JP2003179717A - Image forming apparatus and network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve efficiency in the operation of an image forming apparatus and a network system. <P>SOLUTION: Information for each area containing automatic print information presenting whether or not an automatic print function for automatically printing an image shown by read image data is to be validated when the read image data are stored is inputted for each of a plurality of storage areas provided in a storage means for respectively storing the read image data in a file form and when the read image data are stored in the storage area inputted with the automatic print information to validate the automatic print function and it is determined that the image forming device is not in an active state, the image shown by the read image data stored in the storage area is controlled to be printed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a network system, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for reading an original image image and generating digital read image data, and a process such as printing for the image data of 1. The present invention relates to a network system that can be performed between a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image forming apparatus having a so-called copy server function, when a document image is copied onto a predetermined image recording sheet, the following processing is generally performed. First,
The original image placed on the original placing table of the image forming apparatus is read, and the read original image is read as a file (read image data of the original image and printing conditions (size of paper to be printed,
Number of copies, presence / absence of post-processing, print density, etc.)
Is stored in a built-in memory, and finally an image is printed based on this stored file. In such an image forming apparatus, since the file is stored in the memory, the image based on the file is reprinted or the file is edited (combining a plurality of read image data, updating print conditions, etc.). be able to.

When a plurality of image forming apparatuses of this type are connected via a network or the like, a file corresponding to an image to be printed from one image forming apparatus is sent to a plurality of other image forming apparatuses. By transferring, it is possible to perform similar printing from a plurality of image forming apparatuses at one time.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional image forming apparatus, when reprinting a document image, a file (including read image data and printing conditions) to be reprinted is designated and a print instruction is issued. It was necessary to input every one.

Further, when a user gives a print instruction, it is usually assumed that the user should immediately print.
When printing a large amount such as printing a large number of copies or printing a large number of sheets, the image forming apparatus cannot be used until the printing is completed. In addition, when reprinting a file stored by the image forming apparatus or when printing a file stored in another image forming apparatus connected to the network, it is common to perform printing immediately when the user operates. ing. Therefore, even in this case, if the printing amount is large, the image forming apparatus cannot be used until the printing is completed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is possible to print an image based on a file to be printed without a complicated operation such as inputting a print instruction for the file to be printed one by one. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a network system capable of improving work efficiency.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 has a function of reading a document image, generating digital read image data, and printing an image indicated by the read image data. An image forming apparatus including: storage means having a plurality of storage areas each capable of storing the read image data in a file format; and, when the read image data is stored for each storage area, Input means for inputting area-by-area information including automatic print information indicating whether or not to enable an automatic print function for automatically printing an image indicated by the read image data, and an operation state of the image forming apparatus. Determination means for determining whether or not the read image data is stored in the storage area where the automatic print information is set to enable the automatic print function. If the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state by the determining means, the control for printing the image indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area is performed. And means are provided.

The present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus having a function of reading a document image, generating digital read image data, and printing an image indicated by the read image data.

The storage means of the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a plurality of storage areas each capable of storing the read image data in a file format. The storage means may be a semiconductor storage element such as a RAM or a flash memory, a portable storage medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-R, a fixed storage medium such as a hard disk, or an external storage provided in a network-connected external device. A device or the like can be applied.

Further, in the input means of the present invention, whether the automatic printing function for automatically printing the image indicated by the read image data when the read image data is stored is enabled for each storage area. Area-specific information including automatic print information indicating whether or not is input. Here, as the input means, a so-called hard key provided outside the image forming apparatus or an input apparatus such as a so-called touch panel provided so as to overlap with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display used for displaying a message or the like is applied. You can

Further, the determination means of the present invention determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is in an operating state, and the control means determines that the automatic print information validates the automatic print function. When the read image data is stored in the storage area, and when the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state, the read image data stored in the storage area is used. The image shown is controlled to be printed. In the determination means, for example, when the screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus is in the initial state (when the reset button is pressed by the input device or the like to reset the image forming apparatus or the reset timer times out). When it is done), it is determined that the operation state is not set.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the read image data is stored, the read image data is read for each of a plurality of storage areas provided in the storage means and capable of storing the read image data in a file format. Input information for each area including automatic print information indicating whether to enable the automatic print function that automatically prints the image represented by the image data, and the automatic print information enables the automatic print function. When the read image data is stored in the storage area that is supposed to be stored, and when it is determined that the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not in the operating state, the read stored in the storage area is performed. It is controlled to print the image indicated by the image data.

Therefore, it is determined that the read image data is stored in the storage area where the automatic print information is set to enable the automatic print function, and the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not in the operating state. If so, the image indicated by the read image data is automatically printed.
Since it is not necessary to perform an operation for printing instructions one by one, it is possible to improve work efficiency. Further, since the image indicated by the read image data is printed only when the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state, resources of the image forming apparatus such as when the image forming apparatus is not used by anyone can be saved. An image can be printed when the space is free, and the work efficiency can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the information for each area is the time at which the image is automatically printed when the automatic printing function is enabled. The control means further includes time information indicating that the read image data is stored in the storage area where the automatic print information validates the automatic print function, and the determination means. Determines that the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state, and when the time indicated by the time information corresponding to the storage area is reached, it is indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area. It is characterized by controlling to print an image.

