JP2004088275A - Data i/o device and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low-cost multifunction printer (MFP) having copying capability of high image quality. <P>SOLUTION: In addition to a second copying control function 32 for processing input data ϕ1 of a scanner 3 by an own image processing function 36 and outputting from a printer 5, a first copying control function 31 for image processing the input data ϕ1 by using a resource of a host apparatus 10 and outputting from the printer 5 is provided. The resource of the host apparatus 10 can be used in processing when the data is transferred from the scanner 3 to the printer 5 by the first copying control function 31. The high performance multifunction printer 1 which can fully perform the capability of the scanner or the printer in the case of copying even if the capability of the controller 15 of the printer 1 is not the degree of completely using the capability of the scanner or the printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a data input / output device such as a multifunction printer or a multifunctional printer (MFP) in which a scanner and a printer are integrated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is a data input / output device called a multifunction printer (MFP) or a scanner printer that can easily use three functions of a scanner, a printer, and a copier with one device, and is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-118701. ing.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By connecting each of the scanner and printer to a host device such as a personal computer, image data (input data) obtained from the scanner is processed by the host device and converted into print data (output data). By outputting, it is possible to copy a document or the like in the same manner as a copier. However, since the scanner and printer are connected via a host device, three machines must be operated to obtain a copy function, which is complicated, inefficient, and uneconomical. On the other hand, in the MFP, the scanner and the printer are integrated and the MFP operates alone, so that the copying operation is easy. Since it can be used both as a scanner and as a printer, the area efficiency is good and it is economical.
[0004]
That is, conventionally, large and expensive copiers installed in offices and the like have been developed for copying, and are convenient for providing advanced image processing functions and print processing functions for obtaining clear copies. It is an economic system. However, since image processing and print processing were developed as one, pursuing economics and ease of use for making copies, scanned data can be output to the outside or data supplied from outside In order to print, it is necessary to add a function for that and a control means (controller). Therefore, although it has functions as a scanner and a printer, inputting / outputting respective data to / from the outside becomes a complicated and expensive system, which is not economical.
[0005]
However, even if it is not economical, the ability to use the scan function and the printer function in addition to the copy function is very useful in recent systems in which images can be freely processed by a personal computer or the like. It can be said that it is ideal for a processing system. For this reason, it is desired to provide a device having these functions at low cost. Since the MFP originally combines the systems independently developed as a scanner and a printer into one, the MFP has a function of outputting data from the scanner and a function of inputting print data to the printer. Therefore, use as a scanner or a printer other than a copy machine does not cause any trouble, and no additional function is required. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 90 is configured such that the scanner 16 having the scanner mechanism 6 and the scanner controller 21 and the printer 5 having the printer engine 7 and the printer controller 20 are connected by the CPU 16. It functions as a copier, and essentially has a function of inputting image data from the scanner unit 3 to the host and a function of outputting data from the host from the printer unit 5.
[0006]
However, in the MFP 90, the copy function is a new function, and how the copy function can be realized with a simple configuration is a difference between the MFP 90 and a recent copy machine that has also started providing interfaces as a scanner and a printer. It appears as In addition, if an MFP is provided with an expensive control means including a dedicated circuit for image processing, the MFP can be provided with a copy function comparable to that of a conventional copier. As a result, the same level of economy and size as those having the function as described above is attained, and the merit as the MFP is almost lost. That is, if it is attempted to provide the same or higher capability as that of the conventional copier, the configuration of the CPU 16 shown in FIG. The advantage of this is that the system becomes more expensive than or equal to a conventional copier.
[0007]
On the other hand, there is always a demand for improved copy abilities. In particular, the capability of a scanner and a printer, for example, the processing capability of a multi-color image such as resolution and gradation has greatly improved in accordance with the improvement of the image processing capability of a personal computer serving as a host. Accordingly, the MFP is required to have similar functions, and it is very easy to mount the functions of a commercially available high-resolution scanner and printer in the scanner unit and the printer unit from the configuration of the MFP. , Almost no cost increase. Conversely, the MFP is advantageous in that the functions of a commercially available scanner and printer can be directly mounted, and there is no problem in improving the scanner function and the printer function.
