JP2003196062A - Image processor and image processing method of image processor and computer readable storage medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To start a duplicate continuous copy by automatically selecting an image processor of an operable state as a duplicate continuous copy candidate or a remote copy candidate by simple operation such as selecting a category displayed on an operation screen. <P>SOLUTION: This image processor is characterized by the constitution that category information for determining the image processor for dispersively processing image data on one's own machine is selected from prescribed category information browsably displayed on an operation part, and CPU 323 unconditionally retrieves a specific image processor capable of dispersively processing the image data on one's own machine from a plurality of image processors specified by the category information on the basis of the selected category information, and transfers the image data on one's own machine to the retrieved specific image processor. <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 processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium, an image processing method of the image processing apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium and a program. Is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing system to which this type of image processing apparatus can be applied, for example, image data read from a scanning device of one copying machine is divided into a plurality of copying machines to perform a copying operation. A function called copy processing is known.

For example, when an attempt is made to make a copy of 10 copies with two copying machines, one copy can print 5 copies and the other copy can print 5 copies. In this case, printing is performed at almost double speed.

[0004]

However, the instruction regarding the selection operation of the output device at the time of multiple copy is only to display the state and information of the image processing apparatus on the remote machine side on the operation unit on the local machine side. Since the selection decision is left to the user who performs the operation, the operation load on the user is heavy in order to obtain an efficient image processing result.

As described above, in the conventional selection processing of the image processing apparatus, there is a time for the user to determine the output device to be selected during the operation of selecting the output device at the time of continuous copying, so that the user's determination is made. It depends greatly on the skill,
Anyway, it has been pointed out that there is an operational problem that it is often inconvenient to output the image processing result immediately.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to disperse image data of its own from among predetermined category information displayed in a list on the display means. It is possible to select the category information for determining the image processing apparatus to be processed, and based on the selected category information, dispersely process the image data of the own apparatus from the plurality of image processing apparatuses specified by the category information. By unconditionally searching for a specific image processing apparatus and transferring the image data of the own apparatus to the searched specific image processing apparatus, the user can determine the status of the communication environment such as a network and the image processing apparatus. Even if you are not familiar with the processing capability, you can select a category displayed on the operation screen and perform a simple operation to select an image that is ready for operation as a duplicate copy candidate or a remote copy candidate. An image processing apparatus, an image processing method for the image processing apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium, and a program capable of freely constructing an image processing environment with excellent convenience capable of automatically selecting an apparatus and starting duplicate copy. Is to provide.

A second object is to select category information for determining an image processing apparatus for distributed processing of the image data of its own machine from the predetermined category information displayed in a list on the display means, and to select the category information. On the basis of the retrieved category information, a search is made for a particular image processing apparatus capable of distributedly processing the image data of the own apparatus from the plurality of image processing apparatuses identified by the category information, and the searched particular image processing is performed. By transferring the image data of its own device to the device, the user can
Even if you are not familiar with the conditions of the communication environment such as networks and the processing capabilities of image processing devices, you can operate as a multiple copy candidate or a remote copy candidate with a simple operation of selecting the category displayed on the operation screen. An image processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus capable of automatically selecting an image processing apparatus in a ready state and starting a double copy and performing an output process in the shortest time, capable of freely constructing an image processing environment having excellent convenience Image processing method and computer readable storage medium and program.

[0008]

A first aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium, and performs distributed processing of image data of its own apparatus. Storage means for classifying and storing possible remote data recipient information into predetermined category information, and display means for displaying a list of predetermined category information stored in the storage means during distributed processing of the image data of its own device ( Operation unit 500 shown in FIG.
(Corresponding to FIG. 3), and selecting means for selecting category information for deciding an image processing device for distributed processing of the image data of the own machine from among predetermined category information displayed on the display means (see FIG. 3). (Corresponding to the operation unit 500 shown)) and a specific image processing device capable of performing distributed processing of the image data of the own device from a plurality of image processing devices specified by the category information selected by the selecting means. Means for unconditionally searching for (CPU 323 shown in FIG. 4
And a transfer unit (corresponding to the network interface unit 7 shown in FIG. 4) for transferring the image data of the own device to the specific image processing apparatus searched by the searching unit. To do.

A second aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium, the remote data receiving destination being capable of distributed processing of its own image data. Storage means for classifying and storing information into predetermined category information, and display means for displaying a list of predetermined category information stored in the storage means at the time of distributed processing of image data of its own device (operation unit shown in FIG. 3 (Corresponding to 500) and selecting means for selecting category information for deciding an image processing apparatus for distributed processing of the image data of the own machine from among predetermined category information displayed on the display means (FIG. 3). (Corresponding to the operation unit 500 shown in FIG. 4) and the category information selected by the selecting means, and disperse the image data of the own machine from the plurality of image processing apparatuses specified by the category information in the shortest time. Search means (corresponding to the CPU 323 shown in FIG. 4) for searching a specific image processing apparatus that can be processed, and transfer means for transferring the image data of the own machine to the specific image processing apparatus searched by the searching means. (Corresponding to the network interface unit 7 shown in FIG. 4).

