JP2001339561A - Composite image processing unit and recovering method in network copying - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composite image processing unit and a recovering method in network copying that ensures to continuously output an image even when an output side composite image processing unit cannot conduct output and to output an image to a remote place at the same cost. SOLUTION: When a composite image processing unit at an image output destination reaches a state of disabled image output (14001), the processing unit retrieves a composite image processing unit that is possibly a substitute unit of itself at application of power from a network in place of itself (14002-14004, 14007), and transfers image data from an image output source to the substitute unit (14005) so as to continuously execute the image output.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a composite image processing apparatus and a recovery method in network copying, and more particularly to a composite image processing apparatus having a scanner, a printer, a network interface, a file system, and an image processing system, and a recovery method in network copying. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a composite image processing apparatus which combines a scanner, a printer, and a file system which can be shared on a network using a network and a network interface.

In this case, a plurality of application programs using a scanner, a printer, and a file system are prepared in the composite image processing apparatus to satisfy a user's request, and an application program is selected from a user interface according to the user's needs. It is a common practice to run it.

For example, when realizing a remote copy function of outputting image data read by a composite image processing apparatus operated by a user to another composite image processing apparatus connected via a network, an application for remote copy is required. The program exists in the composite image processing apparatus, and the user issues an instruction to a remote copy application using a user interface. The remote copy application that receives the instruction from the user can realize the remote copy function by using a scanner, an image processing system that controls compression / decompression, a network interface, a printer, and a storage medium. By using this remote copy function, images can be easily exchanged between devices connected via a network.

[0005] In such a composite image processing apparatus, the read image is transferred, and is output to a storage medium such as a sheet of paper or a hard disk, or the output destination of the composite image processing apparatus is always in a state where it can be output. There is a problem that it is not limited. For example, when printing the image sent from the composite image processing device of the image transmission destination on a sheet and outputting the image, when the composite image processing device of the image output destination runs out of paper,
There is a possibility that an image output failure state such as a lack of toner has occurred. Also, when storing an image sent from the composite image processing apparatus of the image transmission destination as an electronic file,
A storage medium such as a memory or a hard disk may be full in the composite image processing apparatus to which the image is to be output.

[0006] Such a situation in which the image cannot be output or a situation in which the image cannot be stored may be identified in advance by a self-diagnosis when the power of the output destination composite image processing apparatus is turned on. It is a situation that occurs. Therefore, an image output device that transmits an image needs to detect the state of the destination image output device before transmitting the image.

[0007]

As described above, even when the composite image processing apparatus for transmitting an image confirms the state of the image transmission destination and then transmits the image, the composite image processing apparatus for outputting the image does not require the image output. In some cases, an image cannot be output during the printing, for example, the paper may run out of toner. At this time, the composite image processing apparatus that has transmitted the image receives a status indicating that output is not possible from the image output apparatus that is performing image output, so that the user of the composite image processing apparatus that has transmitted the image can perform composite image processing at the image output destination. This means that the user can select whether the apparatus can output the image or transmit the image data to another composite image processing apparatus and output the image data. However, when the output destination composite image processing apparatus is located at a remote location, it requires a great deal of labor to enable output of the output destination composite image processing apparatus. Also, even if another composite image processing apparatus is selected, if costly transmission using a telephone line or the like is being performed, the composite image processing apparatus that transmits an image may need to detect an alternative apparatus. Costs too much.

The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and continuously outputs an image even when the output cannot be performed by the composite image processing apparatus on the output side, thereby simultaneously outputting the image to a remote place. Provided are a composite image processing apparatus and a recovery method in network copying, which are performed at a low cost.

[0009]

In order to solve this problem, a composite image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a scanner section for reading an original and creating image data; a printer section for printing the image data on output paper; A file section for storing image data, a network interface section for transmitting and receiving image data, an image processing section for processing image data, a controller section for controlling the above-described components, and a user capable of instructing an operation to the controller section. A composite image processing apparatus having a user interface unit, wherein the controller unit outputs, when initializing the composite image processing apparatus, output-capable information of its own device such as a document size, double-sided printing capability, and the number of output copies. Searching capability searching means and searching the network to detect other output-capable composite image processing devices Another device detecting means, storage means for storing the output available information searched by the capability searching means and the network address of the plurality of composite image processing devices detected by the other device detecting means, and When an error occurs in the own device while outputting image data from the output composite image processing apparatus, the network address of the other composite image processing apparatus stored in the storage unit is referred to, and The output-capable composite image processing apparatus reads the output available information of another composite image processing apparatus, finds a composite image processing apparatus as an alternative to its own apparatus, and transmits the network address of the composite image processing apparatus to the composite image processing of the output source. Control means for sending to the apparatus.

A scanner section for reading an original and creating image data; a printer section for printing the image data on output paper; a file section for storing the image data; a network interface section for transmitting and receiving the image data; An image processing unit that processes
What is claimed is: 1. A compound image processing apparatus comprising: a controller unit for controlling said constituent elements; and a user interface unit for allowing a user to give an operation instruction to said controller unit, wherein said controller unit initializes said compound image processing device. Sometimes
Ability search means for searching for output-capable information of the own machine such as original size, double-sided printing capacity, output copy capacity, and other apparatus detection means for searching the network and detecting other outputable composite image processing apparatuses, Storage means for storing the output available information retrieved by the capability retrieval means and the network addresses of the plurality of composite image processing apparatuses detected by the other apparatus detection means, and the composite image of the output source transmitted via the network When an abnormality occurs in the own device while outputting image data from the processing device, the network device refers to the network address of another composite image processing device stored in the storage unit and performs other composite image processing on the network. Reads the output available information of the device, finds a composite image processing device as an alternative to its own device, and stores image data in the And having a control means for send. Here, the control unit further notifies the composite image processing apparatus that has transmitted the image data of information regarding the composite image processing apparatus that has relayed the transmitted image data. Further, the control means further selects whether or not to relay the transmitted image data.

Further, the recovery method in network copying according to the present invention is a recovery method in network copying in which an image is transferred from an image output source to an image output destination via a network. In the event that the machine cannot output images, it searches the network for a composite image processing device that may be a substitute for itself, instead of the image output device of the image output source, and searches for image data from the image output source. By transferring to
The image output is continuously performed. Here, the composite image processing apparatus searches for a composite image processing apparatus that may be a substitute for the apparatus connected to the network when the power is turned on and / or when the apparatus cannot output an image. Then, the search result is stored. In addition, before transferring the image data to the substitute device, it is determined via a network whether or not the composite image processing device which may be a substitute can be substituted. In addition, the search includes outputable information such as a document size, double-sided printing capability, and output copy capability.

A scanner section for reading an original and creating image data; a printer section for printing the image data on output paper; a file section for storing the image data; a network interface section for transmitting and receiving the image data; An image processing unit that processes
A recovery method in network copying of a composite image processing apparatus having a controller unit for controlling the components and a user interface unit for allowing a user to give an operation instruction to the controller unit, wherein the controller is configured to control the composite image The document size,
Search for output-capable information of own machine such as double-sided printing ability and output copy capacity, store output-capable information of own machine, search network and detect composite image processing device that can output,
The network addresses of a plurality of composite image processing apparatuses are stored, and when an error occurs in the own apparatus while outputting image data from the output composite image processing apparatus transmitted via the network, The controller reads the stored network address of the other composite image processing apparatus, reads out the output enable information of the other composite image processing apparatus on the network based on the network address, and reads the read output enable information. A composite image processing apparatus as a substitute for the apparatus itself, and a network address of the composite image processing apparatus is transmitted to the output composite image processing apparatus which has transmitted the image data.

A scanner section for reading an original and creating image data; a printer section for printing the image data on output paper; a file section for storing the image data; a network interface section for transmitting and receiving the image data; An image processing unit that processes
A recovery method in network copying of a composite image processing apparatus having a controller unit for controlling the components and a user interface unit for allowing a user to give an operation instruction to the controller unit, wherein the controller is configured to control the composite image The document size,
Search for output-capable information of own machine such as double-sided printing ability and output copy capacity, store output-capable information of own machine, search network and detect composite image processing device that can output,
The network addresses of a plurality of composite image processing apparatuses are stored, and when an error occurs in the own apparatus while outputting image data from the output composite image processing apparatus transmitted via the network, The controller reads the stored network address of the other composite image processing apparatus, reads out the output enable information of the other composite image processing apparatus on the network based on the network address, and reads the read output enable information. And finds a composite image processing device as an alternative to the own device, and relays image data to an image output device as an alternative to the own device. Here, information about the composite image processing apparatus that has relayed the transmitted image data is further notified to the output source composite image processing apparatus that has transmitted the image data. Further, the user selects whether to relay the transmitted image data.