[0008]
However, there is a problem with the copy function. The copy function cannot create high-resolution, high-quality copies that make full use of the capabilities of the scanner and the printer unless the image processing capability of the controller for the MFP developed for the MFP is improved. Since the number of MFPs shipped is very small compared to a single scanner or a single printer, it is economically impossible to proceed with development at the same pace. Further, when a scanner or a printer with improved performance is commercially available, even if a controller of the MFP corresponding to the scanner or printer can be developed, it is after the sale of the scanner or printer with improved performance is started. Therefore, although the convenience of the MFP having the copy function by combining the scanner and the printer is understood, its performance does not follow the scanner and the printer, so that the number of units sold does not increase, and the development of the MFP does not progress. It is falling into a vicious circle.
[0009]
Therefore, in the present invention, an MFP capable of maximizing the functions of a scanner or a printer mounted on the MFP, which can be developed at a low cost in a short time and whose sales can be started in a timely manner, It is intended to provide an input / output device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a data input / output device and a control method therefor, which can realize copying performance equivalent to that of an expensive and large-sized copier for office use with a low-cost and compact configuration.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
For this reason, in the present invention, a mode in which a process requiring a high processing capacity or abundant resources is executed by using a host device instead of executing the process by using the data input / output device alone is provided. Data input / output that can make the most of the functions of input and output devices mounted on data input / output devices such as scanners and printers without having the latest high-performance processing capability Provide equipment. In other words, a data input / output device that operates stand-alone, such as an MFP, has a function of inputting / outputting data to / from a host device, such as a personal computer, in order to use a function as a scanner or a printer. It has a function that can be connected to the host device, that is, a function for communicating with the host device. Therefore, when the copy function is selected, by utilizing this communication function, input data is sent to the host device, and a function capable of performing image processing by utilizing the resources of the host device is provided. Thus, even if the capability of the copy function is not sufficient, the capability of the scanner or printer mounted on the input / output device can be fully utilized by utilizing the capability of the host device.
[0011]
That is, the data input / output device of the present invention includes input means for acquiring input data from a medium, means for converting input data into output data, output means for outputting output data, and Communication means for outputting data and inputting output data, and further, when outputting the data obtained from the input means from the output means, when the input data is obtained from the input means, the communication means makes an external connection. A first processing control unit that outputs input data to the device, obtains output data corresponding to the input data, and outputs the data by the output unit, and when outputting the data obtained from the input unit from the output unit, A second processing control means for obtaining output data corresponding to the input data by means of its own conversion means when input data is obtained from the input means, and outputting the output data by the output means; Selection means for selecting the first processing control means when communication with the external device is possible when the communication with the external equipment is not possible, and selection means for selecting the first processing control means when communication with the external equipment is impossible by the communication means And
[0012]
The data processing device of the present invention, when outputting the data obtained from the input means from the output means, outputs the input data to the external device by the communication means when the input data is obtained from the input means, A first step of obtaining output data corresponding to the input means and outputting the output data by the output means, and, when outputting the data obtained from the input means from the output means, obtaining input data from the input means. A second step of obtaining output data corresponding to the input data and outputting the output data by the output means, and when the communication means can communicate with the external device, the first step can be selected, and the communication means enables communication with the external device. When the communication cannot be performed, the control method includes a selection step of making the first step unselectable. In addition, by providing a control program having instructions capable of executing the respective steps on a recording medium readable by the data input / output device or by providing the same via a host device or a computer network, A data input / output device having the means can be realized.