According to the present invention, the area-by-area information further includes time information indicating a time at which the image is automatically printed when the automatic printing function is enabled. Therefore, it is possible to freely set the time of automatic printing for each storage area. Further, in the control means of the present invention, when the read image data is stored in the storage area where the automatic print information is made valid for the automatic print information, and the image formation is performed by the determination means. When it is determined that the device is not in the operating state and the time indicated by the time information corresponding to the storage area is reached, the image indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area is printed. To be controlled.

As described above, according to the present invention, the area-by-area information further includes the time information indicating the time at which the image is automatically printed when the automatic printing function is enabled, and the control means performs the automatic printing. When the read image data is stored in the storage area where the information is made valid for the automatic printing function, and the determining unit determines that the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state. At the same time, when the time indicated by the time information corresponding to the storage area is reached, the image shown by the read image data stored in the storage area is controlled to be printed. In addition, printing can be collectively performed during times when the image forming apparatus is not used, such as break times, and work efficiency can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the area-by-area information is an image that is automatically displayed when the automatic printing function is enabled. Further includes retry information indicating a retry time interval at the time of printing on, and the determination unit, when the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is in an operating state, the storage unit that is a control target by the control unit. It is characterized in that it is repeatedly determined whether or not the image forming apparatus is in an operating state at the retry time intervals corresponding to the areas.

According to the present invention, the area-by-area information further includes retry information indicating a retry time interval for automatically printing an image when the automatic printing function is enabled. Therefore, when the desired image is not printed, the time until the automatic printing is re-executed can be freely set. For example, in the retry time interval, other processing can be executed in the image forming apparatus. You can With the determination means of the present invention, when it is determined that the image forming apparatus is in the operating state, the image forming apparatus is determined to have the retry time interval corresponding to the storage area controlled by the control means. It is repeatedly judged whether or not it is in the operation state.

As described above, in the present invention, the image formation of the present invention includes the retry information indicating the retry time interval when the image is automatically printed when the automatic printing function is enabled in the area information. When the apparatus is in the operating state, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the image forming apparatus is in the operating state at the retry time interval corresponding to the storage area in which printing is controlled by the control unit. Therefore, for example, when the image forming apparatus is in the operating state and the desired image is not printed, and the retry time elapses, the image forming apparatus is again brought into the operating state by the determination means. It is possible to determine whether or not the operation state has been reached. If it is determined that the operation state has not been reached, a desired image is printed. Therefore, it is necessary to repeatedly issue a print instruction. Ku, it is possible to improve the work efficiency.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the retry information further includes retry number information indicating a number of retries, When determining that the image forming apparatus is in an operating state, the determining unit sets an upper limit to the retry count indicated by the retry count information corresponding to the storage area that is the control target by the control unit, It is characterized in that it is repeatedly determined whether or not the image forming apparatus is in an operating state at the retry time interval corresponding to the storage area.

According to the present invention, the retry information can further include retry count information indicating the retry count.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent infinite retry. Then, when the image forming apparatus of the present invention is in the operating state, the determination unit sets the upper limit to the number of retries indicated by the number of retries information corresponding to the storage area controlled by the control unit. Then, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the image forming apparatus is in the operating state at the retry time intervals corresponding to the storage area.

As described above, in the present invention, the retry information includes the retry number information indicating the number of retries, and when the image forming apparatus of the present invention is in the operating state, the control means controls the printing. It is repeatedly determined whether or not the image forming apparatus is in the operating state at the retry time interval corresponding to the storage area, with the upper limit of the number of retries indicated by the retry count information corresponding to the storage area. Therefore, for example, when the image forming apparatus is in the operating state and the desired image is not printed, and the retry time elapses, the image forming apparatus is again in the operating state by the determining unit with the retry count as the upper limit. It is possible to judge whether or not the desired image is printed here. Every time also it is not necessary to perform a print instruction,
Work efficiency can be improved. On the other hand, since the determination unit determines whether or not the operation state is repeated, the number of retries is set as the upper limit, so that other processing is not delayed and the work efficiency can be improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the information for each area is a plurality of information when the automatic printing function is enabled. Further includes interval information indicating an interval time interval for each read image data when the image is automatically printed, and the control unit includes a plurality of images indicated by the plurality of read image data stored in the storage area. Is controlled such that at least the interval time interval indicated by the interval information corresponding to the storage area is vacant at every read image data.

According to the present invention, in the area information, an interval indicating an interval time interval for each read image data in automatically printing a plurality of images when the automatic printing function is enabled More information is included. Therefore, the interval time can be freely set as needed. In the control means, when printing a plurality of images indicated by a plurality of read image data stored in the storage area, at least an interval time interval indicated by the interval information corresponding to the storage area for each read image data. Control so that it is free.