The storage medium of the present invention includes a scanner unit for reading an original and creating image data, a printer unit for printing the image data on output paper, a file unit for storing the image data, and transmitting and receiving the image data. Control of a composite image processing apparatus having a network interface unit, an image processing unit for processing image data, a controller unit for controlling the components, and a user interface unit for allowing a user to give an operation instruction to the controller unit A storage medium for storing a program in a computer-readable manner, wherein the control program outputs an image data from an output composite image processing apparatus transmitted via a network, and an abnormality occurs in the own apparatus. The network address of the other compound image processing device Reading the output enable information of another composite image processing apparatus on the network based on the network address, and finding an alternative composite image processing apparatus for the own apparatus from the read output enable information; And relaying the image data to an image output device serving as a substitute for the device.

A scanner section for reading a document and creating image data; a printer section for printing the image data on output paper; a file section for storing the image data; a network interface section for transmitting and receiving the image data; An image processing unit that processes
A computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for a compound image processing apparatus having a controller unit that controls the components and a user interface unit that allows a user to give an operation instruction to the controller unit, When the control program outputs an image data from the output composite image processing apparatus transmitted via the network, if an abnormality occurs in the own apparatus, the network address of the stored other composite image processing apparatus is stored. Reading the output possible information of another composite image processing apparatus on the network based on the network address, and finding a composite image processing apparatus as a substitute for the own apparatus from the read output possible information; The network address of the image output device as a substitute for the device to the output source composite image processing device. Characterized in that it comprises a that step.

Further, at the time of initialization of the composite image processing apparatus, the output available information such as the document size, double-sided printing capability, and the number of output copies is searched for, and the output available information of the own device is stored. Detecting a composite image processing apparatus capable of searching and outputting, and storing network addresses of the plurality of composite image processing apparatuses.

In such a configuration, when the composite image processing apparatus to which the image is to be output becomes unable to output an image, the composite image processing apparatus which may be substituted for the own apparatus searched at power-on or the like. Is searched from the network in place of the image output device of the image output source, and the image data from the image output source is transferred to the substitute device, so that the image output is continuously performed, and the image is output to the remote place. This guarantees that output is performed at the same cost.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention and its operation will be described in detail.

<Example of Hardware Configuration of Composite Image Processing Apparatus of the Present Embodiment> (Overall Configuration) FIG. 3 shows an example of the overall configuration of the composite image processing apparatus of the present embodiment.

The controller unit 2000 is connected to a scanner 2070 as an image input device and a printer 2095 as an image output device.
And a public line (WAN) 2051 for inputting and outputting image information and device information. The CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. The RAM 2002 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 2002 and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. ROM20
A boot ROM 03 stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software and image data. The operation unit I / F 2006 includes an operation unit (UI) 2
The interface unit 012 outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012.
In addition, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the user of the system from the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001. Network2
Reference numeral 010 connects to the LAN 2011 and inputs and outputs information. The Modem 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs and outputs information. The above devices are the system bus 200
7.

An image bus I / F 2005 is connected to a system bus 2007 and an image bus 200 for transferring image data at high speed.
8 is a bus bridge for converting the data structure. The image bus 2008 is a PCI bus or IEEE13
94. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008. Raster image processor (RI
P) 2060 develops the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 connects the controller 2000 to a scanner 2070 or a printer 2095, which is an image input / output device, and controls a synchronization system /
Perform asynchronous conversion. Scanner image processing unit 2080
Performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data. The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. Image compression unit 20
Numeral 40 performs compression / expansion processing of multi-valued image data in JPEG and binary image data in JBIG, MMR and MH.

(Image Input / Output Unit) FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the image input / output device of the present embodiment.

A scanner unit 207 serving as an image input device
Numeral 0 illuminates an image on paper serving as an original and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown) to convert the image into an electric signal as raster image data 2071 (signal from the scanner 2070 to the device I / F 2020 in FIG. 3). Convert. The original paper is supplied to the tray 207 of the original feeder 2072.
3 and the user of the apparatus reads the instruction from the operation unit 2012 and issues an activation instruction.
1 gives an instruction to the scanner 2070 (the signal 207 from the device I / F 2020 to the scanner 2070 in FIG. 3).
1) The feeder 2072 feeds a document sheet one by one and performs a reading operation of a document image.

A printer unit 209 serving as an image output device
Reference numeral 5 denotes a part for converting raster image data 2096 into an image on paper, which is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and which directly discharges an image onto paper by discharging ink from a micro nozzle array. And the like, but any method may be used. The printing operation is started by an instruction 2096 (signal from the device I / F 2020 to the printer 2095 in FIG. 3) from the controller CPU 2001. The printer unit 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and the corresponding paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, and 210
There are four. The paper discharge tray 2111 receives the printed paper.

(Operation unit) Operation unit 2012 of the present embodiment
FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration.

The LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU 2001 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 2014 is used to start a reading operation of a document image. At the center of the start key 2014 is a two-color LED 2018 of green and red, which indicates whether or not the start key 2014 is ready for use. A stop key 2015 functions to stop an operation in operation. The ID key 2016 is the user ID of the user
Used when inputting. A reset key 2017 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

(Scanner Image Processing Unit) FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the scanner image processing unit 2080 of the present embodiment.

The image bus I / F controller 2081 includes:
It has a function of connecting to the image bus 2008 and controlling its bus access sequence, and a function of controlling each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080 and generating timing. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation using a spatial filter. The editing unit 2083 recognizes, for example, a closed area surrounded by the marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shadowing, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed area. When changing the resolution of the read image, the scaling unit 2084 performs interpolation calculation in the main scanning direction of the raster image to perform enlargement and reduction. For zooming in the sub-scanning direction,
This is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). The table 2085 is a table conversion that is performed to convert image data that is read luminance data into density data. The binarization 2086 binarizes the multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing.

The processed image data is transferred to the image bus 2008 via the image bus controller 2081 again.

(Printer Image Processing Unit) FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the printer image processing unit 2090 of the present embodiment.

The image bus I / F controller 2091 includes:
It has a function of connecting to the image bus 2008 and controlling the bus access sequence, and a function of controlling each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090 and generating timing. The resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data received from the Network 2011 or the public line 2051 into the resolution of 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 Compression Unit) FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the image compression unit 2040 of the present embodiment.

The image bus I / F controller 2041 is
It is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, performs timing control for exchanging data with the input buffer 2042 and output buffer 2045, and controls mode setting for the image compression unit 2043.

An example of the processing procedure of the image compression processing section will be described below.

A CPU 200 is connected via an image bus 2008
1 to the image bus I / F controller 2041 for setting for image compression control. With this setting, the image bus I /
The F controller 2041 makes settings required for image compression to the image compression unit 2043 (for example, MMR compression, JBIG
Elongation etc.). After making the necessary settings,
U2001 permits the image bus I / F controller 2041 to transfer image data. Subject to this permission,
The image bus I / F controller 2041 is a RAM 2002
Alternatively, transfer of image data from each device on the image bus 2008 is started. The received image data is temporarily stored in the input buffer 2042, 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 determines whether or not image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043.
Of image data from the image compression unit 2043
If it is not possible to write an image into the memory, control is performed not to transfer data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as a handshake).

The image compression section 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This is because, when performing image compression, several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing to be performed, and in order to perform the first one line compression, several lines of image data are prepared. This is because image compression cannot be performed unless the image is compressed. The image data subjected to the image compression is immediately output to the output buffer 2045.
Sent to In the output buffer 2045, the image bus I /
A handshake is performed with the 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 stores the transferred compressed (or decompressed) image data in the RAM 2002 or the image bus 20.
08 to each device. 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) or until a stop request is issued from the image compression unit (for example, when an error occurs during compression and decompression). It is.

(Image Rotation Unit) FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the image rotation unit 2030 according to the present embodiment.

The image bus I / F controller 2031 includes:
The image rotator 2032 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus sequence, controls the image rotator 2032 to set a mode and the like, and performs timing control for transferring image data to the image rotator 2032. Hereinafter, an example of the processing procedure of the image rotation unit will be described.

The CPU 200 via the image bus 2008
1 to the image bus I / F controller 2031 to make settings for image rotation control. With this setting, the image bus I /
The F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, and the like) for the image rotation unit 2032. After making the necessary settings,
U2001 permits the image bus I / F controller 2041 to transfer image data. Subject to this permission,
The image bus I / F controller 2031 is a RAM 2002
Alternatively, transfer of image data from each device on the image bus 2008 is started. Here, the size of the image to be rotated is 32 × 32 (bit) with 32 bits as its size, and
When transferring image data to the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits (the image to be handled is assumed to be binary).

As described above, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 (bit) image, it is necessary to perform the unit data transfer 32 times, and to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses ( See FIG. 11). 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, in the case of 90-degree counterclockwise rotation, the initially transferred 32-bit image data is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated.

32 × 32 (bit) image rotation (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 performs RAMA or image bus 2008 by continuous addressing.
Transfer data to each device above. 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. 9 shows a configuration example of the device I / F unit 2020 of the present embodiment.

The image bus I / F controller 2021 is
It is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and controls each device in the device I / F unit 2020 and generates timing. Also, an external scanner 2070 and a printer 2095
To generate a control signal. Scan buffer 2022
Temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 2070, and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008. Serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 2
Reference numeral 023 denotes an image bus 2 which arranges or decomposes image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order.
008 is converted to the data width of the image data that can be transferred.
Parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion 2024 is
The image data transferred from the image bus 2008 is decomposed or arranged in order, and the print buffer 2025
To the data width of the image data that can be stored in The print buffer 2025 temporarily stores the image data sent from the image bus 2008, and outputs the image data in synchronization with the printer 2095.

An example of a processing procedure at the time of image scanning is shown below.

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 the buffer contains image data of 32 bits or more, the image data is transferred from the buffer to the serial-parallel-to-serial converter 20 on a first-in first-out basis for 32 bits.
23, converts the image data into 32-bit image data, and transmits the image data to the image bus 200 through the image bus I / F controller 2021.
8 on. Also, the image bus 2008 is an IEEE13
In the case of 94, the image data in the buffer is sent from the buffer to the serial-parallel-parallel-serial converter 2023 on a first-in first-out basis, and is converted into serial image data.
The image data is transferred onto the image bus 2008 via the image bus I / F controller 2021.

An example of a processing procedure at the time of image printing is shown below.

When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel / serial / serial / parallel converter 2024, and input to the printer 2095. The image data is decomposed into image data of the number of data bits and stored in the print buffer 2025. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, serial image data sent from the image bus is transferred to the image bus I / F.
The data is received by the controller, sent to a parallel / serial / serial / parallel converter 2024, converted into image data of the number of input data bits of the printer 2095, and stored in the print buffer 2025. Then, in synchronization with a timing signal sent from the printer 2095, the image data in the buffer is sent to the printer 2095 on a first-in first-out basis.

<Example of Software of Composite Image Processing Apparatus According to this Embodiment> (Whole System) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the entire network system according to this embodiment.

Reference numeral 1001 denotes a composite image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, which comprises a scanner and a printer, which will be described later. The image is read from the scanner by the local area network 1010 (hereinafter, LAN), and the image received from the LAN is transmitted by the printer. Can be printed out. Further, the image read from the scanner is transmitted to PSTN or ISDN (1030) by a facsimile transmission unit (not shown),
Images received from the PSTN or ISDN can be printed out by a printer.

A database server 1002 manages a binary image and a multi-valued image read by the composite image processing apparatus 1001 of the present embodiment as a database.
Reference numeral 1003 denotes a database client of the database server 1002, which can browse / search image data stored in the database 1002. 1004, an electronic mail server;
001 allows the read image to be received as an e-mail attachment. Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client, which is capable of receiving and browsing the e-mail received by the e-mail server 1004 and transmitting the e-mail. Reference numeral 1006 denotes a WWW server that provides an HTML document to a LAN, and a composite image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
01, an HTML document provided by the WWW server can be printed out. Reference numeral 1007 denotes a DNS server which manages an e-mail address, and associates the e-mail address with each corresponding device.

A router 1011 connects the LAN 1010 with the Internet / intranet 1012. On the Internet / intranet, the same database server (1002), WWW server (1006), e-mail server (1004), and apparatus similar to the composite image processing apparatus (1001) of the present embodiment each have 102
0, 1021, 1022, and 1023. On the other hand, the composite image processing apparatus 1001 according to the present embodiment
Is the FATN via PSTN or ISDN (1030).
It can transmit and receive with the X device 1031. Also LAN
A printer 1040 is also connected thereto, and is configured to be able to print out an image read by the composite image processing apparatus 1001 of the present embodiment.

(Overall Configuration of Software Block) FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the composite image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI, that is, a user interface, which is a module that mediates with a device when an operator performs various operations and settings of the composite image processing apparatus. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data in accordance with the operation of the operator. 1502 is Addres
The s-Book, which is a database module for managing data transmission destinations, communication destinations, and the like. Address-Book content is UI
Data addition, deletion, and acquisition are performed by operations from 1501, and are used as data transmission / communication destination information to each module described later by an operator's operation.

Reference numeral 1503 denotes a Web-Server module, which is used to notify management information of the composite image processing apparatus in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). The management information is read via a Control-API 1518 to be described later, and HTTP1512, TCP / IP1
516, the Web client is notified via the Network-Driver 1517.

Reference numeral 1504 denotes a Universal-Send, that is, a module that manages data distribution. The module 1504 distributes data specified by the operator via the UI 1501 to communication (output) destinations similarly specified. When the operator instructs the generation of distribution data using the scanner function of the composite image processing apparatus, the control-API1 described later is used.
The device is operated via 518 to generate data.

Reference numeral 1505 denotes a module that is executed when a printer is specified as an output destination in the Universal Send 1504. A module 1506 is executed when an E-mail address is designated as a communication destination in the Universal-Send 1504. Reference numeral 1507 denotes a module that is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504. 1508 is Universal-Send 1504
This module is executed when the same composite image processing apparatus as that of the present apparatus is designated as the output destination.

Reference numeral 1509 denotes a Remote-Copy-Scan module which uses the scanner function of the present composite image processing apparatus.
An output destination is another composite image processing apparatus connected via a network or the like, and Co
This module performs processing equivalent to the py function. 151
Reference numeral 0 denotes a Remote-Copy-Print module, which uses the printer function of the present composite image processing apparatus, receives another composite image processing apparatus connected via a network or the like as an input destination, and realizes this composite image processing apparatus alone. This module performs processing equivalent to the Copy function. 1511 is Web-Pull-P
rint, a module for reading and printing information of various homepages on the Internet or intranet.

Reference numeral 1512 indicates that the present composite image processing apparatus is an HTT.
This module is used for communication by the P. The TCP / IP 1516 module described later uses the Web-
The server 1503 provides communication to the Web-Pull-Print 1511 module. Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module, which provides communication to the printer module 1505 in the above-described Universal-Send 1604 by using a TCP / IP 1516 module described later. 1514
Is an SMTP module, which will be described later as TCP / IP1
The Universal-Send 1504 described above using the 516 module
It provides communication to an E-mail module 1606 in the server. Reference numeral 1515 denotes an SLM, that is, a Salutation-Manager module.
mote-Copy-Scan1509 module, Remote-Copy-Prin
It provides communication to the t1510 module.

Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module.
To provide network communication. 151
Reference numeral 7 denotes a network driver which controls a portion physically connected to the network.

Reference numeral 1518 denotes Control-API, which is a Universal-API.
For the upstream module such as al-Send1504, Job described later
-Provides an interface with downstream modules such as -Manager 1519, etc., and reduces dependencies between upstream and downstream modules to enhance their diversion. Reference numeral 1519 denotes a Job-Manager, which interprets a process instructed by the above-described various modules via the Control-API 1518 and gives an instruction to each module described later. Further, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the composite image processing apparatus.

Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC-Manager, which is a Job-M
It manages and controls various types of compression and decompression of data in the processing specified by the anager 1519. 1521 is FBE-
Encoder, Job-Manager1519, Scan-Manager1
The data read by the scan processing executed by the 524 is compressed in the FBE format. Reference numeral 1522 denotes a JPEG-CODEC, and Job-Manager 15
19. In the scan processing executed by the Scan-Manager 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. 1
Reference numeral 523 denotes an MMR-CODEC, Job-Manager 1519, Sc
In scan processing executed by the an-Manager 1524 and 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 is a Job-Ma
It manages and controls the scanning process specified by the nager 1519. 1525 is a SCSI driver,
The Scan-Manager 1524 communicates with a scanner unit internally connected to the present composite image processing apparatus.

Reference numeral 1526 denotes a Print-Manager, which is a Job-M
It manages and controls the printing process specified by the anager 1519. 1527 is an Engine-I / F driver, Pr
An interface between the int-Manager 1526 and the printing unit is provided.

Reference numeral 1528 denotes a parallel port driver, which provides an I / F when the Web-Pull-Print 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.

(Application) An embedded application according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 61 shows embedded application blocks relating to distribution according to the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 4050 denotes a block indicating the operation unit application according to the present embodiment described with reference to FIG. 41
00 is a block diagram showing the transmitting side of the remote copy application. Reference numeral 4150 is a block diagram illustrating a transmitting side of the broadcast distribution. 4200 is a block diagram showing a Web Pull Print module. 4250 is WebSer
It is a block diagram which shows a ver module.

Reference numeral 4300 is a block diagram showing the remote copy receiving side (printing side). Reference numeral 4350 denotes a block diagram for receiving and printing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution using a general-purpose printer. Reference numeral 4400 is a block diagram showing a remote print receiving side (print side). Reference numeral 4450 is a block diagram for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution in a known Notes Server. Reference numeral 4500 denotes a block diagram for receiving and storing a binary image of an image transmitted by broadcast distribution. 4
550 is a publicly known image transmitted by broadcasting.
It is a block diagram which receives and stores in Mail Server. 46
Reference numeral 00 denotes a block diagram for receiving and storing multi-valued images transmitted from the broadcast. 4650
FIG. 1 is a view showing a known Web Server including information contents.

Reference numeral 4700 denotes a known Web Browser for accessing the Web Server or the like according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each block.

(User Interface Application) 4
User Interface (hereinafter, UI) shown in block 050
Is as described above, but here, 405
The first Address Book will be described. This Address Book
Is stored in a non-volatile storage device (such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk) in the device of the present invention, in which characteristics of the device connected to the network are described. For example, those listed below are included. -Formal name or alias name of device-Network address of device-Network protocol that can be processed by device-Document format that can be processed by device-Compression type that can be processed by device-Image resolution that can be processed by device-For printer device Paper size and paper source information that can be stored in this folder. • Folder name that can store documents for server (computer) devices.
The characteristics of the distribution destination can be determined based on the information described in ok4051. The Address 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 the resolution information that can be processed by the device designated as the distribution destination to the Address Book 4051.
Then, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed by using a known MMR compression, and is converted to a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and the SL is read.
The data is transmitted to a printer device on the network through M4103. Although not described in detail, the SLM 4103 is a well-known Salutation Manager (or Smart Link Man
ager) is a type of network protocol that includes device control information and the like.

(Broadcast Distribution Application) The broadcast distribution application, unlike the remote copy 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.

Hereinafter, description will be made in order according to the distribution destination.

If it is determined from the Address Book 4051 that the destination device can process a known network printer protocol, LPD (Line Printer Daemon), and a known LIPS as a printer control command, the address book 4051 similarly determines
The image is read according to the image resolution determined from the ess Book 4051, and the image itself is a known F
Compress using BE (First Binari Encoding)
The data is converted into an IPS code and transmitted to the partner device by using LPR, which is a known network printer protocol.

[0077] The destination device can communicate with the SLM,
In the case of a server device, determine the server address and the designation of the folder in the server from Address Book 4051,
Similarly to the remote copy application, the image binary image read by the scanner is compressed by using a known MMR compression, and is compressed by a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Font).
rmat), and can be stored in a specific folder of the server device on the network through the SLM.

In the device of the present embodiment, when the server which is the partner device determines that the well-known JPEG-compressed multi-valued image can be processed, the multi-value read image is processed in the same manner as the binary image. Using well-known JPEG compression, it is also possible to convert to a well-known JFIF and store it 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 the Address Book 4051 is determined, and the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using publicly known MMR compression. The known TI
FF (Tagged Image File Format) and the well-known SMTP (S
imple Mail Transfer Protocol) 4153
-Send to Mail server. Subsequent delivery is Mail Serv
er4660.

(Web Pull Print Application) Web
The description of the Pull Print application is omitted because it is not directly related to the present embodiment.

(Web Server Application) Web Serv
The er application is not directly related to the present embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

<Example of Screen of Operation Unit> (Overview of Operation Unit) The configuration of the operation unit is the same as that of FIG. 5 described above, but FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the operation unit again for the following description.

The LCD display unit (3001) has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU when a displayed key is pressed. A start key (3002) is used to start a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. A stop key (3003) functions to stop the operation during operation. ID key (300
4) is used to input the user ID of the user. A reset key (3005) is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

Hereinafter, each screen of the operation unit will be described in detail.

(Operation Screen) The functions provided by the apparatus of this embodiment are Copy / Send / Retrieve / Tasks / Management
/ Configuration are divided into six major categories, and these are the six main tabs (COPY / SEND / RETREIVE) displayed at the top of the operation screen (3010 in FIG. 14).
/ 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 permitted, the display color of the main tab changes, and there is no response even if the main tab is pressed.

Copy is a function for performing normal document copying using the scanner and printer of the own device, and a function of copying a document using a printer connected to the scanner and own printer of the own device (remote copy). ). Send is a function for transferring a document placed in a 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 specify a plurality of destinations. Retrieve is a function for acquiring an external document and printing the document on its own printer. WWW, e-mail, file transfer, and fax can be used as document acquisition means. Tasks automatically processes documents sent from outside such as faxes and Internet prints, and creates and manages tasks for periodic Retrieve. Management manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, document account information, and the like. In Configuration, you can make settings for your device (network, clock, etc.).

Hereinafter, a method for setting these functions is described in L.
This will be described using an example of a CD screen display.

(ID Input Screen) The ID input screen (3020 in FIG. 15) is displayed immediately after the power is turned on and when the ID key is pressed. When the user ID and password are correctly input on the ID input screen and the OK button is pressed, the above-described operation screen is displayed, and operation becomes possible. Switching between the ID input area (3021) and the password input area (3022) can be performed by directly pressing the input area.

<COPY Processing> (COPY Screen) When the start button is pressed when the COPY screen is displayed, the scanner operates, and a copy corresponding to each setting parameter displayed on the screen is output from the selected printer. You.

The COPY main screen (3100 in FIG. 19)
Printer selection button (3103), printer display area (3102), Image Quality selection button (3105)
And image quality display area (3104), copy parameter display (3101) similar to the conventional copying machine (3101), enlargement / reduction setting buttons (3106, 3107), paper selection button (3108), sorter setting button (3110), double-sided copy setting It comprises a button (3112), a density indicator and a density setting button (3109), and a numeric keypad (3114).

When the printer selection button (3103) is pressed, a list of available printers (the printers of the printer itself and the printers connected via the network) is displayed (3 in FIG. 20).
120) is displayed in a pull-down 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).

When the image quality setting button (3105) is pressed, a list of image quality (3125 in FIG. 21) is displayed, from which a desired image quality can be selected.

When the copy parameter setting buttons described above are pressed, a sub-screen for setting corresponding to each of them (enlargement / reduction setting: 3130 in FIG. 22, paper selection: 31 in FIG. 23)
40, sorter setting: 3150 in FIG. 24, double-sided copy setting: 3160 in FIG. 25), and parameters can be set in the same manner as in a conventional copying machine. The density setting can be operated in the same manner as in a conventional copying machine.

<SEND processing> (SEND 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 specified transmission method. .

The SEND main screen (3200 in FIG. 26)
Destination display area (3202), detailed destination number display area (32
03), destination scroll button (3204), address book button (3208), New button (3209), E
dit button (3210), Delete button (3211), S
ubject input area (3205), Message input area (32
06), File Name input area (3207), Cover page
Check button (3212), Put Into HD check button (3213), Print Out check button (321
4) A Scan Setting button (3215). At the time of initialization including reset, as shown at 3201 in FIG. 27, no destination is displayed in the destination display area.
The operation explanation screen is displayed.

A list of input destinations is displayed in the destination display area (3202). Inputs are sequentially added to the tail. The number of destinations currently set is displayed in the detailed destination number display area (3203).

After selecting a destination from the destination display area,
Pressing the Delete button (3211) deletes the selected destination.

Subject input area (3205), Message input area (3206), File Name input area (3207)
When you press, a full keyboard is displayed and each input can be made.

(Address Book Sub Screen) Address Book
When the button (3208) is pressed, an address book sub screen (3220 in FIG. 28) is displayed. The destination marked with the selection mark (3232) in the address book display area (3221) is pressed by pressing the OK button (3231).
It is added to the destination display area (3202) of the ND main screen. The address book is displayed using the sort item setting button (322).
4 to 3226), by class, ascending name,
Sorted in descending name order. Item selection number display area (32
27) displays the number of items marked with a selection mark.

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 the Detail button (3229) is pressed while one item in the address book is selected, a Detail sub screen (3235 in FIG. 29) is displayed. On the Detail sub screen, all information obtained from the address book as information of the selected item is displayed.

(Search sub screen) When the Search button (3228) in the address book sub screen is pressed, a search sub screen (3240 in FIG. 30) for searching for a destination from the local address book or an external address server is displayed. You. The upper part of the search sub screen is a search condition setting part.
Search target class display area (3245), search target attribute display area (3247), search target condition display area (324)
9) The currently selected address book is displayed in the search target address book display area (3252). When the search target class setting button (3246) is pressed, a search target class list is displayed (3260 in FIG. 31). The one selected from this list is displayed in the search target class display area.
By pressing a search target attribute setting button (3248), a search target attribute list is displayed (326 in FIG. 32).
1).

The attributes displayed in this list change as follows depending on the selected search target class. Common
Name, Address, Country (Class: Person), Common
Name, Owner, Location, Model, Type, Resolution, Co
lor, Finisher (class: Printer), Common Name, Mem
ber (class: Group), all attributes (class: Everyt
hing). When a search condition setting button (3250) is pressed, a search condition list is displayed (326 in FIG. 33).
2) Select a condition from the list. When a search target address book setting button (3253) is pressed, a list of search target address books is displayed (326 in FIG. 34).
3), it is possible to select from them. When the search target attribute value input area (3251) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) is displayed, and a value can be input.

When the Do Search button (3254) is pressed,
The search is performed according to the set search conditions. The search result is displayed in the search result display area (3241), and the number of cases is displayed in the search result number display area (3244).

When the Detail button (3255) is pressed while one of the items in the search result display area is selected, detailed information (3235) for that item is displayed.

Selection marks are added to items in the search result display area to be added to the destination (326 in FIG. 35).
5). When the OK button (3257) is pressed, the search sub screen is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen, and the item with the selection mark 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) Ne on the SEND main screen
When the w button (3209) is pressed, a Person class details sub screen (3270 in FIG. 36) is displayed, and a new destination can be set. To input a destination, press the transmission method selection buttons (3271 to 3274) corresponding to the transmission method (e-mail, fax, printer, FTP) or press the detailed destination input area (3275 to 3278). A keyboard (3050) and others are displayed as a full keyboard (3040), and input becomes possible. 327
Reference numerals 9 to 3282 denote buttons for performing transmission options of the respective transmission methods, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

When the Edit button (3210) is pressed with the Person class destination selected on the SEND main screen, the Person class details sub-screen (3290 in FIG. 37) is also displayed.
Is displayed. Detailed destination input area (3275 to 327)
The details of the selected destination are displayed in the area corresponding to 8), and when the keyboard is displayed by the above-described method, the destination can be edited.

When the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the destination of the Data Base class is selected on the SEND main screen, the Data Base class details sub screen (3 in FIG. 38)
310) is displayed. A database name (3311) and a folder list (3312) are displayed on the database class details sub screen.

If 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 in FIG. 39) is displayed. A group member display (3321) is displayed on the Group class details sub screen.

(HD SETTING sub-screen) When the Put Into HD check button (3213) is pressed, an HD SETTING sub-screen (3330 in FIG. 40) for performing settings for transmission to the hard disk is displayed. Detailed description is omitted.

(Print Out Sub Screen) When the Print Out check button (3214) is pressed, a print out sub screen (3340 in FIG. 41) is displayed. On the printout sub screen, the number of prints, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, double-sided printing, sorting, resolution, and the like are set. When the paper size selection button (3345) is pressed, a list of paper sizes (3360 in FIG. 42) is displayed, and a selection is made therefrom. When the sorter selection button (3350) is pressed, a selectable sorter list (3365 in FIG. 43) is displayed.

(Scan Setting Sub-Screen) When the Scan Setting button (3215) is pressed, the Scan Setting sub-screen (3370 in FIG. 44) is displayed. When one scan setting is selected from the Preset mode selection area (3371) in the Scan Setting sub-screen, the corresponding preset resolution, scan mode, and density are displayed in the respective display areas (3.
377, 3379, 3381). These values can be changed manually. 3390 in FIG.
Is a screen in which a paper size selection list is displayed in a pull-down display, and the size and orientation of the paper to be used are selected from this list. 3391 in FIG. 46 and 3392 in FIG.
This shows a state in which a list of resolutions and scan modes is displayed in a pull-down manner.

<RETRIEVE processing> (RETRIEVE screen) RETRIEVE main screen (340 in FIG. 48)
0) includes WWW (3401), E-mail (3402), F
ax (3403), FTP (3404) subtab and PUT INTO HD check button (3405), PRINT SETTING button (34)
06) is displayed. By pressing a sub tab, the corresponding sub screens of WWW, E-mail, 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 each setting 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 in FIG. 48), a full keyboard (3040 in FIG. 17) is displayed and direct input of the URL is enabled. Link Depth (3412) and Max Pages (3
414) When the input area is pressed, the numeric keyboard (FIG. 18)
Is displayed and the numerical value can be directly input.

(Bookmark sub screen) Bookmark button (3
419), the Bookmark sub-screen (346 in FIG. 52)
0) is displayed. 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. Press the OK button (3466)
The Bookmark sub-screen is closed, and the URL corresponding to the selected item is displayed in the URL input area of the WWW sub-screen. The description of the functions of the other buttons in the Bookmark sub screen is omitted.

(E-mail sub-screen) E-mail sub-screen (FIG. 4)
In 9430, the user makes settings for receiving an E-mail. When each of the input areas (3431 to 433) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) is displayed and input becomes possible.

(Fax sub-screen) Fax sub-screen (FIG. 5)
At 0440 (0440), a fax number is input. When the input area (3441) is pressed, the numeric keyboard (305) is pressed.
0) is displayed, and the fax number can be input.

(FTP Server Sub-Screen) On the FTP Server sub-screen (3450 in FIG. 51), settings for receiving data from the server are made. Each input area (3451-345
Press 3) to display the full keyboard (3040),
It becomes possible to input.

(HD Setting sub-screen) When the Put Into HD check button (3406) common to each category is pressed, an HDSetting sub-screen (3330 in FIG. 40) is displayed. The function is the same as the Send HD setting sub screen.

(Print Setting sub screen) When the Print Setting button (3406) common to each category is pressed, P
The rint Setting sub screen (3470 in FIG. 53) is displayed. The function is the same as Send's Print Out sub screen.

<TASKS processing> (TASKS screen) When the start key is pressed while the TASKS screen is displayed, an automatic RETRIEVE operation is executed in accordance with the parameters set on the TASKS screen.

On the TASKS main screen (3500 in FIG. 54), WWW, E-mail, Print Receive, Fax Receive, Fax
Polling sub tabs (3501 to 505) are displayed. At the time of initialization including reset, a WWW sub screen is displayed.

(WWW sub-screen) In the WWW task list display area (3511), the 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 a New button (3513) is pressed, WWW
The task details sub screen (3520 in FIG. 55) is displayed.
A new task can be entered. The WWW task details sub screen will be described later.

When the Edit button (3614) is pressed while one task is selected from the WWW task list, a WWW task details sub-screen (3520 in FIG. 55) including the information of the selected task is displayed, and the setting is changed. It becomes possible to edit.

When a Delete button (3515) is pressed while one task is selected from the WWW task list, the selected task is deleted.

(WWW task details sub-screen) On the WWW task details sub-screen (3520 in FIG. 55), components (3521 to 3633) having functions common to the RETRIEVE main screen and the RETREVE WWW sub-screen, a check time display area ( 3534), check time setting button (3535), PRINT WHEN CHANGED check button (3
536), a transfer check button (3537), an OK button (3539), and a cancel button (3538) are displayed. Description of the same parts as RETRIEVE is omitted.

The check time display area (3534)
When the WWW task setting sub-screen is displayed by the New button, the trench is blank, and when it is displayed by the Edit button, the set task execution time is displayed. or,
Immediately after shell determination 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, which will be described later, is displayed, and it becomes possible to set the timing for executing the task.

(Check Time Sub-Screen) The check time sub-screen (3550 in FIG. 56) includes a schedule mode setting button (3551 to 553), a time input area (3554), an OK button (3558), and a cancel button (3557). Is displayed. In addition, when the Once button (3551) is selected from the schedule mode setting buttons, a month input area (3555) and a date input area (3556) are displayed. Weekly button (355
2) When selected, a day setting check button (356 in FIG. 57)
1) is displayed. When the Monthly button (3553) is selected, a date input area (3571 in FIG. 58) is displayed. When each input area is pressed, the numeric keyboard (305
0) is displayed and a numerical value can be input. The day setting check button allows selection of a plurality of days.

<MGMT Processing> (MGMT Screen) FIG. 59 shows the Management screen. Detailed description is omitted.

<CONFIGURATION Process> (CONFIG Screen) FIG. 60 shows the Configuration screen. Detailed description is omitted.

<Other processing screen> (Full keyboard) Full keyboard (304 in FIG. 17)
0) is displayed when the character input area is pressed. ww
When the w. button (3041) and the com button (3042) are pressed, characters “www.” and “com” are input, respectively.
The other keys have the same functions as in the related art, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Ten keyboard) Ten keyboard (FIG. 1)
8) is displayed when the numerical value input area or the month input area is pressed. Description of each key is omitted.

(Error screen) Error screen (30 in FIG. 16)
30) 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 Information Service (DIS)
> A database that holds settings for jobs, device functions (scanners, printers, etc.), status, billing information, etc. in a data format compliant with the Control API, and an I / F with the database in the controller.
It is defined as Information Service (hereinafter referred to as DIS). FIG. 62 shows DIS7102 and Job Manage
r7101, Document Manager 71 of scan and Print
03, 7104.

Basically, dynamic information such as a job start command is directly instructed from the Job Manager 7101 to each Document Manager, and static information such as device functions and job contents refers to the DIS 7102. Static and dynamic information and events from each Document Manager are transmitted to the Job Manager 7101 via the DIS 7102.

When data is set and obtained from each Document Manager to the DIS database, the control A is used because the internal data format of the DIS conforms to the Control API.
Performs mutual conversion between PI-compliant data formats and data formats that each Document Manager can understand. For example, each
When setting status data from the Document Manager, interpret the device-specific data, convert it to the corresponding data defined by the Control API, and write it to the DIS database.

When setting and acquiring data from the Job Manager to the DIS database, the Job Manager and the D
No conversion of data occurs between ISs.

In the DIS, event data is updated based on various event information notified from the Document Manager.

FIG. 63 shows various databases (hereinafter referred to as DBs) held in the DIS, and each DB will be described. The round rectangles in FIG. 63 represent individual DBs.

[0145] Reference numeral 7201 denotes a supervisor DB, which holds status and user information about the entire device.
B, information that requires backup, 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 a Print Component DB, and these Component DBs are held corresponding to each existing Component. For example, in the case of a device including only a printer, only the Print Component DB exists.
X Component DB is retained. At the time of initialization, each Component DB has a corresponding Document Manager
Set the function and status of t.

Reference numeral 7204 denotes a Scan Job Service DB, 720
5 is a Print Job Service DB, and these Job Servic
e DB also supports each at the time of initialization like Component DB
Set the functions that Document Manager can use on the device and their support status.

Next, the Job DB and Document DB will be described. 7206 is Scan Job DB, 7207 is Print Job D
Each Job DB of B, 7208 is Scan Document DB, 7209
Is Print Document DB.

The Job DB and Document DB are dynamically secured and initialized by the Job Manager each time a Job and a Document attached thereto are generated, and necessary items are set.
Each Document Manager has a Job DB and D before starting the Job processing.
Read the items required for processing from the ocument DB and start the Job. Thereafter, when the Job ends, these Jobs and the DB of the Document attached thereto are released. Since a Job has one or more Documents, a plurality of Document DBs may be reserved for a certain Job.

Reference numeral 7210 denotes a database holding event information notified from each Document Manager, and 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 transition of the component status from the Scan Document Manager, completion of the scanning process, various errors, and Print Docume.
The state transition of the Component from the ntManager, the completion of the printing process, a paper jam, a paper cassette open, and the like are set, and an event ID for identifying each event is predetermined.

When an event is issued from the Document Manager, the DIS 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, the DIS is stored in the event database 7210.
And return the current event ID and, if necessary, detailed data attached to the event to Job Manager,
If no event has occurred, a response to that effect is returned.

When the event of the completion of the scanning process and the completion of the printing process is notified, the counter value of the user who performed the scan and print is updated. This software counter is written back to the backed-up memory device or the non-volatile storage device of the HD device each time the value is updated so that the value is not lost due to accidental power-off or the like.

<Example of Scan Operation> An example of the scan operation will be described in detail below. FIG. 64 is a conceptual diagram of a block related to the scanning operation.

A CPU 810 is connected to the PCI bus 8105.
1, memory 8102, image compression / decompression board 810
4, a scanner 8107, and a SCSI I / F circuit 8103 that provides an I / F for connecting this system
Is connected. A SCSI I / F circuit 8103 and a scanner (or a scanner function unit of a copier having a composite image processing apparatus) 8107 are connected by a SCSI interface cable 8106. An IDE controller 8108 is connected to the PCI bus 8105, and the IDE hard disk 81 is connected via an IDE cable 8109.
10 is connected.

FIG. 65 shows a software structure relating to the scanning operation.

The Job Manager 8201 has a function of classifying and storing application level requests. DIS8
Reference numeral 202 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 includes the Job Manager 8201 and the DIS 820.
2 to obtain information necessary for performing a scan. The scan operation management unit 8203 receives the table data 8301 including the job number and the document number shown in FIG. 66 from the Job Manager 8201, and based on the table data 8301 of the job number and the document number, stores the DIS 8
From 202, a scan parameter 8302 is received. As a result, scanning is performed based on the scanning conditions requested by the application.

The scanning operation management unit 8203 is the
The scan parameters 8302 obtained from the scan 202 are transferred to the scan sequence control unit 8204 in document number order. Upon receiving the scan parameter 8302, the scan sequence control unit 8204 sets the scan image attribute 83
08 controls the SCSI control unit 8207. By operating the SCSI controller 8103 connected to the PCI 8106 in FIG. 64, the scanner 8 can be connected via the SCSI cable 8106.
Scanning is performed by sending a SCSI control command to the 107.

The scanned image is a SCSI Cable 81
06 to the SCSI Controller 8103,
Further, it is stored in the Memory 8102 via the PCI 8105. At the time when the scan is completed and the image is stored in the Memory 8102 via the PCI 8105, the scan sequence control unit 8204 determines the memory according to the content of the scan image compression format 8309 of the scan parameter 8302.
A request is issued to the compression / decompression control unit 8206 to compress the scan image stored in the storage unit 8102. Upon receiving the request, the compression / decompression control unit 8205 sends the
Using the CODEC 8104 connected to the network 105, compression is performed by specifying the scan image compression format 8309 from the scan sequence control unit 8204. Compression / decompression control unit 8
205, the compressed image is transmitted to the
stored in mory 8102.

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 into the format specified in Step 9
At the time when the scan parameter 8302 is stored,
Memory81 according to the image file type 8307 of
02 is converted into a file. 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 receives the image file type 83 from the scan sequence control unit 8204.
07, the compressed image stored in the memory 8102 is converted into a file, and the compressed image is
Transfer to IDE Controller 8108 and IDE Cable 8109
Then, the scanned compressed image is converted into a file by transferring the compressed image to the IDE Hard Disk 8110 via the. The scan sequence control unit 8204 controls the file system 82
When the file 06 stores the filed image in the IDE Hard Disk 8110, it notifies the scanning operation management unit 8203 that the processing of one document on the Scanner 8107 has been completed and sends a scan completion notification back to the scanning operation management unit 8203.

At this point, there is a document on the Scanner 8107 that has not been scanned yet, and the Job Manager 8107
If there is a scan request from 201,
Scan parameter 8 stored in DIS8202
A scan operation is requested to the scan sequence control unit using 302. On the other hand, if there is no unscanned document on the Scanner 8107, or
If there is no scan request from r8201,
It is assumed that the scanning operation has been completed.
No. 01 is issued.

<Example of Printing Operation> An example of the printing operation will be described in detail below. FIG. 67 is a conceptual diagram of a block related to a printing operation.

A CPU 9001, a PCI bus 9005,
A memory 9002, an image compression / decompression board 9004, and a printer 9007 are connected to an Engine I / F board 9003 that provides an I / F for connecting this system. Engine I / F board 9003 and printer (or
The printer interface unit 9007 for the copier having the function of the composite image processing apparatus)
06.

The Engine I / F board has a DPRAM inside, and through this DPRAM, sets parameters for the printer, reads the status of the printer, and exchanges print control commands. This board has a Video controller, and VCLK (Video Clock) and HS provided from the printer via the engine interface cable.
The image data developed on the PCI is transmitted to the printer via the engine interface cable according to the YNC.

FIG. 68 shows the timing of this transmission.
become that way. VCLK is constantly output, and HSYNC is provided in synchronization with the start of one line of the printer. Video
The controller reads data for the set image width (WIDTH) from the set memory (SOURCE) on the PCI and outputs it to the engine interface cable as a Video signal. After repeating this for the specified number of lines (LINES), an IMAGE_END interrupt is generated.

As described above, when a print job instruction is passed from the application program on the CPU to the Control API, the Control API passes this as a job to the controller-level Job Manager. In addition, the Job Manager stores the job settings in the DIS and prints them.
Instruct Manager to start the job. When the Print Manager receives the job, it reads information necessary for job execution from the DIS, and sets the information in the printer via the Engine I / F board and DPRAM.

FIG. 69 shows the setting items of the Engine I / F board.
FIG. 70 shows setting items, control commands, and status commands via the DPRAM of the printer.

For the sake of simplicity, this job will be specifically described below assuming that this job is uncompressed, letter (11 "× 8.5") size, binary image, one page of one copy, and the printer has a performance of 600 dpi. Will be described.

First, when this job is received, Print Mana
ger calculates the number of image bytes in the width of this image (in this case, the 8.5 "side).

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

LINES = 11 × 600 = 6600 (L
Ines) These calculated values and the SOURCE address where the given image of the first page is stored are set in WIDTH, LINES, and SOURCE shown in FIG. at this point,
The Engine I / F board 9003 is ready for image output, but does not output image data because the HSYNC signal from the printer 9007 is not received (VCLK is received).

Next, the Print Manager writes 1 as the number of output copies to a predetermined address (Book No) of the DPRAM shown in FIG. After that, a feed request (FEED_REQ) for output paper for the first page is issued, and
Wait for IMAGE_REQ. When IMAGE_REQ is received from the printer 9007, IMAGE_START is issued. In response, the printer 90
07 started issuing HSYNC and was waiting for HSYNC
The Engine I / F board 9003 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.

[0175] Print Manager uses IMAGE_END for the first page.
In response to the second page, WIDTH, LINES, SOURCE Engine
Set to the I / F board, issue FEED_REQ, and wait for IMAGE_REQ. The operation after IMAGE_REQ of the second page is 1
Same as the page.

<Example of System Configuration of the Present Embodiment>
1 shows an example of a system configuration for explaining features of the present embodiment.
FIG. 71 shows the configuration of the entire system of the present embodiment.

[0177] The composite image processing apparatuses 10001, 10002, and 10003 having the network communication function are connected by a local network line 10004. The local network line 10004 is connected to the external line 1000
5 is connected to another local network line 10006. The local network line 10006 is connected to the composite image processing apparatuses 10001, 10002, and 1000 connected to the local network line 10004.
3 has a network 2010 (see FIG. 3) capable of communicating with the MFP 3 and is connected to the composite image processing apparatuses 10007, 10008, and 10009 having a network function. Compound image processing apparatuses 10001, 10002,
10003, 10007, 10008, 10009 are:
Data can be exchanged between the local network lines 10004 and 10006 and the external line 10005 mutually.

<Example of Operation in System of Present Embodiment> (Initialization Operation) Next, the initialization operation of each device will be described with reference to the composite image processing apparatus 10001 in FIG. 71 as an example.

FIG. 72 shows the initialization operation of the composite image processing apparatus 10000, and FIGS. 73 and 74 show information held by the composite image processing apparatus 10001. Hereinafter, the composite image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
01 will be described.

After turning on the power (step 11001), the CPU 2001 of the composite image processing apparatus 10001 searches for the presence or absence of its own paper cassette stage (step 1100).
2). The obtained paper cassette stage information is the paper cassette stage 1 to n1200 of the paper cassette stage information 12001.
5 is recorded in the RAM 2002 (step 110).
03). Next, the CPU 2001 searches for output sheets stored in the sheet cassette according to the recorded sheet cassette stage information 12001 (step 1100).
4). When output sheets are set in the sheet cassette, the outputable sheets 1 to 2 of the outputable sheet information 12002 are output.
This is recorded in the RAM 2002 as m12006 (step 11005).

Next, the CPU 2001 searches for a duplex unit in order to determine whether or not there is a duplex printing function (step 11006). As a result of the search for the duplex unit, if the duplex unit is present, the type of the duplex unit is recorded in the RAM 2002 as duplex unit information 12003 to indicate that duplex printing is possible (step 11007). Further, the CPU 2001 searches the number of paper output bins for outputting and sorting the printed paper (step 11008). The paper output bins include a general-purpose paper output bin used in a normal copying operation and a dedicated paper output bin used for output of a facsimile, a printer, etc., and the number of each bin is recorded in the RAM 2002 as paper output pin information 12004. (Step 11009).

Next, the CP of the composite image forming apparatus 10001
U2001 searches for a device capable of outputting image data connected to the local network line 10004 by Ne
This is performed via a network using twork 2010 (step 11010). The search result is outputable device information 13000 as outputable device number 13001,
It is stored in a table in the RAM 2002 having items of the outputable device name 13002 and the outputable device network address 13003 (see FIG. 74, step 1101).
2).

By performing the initialization operation shown in FIG. 72, the composite image processing apparatus 10001 can output its own image data output capability and the other composite image processing apparatus connected to the local network line 10004 can output image data. It holds whether or not output is possible. Such an initialization operation is performed on the local network lines 10004 and 1000.
6, the composite image processing apparatus 10002, 10
003, 10007, 10008 and 10009 respectively.

(Error Recovery Processing) Next, a description will be given of a recovery method when the composite image processing apparatus 10007 receives image data from the composite image processing apparatus 10001 and an error occurs during output to a sheet. That is,
This is a case where the composite image processing apparatus 10001 operates as a scanner unit and the composite image processing apparatus 10007 operates as a printer unit. FIG. 75 shows, as an example, a procedure example of a recovery method when the composite image processing apparatus 10007 cannot output image data received from the composite image processing apparatus 10001 such as out of paper or toner. It is. Image data to be output from the composite image processing apparatus 10001 is stored in the HDD 2004 and then output using the printer 2095.

At this time, when the composite image processing apparatus 10007 falls into an error occurrence state (step 14001), the CPU 2001 of the composite image processing apparatus
A search is made for output-capable device information 13000 in 2002 (step 14002). Here, the composite image processing apparatus 1
[0007] The CPU 2001 of the composite image processing apparatus 100
07 is searched for a composite image processing apparatus that can transfer and output image data as a proxy of 07, and using Network 2010,
It communicates with the composite image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data on the local network line 10006, and confirms whether or not the image data in the HDD 2004 can be output on behalf of the composite image processing apparatus 10007 (steps 14003 and 14004). ). That is, the current state of the searched output-capable device (whether the power is on or in use,
Check if you have the desired paper).

When a device capable of outputting image data in the HDD 2004 as a proxy for the composite image processing apparatus 10007 is connected to the local network line 10006, the CPU 2 of the composite image processing apparatus 10007
001 stores the image data in the HDD 2004 in the network
Then, the image data is transferred to the composite image processing apparatus capable of outputting through the local network line 10006 (step 14005).

The CPU 20 of the composite image processing apparatus 10007
01, after confirming that the transfer of the image data in the HDD 2004 has been completed, the composite image processing apparatus 10007 transmits the image data via the external line 10005 and the local network line 10006 to the composite image processing apparatus 10001 of the transmission source. The output-capable device network address 13003 of the composite image processing device to which the image data has been transferred
Is notified (step 14006).

The CPU of the composite image processing apparatus 10007
2001 is the output enabled device information 130 in the RAM 2002
If a composite image processing apparatus for outputting image data in the HDD 2004 as a proxy from 00 cannot be found, or if image data cannot be output (NO in step 14007), the CPU 2001 of the composite image processing apparatus 10007 Sends an error notification to the composite image processing apparatus 10001 which is the transmission source of the image data in the HDD 2004 via the local network line 10006 and the external line 10005 using the Network 2010 (step 14008). CPU 2001 of composite image forming apparatus 10001 having received the error notification
Displays an error on the operation unit 2012 via the operation unit I / F 2006.

(Modification of Error Recovery Processing) In the example of FIG. 75, the image data is transferred to another composite image processing apparatus which can output the composite image processing apparatus in which the error has occurred, and
Although the example in which the output-capable device network address of the transfer destination composite image processing device is notified after the transfer has been described, the composite image processing device in which the error occurred transmits the output-capable device network address of the transferable composite image processing device. The source may be notified, and the transmission source may transmit the information that could not be output due to the error and the information after the error to the output-capable device network address of the alternative composite image processing apparatus.

Further, a configuration for selecting whether or not to transfer image data may be adopted. In this case, the MFP that caused the error notifies the sender of the error occurrence,
A configuration may be adopted in which, based on an instruction from a transmission source, whether to transfer image data to another composite image processing apparatus that can output data is selected.

It is to be noted that when an error occurs in the composite image processing apparatus, the operation section determines whether or not each composite image processing apparatus uses the function of transferring image data to another output-capable composite image processing apparatus. May be configured to be able to be selected by an instruction from.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.
Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the PU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

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

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

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts and the like.

[0197]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when the output cannot be performed by the composite image processing apparatus on the output side, the image output is continuously performed, and the output of the image to the remote location is performed in the same manner. It is possible to provide a composite image processing apparatus and a recovery method in network copying that can be performed at a low cost.

That is, at the time of initialization of the composite image processing apparatus, a search means for searching for output available information such as original size, double-sided printing ability, output copy capacity and the like, and the output available information searched by the search means are stored. Storage means, detection means for detecting a composite image processing apparatus capable of searching and outputting a network, and storage means for storing network addresses of the plurality of composite image processing apparatuses detected by the preceding detection means, wherein the storage means By referring to the stored network address of the other composite image processing apparatus and reading the output enable information of the other composite image processing apparatus on the network, the composite image processing apparatus at the image output destination cannot output an image by itself. When a situation arises, a composite image processing device that may be substituted for the own device that was searched when the power was turned on is output to the image output source image. Retrieve from the network on behalf of the device and transfer the image data from the image output source to the alternative device to continue image output and output images to remote locations at the same cost It is possible to guarantee.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire network system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of software according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an overall block diagram of the composite image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an external view of a scanner unit, a printer unit, and an operation unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a scanner image processing unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a printer image processing unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an image compression processing unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a device I / F unit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image rotation unit.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an image rotation process.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an image rotation process.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an overall appearance of an operation unit.

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 full keyboard screen.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a numeric keyboard screen.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a COPY main screen.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a printer list display.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an image quality list display.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an enlargement / reduction setting sub-screen.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a paper selection sub-screen.

FIG. 24 is a view showing a sorter setting sub screen.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a double-sided copy setting sub-screen.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a SEND main screen.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a SEND initial screen.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an address book screen.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a detailed information screen.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an address search screen.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a search target class list display.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a search target attribute list display.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a search target condition list display.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a search target address book list display.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a search result.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a detailed destination (New).

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a detailed destination (Person).

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a detailed destination (Data Base).

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a detailed destination (Group).

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a hard disk setting screen.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a print setting screen.

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

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a sorter list display.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a scan setting 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 (WWW).

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an E-Mail screen.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing a fax screen.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing an FTP screen.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a bookmark screen.

FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a RETRIEVE-print setting screen.

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

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing a WWW detailed setting screen.

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a check time sub screen (Once).

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a check time sub screen (Weekly).

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing a check time sub screen (Monthly).

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing a Management sub screen.

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing a Configuration sub-screen.

FIG. 61 is a block diagram for describing an embedded application.

FIG. 62: DIS and Job Manager, Print Manager, Scan
It is a figure showing exchange with Manager.

FIG. 63 is a diagram showing a database and counters inside the DIS.

FIG. 64 is a block diagram of hardware control related to scanning.

FIG. 65 is a block diagram of software control in scanning.

FIG. 66 is a schematic diagram of a parameter table in scanning.

FIG. 67 is a block diagram related to printing.

FIG. 68 is a timing chart of transfer of print image data.

FIG. 69 is a diagram illustrating a print parameter register table in the Engine I / F board.

FIG. 70 is a diagram illustrating a communication command table between the printer and the Engine I / F board.

FIG. 71 is a configuration diagram of a composite image processing apparatus on a network.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart illustrating an initialization operation of the composite image processing apparatus.

FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating an information configuration of a composite image processing apparatus created by an initialization operation.

FIG. 74 is a diagram illustrating output-capable device information of the composite image processing apparatus on a network created by an initialization operation.

FIG. 75 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a recovery operation of the composite image processing apparatus when an error occurs.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 AP07 AQ05 AQ06 AR03 HJ06 HN27 HP08 HQ17 HV48 5B021 AA01 BB02 CC09 EE04 NN00 QQ04 5C062 AA05 AA35 AB20 AB22 AB38 AB42 AC41 AC42 AC43 AC51 AC10 AF00 AF07

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A recovery method in network copying in which an image is transferred from an image output source to an image output destination via a network, wherein the composite image processing apparatus at the image output destination becomes unable to output an image by itself. In addition, by searching for a compound image processing device that may be a substitute for the own device on the network instead of the image output device of the image output source, and transferring image data from the image output source to the alternative device, A recovery method in network duplication, wherein output is continuously performed. 2. The composite image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the power is turned on and / or when the apparatus becomes unable to output an image,
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a search is made for a composite image processing apparatus that is likely to be a substitute for the apparatus connected to the network, and the search result is stored. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein before transferring the image data to an alternative device, it is determined via a network whether or not a compound image processing device that may be an alternative device can be replaced. Recovery method for network duplication. 4. The recovery method in network copying according to claim 2, wherein the search includes output possible information such as a document size, double-sided printing capability, and output copy capability. 5. A scanner unit for reading an original and creating image data, a printer unit for printing image data on output paper, a file unit for storing image data, a network interface unit for transmitting and receiving image data, and an image data unit. An image processing unit that processes
What is claimed is: 1. A compound image processing apparatus comprising: a controller that controls the components; and a user interface that allows a user to give an operation instruction to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to initialize the compound image processing apparatus. Occasionally, a capability search means for searching for output-capable information of the apparatus such as a document size, a double-sided printing capacity, and a number of output copies, and another apparatus detection means for searching a network and detecting another output-capable composite image processing apparatus Storage means for storing the output-enabled information retrieved by the capability retrieval means and the network addresses of the multiple image processing apparatuses detected by the other apparatus detection means; and an output source transmitted via the network. When an abnormality occurs in the own device while outputting image data from the multifunction image processing apparatus, the image data is stored in the storage unit. With reference to the network address of the other composite image processing apparatus, the output available information of the other composite image processing apparatus on the network is read, and a composite image processing apparatus as a substitute for the own apparatus is found. Control means for sending a network address to the output composite image processing apparatus which has transmitted the image data. 6. A scanner unit for reading an original and creating image data, a printer unit for printing image data on output paper, a file unit for storing image data, a network interface unit for transmitting and receiving image data, and an image data unit. An image processing unit that processes
What is claimed is: 1. A compound image processing apparatus comprising: a controller that controls the components; and a user interface that allows a user to give an operation instruction to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to initialize the compound image processing apparatus. Occasionally, a capability search means for searching for output-capable information of the apparatus such as a document size, a double-sided printing capacity, and a number of output copies, and another apparatus detection means for searching a network and detecting another output-capable composite image processing apparatus Storage means for storing the output-enabled information retrieved by the capability retrieval means and the network addresses of the multiple image processing apparatuses detected by the other apparatus detection means; and an output source transmitted via the network. If an abnormality occurs in the own device while outputting image data from the multifunction image processing apparatus, the image data stored in the storage unit is stored. With reference to the network address of the other composite image processing apparatus, the output available information of the other composite image processing apparatus on the network is read, and a composite image processing apparatus as a substitute for the own apparatus is found. And a control means for relaying the image data to relay the image data. 7. The composite image processing apparatus that has transmitted image data, the control unit further notifies information regarding the composite image processing apparatus that has relayed the transmitted image data to the composite image processing apparatus that has transmitted the image data. Item 7. The composite image processing device according to Item 6. 8. The composite image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said control means further selects whether to relay the transmitted image data. 9. A scanner unit for reading an original and creating image data, a printer unit for printing image data on output paper, a file unit for storing image data, a network interface unit for transmitting and receiving image data, and an image data unit. An image processing unit that processes
A recovery method in a network copy of a composite image processing apparatus having a controller unit that controls the constituent elements and a user interface unit that enables a user to give an operation instruction to the controller unit, wherein the controller is configured to control the composite image When the processing device is initialized, it searches its own available output information, such as document size, double-sided printing capability, and number of output copies, stores its own available output information, and searches the network for composite images that can be output. Detects the processing device, stores the network addresses of the multiple composite image processing devices, and detects an error in the own device while outputting image data from the composite image processing device of the output source sent via the network. In the event of occurrence, the controller reads the stored network address of the other composite image processing apparatus. Based on the network address, reads output possible information of another composite image processing device on the network, finds a substitute composite image processing device from the read output available information, and A recovery method in a network copy of a composite image processing apparatus, wherein a network address is transmitted to the composite image processing apparatus of the output source that has transmitted the image data. 10. A scanner unit for reading a document and creating image data, a printer unit for printing image data on output paper, a file unit for storing image data, a network interface unit for transmitting and receiving image data, and an image data unit. An image processing unit that processes
A recovery method in a network copy of a composite image processing apparatus having a controller unit that controls the constituent elements and a user interface unit that enables a user to give an operation instruction to the controller unit, wherein the controller is configured to control the composite image When the processing device is initialized, it searches its own available output information, such as document size, double-sided printing capability, and number of output copies, stores its own available output information, and searches the network for composite images that can be output. Detects the processing device, stores the network addresses of the multiple composite image processing devices, and detects an error in the own device while outputting image data from the composite image processing device of the output source sent via the network. In the event of occurrence, the controller reads the stored network address of the other composite image processing apparatus. Read the output available information of another composite image processing apparatus on the network based on the network address, find a composite image processing apparatus that can substitute for the own apparatus from the read output available information, and substitute for the own apparatus. A recovery method in network copying of a composite image processing device, characterized by relaying image data to an image output device. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a step of notifying the information about the composite image processing apparatus that has relayed the transmitted image data to the output composite image processing apparatus that has transmitted the image data. A recovery method in network copying of the composite image processing apparatus according to claim 10. 12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising selecting whether to relay the transmitted image data.
A recovery method in network copying of the composite image processing apparatus according to the above. 13. A scanner unit for reading an original and creating image data, a printer unit for printing image data on output paper, a file unit for storing image data, a network interface unit for transmitting and receiving image data, and an image data unit. An image processing unit that processes
A computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for a compound image processing apparatus having a controller unit that controls the components and a user interface unit that allows a user to give an operation instruction to the controller unit, If the control program outputs an image data from the output composite image processing apparatus sent via the network and an error occurs in its own apparatus, the network address of the stored other composite image processing apparatus is stored. Reading out the output possible information of another composite image processing apparatus on the network based on the network address, and finding a composite image processing apparatus as a substitute for the own apparatus from the read output possible information; Relaying the image data to an image output device as a substitute for the Storage medium for the butterflies. 14. A scanner unit for reading an original and creating image data, a printer unit for printing image data on output paper, a file unit for storing image data, a network interface unit for transmitting and receiving image data, and an image data unit. An image processing unit that processes
A computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for a compound image processing apparatus having a controller unit that controls the components and a user interface unit that allows a user to give an operation instruction to the controller unit, If the control program outputs an image data from the output composite image processing apparatus sent via the network and an error occurs in its own apparatus, the network address of the stored other composite image processing apparatus is stored. Reading out the output-capable information of another composite image processing apparatus on the network based on the network address, and finding a composite image processing apparatus as a substitute for the own apparatus from the read output-capable information; The composite image processing apparatus which outputs the network address of the image output apparatus as an alternative Storage medium characterized by comprising the steps of. Further, at the time of initialization of the composite image processing apparatus, the output possible information of the own apparatus such as a document size, double-sided printing capability, the number of output copies and the like is searched, and the output available information of the own apparatus is stored. 15. The storage medium according to claim 13, further comprising a step of searching for a network, detecting a composite image processing device capable of outputting, and storing network addresses of a plurality of composite image processing devices.