[0013]
The data input / output device of the present invention converts the data obtained by the input means from the output means, that is, the first processing control means for converting and outputting the data by its own converting means at the time of copying. Alternatively, in addition to the first step, if the communication means is valid, the second processing control means or the second step capable of utilizing the resources of the external device via the communication means can be selected. Therefore, a copy function can be provided as a stand-alone device, and a copy function utilizing the resources or processing capability of the host device can be provided. For this reason, even if the capability of the means for converting the data of the data input / output device is not high enough to fully demonstrate the capability of the mounted scanner or printer, by utilizing the processing capability of the host device, such a scanner or printer can be used. A copy function that makes full use of the capabilities of the printer can be provided. Therefore, it is possible to provide a data input / output device having a copy function that makes the most of the latest scanner or printer at low cost and in a timely manner. Although the data input / output device of the present invention has a simple configuration, the data input / output device of the present invention can provide a copy function utilizing the capabilities of scanners and printers whose capabilities have been developed with the development of the capabilities of personal computers. It is possible to provide a low-cost and compact data input / output device exhibiting the same or better performance than a copier for office use.
[0014]
In the data input / output device of the present invention, the first processing control means or the first process cannot be selected when communication with the external device by the communication means is impossible. Therefore, the second processing control means or the second step may be automatically selected instead of the first processing control means or the first step. By making the stand-alone function always available, a copy of at least some image quality can always be obtained automatically, even if the image quality is reduced. On the other hand, when communication with the external device is impossible by the communication means, the image quality of the copy is reduced by notifying in advance that the second processing control means has been selected instead of the first processing control means. Can be recognized by the user in advance.
[0015]
When communication with an external device is possible by the communication means, the first processing control means or the first process may be selected. With this data input / output device, when communication with an external device is possible, the first control means or the first step for obtaining high-quality output is unconditionally selected. When communication with external devices is possible, it is effective to change the selection destination depending on the type of job, such as a request for high-quality output, but the job settings and the quality of the image to be copied are automatically Preliminary processing, such as making a determination or prompting the user to input, is required before copying starts. On the other hand, when the communication is possible, the first processing control means or the first step is unconditionally selected, so that such prior processing is unnecessary, and a simple control method is used. A copy function using an external resource can be introduced. Therefore, the data input / output device can have a simple configuration.
[0016]
A preferred input means of the data input / output means of the present invention is a scanner, and a preferred output means is a printer. Thus, the present invention can be applied to the above-described multifunction printer (MFP). The scanner includes, in addition to a scanner for reading a document, a device capable of acquiring or recording image data including a digital camera, including a digital camera. It has a device that reads two-dimensional codes and other compressed data as input means, executes the process of decoding or decompressing the compressed data and converting the data in the host device, and outputs the decompressed data on the printer. The present invention can also be provided for other data input / output devices.
[0017]
In the present invention, it is desirable that a program for converting input data output from the data input / output device on the host device side be automatically started by an interrupt from the data input / output device side. This allows the capability or resources of the host device to be used by the data input / output device simply by operating the data input / output device. For example, when connected to the host device by a USB interface, the USB suspended function can be used, and when the data input / output device of the present invention connected to the host device is released from the standby state, the operating system of the host device is activated. You can grasp the state.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows a data input / output device according to the present invention. The data input / output device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a scanner unit 3 capable of acquiring an image such as an image or a character recorded on a medium 2 such as paper as digital data (input data) φ1, and an input unit obtained by the scanner unit 3. A multifunction printer (MFP) including a printer unit 5 capable of printing print data (output data) φ2 for printing converted from the data φ1 and print data (output data) φ2 output from the host device 10 on paper 4 ). Therefore, a scanner function of reading an image by the scanner unit 3 and outputting it to the host device 10, a print function of printing the print data φ2 output from the host device 10 by the printer unit 5, and an input data φ1 read by the scanner unit 3 Three functions of a copy function of converting the print data into the print data φ2 and printing the print data by the printer unit 5 can be provided by one unit.
[0019]
The scanner section 3 includes a scanner mechanism 6 and a scanner controller 21 for controlling the scanner mechanism 6. The scanner controller 21 includes a mechanical controller 21 a for controlling a driving mechanism 3 a such as a motor and a lamp of the scanner unit 3. The controller 21 a is provided via a motor driver (motor driving circuit) 26 and a lamp driver (lamp driving circuit) 27. The driving mechanism 3a is controlled. Further, the scanner controller 21 includes an image controller unit 21b that converts data obtained from the scanner mechanism 6 into image data φ1 and can output the image data φ1.