A third aspect of the present invention is a calculation means for acquiring data processing capacity information of another image processing apparatus and calculating an output processing time from the acquired data processing capacity information of each image processing apparatus (FIG. (Corresponding to the CPU 323 shown in FIG. 4), the search means can compare the output processing times of the image processing devices calculated by the calculation means, respectively, and process the image data of the own device in the shortest time. It is characterized in that a specific image processing device is searched.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a calculation means for acquiring data processing capacity information of another image processing apparatus and calculating an output processing time from the acquired data processing capacity information of each image processing apparatus. (Corresponding to the CPU 323 shown in FIG. 4) and the output processing time of each image processing device calculated by the calculation means, respectively, and whether it is possible to output the image data of the own device for a shorter time. And a judging means (corresponding to the CPU 323 shown in FIG. 4) for judging that the image data of the own machine can be outputted in a shorter time by the judging means. Means for outputting the image data of the device itself (CPU 32 shown in FIG. 4
(Corresponding to 3) and.

A fifth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the distributed processing is a multiple output processing in which the image data of the own machine is distributed and a designated number of copies are output.

A sixth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined communication medium includes a network or a public line network.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the distributed processing includes distributed processing during remote copy and distributed processing during multiple copy.

An eighth invention according to the present invention comprises a storage means for classifying and storing remote data recipient information capable of distributed processing of the image data of its own device into predetermined category information and storing the information through a predetermined communication medium. An image processing method of an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses, wherein a predetermined category information stored in the storage means is displayed as a list on a display means during distributed processing of image data of its own device. Step (step S501 shown in FIG. 9) and category information for determining an image processing apparatus for distributed processing of the image data of the own machine are selected from predetermined category information displayed on the display means. On the basis of the selection step (step S501 shown in FIG. 9) and the category information selected by the selection step, a plurality of image processing devices specified by the category information are selected. A search step (step S502 shown in FIG. 9) for unconditionally searching for a specific image processing apparatus capable of distributedly processing the image data of the memory device, and the specific image processing apparatus searched for by the searching step is described above. And a transfer step (step S513 shown in FIG. 9) of transferring the image data of the own device.

A ninth invention according to the present invention comprises a storage means for classifying and storing remote data recipient information capable of distributed processing of the image data of the own machine into predetermined category information and storing the information through a predetermined communication medium. An image processing method of an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses, wherein a predetermined category information stored in the storage means is displayed as a list on a display means during distributed processing of image data of its own device. Step (Fig. 10
Step S601) and a selection step of selecting category information for determining an image processing device for distributed processing of the image data of the own device from predetermined category information displayed in a list on the display means (FIG. 10) and a specific image capable of performing distributed processing of the image data of the own device from a plurality of image processing devices specified by the category information based on the category information selected in the selecting step in the shortest time. A search step of searching for a processing device (step S602 shown in FIG. 10) and a transfer step of transferring the image data of the own device to the specific image processing device searched by the search step (FIG. 10).
And step S615) shown in FIG.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a calculation step for acquiring data processing capacity information of another image processing apparatus and calculating an output processing time from the acquired data processing capacity information of each image processing apparatus. Step S603 shown in 10
S604), and the search step compares the output processing times of the image processing apparatuses calculated in the calculation step, respectively, and a specific image processing apparatus capable of performing distributed processing of the image data of the own apparatus in the shortest time. It is characterized by searching.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a calculation step of acquiring data processing capacity information of another image processing apparatus and calculating an output processing time from the acquired data processing capacity information of each image processing apparatus (FIG. Step S603 shown in 10
S604) is compared with the output processing time of each image processing device calculated in the calculation step, and it is judged whether it is possible to output the image data of the own device for a shorter time. (Step S shown in FIG.
607), and if it is determined by the determination step that the image data of the own device can be output for a shorter time, the control step of outputting the image data of the own device by the own device ( Steps S608 to S61 shown in FIG.
0) and are included.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the distributed processing is a multi-sequential output processing in which the image data of the own machine is distributed and a designated number of copies are output.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined communication medium includes a network or a public line network.

The fourteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the distributed processing includes distributed processing during remote copy and distributed processing during multiple copy.

The fifteenth invention of the present invention is the eighth to first inventions.
The invention according to the fourth aspect is a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for implementing the image processing method of the image processing apparatus.