As described above, according to the present invention, the interval time interval for each read image data when automatically printing a plurality of images when the automatic printing function is enabled is set in the area information. When the plurality of images indicated by the plurality of read image data stored in the storage area is printed by the control unit, further including the interval information shown, the control unit corresponds to the storage area at least for each read image data. Since the interval time interval indicated by the interval information is controlled to be empty, even when printing multiple images automatically,
For example, by increasing the interval time, it is possible to perform other processing within the interval time and improve work efficiency.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the determining means further determines whether the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state. If the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state, the control unit releases the sleep state and then the image indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area. It is characterized by controlling to print.

According to the present invention, the judging means further judges whether the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state. Here, the sleep state means that the image forming apparatus is in a so-called power saving state. For example, when the image forming apparatus has an LCD display unit including a backlight,
It includes a state in which the backlight of the LCD display unit is off, and a state in which the control unit that drives and controls the LCD display unit saves power. When the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state, the control unit releases the sleep state and then prints the image indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area. To control.

As described above, in the present invention, it is further determined whether or not the image forming apparatus of the present invention is in the sleep state, and if it is determined that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state, the sleep state is set. Since the control is performed so as to print the image indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area after the release, in the case where the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state and no processing is originally performed. Even if there is, the sleep state is automatically released and a predetermined image is printed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the determining means further determines whether the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state. If the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state, the input unit automatically releases the sleep state and automatically releases the automatic release function. When further inputting information, the control means determines that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state by the determination means, and
The image indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area is printed after the sleep state of the image forming apparatus is released only when the automatic release information is set to enable the automatic release function. The feature is that it is controlled as follows.

According to the present invention, by the judging means,
It is further determined whether the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state. The input unit further includes automatic release information indicating whether to enable an automatic release function that automatically releases the sleep state when the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state. Is entered.
In the control means, only when the determination means determines that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state, and when the automatic release information validates the automatic release function, the image After the sleep state of the forming apparatus is released, the image shown by the read image data stored in the storage area is controlled to be printed.

As described above, according to the present invention, the determining means further determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state, and when it is determined that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state, the input means determines. When the automatic release information indicating whether to enable the automatic release function for automatically releasing the sleep state is further input, and the image forming apparatus is determined to be in the sleep state, and the automatic release is performed. Control to print the image indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area after the sleep state of the image forming apparatus is released only when the information enables the automatic release function Therefore, it is possible to automatically perform printing according to the state of the image forming apparatus and based on the automatic printing function.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the input means is
The release prohibition information indicating the time at which the release of the sleep state is prohibited is further input, and the control unit determines by the determination unit that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state at the time indicated by the release prohibition information. It is characterized in that control is performed so as to prohibit release of the sleep state in the case of being activated.

According to the present invention, the input means further inputs cancellation prohibition information indicating a time at which cancellation of the sleep state is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to freely set the time at which the release of the sleep state is prohibited. Further, the control unit is controlled to prohibit the release of the sleep state when the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state at the time indicated by the release prohibition information. .

As described above, in the present invention, the release prohibition information indicating the time at which the release of the sleep state is prohibited is further input, and the image forming apparatus of the present invention is in the sleep state at the time indicated by the release prohibition information. If there is, it is controlled so that the cancellation of the sleep state is prohibited.
For example, although the image forming apparatus enters the sleep state, the sleep state is not released and automatic printing is not performed at the time when the release prohibition of the sleep state is input.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, when the input unit stores the read image data in the storage area, File-by-file information indicating whether or not to automatically print the image indicated by the read image data is input for each file of the read image data, and the control means sets the corresponding automatic print information to the automatic print function. Regardless of whether it is valid or not, it is determined that the read image data is stored in the storage area, and that the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state. If the information for each file corresponding to the read image data indicates that the image is automatically printed, the image indicated by the read image data is printed. It is characterized in that Gosuru.

According to the present invention, in the input means, when storing the read image data in the storage area, information for each file indicating whether or not the image indicated by the read image data is automatically printed. Is input for each file of the read image data. The control means stores the read image data in the storage area regardless of whether or not the corresponding automatic print information is set to enable the automatic print function, and If the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is not in an operating state, and the file-by-file information corresponding to the read image data indicates that an image is automatically printed, the reading is performed. The image represented by the image data is controlled to be printed.

As described above, according to the present invention, when storing the read image data in the storage area, the file-by-file information indicating whether or not the image indicated by the read image data is automatically printed is read image. In the case where the read image data is stored in the storage area regardless of whether or not the corresponding automatic print information is input for each file of data and the automatic print function is validated. In addition, when the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not in the operating state, and the file-by-file information corresponding to the read image data indicates that the image is automatically printed, the read image data indicates the image. Since the image is controlled to be printed, it is possible to input the valid / invalid of the automatic print function for each file corresponding to the read image data. Since defined automatic printing of each irrespective file in state can improve the working efficiency.

The invention described in claim 10 is the same as claim 9
In the image forming apparatus, the control unit is configured to display the image indicated by the read image data when the automatic print information corresponding to the storage area in which the read image data is stored is set to validate the automatic print function. It is characterized by controlling to print.