[0020]
The printer unit 5 has a printer mechanism 7 and a printer controller 20 that controls the printer mechanism 7. The printer controller 20 performs printing by controlling the motor and the print head of the printer mechanism 10 based on the print data φ2 supplied from the host device 10. Therefore, the drive mechanism 5a of the printer mechanism 7 is controlled via the motor driver 29 and the print head driver 30. Further, an error of the printer mechanism 7 is monitored from an output of a sensor for detecting a sheet of the printer mechanism 7 and processing corresponding thereto is performed.
[0021]
The MFP controller 15 connects the scanner unit 3 and the printer unit 5 and controls the scanner unit 3 and the printer unit 5. With this control device 15, any one of the three functions can be selected and executed. Therefore, the control device 15 includes a CPU 16 and a ROM 17 storing a program P1 for providing a scanner function, a program P2 for providing a print function, and a program P3 for providing a copy function as programs for execution of the CPU 16. And a RAM 18 used as a work area for converting input data φ1 into print data φ2 and an area for temporarily storing input data φ1 and print data φ2. For example, when execution of the copy function is instructed from the operator panel 22, the program P3 is executed by the CPU 16 to provide a copy operation. The control device 15 includes an interface that can be connected to the host device 10 via the interface cable 24, for example, a USB interface 19.
[0022]
The host device 10 to which the MFP 1 is connected by the USB interface 19 is a general personal computer, and includes an operating system 12, an application 11 having predetermined functions such as text creation and browsing, and an interface between the MFP 1 and the host device 10. Is operating. Therefore, the host device 10 can acquire, via the driver 13, the image data φ1 obtained by operating the MFP 1 as a scanner. Further, by supplying the print data φ2 from the host device 10 via the driver 13, the MFP 1 can be operated as a printer.
[0023]
Further, the driver 13 of the present example includes an image processing function 14 capable of executing sophisticated and complicated processing such as background processing, luminance adjustment, noise removal, enlargement / reduction, color matching, and the like. Using resources such as a memory, the image data φ1 supplied from the MFP1 can be subjected to these image processings to generate output data φ2, which can be sent back to the MFP1. Further, the OS 12 has a function of recognizing that the copy button 22 is operated in the peripheral device, in this case, the MFP 1 via the USB interface, and the communication with the host device 10 is released from the standby state. This function is a function supported by the general-purpose OS as a USB suspended function. When the host apparatus 10 recognizes that the MFP 1 has been operated, the host apparatus 10 becomes communicable with the MFP 1 via the driver 13. Is in a state where the image processing function 14 of the driver 13 can be used. The image processing function 14 can be activated by detecting an interrupt from the MFP without being limited to the USB suspended function.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the CPU 16 realized by executing the copy function program P3. In the MFP 1 of this example, the CPU 16 for which the copy function is selected outputs the input data φ1 obtained from the scanner unit 3 to the driver 13 of the host device 10 from the USB interface 19, and the image data is processed by the image processing function 14 of the driver 13. A first copy control function (first processing control means) 31 for obtaining the output data φ2 thus obtained and outputting it to the printer unit 5 for printing, and an image processing function of the CPU 16 for inputting the input data φ1 obtained from the scanner unit 3. 36, a second copy control function (second processing control means) 32 for converting the data into output data φ2 and outputting the converted data to the printer unit 5 for printing. Further, the CPU 16 controls a communication control function 33 for controlling communication with the host device 10 via the USB interface 19 and a first copy control function 31 when the communication control function 33 enables communication with the host device 10. A selection function 34 is provided to enable selection and to disable the first copy control function 31 when communication with the host device 10 is not possible. The first copy control function 31 is automatically activated when the operation panel 22 selects a job requiring high-performance image processing, for example, a job for copying a high-quality color image such as a photograph. The second copy control function 32 is a function selected when a job sufficient for low-function image processing, for example, a job for copying a monochrome original that does not require high-quality processing, is selected. This is a function that is automatically selected.