The sixteenth invention according to the present invention is the eighth to first inventions.
The invention according to the fourth aspect is a program that realizes the image processing method of the image processing apparatus.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, a reader unit 1 reads an image on a document and prints image data corresponding to the document image on a printer unit 2.
And output to the image input / output control unit 3. The printer unit 2 records an image according to the image data from the reader unit 1 and the image input / output control unit 3 on recording paper. The image input / output control unit 3 is connected to the reader unit 1, and includes a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a network interface unit 7, and a LIPS.
The formatter unit 8, the Postscript formatter unit 9, the core unit 10, and the like.

The facsimile section 4 expands the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the expanded image data to the core section 10, and compresses the image data transferred from the core section 10. , Compressed compressed image data is transmitted via a telephone line. A magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 is connected to the file section 5, and the file section 5 compresses the image data transferred from the core section 10 and sets it in the magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 together with a keyword for searching the image data. The data is stored in the stored magneto-optical disk.

Further, the file unit 5 searches the compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk based on the keyword transferred via the core unit 10, reads out the searched compressed image data, decompresses it, and decompresses it. The created image data is transferred to the core unit 10. Network interface section 7
Is a host computer related to the present invention, that is, a personal computer or a workstation (PC / W
S) 11 and the core unit 10. It also serves as an interface between another digital copying machine 13 that is also network-connected and the core unit 10.

The print data is received from the host computer according to the present invention through the network interface 7.

A network server 12 is the center of network control. The print data from the host computer relating to the present invention, for example PDL data, is stored in the PC.
In some cases, it may flow from the / WS 11 to the network interface unit 7 of the copying machine through the network server 12.

Numerals 8 and 9 are formatters for the PC / WS1.
The PDL data transferred from No. 1 is expanded into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2. Although the core unit 10 will be described later, the core unit 10 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 1, the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, the network interface unit 7, and the formatter units 8 and 9.

The file unit 5 is composed of a storage device such as a magneto-optical drive or a hard disk, and the storage unit is input from the operation unit described later or P
It is assumed that an area for storing remote data destination information capable of performing distributed processing of the image data of the own device transferred from the C / WS 11 or the network server is classified and stored in predetermined category information.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, which corresponds to a digital copying machine in which the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 communicate with each other to perform image processing. The reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 is denoted by reference numerals 101 to 109 in FIG. 2, and the printer unit 2 is denoted by reference numeral 11 in FIG.
Corresponding to 0 to 163.

In FIG. 2, 100 is a copying machine main body, and 18
Reference numeral 9 is a circulating automatic document feeder (RDF). 101
Is a platen glass as a document placing table, 102 is a scanner, and is composed of a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light of the original is scanned by the scanning mirrors 104 to 1.
And the CCD sensor 10 through the lens 108.
Image at 9.

Reference numeral 107 denotes an exposure control section composed of a laser, a polygon scanner, etc., which is a laser beam 129 converted into an electric signal by the CCD sensor 109 and modulated based on an image signal which has been subjected to predetermined image processing described later. Is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 110.

Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charging device 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charging device 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are installed. In the image forming unit 126, the photoconductor drum 110 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure by a motor (not shown), and after being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, the laser from the exposure controller 120 The light 129 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121,
It is visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is fed to the main body by the feed rollers 135 and 136, and is fed onto the transfer belt 103 by the registration rollers 137. Then, the visualized toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118. The residual toner on the photoconductor drum 110 after the transfer is cleaned by the cleaner device 116, and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114.

The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130, the toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, and the toner is sent to the fixing device 141 to be fixed by pressing and heating, and the discharge roller 142. By the copying machine body 100
Is discharged to the outside.

Reference numeral 139 denotes an adsorption charger, which is a registration roller 1.
The transfer paper sent from 37 is attracted to the transfer belt 130. A transfer belt roller 138 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130 and, at the same time, forms a pair with the suction charging device 140 to suction-transfer the transfer paper to the transfer belt 130.

The copying machine main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 capable of accommodating, for example, 4000 sheets of transfer paper.
The lifter 151 of the deck 150 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. Further, a multi-purpose manual feed 153 capable of accommodating 100 sheets of transfer paper is equipped.

Further, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 154 is a paper ejection flapper, which switches the path between the double-sided recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper ejection side. The transfer paper sent from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched to the double-sided recording side or the multiplex recording side by the paper discharge flapper 154.

Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting this flapper to the left, the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower transport path 158 without passing through the reversing path 155. Numeral 159 is a sheet feeding roller, which is a path 1
The transfer paper is fed to the photosensitive drum 110 side through 60. A discharge roller 161 is arranged near the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the machine.