According to the present invention, in the control means, when the automatic print function corresponding to the storage area in which the read image data is stored validates the automatic print function, The image shown is controlled to print. As described above, in the present invention, the automatic print information corresponding to the storage area in which the read image data is stored is indicated by the read image data when the automatic print function is validated by the control unit. Since the control is performed to print the image, even if the automatic print function of the storage area in which the read image data is stored is enabled, the file-by-file information corresponding to the read image data is automatically Printing is automatically performed only when it is indicated to print.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the file-by-file information is print information indicating a print condition for printing an image represented by the read image data. Further, the control means is characterized in that, when controlling to print the image, the control means controls to print the image according to the print condition indicated by the corresponding print information.

According to the present invention, the information for each file includes
Printing information indicating printing conditions for printing the image represented by the read image data is further included. here,
The print information includes various printing conditions such as the type of paper on which the image is printed, the size of the paper, the number of copies to be printed, the presence or absence of post-processing such as punching and stapling. Then, when controlling the image to be printed, the control unit controls the image to be printed in accordance with the printing condition indicated by the corresponding print information.

As described above, according to the present invention, print information indicating a print condition for printing an image represented by the read image data is further included, and the corresponding print is performed when controlling to print the image. Since the image is controlled to be printed according to the print condition indicated by the information, the desired print condition can be designated for each read image data, and the predetermined image can be automatically printed according to the specified print condition. it can.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, the file-by-file information is read after the printing of the image indicated by the read image data is completed. The image data further includes deletion information indicating whether to delete the image data from the storage area, and the control unit, when controlling to print the image,
Only when the corresponding deletion information indicates to delete the read image data, the read image data is deleted from the storage area after the image indicated by the read image data is printed.

According to the present invention, the information for each file includes
Deletion information indicating whether or not to delete the read image data from the storage area after printing of the image indicated by the read image data is further included. In the control means, when controlling to print the image, only when the corresponding deletion information indicates to delete the read image data, after printing the image indicated by the read image data, The read image data is deleted from the storage area.

As described above, in the present invention, the file-by-file information further includes deletion information indicating whether or not the read image data is deleted from the storage area after the printing of the image indicated by the read image data is completed. Then, when controlling to print the image, only when the corresponding deletion information indicates that the read image data is deleted, after printing the image indicated by the read image data, the read image Since the data is deleted from the storage area, unnecessary read image data is not stored unnecessarily, the storage area can be effectively used, and the data management is facilitated.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects and a communication line connecting the plurality of image forming apparatuses so that they can communicate with each other are provided. It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, a network system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and a communication line connecting the plurality of image forming apparatuses so that they can communicate with each other. Is equipped with. As described above, since the plurality of image forming apparatuses according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and the communication line connecting the plurality of image forming apparatuses to each other are communicatively provided, In a plurality of connected image forming apparatuses, it is possible to exchange read image data such as combination of read image data and copying.

[0048]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows the electrical system configuration of the image forming apparatus 12 (mainly the configuration of the portion related to the present invention). There is. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes the image reading unit 14, the image processing unit 16, and the image output unit 1.
8, CPU (central processing unit) 22, RAM 24, and H
It is configured to include a DD (hard disk) 28. These units are connected via a video bus 88 and can send and receive predetermined data to and from each other. Also, CP
U22 is provided with an input operation unit 20 and a ROM via a bus 89.
26 is connected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
Is connected to a plurality of other image forming apparatuses via an I / F (network interface) 30, and thereby the network system 10 is constructed. In FIG. 3, in order to distinguish the image forming apparatuses 12 from each other, the image forming apparatuses 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12 are respectively formed.
It is written as E and 12F.

The image reading section 14 of the image forming apparatus 12 is a so-called scanner capable of achieving a scanning function, and is connected to the CPU 22 via a connection line (not shown). In the image reading unit 14, an LED image is displayed on a document image placed on a document placing table such as a contact glass (not shown).
Predetermined visible light is emitted from a light source such as a (light emitting diode), and the reflected light of this light is converted into an electric signal by an image reading element such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) to read an original image and read read image data To generate. Then, the read image data includes image data including characters and images and control data (command data), and each of these data is transmitted to the HDD 28 via the CPU 22. The image reading unit 14 has an ADF (automatic document feeder) 36. Therefore, the image reading unit 14 can separate a bundle of originals made of a plurality of sheets one by one, convey the bundle of originals to the original placing table, and sequentially set the bundle at a predetermined position. You can read them one by one.

The image processing unit 16 performs essential image processing on the read image data generated by the image reading unit 14 and predetermined image processing according to an instruction input from the input operation unit 18 described later. Note that the image processing referred to here is
For example, quantization processing for converting an analog image signal obtained by the image reading unit 14 into binary or multi-valued data, shading correction processing for correcting irradiation unevenness of a light source for irradiating an original, and variation in sensitivity of CCD, MTF correction processing to correct blurring by the optical system, changing the image reading density,
It includes various processing such as scaling that performs data interpolation using the read image data.

The HDD 28 as a storage unit is read by the image reading unit 14 and read image data which has been subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 16 and input by the input operation unit 20 when generating the read image data. The print information described below is stored in a file format for each reading process of the image reading unit 14. Note that what is stored here is called a "file".

