.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an error screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a COPY main screen.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a printer list display.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an Image Quality list display.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an enlargement / reduction setting sub-screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a paper selection sub-screen.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a sorter setting sub screen.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a double-sided copy setting sub-screen.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a SEND main screen.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a SEND initial screen.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an address book sub screen.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a Detail sub screen.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a search sub screen.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a search target class list display.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a search target attribute list display screen.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a search target condition list display screen.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a search target address book list display screen.

FIG. 33 is a view showing a full keyboard 3040.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a search result screen.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a Person class details sub screen.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a numeric keyboard.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a Person class details sub screen.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a Data Base class details sub screen.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a Group class details sub screen.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an HD SETTING sub screen.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a printout sub screen.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a paper size list display screen.

FIG. 43 is a view showing a sorter list display screen.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a Scan Setting sub screen.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a paper size list display.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a resolution list display.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a scan mode list display.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a RETRIEVE main screen.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a Bookmark sub screen.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing an E-mail sub screen.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing a Fax sub screen.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an FTP Server sub screen.

FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a Print setting sub screen.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a TASKS main screen.

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing a WWW task details sub screen.

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a check time sub screen.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a check time sub-screen 3560 when the Weekly button 3552 is selected.

FIG. 58 is a view showing a check time sub screen 3570 when a Monthly button 3553 is selected.

FIG. 59 is a view showing a Management screen 3600.

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing a configuration screen 3700.

FIG. 61: DIS7102, Job Manager7
101, Scan Manager 7103 and Pr
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating exchange of data between int Managers 7104.

FIG. 62 is a diagram showing various databases (DB) held inside DIS.

FIG. 63 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a portion related to a scanning operation.

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a software structure related to a scan operation.

FIG. 65 is a diagram showing table data 8301 of job numbers and document numbers.

FIG. 66 is a view showing scan parameters 8302.

FIG. 67 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a portion related to a printing operation.

FIG. 68: engine interface cable 9006
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing transmission timings of image data transmitted to the printer 9007 via the printer.

FIG. 69 is a diagram showing setting items of an Engine I / F board.

FIG. 70 is a diagram illustrating setting items, control commands, and status commands via the DPRAM of the printer.

FIG. 71 is a diagram showing a data configuration of a software counter held in the storage device.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a count-up subroutine of a counter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 110 Counter value main body part 120 Counter check data part 1526 Print Manager 2001 CPU 2003 ROM 2004 HDD 2004A SRAM 2004B EEPROM 2012 Operation part 2000 Controller 2070 Scanner 2095 Printer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 G03G 21/00 392 394 F term (Reference) 2H027 DA45 DA46 DC03 DC11 DE07 EE07 EE08 EE10 EF03 EF09 EJ03 EJ04 EJ05 EJ06 EJ08 EJ13 EJ15 EK09 EK14 FA02 FA05 FA06 FA07 GA08 GA28 GB05 GB07 ZA07 ZA09 2H028 AB06 AC01 AC06 3F048 AA02 AA04 AA05 AB01 BC08 CA05 CC02 EA01 5C062 AA05 AA30 AB43 AB08 AB11 AB20 AE15 AF07 AF08 AF10 BA00 9A001 BB03 CC06 CC08 DD13 EE02 EE05 FF03 FZ05 HH24 HH27 HH28 HH34 JJ14 JJ25 JJ27 JJ35 KK42 LL02 LL03 LL09

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A counting means for counting the number of sheets that have been normally discharged as a counter value, and a check data generating means for generating check data for judging the validity based on the counted counter value. A plurality of storage means having different storage methods; a recording means for recording the generated check data together with the counter value in a plurality of storage means having different storage methods; and the recorded counter value and the check Consistency checking means for determining whether or not the consistency of the counter value stored in the storage means is maintained by collating data; and, as a result of the determination, the consistency is partially maintained. If there is a storage unit that does not have the consistency, the counter value of the storage unit that is determined not to maintain the consistency is replaced by the other storage method determined that the consistency is maintained. A counter value restoring means for restoring by replacing the counter value with the counter value of the storage means, and a stop means for stopping the apparatus when there is no storage means that maintains the consistency as a result of the determination. Counting device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the counter value recovery unit replaces the counter value of the storage unit determined to have the highest reliability based on the storage method when the counter values of all the storage units are different. The sheet counting device according to claim 1. 3. The sheet counting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said counter value restoring means replaces the counter value of a storage means selected by majority decision. 4. An acquisition unit for acquiring a counter value recorded by the recording unit, wherein before the counter value is acquired, the consistency is determined by the consistency determination unit, and the counter value is restored by the counter value recovery unit. 2. The sheet counting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein restoration is performed. 5. The sheet counting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at the time of power-on of the apparatus, the consistency judgment by said consistency judgment means and the restoration by said counter value restoration means are performed. 6. The sheet counting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counter value is a counter value used for charging a user. 7. The counter value is recorded separately for each operation such as copy, print, and facsimile operation types, paper size, paper type, and the like, for which ejection has been completed, and the check data is for the copy, print, facsimile, etc. 2. The sheet counting device according to claim 1, wherein the check sum is generated as a checksum of all counter values for each operation type. 8. A counting step of counting the number of sheets that have been normally discharged as a counter value, and a check data generating step of generating check data for determining validity based on the counted counter value. A recording step of recording the generated check data together with the counter value in a plurality of storage units having different storage methods; and by collating the recorded counter value with the check data, A consistency determination step for determining whether or not the consistency of the stored counter values is maintained; and as a result of the determination, if there is a storage device in which the consistency is not maintained, The counter value of the storage device determined not to maintain the consistency is replaced by the counter value of the storage device of another storage method determined to maintain the consistency. And the counter value recovery steps to recover replaced, the result of the determination, if the memory device wherein the integrity is held is not present, the sheet counting process and a stopping step of stopping the device. 9. A storage medium which is executed by a computer for controlling a sheet counting apparatus and stores a program for counting the number of sheets to be ejected, wherein the program counts the number of sheets which have been normally ejected. A counting step of counting as a value, a check data generating step of generating check data for judging the validity based on the counted counter value, and a step of combining the generated check data with the counter value. A recording step of recording the data in a plurality of storage devices having different storage methods, and comparing the recorded counter value with the check data to determine whether or not the consistency of the counter value stored in the storage device is maintained. A consistency determination step of determining whether or not a result of the determination indicates that the consistency is not maintained in part When the device is present, the counter value of the storage device determined to have not maintained the consistency is replaced with the counter value of the storage device of another storage method determined to have maintained the consistency. A storage medium comprising: a counter value restoring step of restoring; and a stopping step of stopping the apparatus when there is no storage apparatus that maintains the consistency as a result of the determination.