At the time of double-sided recording (duplex copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and the copied transfer paper is passed through the transport path 155.
The multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left, and is stored in the re-feed tray 156 in an upside-down state via the transport path 158.

During multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised and the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left, the copied transfer paper is passed through the transport path 158, and then the refeed tray 156. To store.

The transfer sheets stored in the re-feed tray 156 are routed one by one from the bottom by the sheet feed roller 159 to the route 16
It is guided to the registration roller 137 of the main body via 0.

When the transfer paper is reversed and discharged from the main body, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised and the flapper 157 is pressed.
To the right to convey the copied transfer sheet to the conveying path 155 side, and after the trailing end of the transfer sheet has passed the first feed roller 162, the reversing roller 163 conveys it to the second feed roller 162a side. Then, the transfer roller is turned over by the discharge roller 161, and is discharged to the outside of the machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of the reader unit 1 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the image data output from the CCD 209 is subjected to analog / digital conversion and shading correction in the A / D / SH unit 210. The image data processed by the A / D / SH unit 210 is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211 and to the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 via the interface unit 213. . CPU21
Reference numeral 4 controls the image processing unit 211 and the interface 213 according to the setting contents set by the operation unit 500.

For example, when a copy mode is set in which a trimming process is performed on the operation unit 500 to perform copying,
The image processing unit 211 performs trimming processing and transfers the trimming processing to the printer unit 2.

When the facsimile transmission mode is set on the operation unit 500, the interface 213 transfers a control command corresponding to the image data and the set mode to the core unit 10. Such a control program of the CPU 214 is stored in the memory 216, and the CP
U214 refers to the memory 216 to perform control. The memory 216 is also used as a work area for the CPU 214. Further, the memory 216 is also used to register the department number and password of the copier user.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the core section 10 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4, the image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the core unit 10, and the control command from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the CPU 323. The data processing unit 321 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing.
The image data transferred to the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, and the network interface unit 7 are transferred via the interface 320 in accordance with the control command transferred from the reader unit 1.

The code data representing the image input through the network interface unit 7 is transferred to the data processing unit 321, and it is determined whether the PDL is LIPS or Postscript, and an appropriate formatter is used. The image data is transferred to the units 8 to 9 and developed into image data. The image data is transferred to the data processing unit 321 and then transferred to the facsimile unit 4 and the printer unit 2. The image data from the facsimile unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 321, and then to the printer unit 2, the file unit 5, and the network interface unit 7.

The image data from the file section 5 is
After being transferred to the core unit 10, it is transferred to the printer unit 2, the facsimile unit 4, and the network interface unit 7. The CPU 323 performs such control according to the control program stored in the memory 324 and the control command transferred from the reader unit 1. In addition, the memory 324
Is also used as a work area of the CPU 323. The network interface unit 7 has a MIB (Management Message).
A database called "nt Information Base" has been constructed, and the printer can be managed by communicating with a computer on the network via the SNMP protocol.

As described above, the core section 10 can be used as a center for performing a combination of functions such as reading an original image, printing an image, transmitting and receiving an image, storing an image, and inputting / outputting data from a computer. It is possible.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a basic screen displayed on the operation unit 500 shown in FIG. 3, and the screen is a touch panel. By touching the inside of the frame of each function to be displayed, , That function is executed.

In FIG. 5, a copy mode key 524
Is a key to be pressed when performing a copying operation. When the copy mode key 524 is pressed, the copy mode screen 530 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

When the extended function key 501 is pressed, double-sided copying, multiple copying, moving, binding margin setting,
Enter the mode such as setting the frame eraser. Image mode key 502
Enters a setting mode for shading, shadowing, trimming and masking the copied image. A user mode key 503 can register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen. The application zoom key 504 enters a mode in which the X and Y directions of a document are independently scaled, and a zoom program mode in which the scale factor is calculated from the document size and the copy size.

The M1 key 505, the M2 key 506, and the M3 key 507 are keys to be pressed when calling the mode memory registered in each. Reference numeral 508 is a call key.

The option key 509 is a key for setting an optional function of a film projector or the like for copying directly from film.

A sorter key 510 is a key for setting whether to use a mechanical sorter or an electronic sorter, sorting sorters, and setting modes such as groups. The original mixed loading key 511 is a key to be pressed when the originals of A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size are set together in the original feeder.

The same size key 512 is a key to be pressed when the copy magnification is 100%. Reduction key 514, Expansion key 5
Reference numeral 15 is a key to be pressed when performing a fixed size reduction / enlargement.
The paper selection key 513 is a key to be pressed when selecting a copy paper. The density keys 518 and 520 are darkly copied each time the key 518 is pressed, and lightly copied each time the key 520 is pressed. The density display 517 changes to the left or right when the density key is pressed. The AE key 519 is a key to be pressed for automatic density adjustment copying of a document with a dark background such as a newspaper. Reference numeral 516 is a zoom key.