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the HDD 28 has a plurality of storage areas (hereinafter referred to as “folders”) 101.
A, 102A, 103A ... In addition, in this embodiment, 33 folders are provided. The user uses folders 101A, 102A, 103A, ... As the storage destinations of the files when performing the image printing process.
Either of them can be selected. Note that the designation of the selected folder at this time is performed by the key operation of the input operation unit 20.

Each folder 101A, 102A, 103A
Can store the file regardless of whether or not printing is performed. Then, when the file is stored in any of the folders 101A, 102A, 103A ..., The HDD 28 provides automatic print information indicating the validity / invalidity of the automatic print function for automatically printing an image based on the file in each folder. It can be stored for each. In addition, HDD
28 is time information indicating the time when the image is automatically printed when the automatic printing function is set to be valid, and the number of retries for performing the printing again when the printing cannot be executed for some reason. And retry information including information indicating each retry time interval, interval information indicating a print time interval (hereinafter, referred to as “interval time interval”) for each read image data when printing a plurality of images, and the like for each folder. Can be stored in.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 12 is in a so-called sleep state in which the image forming apparatus 12 is in the power saving mode, the HDD 28 further provides automatic release information indicating whether the automatic release function for automatically releasing the sleep state or not, and the automatic release information. The release prohibition information indicating the time when the release is prohibited can also be stored for each folder. On the other hand, the HDD 28 stores the folders 101A, 1
Information for each file indicating whether or not to perform automatic printing can be stored for each file stored in 02A, 103A, .... In addition to the information indicating whether or not to perform automatic printing, the information for each file includes printing conditions for performing automatic printing (type of paper on which an image is printed, size of paper, number of copies to be printed, punch, stapler). Post-processing etc.), and deletion information indicating whether to delete the read image data from the folder after printing of the image indicated by the read image data included in the file is completed. included.

Incidentally, these folders 101A and 102
A, 103A ... Are the folders 101A, 102A,
A password can be set for each folder as authentication information for permitting access to 103A, and a folder for which a password has been set cannot be accessed unless the CPU 22 confirms the input of the password. . The password is set and the password is input when accessing the folder in which the password is set by the input operation unit 20.

Furthermore, each of the folders 101A, 102A,
103A ... Can be shared storage areas accessible from other image forming apparatuses, that is, so-called shared folders. As a result, the specific folder can be shared by a plurality of other image forming apparatuses connected by the network. Therefore, any image forming apparatus 12A, 12B, 12C ... Can access the shared folder, and each image forming apparatus 12A, 12B, 12C. It is possible to perform processing operations such as synthesizing, duplicating, moving, and printing.

Furthermore, each folder 101A, 102
A, 103A ... Can be linked to a folder included in the HDD 28 of another image forming apparatus. That is, the folders 101A, 102A, 103A, ... Are, for example, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and folders of other image forming apparatuses.
It is possible to establish a so-called link by using a protocol for file transfer such as col), so that when one folder is accessed, the other folder can be automatically accessed.

Further, the shared folder can be linked to another folder. In this case, the shared folder can be automatically accessed by accessing the linked folder. Therefore, by accessing the normal folder, the files stored in the shared folder can be referenced, combined, duplicated, printed, and the like.

The input operation section 20 functions as an input means, and is a display section 40 composed of a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT display.
And a hard key 42 for performing an input operation.

The display section 40 is, for example, the image forming apparatus 12
Display a list of various functions (for example, various copying functions such as double-sided copying function, parallel copying function, etc.), a function setting screen for selecting and setting these functions, and specifying the size of the paper on which images are recorded. , Various input setting screens such as a print information input screen for inputting print information such as density of an image to be printed and designation of enlargement / reduction of the image are displayed. In addition, the display unit 4
At 0, a message for confirming the set contents, a message regarding the state of the process during the process execution, and a message for notifying that the process is completed after the process is executed are also displayed.

Further, the display section 40 is provided with a contact type touch panel (not shown) so as to overlap with each other, and has an input area corresponding to a display area such as operation keys displayed on the display section 40. Here, the touch panel is composed of analog resistance films laminated in two layers, an upper layer and a lower layer. And
A voltage is applied to the touch panel from a voltage applying device (not shown), and when any portion of the touch panel is pressed, the voltage divided by resistance is detected as the pressed position detection voltage,
The detected position data is supplied to the CPU 22. Thus, the input regarding the seed function of the operation key including the pressed position is recognized.

The user presses the position on the touch panel corresponding to each operation button displayed on the display unit 40,
By pressing the hard key 40, a desired function can be selected and printing conditions can be set, and the display unit 4
The processing status can be grasped by confirming the message displayed in 0.

Further, the input operation section 20 includes a plurality of folders 101A, 102A, 103A ...
On the other hand, various information such as the above-mentioned automatic printing information, time information, retry information, interval information, automatic cancellation information, cancellation prohibition information, etc. are used when inputting. Further, as the information for each file, it is also used when inputting information as to whether or not automatic printing is performed for each file, deletion information, and print information.