[0025]
The selection function 34 can lock the selection in advance and prevent it from being selected when a job requiring high-performance image processing is selected on the panel 22 when communication with the host apparatus 10 is not possible. is there. In the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, the selection function 34 is replaced with the second copy control function 31 in place of the first copy control function 31 when communication with the host device 10 is impossible in order to solve the inconvenience that a job cannot be selected. 32 is selected so that the user can execute a desired job even if the image quality is not sufficient. At this time, the selection function 34 includes a function 35 for notifying the user in advance that the image quality may not reach the predetermined standard. For example, the fact is displayed on the local panel 22. It is also possible to notify by voice or the like.
[0026]
Further, when communication with the host device 10 is possible, the selection function 34 unconditionally or preferentially selects the first copy control function 31 without depending on the type of job specified by the user. It is also possible to make the host device 10 always available. By unconditionally selecting the first copy control function 31, it is possible to set an image processing method using the operation panel 22 or to determine in advance that the image is a color image or a monochrome image requiring high-quality image processing. The processing becomes unnecessary, and the first copy control function 31 and the second copy control function 32 can be switched simply by simple control based on the availability of communication. The conditions under which the first copy control function 31 and the second copy control function 32 are switched may be set by default, but may be set by the user using an initial setting menu or the like. You may leave it.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process when the copy function is selected in the MFP 1. First, when the power is turned on, various parameters are set by initialization in step 41, and the apparatus enters a job waiting state. In step 42, when a copy is selected from the operator panel 22, in step 43, the image recorded on the sheet 2 by the scanner unit 3 is read as input data φ1. In step 42, when the copy is selected, the communication control function 33 of the MFP 1 communicates with the host device 10. Therefore, the host device 10 recognizes that the MFP 1 is in the operating state, and loads the driver 13. Thus, the image processing function 14 can be used.
[0028]
If the selected copy is a job requiring high-performance image processing, the selection function 34 determines in step 44 that the image processing function 14 of the host device 10 is necessary, and in step 45, communicates with the host device 10. If possible, the first copy control function 31 using the image processing function 14 of the host device 10 is selected (step 46). Therefore, in step 47, the input data φ1 obtained by the scanner unit 3 is transferred to the host device 10 and processed by the image processing function 14. Then, in step 48, the output data φ2 processed from the host device 10 is received, and in step 49, the output data φ2 is sent to the printer unit 5 and printed out. Whether or not the image processing function 14 of the host device 10 is necessary can be determined by preparing a selectable button such as a photograph or a color copy when selecting a job on the panel 22. If there is color information in the data φ1 read by the scanner unit 3, it is possible to determine that high-performance image processing is necessary. Further, when giving priority to the copy speed while ignoring the image quality, it is determined whether the execution of the copy processing by the MFP is faster or the execution of the copy processing through the host apparatus 10 is faster. Processing for determining whether the image processing function 14 is necessary is also possible.
[0029]
Further, if communication with the host device 10 is possible, the first copy control function 31 can be selected unconditionally. In this case, the processing in step 44 can be omitted. Therefore, the control is simple.
[0030]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 44 that advanced image processing is not necessary, the second copy control function 32 is selected (step 52). If communication with the host device 10 is not possible in step 45, the user is notified in step 50 that the image quality may not be as desired, and the second copy is also performed when the user accepts in step 51. The control function 32 is selected (step 52). When the second copy control function 32 is selected, in step 53, the CPU 16 processes the input data φ1 by its own image processing function 36 and converts it into output data φ2. And print it out.
[0031]
A program (firmware, program product) P3 provided with instructions for causing the CPU 16 to execute these processes can be provided by being recorded in the ROM 17 in advance, or can be provided via the host device 10 or a computer network such as the Internet. The CPU 16 can also download it.
[0032]
As described above, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment includes a path (first copy control function) 31 for performing copying using resources of the host device 10 in addition to a path (second copy control function) 32 for performing stand-alone copying. It has. Therefore, when communication with the host device 10 is possible, the input data φ1 acquired by the scanner unit 3 is sent to the host device 10 and abundant resources of the host device 10 (CPU having high-speed processing capability, large-capacity memory , A hard disk) to perform advanced image processing and print out the results. That is, by executing a copy process using the maximum performance of the function of the scanner unit 3 or the function of the printer unit 5 using the capability of the host device 10, the function or capability of the MFP controller 15 is directly affected. Instead, it is possible to execute a copy that makes full use of the capabilities of the scanner unit 3 or the printer unit 5.
[0033]
If the MFP can only communicate with the host device 10 by mounting only inexpensive image processing software or hardware for realizing low-quality copying such as monochrome copying, the host device 10 can perform high-quality image processing. To output a high quality copy. In other words, color copying requires processing such as dithering and color matching, and monochrome copying requires processing such as dithering when high-quality images are required. By simply incorporating only low-cost software or hardware for low-quality monochrome copying, a copy requiring high-quality image processing can be executed using the host device 10. By utilizing the resources of the host device 10, higher-quality image processing functions such as an edge enhancement function, a function of applying image processing different for each area by separating an image (image area), and a resolution conversion function are supported. This makes it possible to realize, at low cost, an MFP that can provide an image processing function equivalent to that of an expensive copying apparatus or an expensive multifunction peripheral at a low cost.
[0034]
The configurations of the scanner unit 3 and the printer unit 5 mounted on the MFP 1 are independently developed as a scanner or a printer. By connecting them with the MFP controller 15, a function as a copier is also realized. However, there is an advantage that the MFP 1 can provide three functions while being low-cost and compact. In the MFP 1 of the present invention, even if the performance of the MFP controller 15 is not high enough to completely cover the functions of the scanner unit 3 or the printer unit 5, the MFP 1 has a capability that is acceptable as a stand-alone copy function. The controller 15 can realize the MFP 1 capable of providing a high-quality copy function by combining the latest sophisticated scanner unit 3 and printer unit 5. Therefore, it is possible to easily develop and provide an MFP equipped with a current or future high-performance scanner and printer, and to provide an MFP 1 having a function equivalent to or more than that of a dedicated copy machine at a low cost.
[0035]
In addition, the MFP 1 of this example supports a copy function of about a monochrome copy in a stand-alone manner, that is, is supported by the second copy control function 32. For this reason, a monochrome copy of a document that requires a large amount of high-speed copying can be executed at high speed without a load on the host device 10 and without communication time with the host device 10. On the other hand, even if the MFP is equipped with a high-performance CPU, high-resolution and multi-color image processing takes a long processing time. Therefore, even if such processing is performed on the host device 10 side over the communication time, the waiting time of the user does not significantly increase. Also, if the processing time is longer, the communication time is shorter than the processing time, so that the overhead due to the communication is less visible. Therefore, the MFP 1 of the present example requires communication with the host device 10 in order to partially utilize the capabilities of the host device 10, but the user can use the copy function without stress.
[0036]
In the above description, the present invention has been described with the MFP 1 in which the scanner unit 3 and the printer unit 5 are integrated, but the input means and output means of the data input / output device of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, the MFP may have an interface capable of inserting a medium on which an image photographed by a digital camera is recorded, and may obtain and print image data from the inserted medium. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a device that can connect a personal computer as an external device (host device) and that performs input and output of audio and a device that performs input and output of character information as well as images.