The HiFi key 521 is a key to be pressed when copying a document such as a photographic document having a high halftone density.
The character emphasizing key 522 is a key that is pressed when a character is desired to be emphasized when copying a character original. The guide key 523 is a key to be pressed when the function of a certain key is unknown, and the explanation of the key is displayed.

The fax key 525 is a key to be pressed when performing a fax, and the file key 526 is a key to be pressed when outputting file data.

The printer key 527 is used for changing the print density and for PD from a remote host computer.
This key is pressed to refer to the print output result of L data. 528 is an ID key.

Reference numeral 531 is a printer selection key, which is a key to be pressed when selecting a receiving-side copying machine in the case of performing remote copying or continuous copying according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a network configuration diagram showing an example of a network image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied, and functions as a remote copy or multiple copy system.

In FIG. 6, reference numerals 13, 20, and 21 denote digital copying machines, which exchange a department ID and image data with each other through a network by a protocol such as TCP / IP.

For example, the digital copying machine 13 may be used as the transmission side of the remote copy or the multiple copy, and the digital copying machine 20 may be used as the reception side. In that case, digital copier 1
The original image data read by the scanner of No. 3 is transmitted to the digital copying machine 20 via the network NET, printed by the printer of the digital copying machine 20 to perform remote copying, and the original of the original is simultaneously printed by the printer of the digital copying machine 13. You can make multiple copies by printing image data.

For example, by printing 5 copies with the digital copying machine 13 and printing 5 copies with the digital copying machine 20, the same 10 times faster than 10 copies with one copying machine. You can get a print of the part.

Furthermore, as a digital copier on the receiving side,
In addition to the digital copying machine 21, the printer of the digital copying machine 13 on the transmitting side prints four copies, the digital copying machine 20 on the receiving side prints three copies, and the digital copying machine 21 on the receiving side prints three copies. By doing, it is possible to obtain a total of 10 prints with even faster performance.

Next, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the case of specifying a category when performing remote copy or multiple copy will be described.

7 and 8 show the operation unit 500 shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows an example of the operation instruction screen displayed in FIG.

In FIG. 7, a category selection screen 601 displays the names of registered categories and the like. When a certain category is selected, it is highlighted. Here, the category means that a certain group to which the image processing apparatus group belongs, such as the installation place and the work place shown in FIG. 7, for example. Further, this category is not limited to the place of installation and the unit of workplace, but may be grouped by functions such as a monochrome machine and a color machine. further,
The number of image processing devices belonging to the category may be one or more.

Here, if the "OK" button 605 is pressed while the category "001" is highlighted, that category is selected and the devices in that category are actually selected.

Reference numerals 602 and 603 are scroll buttons, which are used for scrolling when they cannot be displayed on the screen. 60
4 is a "cancel" button, which cancels the category selection.
Reference numeral 606 denotes a "details" button, which is displayed as shown in FIG. 8 when a category is selected and pressed in a highlighted state.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 701 denotes a network information screen, which is the name of a device registered in the relevant category, I.
Corresponding to the state where P address, state, etc. are displayed,
By displaying the network information screen 701, the current state of each image processing apparatus on the system can be known.

Reference numerals 702 and 703 are used to scroll the screen with scroll buttons, and 704 is an "OK" button, which is depressed by pressing the "OK" button 704.
Return to the category selection screen shown in.

Next, in FIG. 9, when performing remote copy or multiple copy, only the category is designated on the operation screen shown in FIG. 7, and the receiving side device is randomly selected on the transmitting side. The control flow of the copying machine 13 on the transmission side in the case of automatic selection will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The copying machine 13 side shown in FIG. 6 randomly selects the receiving side device as the transmission source. Corresponds to the selected control procedure. Note that S501 to S516 indicate each step.

First, in step S501, a category is selected on the category selection screen 601 shown in FIG. For example, select “Video Processing Section 3” and click the “OK” button 605.
When is pressed, device search is started in step S502.

Then, in step S503, it is determined whether or not there is a corresponding device, and when it is determined that there is no corresponding device, it is determined in step S504 whether or not category selection is performed again. If it is determined that category selection is performed, the process proceeds to step S501. Return.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the operation is not performed, the document image is scanned in step S505 and the image data is stored in the memory 216. Next, in step S506, the image is read from the memory 216 and printed, and in step S507 it is determined whether or not the number of copies has been printed. If it is determined that the printing has not been completed for the number of copies, the process returns to step S506 to print. If it is determined that the copies have been completed for the number of copies, the processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that there is a corresponding device, it is determined in step S508 whether or not copying is possible. If it is determined that copying is not possible, the process returns to step S502 and the device search is performed again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S508 that copying is possible, the process proceeds to step S509, the original image is scanned, and the image data is stored in the memory 216.

