JP2002271556A - Imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily perform latest image processing, even if these is updating of functions. SOLUTION: The imaging system is provided with an imaging device 100, having an operation display part 202 for setting the contents of processing to image data, original reading part 201 for reading an original and outputting image data, system controller part 204 for processing the image data of the read original, based on the set processing contents and plotter engine part 203 for forming out the processed image data on transfer paper and a program managing device 200, having a data storage part 253 for storing a program for realizing the processing contents and in accordance with the processing contents set by the operation display part 202, the imaging device 100 acquires the required program from the program managing device 200 through a communication line.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming system, and more particularly to an image forming system such as a digital copying machine having a plurality of functions such as copying, faxing, and printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a conventional image forming apparatus. The conventional image forming apparatus 1100 includes a document reading unit 1
101 and a plotter engine 1102 are controlled by a system controller 1103, and a control program is stored in a ROM or the like on the system controller 1103. An image is formed and output. The FAX function, the print function, and the scan function perform image transmission and reception and command transmission and reception via a communication line connected to the external I / F 1105.

In the conventional image forming apparatus 1100, a program corresponding to each function for realizing a plurality of functions such as copying, facsimile, printer, and scanner is stored in a storage means such as a ROM inside the image forming apparatus 1100. The program was being executed when using each function.

[0004]

However, the prior art has the following problems. In other words, when a program is stored in advance as in the image forming apparatus 1100, the program may become obsolete immediately due to recent rapid technological innovation of computers. In such a case, the functions can be updated by upgrading the program, but the work has to be performed by a service person, which is very troublesome.

[0005] Further, as each function becomes more sophisticated, the capacity of the program increases, and more storage means for storing the program is required, which leads to mounting problems and an increase in the cost of the apparatus. Further, each function is different for each device, and when another device is used in another place or when the device itself is updated, the function used so far may not be used. Further, in the conventional image forming apparatus 1100, a plurality of functions are pre-installed as standard, and depending on the user, even unnecessary functions may be included in the apparatus price.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to provide an image forming system capable of easily performing the latest image processing even when a function is updated.

[0007]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system, comprising: a processing content setting unit configured to set a processing content for image data; Document reading means for outputting,
Document processing means for processing the image data of the document read by the document reading means based on the processing content set by the processing content setting means; and forming the image data processed by the document processing means on transfer paper An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus having an image output unit, and a program management apparatus having a storage unit for storing a program for realizing the processing content.
The image forming apparatus and the program management apparatus are connected through a communication line, and the image forming apparatus transmits a necessary program from the program management apparatus through the communication line according to the processing content set by the processing content setting unit. It is characterized by acquiring.

In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, programs for realizing various functions are stored in the program management apparatus. Therefore, each time a function is executed, the program is transferred to the image forming apparatus to realize the function. I do. Therefore, when the functions are improved due to technological innovation, the functions can be enjoyed only by upgrading the program of the program management device, so that the device manager can be freed from the trouble of upgrading each device as in the conventional case. Is done. On the other hand, the user can always use the latest functions.

Further, since a storage portion (HDD, ROM, etc.) for storing a program is not required in the apparatus main body, the apparatus can be provided at a low cost. Further, by adding a system for charging for each program data transfer and paying a usage fee according to the used function, it is possible to reduce the cost burden of unnecessary functions.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system, comprising: processing content setting means for setting processing content for image data; document reading means for reading a document and outputting image data; Document processing means for processing image data of a document read by the document reading means based on the set processing content; image output means for outputting and forming image data processed by the document processing means on a transfer sheet; An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus having: a program management apparatus having storage means for storing a program for realizing the processing content; and a storage medium detachably attached to the image forming apparatus. A forming apparatus and the program management apparatus are connected through a communication line, and the image forming apparatus is configured to execute the processing content setting unit According to a more set processing contents, a necessary program from the program management apparatus acquired through the communication line, characterized in that it also stores the necessary program in the storage medium.