[0037]
Also, an example in which the MFP 1 and the host device (external device) are connected by a USB interface has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the USB, and the MFP 1 may be connected to another interface such as an IEEE 1394 interface or a LAN interface (network interface). The present invention can also be applied to such cases.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in a data input / output device such as an MFP having a function as a copier in addition to a function as a scanner and a printer, data is processed by itself when copying. In addition to the path, a path for communicating with and processing an external device such as a host device is prepared. By using a path that communicates with and processes external devices, it is possible to use resources of external devices for processing when data is transferred from input means such as a scanner to output means such as a printer. Even if the capability of the controller of the device itself is not enough to make full use of the capability of the scanner or the printer, a data input / output device can be provided which can make full use of the capability of the scanner or the printer when copying. Therefore, it is possible to develop a data input / output device utilizing the functions of scanners and printers, whose functions are rapidly improving, in a short period of time and at low cost in accordance with the improvement in the capabilities of personal computers. It is possible to provide a low-cost and compact MFP having a high-quality copy capability not inferior to a dedicated machine.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic function of the MFP shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the MFP shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a general configuration of an MFP.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Data input / output device (multifunction printer)
3 Scanner unit (input means)
5 Printer section (output means)
10 Host device
13 Driver
14 Image processing unit
15 MFP controller
16 CPU
19 Interface
31 First copy control function
32 Second copy control function
33 Detection Function
34 Selection Function
35 Notification function

Claims (11)

Input means for obtaining input data from a medium;
Means for converting the input data into output data;
Output means for outputting the output data;
Communication means capable of outputting the input data and inputting the output data with an external device;
When outputting the data obtained from the input means from the output means, when the input data is obtained, the communication means outputs the input data to the external device, and the output corresponding to the input data is performed. First processing control means for obtaining data and outputting the data by the output means;
When outputting the data obtained from the input means from the output means, when the input data is obtained, the converting means obtains the output data corresponding to the input data and outputs the output data by the output means. Processing control means,
When the communication means can communicate with the external device, the first processing control means can be selected. When the communication means cannot communicate with the external device, the first processing control means can be selected. A data input / output device having a selection unit that makes selection impossible. 2. The data input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the second processing control unit instead of the first processing control unit when communication with the external device is impossible by the communication unit. . 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the selecting unit determines in advance that the second processing control unit has been selected instead of the first processing control unit when the communication unit cannot communicate with the external device. Data input / output device to notify 2. The data input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the first processing control unit when communication with the external device is possible by the communication unit. 2. The data input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is a scanner, and the output unit is a printer. 2. The data input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is a USB interface. Input means for acquiring input data from a medium, means for converting the input data into output data, output means for outputting the output data, and external equipment, for outputting the input data, A data input / output device control method having communication means capable of inputting
When outputting the data obtained from the input means from the output means, when the input data is obtained from the input means, the communication means outputs the input data to the external device, and outputs the input data to the external device. A first step of obtaining the corresponding output data and outputting by the output means;
When outputting the data obtained from the input means from the output means, when the input data is obtained from the input means, the converting means obtains the output data corresponding to the input data and obtains the output data by the output means. A second step of outputting;
When the communication means can communicate with the external device, the first step can be selected. When the communication means cannot communicate with the external device, the first step cannot be selected. A method for controlling a data input / output device, comprising: 8. The control method for a data input / output device according to claim 7, wherein in the selecting step, when communication with the external device is not possible by the communication means, the second step is selected instead of the first step. 9. The data according to claim 8, wherein in the selecting step, when communication with the external device is not possible by the communication means, data indicating in advance that the second step has been selected in place of the first step. A method for controlling an input / output device. 8. The data input / output device according to claim 7, wherein in said selecting step, said first step is selected when communication with said external device is possible by said communication means. Input means for acquiring input data from a medium, means for converting the input data into output data, output means for outputting the output data, and external equipment, for outputting the input data, Control program for a data input / output device having communication means capable of inputting
When outputting the data obtained from the input means from the output means, when the input data is obtained from the input means, the communication means outputs the input data to the external device, and outputs the input data to the external device. A first process of obtaining the corresponding output data and outputting by the output means;
When outputting the data obtained from the input means from the output means, when the input data is obtained from the input means, the conversion means obtains the output data corresponding to the input data and outputs the data. And the second processing to be output, when the communication means can communicate with the external device, the first processing can be selected, when communication with the external device is not possible by the communication means, A control program for a data input / output device having an instruction capable of executing a selection process that makes the first process unselectable.

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