The CPU 22 is responsible for driving and controlling each part of the image forming apparatus 12, and functions as the judging means and the controlling means of the present invention. That is, the CPU 22
Determines whether the image forming apparatus 12 is in an operating state when printing a predetermined image in accordance with the read image data, or whether the image forming apparatus 12 is in a sleep state.

Further, the CPU 22 determines that the files are stored in the folders 101A, 102A, 103A ... In which the automatic printing function is enabled, and that it is determined that the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state. The image output unit 18 is controlled to print the image represented by the read image data included in the file. However, at this time, if the time information is set, it waits until the set time, and if the retry information is set, the number of retries is set to the upper limit and the retry information is separated by the retry time interval. If it is set, the interval time interval is separated, and if the automatic release information is set, the sleep state is automatically released even in the sleep state, and the image indicated by the read image data is printed. The image output unit 18 is controlled so as to

The RAM 24 is a volatile memory that functions as a work area when the image forming apparatus 12 performs a predetermined process, such as temporarily storing the contents input by the user for each process.

The ROM 26 is a non-volatile memory that stores programs, data, parameters and the like necessary for executing predetermined processing such as image formation in the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment.

The image output section 18 is subjected to a predetermined process in the image processing section 16, and each folder 101A, 102A,
It has a role of printing the image represented by the read image data included in the file stored in 103A ... The image output unit 18 includes a print head (not shown) including optical components such as a laser diode, a polygon mirror, and a lens, an electrophotographic process device such as a photoconductor, a charger, and a developing device, and a plurality of paper feed trays 37. A sheet feeding unit 36 for feeding the recording sheet is included, and is connected to the CPU 22 via a connection line (not shown).

The image output section 18 causes the laser diode of the print head to generate a laser beam based on the instruction transmitted from the CPU 22, and irradiates the laser beam onto the photoconductor uniformly charged by the charger. After the electrostatic latent image is formed by the developing device and the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device, the recording paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 36 is converted into the read image data subjected to the predetermined image processing in the image processing section 16. Transfer record the base image. A sorter 38 having a plurality of paper discharge trays 39 is provided at the printing end of the image output unit 18.
Is provided, and the sheets on which the images are recorded are sorted according to a predetermined instruction and discharged.

As an operation of the image forming apparatus and the network system 10 according to the present embodiment, an example of an access operation to each folder of the image forming apparatus 12 included in the network system 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. To do. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, for ease of explanation, a case where two image forming apparatuses, image forming apparatus 12A and image forming apparatus 12B, are connected as network system 10 will be described. .

In the HDD 28A of the image forming apparatus 12A, 33 folders 101A, 102A, 103A, ...
3A is set, and the HDD 2 of the image forming apparatus 12B is set.
Similarly, 33 folders 101B and 102 in 8B.
B, 103B ... 133B are set. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 12A, as a file storage destination,
These 33 folders 101A, 102A, 103
A desired folder can be selected from A ... 133A. Similarly, in the image forming apparatus 12B, folders 101B, 102B, 1 are used as storage destinations of files.
A desired folder can be selected from 03B ... 133B.

In the present embodiment, the folder 101
A password is set and registered in each of 30 folders A to 130A as authentication information for accessing the folder. Further, each folder can be set / registered so that a duplicate file of the file is simultaneously stored in another folder when the file is stored. Here, especially the folder 101A and the folder 133A are linked, Folder 101A
The file is automatically copied to the folder 133A when the file is stored in the folder and when the stored file is reprinted.

Further, in the predetermined area of the HDD 28, the automatic print information for enabling the automatic print function of the folder 130A is stored. Ie folder 1
When a file is stored in 30A, the image indicated by the read image data included in the file is automatically printed according to a predetermined printing condition.

Here, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, an image based on the file stored in the folder is stored only when the image forming apparatus 12 is not in the operating state, that is, in the non-operating state. Therefore, the files stored in the folder 130A are printed when the image forming apparatus 12A is in the non-operation state. The input operation unit 20 sets authentication information such as a password, storage of a duplicate file, and automatic printing.

Similarly, folders 101B through 1
A password is set and registered in each of 30 folders 30B as authentication information for accessing the folder. Further, the folder 130B stores automatic print information indicating that the automatic print function is valid, and when a file is stored in the folder 130B, it is set to automatically print according to a predetermined condition. There is. The files stored in the folder 130B are set to be printed when the image forming apparatus 12B is in the non-operation state.

Further, the folder 1 of the image forming apparatus 12A
30A is linked to the folder 131B of the image forming apparatus 12B, and the folder 130B of the image forming apparatus 12B is linked to the folder 133A of the image forming apparatus 12A.

In the folders 130A and 130B,
Identification information such as a password for access, an IP address, an FTP login name, and an FTP password is set and registered, which is a so-called shared folder. Therefore, access to the folders 130A and 130B from the image forming apparatus 12A and the image forming apparatus 12B is permitted.

(Example 1) In the image forming apparatus 12A, a file to be copied is input, that is, an original image is read. At this time, the storage destination of the file for the copy is selected and designated to any of the folders 101A to 130A. Then, the stored file or the already stored file is duplicated or moved to the folder 130A. By copying or moving this folder 130A
The file to be printed is stored in. Folder 130A
Since the automatic print function is enabled, the display unit 40 displays a setting screen as to whether or not to automatically print the file, for example, after copying or moving the file.

On this display screen, selection is made to perform automatic printing, and accordingly, for example, the number of sheets to be printed,
Specify the print conditions such as the number of copies, the size of the paper to be printed, and the copy density, and whether or not to delete the file from the folder after printing is completed. After the above operation is completed, the CPU2
2 periodically determines whether the image forming apparatus 12 is in the operating state, and when it is determined that the image forming apparatus 12A is in the non-operating state, starts printing sequentially for the copied or moved files. If there are a plurality of files to be printed at this time, and interval information indicating an interval time interval from the printing of one file to the printing of the next file is stored in the folder 130A, Printing is executed according to the interval time interval.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 by the user
By the completion of operations such as storing files in 2A,
The file can be printed when it is in the non-operation state. Therefore, the files can be collectively printed in a non-operating state such as midnight or a rest period during which the image forming apparatus is not operated, and the work efficiency can be improved. Note that if there are multiple files to be printed, and if you set the interval time from printing one file to printing the next file, you can perform other processing during that time. ,
Further, the work efficiency can be improved. Also, if the file is set to be deleted after printing,
Printed files do not continue to be stored unnecessarily. Further, a desired time can be set as the time of automatic printing, and in this case, the file is printed at the set time, so that the work efficiency can be improved.

Further, the file is stored in the image forming apparatus 12
Since it is stored in the folder 130A of A, the folder 130A can be accessed from the image forming apparatus 12B. Therefore, for example, when the image forming apparatus 12A is being operated or is performing some processing, the image forming apparatus 12A
Even when the file cannot be directly operated, the image forming apparatus 12B connected via the network can indirectly operate the file in the folder 130A. As a result, even when the image forming apparatus 12B is operated, the file stored in the folder 130A can be automatically printed when the image forming apparatus 12A is in the non-operated state, further improving the operability and the work efficiency. To do.

(Example 2) When executing the copy in the image forming apparatus 12A, the storage destination of the file a for the copy is designated to the folder 101A. Folder 101A is
Since the files of the same contents are set to be duplicated in the folder 133A, the folder 13
A file having the same content is copied to 3A. At this time, since the folder 130B of the image forming apparatus 12B is shared and is linked to the folder 133A, files having the same contents are transferred to the folder 130B.

The folder 130B stores automatic print information that the automatic print function is valid, that is,
When a file is stored in the folder 130B, printing is automatically set according to a predetermined condition. Therefore, if the image forming apparatus 12B is in the non-operation state, the image of the file transferred to the folder 130B is printed.

Further, the folder 130B stores automatic cancellation information indicating that the automatic cancellation function is valid, that is,
When the image forming apparatus 12B is in a power saving mode or a so-called sleep state and cannot perform any processing, the image forming apparatus 12B is set to automatically cancel the power saving mode or the sleep state. Therefore, when an image related to the file stored in the folder 130B is printed and the image forming apparatus 12 is in the sleep state,
The printer automatically transitions from the sleep state to the non-operation state, and then printing is started.

Further, for example, when transferring a file to the folder 130B, a screen for setting whether or not to change print information in printing in the image forming apparatus 12B or to perform automatic printing on the display unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 12A. Is displayed,
It is also possible to input print information such as the number of copies to be printed, the number of sheets, the density, and the presence / absence of post-processing, and input valid / invalid of the automatic print function, valid / invalid of the automatic release function, and the like.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since a plurality of storage areas, that is, folders are provided in the HDD 28 in the image forming apparatuses 12A and 12B, for example, the storage destinations are changed according to the type of file. By switching folders or switching storage destinations for each user, it is possible to manage files for each folder, which facilitates management of data and eventually files.

Further, it is possible to set in each folder whether or not to perform automatic printing. For this reason, for example, files to be automatically printed later are collectively stored in files for which automatic printing is enabled, so that these files can be collected at midnight, holidays, and other times when the image forming apparatus resources are available. Printing can be performed and work efficiency can be improved.

Further, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a network and information can be transmitted and received to and from each other, it becomes possible to access files stored in other image forming apparatuses, resulting in more operability. , Workability is improved. In particular, when automatic printing is enabled in a shared folder of another image forming apparatus, the desired file is automatically printed in a plurality of image forming apparatuses by copying a desired file in the shared folder. It can be carried out.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention, the read image data is stored in each of a plurality of storage areas provided in the storage means and capable of storing the read image data in a file format. When the automatic print function that automatically prints the image indicated by the read image data is enabled, enter the information for each area that includes the automatic print information. When the read image data is stored in the storage area for which the print function is validated, and when it is determined that the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not in the operating state, the storage area is stored. Since it is controlled to print the image indicated by the read image data stored in, it is not necessary to perform the operation for printing instructions one by one, and the work efficiency can be improved. Cormorants with an excellent effect, since the printing of an image represented only by the read image data when the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state, for example,
There is an excellent effect that an image can be printed when the resources of the image forming apparatus are vacant, such as when the image forming apparatus is not used by anyone, and the work efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case where a plurality of image forming apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected to form a network system.

FIG. 4 is an image forming apparatus H according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting state with respect to the storage area in DD.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 network system 12 Image forming apparatus 12A image forming apparatus 12B image forming apparatus 14 Image reading section 16 Image processing unit 18 Image output section 20 Input operation section 101A-133A, 101B-133B folders

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 BB10 HH03 HJ06                       HK04 HK11 HK19 HK23 HN02                       HN15 HN23                 2C087 AB05 AB08 BC04 BD01 BD52                       CB02 CB05                 5C062 AA05 AA35 AB20 AB22 AB38                       AB42 AC04 AC22 AC34 AE01                       AF12

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having a function of reading a document image, generating digital read image data, and printing an image indicated by the read image data, each of which stores the read image data in a file format. And a storage unit having a plurality of storage areas capable of enabling an automatic printing function for automatically printing an image indicated by the read image data when the read image data is stored, for each storage area. Inputting means for inputting area-by-area information including automatic print information indicating whether or not to perform, determination means for determining whether the image forming apparatus is in an operating state, and the automatic print information is the automatic When the read image data is stored in the storage area where the print function is validated, and when the image forming apparatus is operated by the determination unit, And when it is determined not turned, the image forming apparatus characterized by and a control means for controlling to print an image represented by the read image data stored in the storage area. 2. The area-by-area information further includes time information indicating a time at which an image is automatically printed when the automatic printing function is enabled, and the control unit is configured such that the automatic printing information is When the read image data is stored in the storage area where the automatic printing function is validated, and when the determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state, The control according to claim 1, wherein when the time indicated by the time information corresponding to the storage area is reached, the image indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area is controlled to be printed. Image forming apparatus. 3. The area-by-area information further includes retry information indicating a retry time interval when an image is automatically printed when the automatic printing function is enabled, and the determination means includes the image When it is determined that the image forming apparatus is in the operating state, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus is in the operating state at the retry time interval corresponding to the storage area controlled by the control unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination is repeated. 4. The retry information further includes retry number information indicating the number of retries, and the determining unit determines that the control unit determines a control target when the image forming apparatus determines that the image forming apparatus is in an operating state. It is repeatedly determined whether or not the image forming apparatus is in the operation state at the retry time interval corresponding to the storage area, with the upper limit of the number of retries indicated by the retry count information corresponding to the storage area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 5. The area-by-area information further includes interval information indicating an interval time interval for each read image data when automatically printing a plurality of images when the automatic printing function is enabled. When the control unit controls to print a plurality of images indicated by a plurality of read image data stored in the storage area, at least for each read image data, the control unit uses the interval information corresponding to the storage area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled so that the indicated interval time interval becomes vacant. 6. The determination unit further determines whether the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state, and the control unit determines that the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state by the determination unit. 6. The control according to claim 1, wherein after the sleep state is released, the image indicated by the read image data stored in the storage area is printed.
The image forming apparatus according to item. 7. The determining unit further determines whether the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state, and the input unit determines that the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state by the determining unit. Further, the automatic release information indicating whether or not to enable the automatic release function for automatically releasing the sleep state is further input, and the control unit determines by the determination unit that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state. Read image data stored in the storage area after the sleep state of the image forming apparatus is released, and only when the automatic release information enables the automatic release function. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the image forming apparatus is controlled so as to print the image shown by. 8. The input means further inputs release prohibition information indicating a time at which the release of the sleep state is prohibited, and the control means causes the determination means to perform the operation at the time indicated by the release prohibition information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled so as to prohibit the release of the sleep state when it is determined that the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state. 9. The read image data is stored in the storage area by the input unit, and stores the read image data in the storage area, the file information indicating whether to automatically print the image indicated by the read image data. For each file, the control unit stores the read image data in the storage area regardless of whether the corresponding automatic print information validates the automatic print function. In this case, the determination means determines that the image forming apparatus is not in the operating state, and the file-by-file information corresponding to the read image data automatically prints an image. 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled so as to print the image indicated by the read image data. 10. The control unit displays an image indicated by the read image data when the automatic print information corresponding to the storage area in which the read image data is stored is set to validate the automatic print function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled so as to print. 11. The file-by-file information further includes print information indicating a print condition for printing an image indicated by the read image data, and the control unit controls when printing the image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the image is controlled to be printed according to the printing conditions indicated by the corresponding print information. 12. The file-by-file information further includes deletion information indicating whether or not the read image data is deleted from the storage area after printing of the image indicated by the read image data is completed, and the control unit , The read image data is printed after printing the image indicated by the read image data, only when the corresponding deletion information indicates that the read image data is deleted when controlling the image to be printed. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is deleted from the storage area. 13. A network system, comprising: the plurality of image forming apparatuses according to claim 1; and a communication line connecting the plurality of image forming apparatuses so that they can communicate with each other.