Then, in step S510, all originals (all images) are scanned to store all image data in the memory 216.
If it is determined that the accumulation has not been completed, the process returns to step S509.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that the accumulation has been completed, it is determined in step S511 whether it is remote copy or multiple copy, and if it is determined that it is multiple copy, for example, In step S512, the image data stored in the memory 216 is read and printed.

Then, in step S513, the memory 21
6, the document image data is read and transferred to the network interface unit 7 via the CPU 214, the image processing unit 211, the I / F 213, the I / F 322, the data processing unit 321, and the I / F 320. Then, the original image data is transferred to the receiving-side copying machine 20 via the network.

Next, in step S514, all the image data are read out, it is judged whether the transfer is completed, and if it is judged that the transfer is not completed, the process returns to step S511. When finished, in step S515, the number of copies required for multiple copying,
Determine whether printing is completed on the sending copier,
If it is determined that printing has not been completed, one copy is printed in step S516, and the process returns to step S515.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S515 that the required number of copies have been printed, the process ends.

As a result, even if the user is not familiar with the network status, he / she can operate as a multiple copy candidate or a remote copy candidate with a simple operation of selecting a category displayed on the operation screen. It is possible to automatically select the copy machine of and start double copy.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The control procedure in which the copying machine 13 side shown in FIG. 6 automatically selects a receiving side device as a transmission source at random is explained.
When performing remote copy or multiplex copy, only the category may be designated, and the receiving side device may be controlled so that the one having the fastest output time is automatically selected by the transmitting side. The embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The copying machine 13 shown in FIG. It corresponds to the control procedure that the sender automatically selects the earliest one. Note that S601 to S61
8 indicates each step.

First, in step S601, a category is selected on the category selection screen 601 shown in FIG. For example, select “Video Processing Section 3” and click the “OK” button 605.
When is pressed, device search is started in step S602.

Then, in step S603, the capability of the device is acquired, and then in step S604, the output time is calculated. In step S605, it is determined whether all the devices have been searched. If it is determined that all the devices have not been searched, the process returns to step S602.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that all searches have been completed, the process proceeds to step S606, and in step S604, the calculated output times of the respective devices are compared with each other, and the output time is determined to be the shortest time. Determine which equipment will be.

Then, in step S607, it is determined whether or not the device of the determined shortest time is the one when the output is performed only by the local machine, and if it is determined that it is, then in step S608, The original image is scanned and the image data is stored in the memory 216.

Next, in step S609, the memory 216
The image is read out from and printed out, and step S610
Then, it is determined whether or not the printing for the designated number of copies has been completed. If it is determined that the printing has not been completed, the process returns to step S609, and if it is determined that the printing has been completed, the process ends. .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S607 that the local device is not the only device, the process proceeds to step S611.
The original image is scanned and the image data is stored in the memory 216. Then, in step S612, it is determined whether or not all originals (all images) have been scanned and all the image data has been accumulated in the memory 216. If it is determined that the accumulation has not been completed, the process returns to step S611.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S612 that the accumulation has been completed, it is determined in step S613 whether it is remote copy or multiple copy, and if it is determined that it is multiple copy, the memory is stored in step S614. The image data stored in 216 is read, printed, and the process proceeds to step S615.

Next, in step S615, the memory 216
Then, the original image data is read out and transferred to the network interface unit 7 via the CPU 214, the image processing unit 211, the I / F 213, the I / F 322, the data processing unit 321, and the I / F 320. Then, the original image data is transferred to the receiving-side copying machine 20 via the network.

Then, in step S616, all the image data are read out, it is judged whether or not the transfer process is completed, and if it is judged that the transfer process is not completed, the process returns to step S613.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S616 that the transfer processing has been completed, it is determined in step S617 whether or not the required number of copies have been completed in the multiple copy in the copying machine on the transmission side, and the printing is completed. If it is determined that the printing is not completed, one copy is printed in step S618, and the process returns to step S617.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S617 that the required number of copies have been printed, the process ends.

As a result, even if the user is not familiar with the network status, he / she can operate as a multiple copy candidate or a remote copy candidate with a simple operation of selecting a category displayed on the operation screen. It is possible to automatically select the copying machine having the shortest output time and start the double copy.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the control procedure in which the copying machine 13 side shown in FIG. 6 randomly selects the receiving side device as the transmission source has been described. The data processing of the receiving device will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. Remote copying or duplicate copying in the copying machine 20 on the receiving side shown in FIG. 6 is performed. It corresponds to the control procedure in the case. Note that S701 to S706 indicate each step.