That is, the invention according to claim 2 is to mount a small rewritable storage medium with a protection function on the image forming apparatus side and store data such as functions required by a user in the small storage medium. The user can always use only necessary functions. In addition, even if different devices in different locations are used, the usage fee can be charged based on the user information stored in the small storage medium, so that management and the like become easy.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system, comprising: processing content setting means for setting processing content for image data; document reading means for reading a document and outputting image data; Document processing means for processing image data of a document read by the document reading means based on the set processing content; image output means for outputting and forming image data processed by the document processing means on a transfer sheet; An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus having display means for displaying an image; and a program management apparatus having storage means for storing a program for realizing the processing content, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises: And the program management device are connected through a communication line, and the image forming device is Control for acquiring a necessary program from the program management device through the communication line, acquiring an operation procedure required for the image forming apparatus, and displaying the operation procedure on the display unit according to the set processing contents. Means are provided.

That is, according to the third aspect of the present invention, since moving pictures and various information can be transferred from the data management apparatus to the apparatus of the present invention, for example, the operation method is displayed on the display section as moving pictures, and help is displayed. It becomes possible,
The convenience of the user increases. Further, by distributing an advertisement or the like when not in use, it becomes possible to discount the usage fee from the user, thereby reducing costs.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of an image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body housing 101, a document reading unit 102 provided on an upper surface of the housing 101, a paper feeding unit 103 for storing and feeding transfer paper and the like, and a transfer paper on which an image is fixed. It has a paper discharge unit 104 for discharging, and an operation unit 105 for displaying an operation mode and the like, and for a user to give an operation mode instruction.

Next, a system configuration diagram of an image forming system including the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a document reading unit 201 including an automatic document feeder, a lens, a CCD, and the like, an operation display unit 202 including an operation panel, an LCD display, and the like, and a sheet feeding device, an image forming device, a sheet discharging device, and the like. A plotter engine unit 203, a system controller unit 204 including a CPU, a memory, an ASIC, etc., for controlling the apparatus; an external I / F unit 205 connected to an external network such as a LAN;
Having.

On the other hand, the program management device 200 is a PC
Control unit 2 consisting of CPU, memory, etc. as well as server
51 and an apparatus operation unit 2 including a CRT, an input device, and the like
52 and a data storage unit 253 composed of a large-capacity HDD or the like.
And an external I / O connected to an external network such as a LAN
F section 254.

The image forming apparatus 100 and the program management apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment are connected via a network such as a LAN. In recent years, the data transfer rate of networks has become extremely high due to technological innovation. Further, high-speed data transfer has become possible even with conventional telephone lines due to technological innovations such as ISDN and ASDL.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system controller 204 of the image forming apparatus 100.
The system controller unit 204 includes a CPU 301, an image processing unit 302, an operation display unit 303, an interface unit 304, a RAM 305, an internal system bus 3
06.

The CPU 301 controls the entire operation of the image forming apparatus 100, and has a built-in cache memory and a program ROM. The image processing unit 302 is configured by an image processing ASIC or the like, and performs enlargement / reduction, rotation, smoothing, and the like of an image. The operation display unit 303 controls an input signal from the operation display unit 202 and causes the display unit 221 to display operation information. The interface unit 304 controls communication with the external interface unit 205. The RAM 305 is a memory and is used for executing programs and the like.

CPU 301, image processing unit 302, operation display unit 303, RAM 305, interface unit 304
Are connected to each other via an internal system bus 306 inside the system controller unit 204 so that commands and data can be exchanged.

The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment is as follows.
201, the image forming apparatus 1
00 is started and becomes usable. In this state, the image forming apparatus 100 can use a minimum function, for example, a simple copy.

Next, the data management device (see FIG. 2) will be described. The program management apparatus 200 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 by a communication unit such as a network. The program management device 200 can be connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Program management device 20
0, as described above, has a data storage unit 253 such as a large-capacity HDD, in which various programs for realizing the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 are stored. These various programs can be downloaded from a network connected to the program management device 200 or can be downloaded from an external storage device such as a CD-ROM.

When the user of the image forming apparatus 100 wants to use advanced copying such as editing copying and functions of a facsimile, a printer, a scanner, and the like, the user can select and use the function by pressing a function key. When the system controller unit 204 recognizes that the function key has been pressed, the system controller unit 204 connects to the program management device 200 via communication means such as a network.

If a program for realizing a function corresponding to the pressed function key is stored in the program management apparatus 200, the program is similarly transferred to the image forming apparatus 100 via communication means. The transferred program is temporarily stored in the RAM in the image forming apparatus 100 and is executed. The program for realizing each function in this manner is stored in the program management device 2.
00 and downloaded to the image forming apparatus 100 and executed. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the above flow, that is, the flow of transfer of the function program from the data management device side.

The program management device 20
By registering information such as the serial number unique to the image forming apparatus 100 in 0, the unique information of the image forming apparatus 100 and the program management apparatus 200 is referred to at the time of transferring the program data. It is also possible. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the above flow, that is, a processing flow for determining whether or not a function program can be transferred based on the data management device such as the serial number and the unique information of the image forming device.

Further, depending on the mode of use, storing a data transfer log to the image forming apparatus 100 in the program management apparatus 200 enables charging for each program data transfer. When the program data is transferred, the advertisement information can be attached and transferred, and the advertisement information can be displayed on the operation display unit 202 of the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, a service for discounting the billing fee may be provided.

As described above, in the image processing system according to the first embodiment, first, when a function program is stored in the data management device side to upgrade the function, the program of only the data management device is loaded. Since the update may be performed, it is not necessary to perform the update work for each machine as in the related art, and the efficiency of the work of the administrator of the image forming apparatus can be improved. On the other hand, the user can use each function with the latest function, and can provide a highly convenient image processing system.

Further, since it is not necessary to provide a storage portion for storing the function program in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus main body can be provided at a low cost. Further, each function can be used as needed even in an image forming apparatus installed in another place, and the same functions as those in the related art can be used even when the image forming apparatus main body is updated, which is convenient for the user. Increase. In addition, if a program for each function is charged each time data is transferred, it is only necessary to pay a fee for the function to be used. Therefore, for example, there is no need to collectively purchase programs from a utility software maker (in other words, unnecessary There is no need to pay a fee for using the functions), and both users and manufacturers can save costs.

Further, by adding advertisement information at the time of program data transfer and displaying the advertisement information on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, the use fee can be discounted, so that the cost can be further reduced.

Embodiment 2 FIG. In the image forming system according to the first embodiment, since the program data is temporarily stored in the RAM, the program data disappears when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. If the function is not used for a fixed time, the program data is automatically deleted due to the nature of the RAM. The image forming system according to the second embodiment holds program data. In the image forming system according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system controller of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 has a card slot 65.
0 is added, and the system controller 601 is provided with a CARD-I / F unit 602 for the card slot 650. CARD-I / F unit 602
Are connected to the internal system bus 306. A card-type rewritable storage medium can be inserted into the card slot 650, and the user of the apparatus can insert and use the card.

The functions required by the user can be registered in this storage medium. In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, when the user presses a function key of the image forming apparatus 100 as in the case of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, a function program corresponding to a desired function is executed. Download the program management device 200. At this time, if the functions required by the user are registered in the storage medium in advance, the functions can be narrowed down and the data can be transmitted.

The program data sent to the image forming apparatus 100 is stored in a storage medium inserted in the card slot 650. By attaching this storage medium to another image forming apparatus, the storage medium can be used in an image forming apparatus at another location or an image forming apparatus of another model. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of using a storage medium in another image forming apparatus.

The card type storage medium includes:
A card-specific number such as a serial number is added. When the program data is transferred from the program management device 200, the card-specific number is sent to the program management device 200 and registered. The card on which the program data is written can be used in other image forming apparatuses. However, when the function is executed, the card-specific information is sent to the data management apparatus. May be controlled. With this control, the program on the card cannot be duplicated and used, and illegal use of the program can be prevented. Note that this control is performed by the CPU 301.

When the function program stored in the storage medium becomes unnecessary, it may be deleted and a new program may be written. Furthermore, when the latest version of the program is released, it can be rewritten and used.
Further, as in the case of the first embodiment, a fee may be charged for each program data written to the storage medium. At this time, by managing the unique number of the card type storage medium on the program management apparatus 200, the accounting information is centrally managed even when the storage medium is used in an image forming apparatus in a different place or the apparatus is updated. It is possible to do. FIG.
5 is a flowchart illustrating the above flow, that is, the processing flow of an image forming system that downloads a function program to a card-type storage medium and causes the image forming apparatus to function.

As described above, in the image forming system according to the second embodiment, since the function program is stored in the small storage medium, the small storage medium storing the function program is mounted on another image forming apparatus. , Each function can be used on other devices,
The convenience of the user increases. In addition, if accounting is performed every time program data is written, accounting information can be centrally managed even if the image forming apparatus body that uses the function is different, so that the efficiency of the administrator's work can be improved.

Further, by storing information unique to the user, a program having only necessary functions is stored, and a fee for unnecessary functions is not required. Further, by adding the advertisement information to the small-sized medium, the cost can be reduced.

Embodiment 3 FIG. Next, an image forming system according to the third embodiment will be described. Embodiment 3
In the image forming system described above, the same components as those in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system controller of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The system controller 901 includes a storage device (HD
D) 902 has been added. The HDD 902 is connected to the internal system bus 306. Moving images and images can be recorded on the HDD 902. In the image forming system according to the third embodiment, when a user presses a function key to use various functions, program data is transmitted from the image forming system according to the first embodiment and the program management apparatus 200 to the image forming apparatus 100. They are common in that they are transferred.

Further, in the image forming system according to the third embodiment, at the same time as transferring the program data, the image data representing an operation method for using the function or image data such as a moving image is transferred to the image forming apparatus 100. I do. In the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the program data portion of the received data is stored in the RAM 305 or a card type storage device.

On the other hand, the image data portion is stored in the HDD 902. By storing in this way, when the user uses each function, an image or a moving image of the operation method stored in the HDD 902 can be read and displayed on the operation display unit 202. On the other hand, when an error such as a paper jam or a toner end occurs during execution of various functions on the image forming apparatus side, the system controller 901 determines that an error has occurred. At this time, the system controller 901 sends the error code to the program management apparatus 200, and the program management apparatus 200 sends image data indicating an error handling method corresponding to the error code to the image forming apparatus 100.
Transfer to

The image forming apparatus 100 displays the image data of the error handling method on the operation display unit 202. As a result, the user can perform error handling by referring to the display. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the above-described flow, that is, the flow of receiving and displaying a coping method for an error from the data management device side. Further, depending on the mode of use, when the image forming apparatus 100 has not been used for a certain period of time or longer, control for transferring image data such as an advertisement from the program management apparatus 200 may be performed.

As described above, in the image forming system according to the third embodiment, image data corresponding to each function is transferred to the image forming apparatus, and image data can be displayed.
The user can operate while referring to the image data. This makes it possible to reduce erroneous operations. In addition, since an appropriate action method is displayed when an error occurs, a quick response can be made, and work efficiency can be improved.

[0044]

As described above, the image forming system according to the present invention (claim 1) comprises: processing content setting means for setting processing content for image data; and document reading means for reading a document and outputting image data. Document processing means for processing the image data of the document read by the document reading means based on the processing content set by the processing content setting means; and transferring the image data processed by the document processing means onto a transfer sheet. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus having an image output unit for outputting and forming; and a program management apparatus having a storage unit for storing a program for realizing the processing content, wherein the image forming apparatus and the A program management device is connected through a communication line, and the image forming apparatus executes processing set by the processing content setting unit. According volume, so obtaining the necessary program from the program management apparatus via the communication line, even if update function, easily makes it possible to provide an image forming system capable of latest image processing.

Further, the image forming system according to the present invention comprises: processing content setting means for setting processing content for image data; document reading means for reading a document and outputting image data; Document processing means for processing the image data of the document read by the document reading means based on the processing content set by the means, and image output means for forming the image data processed by the document processing means on transfer paper And an image forming apparatus having:
An image forming system comprising: a program management device having a storage unit for storing a program for realizing the processing content; and a storage medium detachable from the image forming device, wherein the image forming device and the program management device Are connected through a communication line, and the image forming apparatus is
According to the processing content set by the processing content setting means, a necessary program is acquired from the program management device through the communication line, and the necessary program is stored in the storage medium. ,
It is possible to provide an image forming system that can easily perform the latest image processing.

Further, the image forming system according to the present invention comprises: processing content setting means for setting processing content for image data; document reading means for reading a document and outputting image data; Document processing means for processing the image data of the document read by the document reading means based on the processing content set by the means, and image output means for forming the image data processed by the document processing means on transfer paper An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus including: a display unit that displays an image; and a program management device that includes a storage unit that stores a program that implements the processing.
The image forming apparatus and the program management apparatus are connected through a communication line, and the image forming apparatus transmits a necessary program from the program management apparatus through the communication line according to the processing content set by the processing content setting unit. Control means for acquiring the operation procedure necessary for the image forming apparatus and displaying the operation procedure on the display unit. Therefore, even if the function is updated, the latest image processing can be easily performed. It is possible to provide an image forming system capable of performing the following.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of an image forming apparatus in an image forming system according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system controller of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of transfer of a function program from the data management device side.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow for determining whether a function program can be transferred based on a data management device such as a serial number and information unique to an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system controller of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of using a storage medium in another image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of an image forming system that downloads a function program to a card-type storage medium and causes an image forming apparatus to function.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system controller of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of receiving and displaying a coping method for an error from the data management device side.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a conventional image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image forming device 200 program management device 201 document reading unit 202 operation display unit 203 plotter engine unit 204 system controller unit 205 external interface unit 253 data storage unit 302 image processing unit 303 operation display unit 304 interface unit 650 card slot

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 396 G03G 21/00 396 G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 CF term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 CQ43 HN11 HQ17 HS07 HV09 HV14 2H027 DB01 EA18 EB01 EE07 EJ15 5B021 AA01 AA05 AA19 CC05 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA13 AA30 AA35 AB20 AB38 AC41 AE00 AF00 BA04

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A processing content setting means for setting processing content for image data, a document reading means for reading a document and outputting image data, and the document reading based on the processing content set by the processing content setting means An image forming apparatus including: a document processing unit that processes image data of a document read by the unit; and an image output unit that outputs and forms image data processed by the document processing unit to transfer paper. An image forming system comprising: a program management device having storage means for storing a program to be realized; and wherein the image forming device and the program management device are connected via a communication line. In accordance with the processing content set by the processing content setting means, a necessary program is Image forming system and acquiring through the serial communication line. 2. A processing content setting means for setting processing content for image data, a document reading means for reading a document and outputting image data, and the document reading based on the processing content set by the processing content setting means. An image forming apparatus including: a document processing unit that processes image data of a document read by the unit; and an image output unit that outputs and forms image data processed by the document processing unit to transfer paper. An image forming system comprising: a program management device having storage means for storing a program to be realized; and a storage medium detachable from the image forming device, wherein the image forming device and the program management device are connected via a communication line. The image forming apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus according to the processing content set by the processing content setting unit. Image forming system characterized by a necessary program from the program managing unit obtains through the communication line, and stores the necessary programs in the storage medium. 3. A processing content setting means for setting processing content for image data, a document reading means for reading a document and outputting image data, and the document reading based on the processing content set by the processing content setting means. Document processing means for processing the image data of the document read by the means, image output means for forming the image data processed by the document processing means on transfer paper, and display means for displaying an image. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus having: a program management apparatus having a storage unit for storing a program for realizing the processing content; wherein the image forming apparatus and the program management apparatus are connected via a communication line. The image forming apparatus according to the processing content set by the processing content setting means, Control means for acquiring a necessary program from the system management device through the communication line, acquiring an operation procedure required for the image forming apparatus, and displaying the operation procedure on the display unit. Image forming system.