JP2002044300A - Image processing device, control method for image reading, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform a plurality of copy processes by sufficiently utilizing capability of a printer. SOLUTION: An image processing device for, at least, copy process is provided which comprises a plurality of readers and one printer. Here, at least two readers among the plurality of readers read images at the same time, and the printer outputs the images. The total speed which is a sum of image reading speeds of at least two readers is compared with the output speed of the printer (S104). If, as the comparison result, the total speed is less than the output speed, at least two readers are allowed to perform image reading processes at the image reading speeds of respective readers (S105). If the total speed is higher than the output speed, respective readers are so controlled that the total of image reading speeds is less than the output speed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image reading control method, and a storage medium, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus which includes a plurality of image reading apparatuses and one image output apparatus and performs at least copying processing. The present invention relates to a processing device, an image reading control method applied to the image processing device, and a storage medium storing a program for executing the image reading control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a copying machine has a reader unit (image reading unit).
And the printer unit (image output unit) are connected in a one-to-one relationship. However, in recent years, a device in which a reader unit and a printer unit are separated has become common in multi-function devices, and a plurality of reader units can be connected to one printer unit. Devices have also been developed. When a plurality of reader units are connected to one printer unit in this way, facsimile transmission can be performed using another reader unit while copying processing is performed between one reader unit and one printer unit. It is possible to perform a plurality of operations at the same time.

[0003]

The fact that a plurality of readers can be used at the same time in the above-mentioned conventional apparatus means that it is required to execute a plurality of copying processes simultaneously using a plurality of readers. There is. Since a single printer unit is used, when a plurality of copying processes occur at the same time, they are generally executed one by one with a priority order.

However, when a plurality of copying processes are executed one by one with priorities as described above, when the reading speed of the connected reader unit is slower than the image forming / output speed of the printer unit. However, despite the fact that the capability of the printer unit has not been fully used, the copying process by another reader unit is kept waiting, which is inefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an image processing apparatus and an image reading control method capable of efficiently executing a plurality of copying processes by fully utilizing the capabilities of a printer unit. It is an object to provide a method and a storage medium.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising a plurality of image reading apparatuses and a single image output apparatus, wherein at least an image to be subjected to a copying process is provided. In the processing device, when at least two image reading devices among the plurality of image reading devices simultaneously read images, and the image output device outputs the respective images, the at least two image reading devices Comparing means for comparing the total speed obtained by summing the respective image reading speeds with the output speed of the image output device; as a result of comparison by the comparing means, if the total speed is equal to or lower than the output speed, the at least 2 A first speed control unit for causing each of the image reading apparatuses to perform an image reading process at an image reading speed of each of the image reading apparatuses.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising a plurality of image reading apparatuses to which operation permission priorities are assigned and one image output apparatus and performing at least a copying process. When at least two image reading devices among the plurality of image reading devices simultaneously read images, and the image output device outputs each of the images,
The image reading speed of the n-th image reading device of the at least two image reading devices, and the image reading speed of each of the image reading devices of the first to (n-1) -th priority are referred to as the image reading speeds. Comparing means for comparing the remaining output speed obtained by subtracting the output speed of the output device from the output speed, and as a result of the comparison by the comparing means, the image reading speed of the image reading device having the nth priority is lower than or equal to the remaining output speed , A first speed control means for causing the image reading device having the n-th priority to perform an image reading process based on the image reading speed of the image reading device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading control method including a plurality of image reading apparatuses and one image output apparatus and applied to at least an image processing apparatus that performs a copying process. When at least two image reading devices among the plurality of image reading devices read images simultaneously, and the image output device outputs each image, each image reading speed of the at least two image reading devices is Comparing the total speed of the at least two image reading devices with the output speed of the image output device. If the total speed is less than or equal to the output speed as a result of the comparison step, A first speed control step of causing the device to perform an image reading process at an image reading speed of each of the image reading devices.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the present invention is applied to an image processing apparatus that includes a plurality of image reading apparatuses to which operation permission priorities are assigned and one image output apparatus and performs at least a copying process. An image reading control method, wherein at least two of the plurality of image reading devices simultaneously read an image, and the image output device outputs each of the images. In the reading device, the image reading speed of the image reading device having the n-th priority is changed from the first priority to the (n-
1) a comparing step of comparing the image reading speed of each of the image reading devices up to the first with the output remaining speed obtained by subtracting the image reading speed from the output speed of the image output device; If the image reading speed of the n-th image reading device is equal to or lower than the remaining output speed, the image reading device having the n-th priority performs the image reading process at the image reading speed of the image reading device. And a first speed control step.

[0010] Further, according to the invention of claim 15,
Comprising a plurality of image reading devices and one image output device,
A computer-readable storage medium storing, as a program, an image reading control method applied to at least an image processing apparatus that performs a copying process, wherein the image reading control method includes at least two of the plurality of image reading apparatuses. When the image reading device reads each image simultaneously, and the image output device outputs each image,
A comparison step of comparing a total speed obtained by summing the image reading speeds of the at least two image reading devices with an output speed of the image output device; and a result of the comparison in the comparison step, wherein the total speed is the output speed. If it is the following, a first speed control step of causing each of the at least two image reading devices to perform an image reading process at an image reading speed of each of the image reading devices is provided.

According to the nineteenth aspect, the present invention is applied to an image processing apparatus which includes a plurality of image reading apparatuses to which operation permission priorities are assigned and one image output apparatus and performs at least a copying process. A computer-readable storage medium storing an image reading control method as a program, wherein the image reading control method is such that at least two of the plurality of image reading devices read images simultaneously, When the image output device outputs each of the images, the image reading speed of the nth image reading device in the at least two image reading devices is set to be (n-1) from the first to (n-1). A comparing step of comparing the image reading speed of each of the image reading devices up to the second with the remaining output speed obtained by subtracting from the output speed of the image output device; The results of the comparison by serial comparison step,
If the image reading speed of the n-th image reading device is equal to or lower than the output remaining speed, the image reading speed of the n-th image reading device is determined by the image reading speed of the image reading device. And a first speed control step of causing the processing to be performed.

[0012]

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

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This image processing device is specifically a copying device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image processing apparatus, which is a first reader unit 110 and a second reader unit 1 which are image reading units.
10 'and a printer unit 150 which is an image forming output unit.

The first reader unit 110 includes the document feeder 14
0, platen glass 111, scanner lamp 112,
Scanner unit 113, mirrors 114, 115, 1
16, a lens 117, and a CCD image sensor unit (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 118.

The second reader unit 110 'is also the first reader unit 11
The configuration is the same as that of 0. Hereinafter, only the first reader unit 110 will be described with respect to the same configuration and the same operation.

The printer unit 150 includes an exposure control unit 151,
Photoreceptor 152, developing unit 153, recording paper (transfer paper) loading units 154, 155, transfer unit 156, fixing unit 157, paper discharge unit 158, transport direction switching member 159, recording paper (transfer paper) loading for re-feeding A unit 160 and a sorter 170 are provided.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of originals stacked on an original feeder 140 of a reader unit 110 are sequentially conveyed onto an original platen glass 111 one by one. When the document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the platen glass 111, the lamp 112 of the scanner unit is turned on, the scanner unit 113 moves, and the document is irradiated by the lamp 112. The reflected light of the original is reflected on mirrors 114, 115, 116 and lens 1
The signal is input to the CCD 118 via the CCD 17. CCD118
The reflected light of the document input to the device is photoelectrically converted and output as an image signal.

The image signal output from the CCD 118 is sent to the printer unit 150, subjected to appropriate image processing, and then sent to the exposure control unit 151. The light is modulated by the exposure control unit 151 and converted into an optical signal.
By irradiating 52, a latent image is formed on the photoconductor 152. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 152 is developed by the developing device 153. The recording paper is conveyed from the recording paper loading unit 154 or the recording paper loading unit 155 in synchronization with the leading end of the developed image, and the developed image is transferred to the recording paper in the transfer unit 156. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper by the fixing unit 157, and then discharged outside the apparatus from the paper discharge unit 158. The recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 158 is discharged to each bin 172 when the sorter 170 has a sort function,
If the sort function is not working, the sorter 170
Is discharged to the uppermost bin 171 of FIG.

Next, a case in which two images sequentially read are output on both sides of one recording sheet will be described.

After the recording paper on which the image is fixed by the fixing unit 157 is once conveyed to the paper discharge unit 158, the conveyance direction of the recording paper is reversed, and the recording paper for re-feeding is loaded via the conveyance direction switching member 159. It is transported to the unit 160. Then, when the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above-described process.
Since the paper is fed from 0, two original images can be output on the front and back surfaces of the same recording paper.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit of image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 2, an arrow A indicates a control unit included in the first reader unit 110 and the second reader unit 110 ', and an arrow B indicates a control unit included in the printer unit 150. Show.

The image data which has been photoelectrically converted in the CCD 118 and appropriately subjected to analog amplification and A / D conversion is supplied to a line 12.
1 to a reader controller (hereinafter abbreviated as “R-con”) 120. After performing shading correction on the received image data, the R-con 120 sends the image data to the controller 201 via the image transfer bus 300.
Further, various timing pulses for driving the CCD 118 generated in the R-con 120 are transmitted via the line 122 to the CCD 1.
Sent to 18.

Further, a stepping motor (M) 123 is connected to the R-con 120 through a line 134.
The reverse rotation causes the scanner unit 11 described above to rotate.
3 moves forward / backward, and the original on the original platen glass 111 can be scanned.

The user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as “U
i) 205 comprises an input / output unit such as a key and an LCD, and is connected to the R-con 120 via a line 206 to send the input information of the key to the R-con 120.
The display data output from the display device 20 is received, and display is performed according to the display data.

The controller 201 is connected to the printer unit 15
0, a unit that comprehensively controls the first reader unit 110 and the second reader unit 110 ′, and transmits various control data to the R-controller 120 via the data buses 301, 301 ′.
Interact with 120 '.

A low-voltage power supply unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “LVT”) 203 receives an AC voltage from a commercial power supply (not shown) and generates a low-voltage power supply according to an instruction sent from the controller 201 via the line 204. As the low-voltage power supply, a control power supply (3.3 V or the like) for supplying power to a CPU or the like in each controller or a power supply (24 V or the like) for driving a motor or a solenoid is generated. The control power supply is connected to the R-cons 120, 120 'via the lines 302, 302'.
To the necessary units in the printer unit 150 (not shown). The power supply is connected to the R-cons 120, 120 'via the lines 303, 303'.
To the necessary units in the printer unit 150 (not shown).

The controller 201 changes the magnification of the image data received from the R-controller 120 or 120 '.
After performing image processing such as edge enhancement and binarization, the line 2
07 to a printer controller (hereinafter abbreviated as “P computer”) 202. The P-con 202 is a printer unit 150
This unit controls the paper feed system and controls the charging system required for image formation. The P-con 202 exchanges various control data with the controller 201 via the data bus 208. Further, the P-con 202 adds various timings necessary for printing to the image data received via the line 207 and outputs the image data to the image data bus 209.

The exposure control unit 151 is connected to the image data bus 20.
A laser (not shown) emits light with a predetermined light amount in accordance with image data and a timing signal received through the photoconductor 9, and irradiates the photoconductor 152, thereby forming a latent image on the photoconductor 152.

An external interface 304 is an interface for communicating with a device other than the image processing apparatus 100, for example, a personal computer, and is connected to the controller 201.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the R-con 12 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the ０0 ’. In the figure,
The same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The CPU 124 controls the operation of the first reader unit 110, and gives setting data and operation timing to the pulse generator 125 and the initial image processor 126 via the local data bus 130. In addition, information is exchanged with the controller 201 via the data bus 301.

The CPU 124 further controls the stepping motor 123 via the motor driver 128 using the motor control signal.

The motor driver 128 drives the motor in accordance with the motor clock signal indicating the rotation speed of the stepping motor 123, the rotation direction signal, and the drive enable signal included in the motor control signal sent from the CPU 124 via the line 133. The stepping motor 123 is driven via the line 134. Stepping motor 123
Is driven by the power supply of the LVT 203.

The pulse generator 125 receives a clock from the oscillator 127 via a line 131, and
The CCD timing signal is generated in accordance with the setting made in step 4, and the CCD 118 is driven via the line 122. At the same time, the CCD timing signal is used to generate an image clock synchronized with the image data sent from the CCD 118 via the line 121. 132 to the initial image processor 126. Image clock speed is CC
While maintaining the correlation with the D timing signal, the CPU 1
24 is selectively switched.

The initial image processor 126 performs shading processing on the image data sent from the CCD 118 via the line 121 and sends the image data to the image transfer bus 300 in synchronization with the image clock sent via the line 132. . The information signal regarding the image data included in the data bus 301 is directly sent to the initial image processor 126, and the initial image processor 126 exchanges a critical timing signal related to the image data.

The Ui interface 135 is connected to the aforementioned Ui.
The interface unit with the LCD 205 includes an LCD controller. The CPU 124 transmits the display data to the Ui
205 and key input data.

In this configuration, there is no need to synchronize the operation clock of the CPU 124 and the image clock of the line 132, and therefore, it is possible to arbitrarily select the operation clock including the synchronized state.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the Ui 205. As shown in the drawing, the Ui 205 includes various keys and a liquid crystal display unit 20 composed of a dot matrix.
5a are arranged.

The display unit 205a displays the status of the image processing apparatus 100, the number of copies, the magnification, the selected paper, and various operation modes, and the displayed contents are operated by various control keys described later.

A start key 205b is a key for starting a copy operation. 205C is a return (reset) key for returning the setting mode to a standard state (reset).
Is the key to let Reference numeral 205d denotes a key group, which includes numeric keys from 0 to 9 for inputting the number of copies, zoom magnification, and the like, and a clear key for clearing the input. 205e and 205f are density adjustment keys for increasing / decreasing the density. The state of the density adjusted by the density adjustment keys 205e and 205f is displayed on a bar scale density display section 205g. Reference numeral 205h denotes a key for turning on / off the automatic density adjustment function and a display unit thereof. A key 205i is used to select a paper feed stage and an automatic paper selection mode, and the selected state is displayed on the display unit 205a. 205j, 2
05k and 205l are keys for setting a fixed reduction mode, an equal magnification mode, and an enlargement mode, respectively. 205m
Is a key for setting an automatic scaling mode, and the setting state is displayed on the display unit 205a.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the controller 201.

In the figure, a CPU 701 performs overall control based on a program in a ROM 702. RAM 703
Is used as a work area of the CPU 701, and is also used for storing images read by the reader units 110 and 110 '.

Reference numeral 713 denotes a serial communication interface (SCI) through which the CP
U701 is the aforementioned R-con 120, 120 ', LVT20
3. Send and receive information to and from the PC 202.

Reference numeral 710 denotes a PCI / F unit which is an interface such as Vicentro, etc.
4 to receive print data from a personal computer, and notify the personal computer of the state of the image processing apparatus 100.

Reference numeral 709 denotes a compression / decompression unit for compressing and decompressing image data at high speed, and supports formats such as JBIG and MMR.

Reference numeral 708 denotes an interface unit (NIC) for a 10-base network or the like.
Receives print data from a computer on the network via the interface unit 708, and notifies the computer of the state of the image processing apparatus 100.

A 707 fax unit includes a modem and a line processing circuit. Image data compressed in a predetermined format is transmitted or received via the external interface 304.

Reference numeral 720 denotes an image processing unit, and the image transfer bus 30
The image data is received from the reader units 110 and 110 ′ via 0 and 300 ′, subjected to image processing (described later), and then output to the video input I / F unit 705. Video input I / F
The unit 705 converts the timing and stores the data in the RAM 703. On the other hand, the image data stored in the RAM 703 is converted in timing by the video output I / F unit 706, subjected to image processing (described later) by the image processing unit 720, and then transmitted to the P-con 202 via the image transfer bus 207. Sent.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image processing section 720.

The 8-bit image data sent from the reader units 110 and 110 'via the image transfer buses 300 and 300' is input as video data I as it is to 8-bit data.
/ F section 705 and image processing as described below.

That is, the 8-bit image data is subjected to scaling processing such as enlargement or reduction by the scaling section 1304.
Filter processing is performed by a filter 1303, log conversion is performed by a log conversion unit 1302 in accordance with characteristics of a printer or the like, and binarization is performed by an algorithm such as error diffusion by a binarization unit 1301, and 1-bit The data is sent to the video input I / F unit 705 as data.

600d from video output I / F section 706
The pi image data is pseudo-converted into 2400 dpi data by the smoothing unit 1305.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the personal computer 202.

In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes a CPU for mechanically controlling the printer unit 150, which controls according to a program stored in the ROM 802. A RAM 803 is used by the CPU 801 as a work area. Reference numeral 804 denotes an input / output port, and outputs of the various sensors 806 are read into the CPU 801 via the input side. Various sensors 8
Reference numeral 06 includes, for example, a paper sensor for detecting the presence or absence of transfer paper.

The output side of the input / output port 804 is a driver 8
The drive signal from the CPU 801 is converted by a driver 805 into a drive voltage required by various loads 807 and sent to the various loads 807. Various loads 8
07 includes a fixing heater, a paper feed motor, a clutch, a solenoid, and the like.

Reference numeral 809 denotes a serial communication interface (SCI) through which the CP
U801 transmits and receives information to and from the controller 201 described above.

A fixing temperature sensor 808 for detecting the temperature of the fixing unit 157 (FIG. 1) is connected to the A / D input terminal of the CPU 801, and the CPU 801 controls the heater of the fixing unit 157 according to the detected temperature. Do.

Reference numeral 810 denotes an image processing unit,
1 and the exposure control unit 151 via the line 209 at the same timing in the main scanning direction of the image data sent from
Pass to.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the LVT 203.

In the figure, a CPU 901 is a one-chip CPU including a ROM and a RAM, and controls the operation of the LVT 203. The CPU 901 exchanges information with the controller 201 via the line 204.

The commercial power supply 907 is smoothed by a smoothing circuit 902, and its output is supplied to a DC / DC converter (hereinafter abbreviated as “CNV”) 903, 904, 905, 90
Sent to 6.

The CNV 903 operates at all times and generates a control power supply of 3.3 V (A). This power supply 3.3V
(A) is supplied to the CPU 901.

The CNV 904 produces a power supply of 3.3 V (B). The operation / non-operation of the CNV 904 is controlled by the CPU 901, and the power supply 3.3V (B) is generated or not generated.

The CNV 905 produces a power supply (24 V). The operation / non-operation of the CNV 905 is controlled by the CPU 901, and this power supply (24V) is generated or not generated.

The CNV 906 creates a power supply (variable voltage). The operation / non-operation of the CNV 905 is controlled by the CPU 901 and the output voltage value is controlled. Also CNV
A current limiter circuit is provided in 906, and the range of the output current value is also controlled by the CPU 901.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image reading speed of the first reader unit 110 is 35 ipm, the image reading speed of the second reader unit 110 'is 25 ipm, and the image output speed of the printer unit 150 is 80 ppm. .

FIG. 9 shows a read operation performed by the controller 201 when one of the first reader unit 110 and the second reader unit 110 'is performing a copy process and the other requests the copy process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a control process.

The first reader unit 110 or the second reader unit 1
The request for the copying process from 10 ′ is sent to the controller 2 by communication between the controller 201 and the R-cons 120, 120 ′.
01 and stored in the controller 201.

In the processing accepting task, it is checked whether or not there is a copy processing request from the reader unit (S101). If there is no copy processing request, the task ends.

If there is a copy processing request, the reading speed of the requesting reader unit is obtained (S102). Then, the total reading speed is calculated by summing the reading speed of the reader unit currently processing and the reading speed of the reader unit requesting the copy processing (S103). The total reading speed is compared with the image output speed of the printer unit 150 (S10).
4). As a result, when the total reading speed is higher, the printer unit 150 cannot simultaneously perform the copying process based on each data read by each reader unit in the same state. Is given a standby instruction (S106). On the other hand, if the total reading speed is equal to or lower than the image output speed, a new copying process is also accepted (S105).

FIG. 10 shows the operation of the printer unit 150 when the second reader unit 110 ′ requests a copy process during the copy process of the first reader unit 110 and the first reader unit 11.
6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the first and second reader units 110 '.

First, the image processing apparatus 100 in the standby state
, The original is set to eight copies in order to perform the copying process using the first reader unit 110, and then the operation unit Ui2
05 start key 205b is pressed, the R-con 1
20 sends a copy processing request to the controller 201 through communication (t1). The fact that the image processing apparatus 100 is in the standby state means that there is no copy processing currently being processed,
The controller 201 receives the copy processing request from the first reader unit 110 and starts the copy processing.

When the copying process starts, the first reader unit 110 starts reading the images (A to H) (t2). Since the image data is sent to the controller 201 while being read, the controller 201 performs image processing for image output in parallel with reading of each image, and sets a flag in an output queue when an output-capable image is completed. .

Since no image is currently being output in the printer section 150, the image output task starts image output when a flag is set in the output queue.

As described above, reading of each image, image processing, and image output are sequentially performed. Immediately after reading of the image E starts, a copy processing request from the second reader unit 110 'is issued to the controller 201. (T
3).

In the processing accepting task, the second reader 11
A copy processing request from 0 'is detected, and the total reading speed is calculated. As described above, the reading speed of the first reader unit 110 is 35 ipm, and the reading speed of the second reader unit 110 ′ is 25 ipm, so that the total is 60 ipm, which is smaller than the image output speed of the printer unit 150 of 80 ppm. Therefore, the copy processing request of the second reader unit 110 'is accepted.

From the timing t4, the second reader unit 110 '
Image reading is started, while the first reader unit 11
The reading of the image E of 0 is completed, and the image output of the image E by the printer unit 150 is started.

Thereafter, the first reader unit 110 reads the image F. However, the completion of the reading of the image a by the second reader unit 110 'is earlier than the completion of the reading of the image F. The image output of the image a is performed. Then, after the reading of the image F is completed, the image output of the image F is performed.
The sheet on which the image read by the first reader unit 110 is output and the sheet on which the image read by the second reader unit 110 'is output are sorted by the sorter unit 170.

Next, the second reader unit 110 'starts reading the image b, and then the first reader unit 110 starts reading the image G. However, since the reading speed of the first reader unit 110 is faster than that of the second reader unit 110 ′, the reading of the image G is completed first.
Image output by 0 is performed for image G first, and image b is in a standby state until image output of image G is completed. The image b in the standby state is stored in a memory in the controller 201. Even when the image b enters the standby state, the second reader unit 110 ′ starts reading the image c without interrupting the reading. Since the image output speed of the printer unit 150 is equal to or higher than the total reading speed of both reader units, the image output by the printer unit 150 does not stop. The memory capacity of the controller 201 is 2 per reader unit.
This means that there is enough space for the page.

When the reading of the image H is completed in the first reader unit 110, the processing is completed.
The image reading process is performed only for 0 '. Second reader unit 11
Even if the image reading process is performed only with 0 ', the second reader unit 1
10 'operates at the original reading speed and continues the reading operation without changing the processing speed. When the copying process of the image e is completed, all the processes are completed.

As described above, when the sum of the reading speeds of the respective reader units during the execution of the copying process and requesting the copying process is equal to or lower than the image output speed of the printer unit, each of the reader units originally has its own. Since simultaneous operation can be performed at the same reading speed, efficient simultaneous copying can be performed without wasting the capacity of the printer unit.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This image processing device is specifically a copying device.

The configuration of the second embodiment is basically similar to that of the first embodiment.
Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, in the description of the second embodiment, the configuration of the first embodiment will be used, and only different components will be described.

In the second embodiment, a third reader unit 110 ″ is newly added. The configuration of the third reader unit 110 ″ is the same as the first reader unit 110 and the second reader unit 110 ′. The image reading speed is 25 ipm, which is the same as that of the second reader unit 110 '.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a reading control process performed by the controller 201 when at least one reader unit is performing a copying process and another reader unit requests a copying process. .

In the processing accepting task, it is checked whether or not there is a copy processing request from the reader unit (S201). If there is no copy processing request, the process proceeds to step S204. If there is a copy processing request, the reading speed of the requesting reader unit is acquired (S202), and this reading speed is set to SP (N). N is a number for identifying the three reader units. Then, the copy processing request is accepted (S203).

Next, the total reading speed of at least one reader unit currently performing the reading process is calculated (S204),
A comparison is made with the printer output speed (S205). If the total reading speed is equal to or less than the printer output speed, the reading process at the reading speed SP (N) which the reading unit originally has is performed for the reader unit currently performing the reading process and the reader unit requesting the copying process. An instruction is given (S206).

On the other hand, when the total reading speed exceeds the printer output speed, the ratio Rr of the printer output speed to the total reading speed is calculated (S207), and the reading speed SP which each reader unit originally has is calculated.
The reading process is instructed at each reading speed obtained by multiplying (N) by the ratio Rr (S208).

FIG. 13 shows that a copy processing request is received from the second reader section 110 'during the copy processing of the first reader section 110, and that the third reader section 110' and the second reader section 110 'perform the copy processing during the copy processing. The operation of the printer unit 150 when there is a copy processing request from the reader unit 110 ", and the first reader unit 110, the second reader unit 110 ', and the third reader unit 1
It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of 10 ".

First, a copy processing request is generated from the first reader unit 110 (t11), and the controller 201 receives the copy processing request. Image reading is started by the first reader unit 110 (t12), and when reading of images A and B is completed, image output is performed by the printer unit 150. At this time, since only the first reader unit 110 is operating, the total reading speed of the reader unit is 35 ipm, which is lower than the printer output speed of 80 ppm. Read with.

Assume that a copy processing request is issued from the second reader unit 110 'while the first reader unit 110 is reading the image C (t13). This copy processing request is immediately received, and the second reader unit 110 'starts the reading operation (t14). Thus, the two reader units are operating at the same time, but the total reading speed of the reader units is 60 ipm (= 35 ipm + 25 ipm), which is lower than the printer output speed of 80 ppm. Therefore, both the first reader unit 110 and the second reader unit 110 'perform reading at the original reading speed.

It is assumed that a copy processing request is issued from the third reader unit 110 ″ while the second reader unit 110 ′ is reading the image b (t15). The three reader units 110 ″ start reading, but the total reading speed of the three reader units is 85 ipm (= 35 ipm + 25 ipm + 25 ip).
m), which exceeds the printer output speed of 80 ppm. Therefore, for each of the three readers,
An instruction is issued to change the reading speed to 80/85 of the original reading speed. That is, the first reader unit 110
At 3 ipm, the second reader unit 110 'and the third reader unit 11
"0" means that the reading process is performed at 23 ipm.

When each reader unit performs the reading process at each of these reading speeds and the first reader unit 110 completes the reading process of the image J (t17), the total reading speed is from 85 to 50 ipm (= 25 ipm + 25 ip).
m). Therefore, the printer output speed 80p
pm, the controller 201 determines that the second reader unit 110 ′ and the third reader unit 11
0 "is instructed to perform reading at the original reading speed.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when the total reading speed of each reader unit performing the image reading process is lower than the image output speed of the printer unit, each of the reader units is It operates at the original reading speed, but if the total reading speed exceeds the image output speed of the printer unit, the reading speed of each reader unit that is performing image reading processing is reduced at the same reduction rate, Accordingly, each reader unit to perform the image reading process operates simultaneously without suspending the copying process request, and the printer unit also operates at the maximum efficiency.

In the second embodiment, the reading speed of each reader unit performing the image reading process is reduced at the same reduction rate. Instead, the reading speed is changed according to the reading speed and the priority order. Alternatively, the reading speed of each reader unit may be set to a different reduction rate to reduce the reading speed of each reader unit.

(Third Embodiment) The configuration of the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment.
In the description of the second embodiment, the configuration of the second embodiment is used.

In the third embodiment, only the operation is different from that of the second embodiment. That is, in the processing of the second embodiment shown in FIG.
The 50 processes are different in the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a reading control process performed by the controller 201 according to the third embodiment. Here, the processing up to the reception of the copy processing request is the same as the processing up to step S203 of the second embodiment shown in FIG.

First, a printer output speed of 80 ppm is set as an initial value of the remaining printer output speed (S21).
1).

Here, the priority order of the operation is given in advance to the first reader unit 110, the second reader unit 110 ', and the third reader unit 110 ". The i-th priority reader unit is assigned Pr ( i), and the image reading speed of the reader unit Pr (i) is SP (Pr (i)).

Next, the reading speed SP of the reader unit Pr (i) having the highest priority (i = 1) among the reader unit which has already performed the copying process and the reader unit which has requested the copying process. (Pr (i)) is compared with the remaining printer output speed (S212). Reading speed SP (Pr (i))
Is less than the remaining printer output speed, the controller 20
1 corresponds to the leader Pr (i) with respect to the leader Pr
(I) originally has a reading speed SP (Pr
The reading in (i)) is instructed (S213). Then, based on the remaining printer output speed, the reader unit Pr (i)
Then, the speed obtained by subtracting the reading speed SP (Pr (i)) is set as a new printer output remaining speed (S214).

Thereafter, the priority is lowered by one and step S212 is executed.

This is repeated, and the reading speed SP (Pr) of the reader unit Pr (i) is made higher than the remaining printer output speed.
If (i)) becomes larger, the controller 20
1 instructs the reader unit Pr (i) to perform reading at a reading speed corresponding to the remaining printer output speed at that time (S215).

FIG. 15 shows a state where the second reader unit 110 ′ is in the process of being copied by the first reader unit 110 in the third embodiment.
From the third reader unit 1 during the copy process of the first reader unit 110 and the second reader unit 110 '.
Printer unit 15 when there is a copy processing request from 10 "
0, the first reader unit 110, the second reader unit 1
10 ′ and a timing chart showing the operation of the third reader unit 110 ″.

The priority of the leader unit is the first leader unit 11
0, the second reader unit 110 ', and the third reader unit 110 ".

First, a copy processing request is generated from the first reader unit 110 (t21), and the controller 201 receives the copy processing request. Image reading is started by the first reader unit 110 (t22), and when reading of images A and B is completed, image output is performed by the printer unit 150. At this time, only the first reader unit 110 is operating, and the reading speed 35 ipm of the first reader unit 110 is lower than the remaining printer output speed 80 ppm.
The reader unit 110 performs reading at a speed of 35 ipm which the reader unit 110 originally has.

It is assumed that a copy processing request is issued from the second reader unit 110 'while the first reader unit 110 is reading the image C (t23). This copy processing request is immediately received, and the second reader unit 110 'starts the reading operation (t24). Here, the two reader units operate simultaneously, but the reading speed of the first reader unit 110 is 3
Printer output remaining speed after subtracting 5 ipm is 45p
pm (= 80−35), which corresponds to the second reader unit 11
Since the reading speed of 0 ′ is higher than 25 ipm, the second reader unit 110 ′ also reads at the reading speed which the second reader unit 110 ′ originally has.

It is assumed that a copy processing request is issued from the third reader section 110 ″ while the second reader section 110 ′ is reading the image b (t25). This copy processing request is accepted and the third reader section is received. The unit 110 ″ starts reading, but the remaining printer output speed after subtracting the reading speed of the second reader unit 110 ′ is 20 ipm (= 45−2).
5), which is lower than the reading speed of 25 ipm of the third reader unit 110 ". Therefore, the reading speed of the third reader unit 110" is 20 ipm.

That is, the first reader unit 1 having a higher priority
In the 10 and the second reader unit 110 ', each reading speed is lower than the remaining printer output speed at that time, and the reading process is possible at the reading speed which each has, but the lowest priority is given. The third reader unit 110 ″ cannot perform the reading process at the original reading speed, and the printer output remaining speed at that time is 20 ipm.
Then, the reading process of the third reader unit 110 ″ is performed.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the reader unit having a higher priority can perform the reading process while maintaining the original reading speed, and the printer unit has the maximum efficiency and is not wasted. Will work.

In the third embodiment, when the printer output remaining speed is lower than the reading speed in a reader unit having a certain priority, the priority order is set so as to enable simultaneous copying of more reader units. A process for lowering the reading speed may be performed on each of the subsequent reader units as in the second embodiment.

A storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the stored program code.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, 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 embodiments are realized, but also an OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Performs some or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
Needless to say, this is included in the present invention.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It is needless to say that the present invention includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. No.

[0120]

As described in detail above, claims 1 and 8
According to the invention as set forth in claim 15, when at least two image reading devices out of the plurality of image reading devices read images simultaneously and the image output device outputs each image, the at least two image reading devices output the images. Comparing the total speed obtained by summing the image reading speeds of the image reading devices with the output speed of the image output device, and as a result of the comparison, if the total speed is equal to or less than the output speed, the at least two Of the image reading devices at the image reading speeds of the respective image reading devices.

As a result, within the capability range of the image output device, a plurality of requested copying processes can be simultaneously processed.

According to the fifth, twelfth, or nineteenth aspects of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of image reading apparatuses to which the priority order of operation permission has been assigned are used to read an image. When the image output devices output the respective images simultaneously, the image reading speeds of the n-th image reading device of the at least two image reading devices are changed from the first to the (n). −
The image reading speed of each of the image reading devices up to the 1) th is compared with the remaining output speed obtained by subtracting the image reading speed from the output speed of the image output device. If the image reading speed is equal to or less than the remaining output speed, the priority is given to the nth image reading device,
The image reading device performs an image reading process at an image reading speed.

As a result, even when simultaneous copying exceeding the capacity of the image output apparatus occurs, it is possible to make a copy using the capacity of the image output apparatus to the maximum.

Thus, it is possible to efficiently execute a plurality of copying processes by fully utilizing the capabilities of the image output device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a reader controller (R-con).

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a user interface unit (Ui).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a controller.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image processing unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a printer controller (PC).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a low-voltage power supply unit (LVT).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a read control process performed by a controller when one of a first reader unit and a second reader unit is performing a copy process and the other requests a copy process; It is.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the printer unit and the operations of the first reader unit and the second reader unit when there is a copy processing request from the second reader unit during the copy process of the first reader unit.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a read control process performed by a controller when at least one reader unit is performing a copy process and another reader unit requests a copy process;

FIG. 13 shows a request for a copy process from a second reader unit during a copy process of a first reader unit, and a request for a copy process from a third reader unit during a copy process of a first reader unit and a second reader unit. Operation of the printer unit in the case, and the first reader unit,
6 is a timing chart illustrating operations of a second reader unit and a third reader unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a reading control process performed by a controller according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a third embodiment in which a copy processing request is received from a second reader unit during a copy process of a first reader unit, and a third copy process request is issued during a copy process of a first reader unit and a second reader unit.
6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the printer unit when a copy processing request is received from the reader unit, and the operations of the first reader unit, the second reader unit, and the third reader unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image processing device 110 first reader unit (image reading device) 110 ′ second reader unit (image reading device) 111 platen glass 112 lamp 113 scanner unit 114 mirror 115 mirror 116 mirror 117 lens 118 CCD image sensor unit ( CCD) 120 Reader controller (R-con) 123 Stepping motor (M) 140 Document feeder 150 Printer unit (image output device) 151 Exposure control unit 152 Photoconductor 153 Developing unit 154 Transfer paper loading unit 155 Transfer paper loading unit 156 Transfer Unit 157 Fixing unit 158 Paper discharge unit 159 Transport direction switching member 160 Transfer paper stacking unit for re-feeding 170 Sorter 171 Bin 172 Bin 201 Controller (comparing means, first speed control means, second speed control means, third Speed control means) 02 printer controller (P con) 203 low-voltage power supply unit (LVT) 205 User interface unit (Ui) 208 data bus 209 the image data bus 300 image transfer bus 301 data bus 304 external interface

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus comprising a plurality of image reading apparatuses and one image output apparatus and performing at least a copying process, wherein at least two image reading apparatuses out of the plurality of image reading apparatuses perform image processing. Are read simultaneously, and when the image output device outputs the respective images, the at least 2
Comparing means for comparing the total speed obtained by summing the image reading speeds of the two image reading devices with the output speed of the image output device; as a result of the comparison by the comparing means, the total speed is equal to or less than the output speed. Then, a first speed control means for causing each of the at least two image reading devices to perform an image reading process at an image reading speed of each of the image reading devices is provided. 2. As a result of the comparison by the comparing means, if the total speed is higher than the output speed, one of the at least two image reading devices does not execute the image reading process, and 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second speed control means for causing each of the image reading apparatuses to perform an image reading process at an image reading speed of each of the image reading apparatuses. 3. If the result of the comparison by the comparing means is that the total speed is higher than the output speed, the image reading speeds of the at least two image reading devices are respectively reduced at a predetermined rate, and 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising third speed control means for causing each of the two image reading apparatuses to perform an image reading process at each of the reduced image reading speeds. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined ratio is a ratio of the output speed to the total speed. 5. An image processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of image reading apparatuses to which operation permission priorities are assigned; and one image output apparatus, and at least perform a copying process. When at least two image reading devices simultaneously read images, and the image output device outputs each of the images,
The image reading speeds of the image reading apparatuses having the n-th priority in the image reading apparatuses are changed from the first to the (n)
Comparing means for comparing the image reading speed of each of the image reading devices up to the -1) th with the remaining output speed obtained by subtracting the image reading speed from the output speed of the image output device; If the image reading speed of the n-th image reading device is equal to or less than the remaining output speed, the image reading device performs the image reading process on the n-th image reading device at the image reading speed of the image reading device. An image processing apparatus comprising: a first speed control unit that controls the speed of the image to be processed. 6. If the image reading speed of the n-th image reading device is higher than the output remaining speed as a result of the comparison by the comparing means, the priority is given to the n-th image reading device. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising second speed control means for performing an image reading process based on the remaining output speed. 7. As a result of the comparison by the comparing means, if the image reading speed of the n-th image reading device is higher than the remaining output speed, each of the image reading devices with the n-th priority or less is read. A third speed for reducing each image reading speed at a predetermined rate, and causing each of the image reading devices having the nth or higher priority to perform the image reading process at each of the reduced image reading speeds. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit. 8. An image reading control method comprising a plurality of image reading devices and one image output device and applied to at least an image processing device for performing a copying process, wherein at least one of the plurality of image reading devices is When two image reading devices read images simultaneously, and the image output device outputs the images, the at least two
A comparison step of comparing a total speed obtained by summing the image reading speeds of the two image reading devices with an output speed of the image output device; A first speed control step of causing each of the at least two image reading devices to perform an image reading process at an image reading speed of each of the image reading devices. . 9. As a result of the comparison in the comparing step, if the total speed is higher than the output speed, one of the at least two image reading devices is not allowed to perform the image reading process, and 9. The image reading control method according to claim 8, further comprising a second speed control step of causing each of the image reading devices to perform an image reading process at an image reading speed of each of the image reading devices. 10. The result of the comparison in the comparing step,
If the total speed is greater than the output speed, each image reading speed of the at least two image reading devices is reduced at a predetermined rate, respectively, and the reduced speed is reduced for the at least two image reading devices. 9. The image reading control method according to claim 8, further comprising a third speed control step of performing image reading processing at each of the image reading speeds. 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined ratio is a ratio of the output speed to the total speed.
0. An image reading control method according to item 0. 12. An image reading control method applied to an image processing apparatus that includes a plurality of image reading apparatuses to which operation permission priorities are assigned and one image output apparatus and performs at least a copying process. When at least two image reading devices among the plurality of image reading devices simultaneously read images, and the image output device outputs each of the images,
The image reading speeds of the image reading apparatuses having the n-th priority in the image reading apparatuses are changed from the first to the (n)
A comparing step of comparing the image reading speed of each of the image reading devices up to the -1) th image with the remaining output speed obtained by subtracting the image reading speed from the output speed of the image output device; Is n
If the image reading speed of the second image reading device is equal to or less than the remaining output speed, the second image reading device causes the nth image reading device to perform the image reading process at the image reading speed of the image reading device. And a speed control step. 13. The result of the comparison in the comparing step,
If the image reading speed of the n-th image reading device is higher than the remaining output speed, the image reading device having the n-th priority performs the image reading process at the remaining output speed. 13. The image reading control method according to claim 12, further comprising a second speed control step. 14. The result of the comparison in the comparing step,
If the image reading speed of the n-th image reading device is higher than the remaining output speed, the priority is n.
The image reading speeds of the image reading devices of the nth and subsequent image reading devices are respectively reduced at a predetermined rate, and the image reading process at the reduced image reading speeds is performed on the image reading devices of the nth and subsequent image reading devices. 13. The image reading control method according to claim 12, further comprising a third speed control step for performing each. 15. A computer-readable storage device comprising a plurality of image reading devices and one image output device, and storing, as a program, an image reading control method applied to at least an image processing device that performs a copying process. In the medium, the image reading control method may include: when at least two image reading devices among the plurality of image reading devices simultaneously read images, and when the image output device outputs each of the images,
A comparing step of comparing a total speed obtained by summing the image reading speeds of the two image reading devices with an output speed of the image output device; and a result of the comparison in the comparing step, the total speed is equal to or less than the output speed. Then, a first speed control step of causing each of the at least two image reading devices to perform an image reading process at an image reading speed of each of the image reading devices. 16. The image reading control method according to claim 1, wherein, as a result of the comparison in the comparing step, if the total speed is higher than the output speed, image reading is performed for one of the at least two image reading devices. 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising a second speed control step of causing the remaining image reading devices to perform the image reading process at the image reading speed of each of the image reading devices without performing the process. Storage medium. 17. The image reading control method according to claim 1, wherein, as a result of the comparison in said comparing step, if said total speed is higher than said output speed, each image reading speed of said at least two image reading devices is set to a predetermined ratio. 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: a third speed control step of causing each of the at least two image reading devices to perform an image reading process at each of the reduced image reading speeds. The storage medium according to the above. 18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined ratio is a ratio of the output speed to the total speed.
7. The storage medium according to 7. 19. An image reading control method applied to at least an image processing apparatus that includes a plurality of image reading apparatuses to which operation permission priorities are assigned and one image output apparatus and performs at least a copying process, as a program. A computer-readable storage medium storing the image reading control method, wherein at least two of the plurality of image reading devices simultaneously read images, and the image output device reads the respective images. When outputting at least 2
The image reading speeds of the image reading apparatuses having the n-th priority in the image reading apparatuses are changed from the first to the (n)
A comparing step of comparing the image reading speed of each of the image reading devices up to the -1) th image with the remaining output speed obtained by subtracting the image reading speed from the output speed of the image output device; Is n
If the image reading speed of the second image reading device is equal to or less than the remaining output speed, the second image reading device causes the nth image reading device to perform the image reading process at the image reading speed of the image reading device. A speed control step. 20. The image reading control method according to claim 19, wherein, as a result of the comparison in the comparing step, the priority order is n.
If the image reading speed of the second image reading device is higher than the remaining output speed, the second speed control for causing the nth image reading device to perform the image reading process using the remaining output speed. The storage medium according to claim 19, further comprising a step. 21. The image reading control method, wherein as a result of the comparison in the comparing step, the priority order is n.
If the image reading speed of the nth image reading device is higher than the remaining output speed, the image reading speeds of the image reading devices of the nth and subsequent image reading devices are respectively reduced at a predetermined rate, and the priority order is reduced. 20. The storage medium according to claim 19, further comprising a third speed control step of causing each of the nth and subsequent image reading devices to perform an image reading process at each of the reduced image reading speeds.