First, in step S701, in the copying machine 13 on the transmission side, steps S513 and 10 shown in FIG.
The copy information data transmitted in step S615 shown in FIG.
I / F 320, data processing unit 321, I / F 322, I
It is received via the / F 213 and the image processing unit 211, and receives an instruction to print, for example, 5 copies by double-sided copying. At this time, for example, if one's copy machine does not have a duplex unit, the warning information is returned in the same route in the opposite direction to the sending copy machine 13 via the network.

Next, in step S702, the original image data from the transmission side copying machine 13 is received by the same route and stored in the memory 216. Then, step S7
In 03, the original image data stored in the memory 216 is read out, transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211, and printed.

Next, in step S704, it is determined whether or not all the image data has been received. If not, the process returns to step S702.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that the reception of all original image data has been completed, step S7
If it is determined in 05 that the printing of all the number specified in the copy information data has been completed, and it is determined that the printing of all the number has not been completed, step S70
Similarly, at 6, the original image data stored in the memory 216 is read out, and the printer unit 2 is read through the image processing unit 211.
To print one copy, and the process returns to step S705.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S705 that the printing of all the prints has been completed, the process ends.

According to each of the above-described embodiments, the user can automatically select the receiving side device at the transmitting side by designating the category when performing the multiple copy.

Further, it is possible to perform copying by using a device whose output will be finished earliest only by designating a category, and it is possible to reduce the touching time of the operation unit, which improves convenience. I can say.

Further, by setting the category, it is possible to grasp the device which is supposed to be output in advance, so that it is possible to avoid outputting to a device which is totally unexpected.

The structure of the data processing program that can be read by the image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not particularly shown, information for managing the program group stored in the storage medium, such as version information, creator information, etc., and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, such as the program, are stored. In some cases, an icon or the like for identification and display is also stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the above directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in a computer, or a program for decompressing the program to be installed when it is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 in the present embodiment are installed by an externally installed program.
It may be performed by the host computer. And in that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention can be applied to a case where an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium recording the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP of the system or apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by U) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
A D-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM or the like can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the above) performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

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

[0125]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the sixteenth invention, the category information for determining the image processing apparatus for the distributed processing of the image data of the own machine is selected from the predetermined category information displayed on the display means, and the selected category information is selected. Based on the category information, a specific image processing apparatus capable of distributedly processing the image data of the own apparatus is unconditionally searched from a plurality of image processing apparatuses specified by the category information, and the searched specific image processing apparatus Since the image data of its own device is transferred to, the user can easily select the category displayed on the operation screen even if the user is not familiar with the communication environment conditions such as networks and the processing capability of the image processing device. With this simple operation, you can automatically select an image processing device that is in the operable state as a multiple copy candidate or a remote copy candidate and start a multiple copy. It can be constructed to standing.

Further, the category information for determining the image processing apparatus for the distributed processing of the image data of its own machine is selected from the predetermined category information displayed on the display means, and the selected category information is selected. On the basis of the plurality of image processing devices specified by the category information, a specific image processing device capable of distributed processing of the image data of the own device is searched for in the shortest time, and the specified image processing device is searched for. Since the image data of the machine is transferred, the user can select the category displayed on the operation screen by a simple operation even if the user is not familiar with the conditions of the communication environment such as the network and the processing capability of the image processing apparatus. It is possible to automatically select an image processing apparatus in an operable state as a multiple copy candidate or a remote copy candidate, start multiple copy, and perform output processing in the shortest time. There is an effect that it is possible to construct a superior image processing environment in fecal freely.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reader unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a core unit illustrated in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of a basic screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a network configuration diagram showing an example of a network image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applicable.

[Description of Reference Signs] 1 reader unit 2 printer unit 3 image input / output control unit 4 facsimile unit 5 file unit 6 magneto-optical disk drive unit 7 network interface unit 8 LIPS formatter unit 9 PS formatter unit 10 core unit 11 personal computer or workstation ( PC / WS) 12 Network server 13 Digital copying machine 20 Digital copying machine 21 Digital copying machine

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium, wherein remote data recipient information capable of distributed processing of image data of its own apparatus is classified into predetermined category information. A storage means for storing the image data of the own device, a display means for displaying a list of predetermined category information stored in the storage means at the time of distributed processing of the image data of the device, and a predetermined category information list displayed on the display means. From selection means for selecting category information for determining the image processing device for distributed processing of the image data of the own machine, based on the category information selected by the selection means,
Retrieval means for unconditionally retrieving a specific image processing apparatus capable of distributedly processing the image data of the own apparatus from a plurality of image processing apparatuses specified by the category information, and specific image processing retrieved by the searching means An image processing apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that transfers the image data of the own apparatus to the apparatus. 2. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium, wherein remote data recipient information capable of distributed processing of its own image data is classified into predetermined category information. A storage means for storing the image data of the own device, a display means for displaying a list of predetermined category information stored in the storage means at the time of distributed processing of the image data of the device, and a predetermined category information list displayed on the display means. From selection means for selecting category information for determining the image processing device for distributed processing of the image data of the own machine, based on the category information selected by the selection means,
Retrieval means for retrieving a specific image processing apparatus capable of distributedly processing the image data of the own apparatus from a plurality of image processing apparatuses specified by the category information, and specific image processing retrieved by the searching means An image processing apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that transfers the image data of the own apparatus to the apparatus. 3. A calculation unit that acquires data processing capacity information of another image processing apparatus and calculates an output processing time from the acquired data processing capacity information of each image processing apparatus, wherein the search unit is the calculation unit. The output processing time of each image processing device calculated by the means is compared with each other to search for a specific image processing device capable of distributed processing of the image data of the own device in the shortest time. Image processing device. 4. A calculation unit that acquires data processing capacity information of another image processing apparatus and calculates an output processing time from the acquired data processing capacity information of each image processing apparatus; Judgment means for comparing the output processing times of the image processing devices to judge whether it is possible to output the image data of the own device for a short time, and the image data of the own device by the judgment means. 3. The image according to claim 2, further comprising: a control unit that causes the image data of the own device to be output by the own device when it is determined that the one output by the own device can be output for a short time. Processing equipment. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distributed processing is processing for distributing the image data of the own apparatus and outputting a copy of a specified number of copies in a duplicated manner. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined communication medium includes a network or a public line network. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distributed processing includes distributed processing during remote copy and distributed processing during overlapped copy. 8. A storage means for classifying remote data recipient information capable of distributedly processing image data of its own device into predetermined category information and storing the information, and communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. An image processing method of a possible image processing apparatus, comprising: a display step of displaying a list of predetermined category information stored in the storage means on a display means during distributed processing of image data of its own apparatus; A selection step of selecting category information for determining an image processing device for distributed processing of the image data of the own machine from among the displayed predetermined category information, and based on the category information selected by the selection step, A search step of unconditionally searching for a specific image processing device capable of distributed processing of the image data of the own device from a plurality of image processing devices specified by the category information. And a transfer step of transferring the image data of the own apparatus to the specific image processing apparatus searched by the searching step, the image processing method of the image processing apparatus. 9. A storage means for classifying and storing remote data recipient information capable of performing distributed processing of image data of its own device into predetermined category information, and communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. An image processing method of a possible image processing apparatus, comprising: a display step of displaying a list of predetermined category information stored in the storage means on a display means during distributed processing of image data of its own apparatus; A selection step of selecting category information for determining an image processing device for distributed processing of the image data of the own machine from among the displayed predetermined category information, and based on the category information selected by the selection step, A search step for searching for a specific image processing device capable of distributed processing of the image data of the own device in the shortest time from a plurality of image processing devices specified by the category information. And a transfer step of transferring the image data of the own apparatus to the specific image processing apparatus searched by the searching step, the image processing method of the image processing apparatus. 10. A calculation step of acquiring data processing capacity information of another image processing apparatus, and calculating an output processing time from the acquired data processing capacity information of each image processing apparatus, wherein the search step includes the calculation. Compare the output processing time of each image processing device calculated by the step,
10. The image processing method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a specific image processing apparatus capable of distributed processing of the image data of the own apparatus is searched for in the shortest time. 11. A calculation step of acquiring data processing capacity information of another image processing apparatus, and calculating an output processing time from the acquired data processing capacity information of each image processing apparatus; A determination step of comparing the output processing times of the image processing devices to determine whether the image data of the own apparatus can be output in a shorter time, and the image data of the own apparatus is determined by the determination step. When it is determined that the one that outputs by itself can be output for a short time,
The image processing method of the image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a control step of causing the image data of the own device to be output by the own device. 12. The image of the image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the distribution process is a process of outputting the image data of the own device in a duplicated manner by copying and outputting a specified number of copies. Processing method. 13. The image processing method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined communication medium includes a network or a public line network. 14. The image processing method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the distributed processing includes distributed processing during remote copying and distributed processing during overlapped copying. 15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for implementing the image processing method of an image processing apparatus according to claim 8. 16. A program for realizing the image processing method of the image processing apparatus according to claim 8. Description: