JP2004214957A - Image input/output device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input/output device which can acquire images before the data capacity changes with less image quality degradation later at a transmission destination even when an image data capacity is suppressed within an upper limit value and transmitted on electronic mail. <P>SOLUTION: When image data exceeds the upper limit value set at the time of transmitting the images on the electronic mail, the data capacity is reduced by lowering the resolution or raising the compressibility or the like and adjustment is performed so that the data do not exceed the upper limit value. In order to later acquire the images before the data capacity change through a communication means having no limit of the transmission image data capacity, the image data before the change are stored on a server, and the storage place of the image data before the change is reported to a user by sending the address information of the storage destination together with the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image input / output device connected to a communication medium such as a network or a public line.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a multifunction system including image input / output devices connected to a network or a public line, image data read from a document is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted. This makes it possible to easily convert a paper document into an electronic file, reduce the communication fee compared to a fax, and transmit color image data without being conscious of the communication time (for example, , Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-194531
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional multifunction system described above, when image data read from a document is attached to an e-mail and transmitted, an upper limit may be set for the amount of image data to be attached. If the capacity exceeds the upper limit, there is a problem that transmission cannot be performed.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and when transmitting an image by e-mail, even if the image data volume is suppressed within the upper limit value, even if the image data is transmitted at a destination, the data with less image quality degradation is later generated. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image input / output device capable of acquiring an image before capacity change.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image input / output device of the present invention includes an image input unit for inputting image data read from a document, and an image capacity changing unit for changing a capacity of the image data input by the image input unit. A communication unit connected to a communication medium; a mail transmission determination unit configured to determine whether image data input by the image input unit is to be transmitted to a predetermined e-mail address by the communication unit; When transmitting to the address, the upper limit value determining means for determining whether the capacity of the image data to be transmitted exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, and when the capacity of the image data to be transmitted exceeds the predetermined upper limit value The image data is transmitted to and stored in an image storage device, and the capacity of the image data is controlled to be within the upper limit by the image capacity changing unit. Puff, characterized in that a control means for transmitting the storage destination information of the image storage device together with the modified image data to the predetermined e-mail address.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0008]
[First Embodiment]
<Overall configuration of image forming system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0009]
The image forming system includes an image input / output device 100 including a copying machine and the like, and host computers (PCs) 401 and 402 connected to the image input / output device 100 via a local area network (hereinafter, LAN) 400. And a database server 410 similarly connected to the LAN 400. The image input / output device 100 includes a reader unit 200, a scanner unit 210, and a printer unit 300. The reader unit 200 is a device that optically reads a document image and converts it into image data. And a document feeder unit 250 having a function of transporting document sheets.
[0010]
The printer unit 300 is a device that conveys recording paper, prints image data thereon as a visible image, and discharges the recording paper outside the apparatus. A paper feeding unit 310 having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, The marking unit 320 includes a marking unit 320 having a function of transferring and fixing to a recording sheet, and a sheet discharging unit 330 having a function of sorting, stapling and printing the printed recording sheet outside the apparatus.
[0011]
The controller unit 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, and further connected to the PCs 401 and 402 and the database server 410 via the LAN 400. The controller unit 110 controls the reader unit 200 to read image data of a document, and controls the printer unit 300 to output the image data to recording paper to provide a copy function. Also, the image data read from the reader unit 200 is converted into code data, and a scanner function of transmitting the image data to the PCs 401 and 402 via the LAN 400, or the code data received from the PC 401 or 402 via the LAN 400 is converted into image data. A printer function for outputting to the printer unit 300 is provided.
[0012]
The operation unit 180 is connected to the controller unit 110, is configured by a liquid crystal touch panel, and provides a user I / F for operating the image input / output device 100.
[0013]
<Hardware Configuration of Reader Unit 200 and Printer Unit 300>
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300.
[0014]
The document feeding unit 250 of the reader unit 200 feeds the documents one by one onto the platen glass 211 one by one in the leading order, and discharges the documents on the platen glass 211 after the reading operation of the document is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 211, the lamp 212 is turned on, the movement of the optical unit 213 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned. The light reflected from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) 218 by mirrors 214, 215, 216 and a lens 217. Thus, the scanned image of the document is read by the CCD 218.
[0015]
Reference numeral 222 denotes a reader image processing circuit, which performs predetermined processing on image data output from the CCD 218 and outputs the processed data to the controller 110 via the scanner I / F 140. Reference numeral 352 denotes a printer image processing circuit, which outputs image data sent from the controller 110 via the printer I / F 145 to the laser driver.
[0016]
The laser driver 317 of the printer unit 300 drives the laser light emitting units 313, 314, 315, and 316. The laser driver 317 sends laser light corresponding to the image data output from the printer image processing unit 352 to the laser light emitting units 313 to 316. Flash. The laser light is applied to the photosensitive drums 325 to 328 by mirrors 340 to 351, and a latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on the photosensitive drums 325 to 328. 321 to 324 are developing units for developing latent images with black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toners, respectively. It is transferred and a full-color printout is made.
[0017]
Paper fed from one of the paper cassettes 360 and 361 and the manual feed tray 362 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation is adsorbed onto the transfer belt 334 via the registration rollers 333 and is conveyed. Then, the developer attached to the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, 328 is transferred to a recording sheet. The recording paper on which the developer is loaded is conveyed to the fixing unit 335, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 335. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 335 is discharged by a discharge roller 336, and a discharge unit 370 sorts the recording paper by bundling the discharged recording paper and staples the sorted recording paper.
[0018]
When double-sided printing is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 336, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 336 is reversed, and the recording paper is guided to the re-feed conveyance path 338 by the flapper 337. The recording sheet guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 338 is fed to the transfer belt 334 at the timing described above.
[0019]
<Configuration of reader image processing unit>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the reader image processing unit 222.
[0020]
In the reader image processing unit 222, the original on the platen glass 211 is read by the CCD 218 and converted into an electric signal. Note that, in the case of a color sensor, the CCD 218 is a three-line CCD, in which R, G, and B filters are arranged for each CCD, even if RGB color filters are mounted in-line on a one-line CCD in the order of RGB. Alternatively, the filter may be on-chip or the filter may be configured differently from the CCD.
[0021]
Then, the electric signal (analog image data) is input to the image processing unit 222, and the clamp & Amp. The sample / hold (S / H) is performed by the & S / H & A / D unit 401, the dark level of the analog image data is clamped to the reference potential, and is amplified to a predetermined amount (the processing order is not limited to the writing order). It is converted into an 8-bit digital signal for each of RGB. Then, the RGB signals are subjected to shading correction and black correction by the shading unit 402, and then output to the controller unit 110.
[0022]
<Configuration of controller section>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the controller unit 110.
[0023]
The main controller 111 mainly includes a CPU 112, a bus controller 113, and various I / F controller circuits. The CPU 112 and the bus controller 113 control the operation of the entire controller unit 110. The CPU 112 operates based on a program read from the ROM 120 via the ROM I / F 121.
[0024]
The operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from the PC 401 or the like and developing the data into raster image data is also described in this program and processed by software. The bus controller 113 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and performs arbitration at the time of bus contention and controls DMA data transfer.
[0025]
The DRAM 122 is connected to the main controller 111 by a DRAM I / F 123, and is used as a work area for the operation of the CPU 112 and an area for storing image data. The start-stop synchronous serial communication controller 114 transmits and receives control commands to and from the CPUs of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 via the serial buses 172 and 173, and performs communication of a touch panel and key inputs of the operation unit 180.
[0026]
The network controller 125 is connected to the main controller 111 by an I / F 127, and is connected to an external network by a connector 126. As a network, Ethernet (registered trademark) is generally used. The serial connector 124 is connected to the main controller 111 and performs communication with an external device. A USB is generally used as the serial bus. The FAN 128 is connected to the main controller 111 and is used to cool the controller unit 110.
[0027]
The temperature monitoring IC 142 is connected to the main controller 111 by a serial bus 143. The temperature monitoring IC 142 is used for controlling the FAN 128 and correcting the temperature of the real-time clock module 137.
[0028]
An expansion connector 135 for connecting an expansion board, an I / O control unit 136, an HD controller 131, and a codec 133 are connected to the general-purpose high-speed bus 130. The general-purpose high-speed bus 130 generally includes a PCI bus.
[0029]
The codec 133 compresses the raster image data stored in the DRAM 122 by a method such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG, and expands the compressed and stored code data into raster image data. The SRAM 134 is used as a temporary work area of the codec 133. Data transfer to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.
[0030]
The HD controller 131 is for connecting an external storage device. In the present embodiment, the hard disk drive 132 is connected via this I / F. The hard disk 132 is used to store programs and image data. The I / O control unit 136 controls the port 145 and the interrupt 146. The panel I / F 141 is connected to the LCD controller 140 and includes an I / F for displaying on a liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 180 and a key input I / F 171 for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. Is done.
[0031]
The operation unit 180 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or the hard keys is transmitted to the CPU 112 via the panel I / F 171 described above, and the liquid crystal display unit displays the image data sent from the panel I / F 141. The liquid crystal display unit displays a function display, image data, and the like in operation of the image forming apparatus.
[0032]
The real-time clock module 137 updates and saves the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery 138. The SRAM 139 is backed up by a backup battery 138 and stores user mode, various setting information, file management information of the hard disk drive 132, and the like.
[0033]
The graphic processor 151 performs image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output processing on image data stored in the DRAM 122. The DRAM 152 is used as a temporary work area of the graphic processor 151. The graphic processor 151 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 150, and the transfer of data to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.
[0034]
The connectors 160 and 155 are connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, respectively, and include a synchronous serial I / F (173, 172) and a video I / F (163, 162).
[0035]
The scanner image processing unit 157 is connected to the reader unit 200 via the connector 160 and is also connected to the graphic processor 151 via the scanner bus 161 and performs a predetermined process on an image received from the reader unit 200. It also has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the reader unit 200 to the scanner bus 161.
[0036]
The FIFO 158 is connected to the scanner image processing unit 157, and is used to perform line correction of a video signal sent from the reader unit 200. The printer image processing unit 153 is connected to the printer unit 300 via the connector 155, and is connected to the graphic processor 151 via the printer bus 156, and performs predetermined processing on image data output from the graphic processor 151. And a function of outputting the control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit 300 to the printer bus 162.
[0037]
The DRAM 154 is connected to the printer image processing unit 153, and is used to delay a video signal for a predetermined time. The transfer of the raster image data developed on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 is controlled by the bus controller 113, and is DMA-transferred to the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155. You.
[0038]
<Configuration of ACS counting section>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ACS (auto color select) counting unit.
[0039]
Auto color select (ACS) determines whether a document is color or black and white. In other words, color determination is performed based on how many pixels that are equal to or greater than a threshold value for calculating the saturation of each pixel. Even if a monochrome image is viewed microscopically, there are a large number of color pixels, and it is necessary to determine whether or not the pixel is really a color pixel based on information on color pixels around the target pixel. Reference numeral 501 denotes a filter for this purpose, which employs a FIFO structure to refer to a peripheral pixel with respect to the target pixel. Reference numeral 502 denotes a circuit that creates an area signal 505 to be subjected to ACS based on the values set in the registers 507 to 510 set by the main controller 111 and the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. The color determination unit 503 refers to a peripheral pixel of the memory in the filter 501 for the target pixel based on the area signal 505 to which the ACS is applied, and determines whether the target pixel is a color pixel or a monochrome pixel. is there. A counter 504 counts the number of color determination signals output by the color determination unit 503.
[0040]
The main controller 111 determines an area to which the reading range is to be subjected to the ACS, and sets the area in the registers 507 to 510 (this embodiment adopts a configuration in which the range is determined independently for the document). Further, the main controller 111 compares the value of a counter for counting the number of color determination signals in the area to be subjected to the ACS with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether the original is color or monochrome.
[0041]
In the registers 507 to 510, the position at which the color determination unit 503 starts the determination and the position at which the determination ends are determined in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction based on the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. Set it. In the present embodiment, the size is set to be about 10 mm smaller than the actual size of the original.
[0042]
<Configuration of Scanner Image Processing Unit>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the scanner image processing unit 157.
[0043]
For the image data sent from the reader unit 200 via the connector 160, the connection & MTF correction unit 601 adjusts the delay amount for each line according to the reading speed, and corrects the MTF changed according to the reading speed. If the CCD 218 is a three-line CCD, the splicing process corrects the signal timing so that the reading positions of the three lines are the same. FIFO 158 is used as a buffer for line delay.
[0044]
The spectral characteristics of the CCD 218 and the spectral characteristics of the lamp 212 and the mirrors 214, 215, and 216 are corrected by the input masking unit 602 of the digital signal whose read position timing has been corrected. The output of the input masking unit 602 is sent to the ACS counting unit 405 and the graphic processor 151.
[0045]
<Configuration of Printer Image Processing Unit>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the printer image processing unit 153.
[0046]
Image data sent from the graphic processor 151 via the printer bus 156 is first input to the LOG converter 701. The LOG conversion unit 701 converts the RGB signals into CMY signals by LOG conversion. Next, the moiré is removed by the moiré removing unit 702. A UCR & masking unit 703 generates a CMYK signal from the CMY signal subjected to the moiré removal processing by the UCR process, and the masking processing unit corrects the CMYK signal to a signal suitable for the output of the printer unit 300. The signal processed by the UCR & masking unit 703 is subjected to density adjustment by the correction unit 704 and then subjected to smoothing or edge processing by the filter unit 705.
[0047]
The output switching unit 706 temporarily stores an image for each CMYK image in the DRAM 154 in order to correct the distance between the photosensitive drums 325 to 328, and outputs the corrected image between the drums to the printer unit via the connector 155. Send to 300.
[0048]
<Configuration of graphic processor>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the graphic processor 151.
[0049]
The graphic processor 151 has modules for performing image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output. The DRAM 152 is used as a temporary work area of each module via the DRAM controller 808.
[0050]
A work area is statically allocated to each module in advance so that the work area of the DRAM 152 used by each module does not conflict. The graphic processor 151 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 150, and the transfer of data to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.
[0051]
The bus controller 113 performs control for setting a mode or the like for each module of the graphic processor 151 and timing control for transferring image data to each module.
[0052]
The input interface 810 inputs the image data input from the I / F 150 to the crossbar switch 809. The image data format handles binary raster image data, multi-value raster image data, JPEG, and the like. In the case of a JPEG image, the input interface 810 converts the image data into raster image data and outputs the data to the crossbar switch 809.
[0053]
The output interface 811 outputs the image data input from the crossbar switch 809 to the I / F 150. Although the image data format input from the crossbar switch 809 is raster image data, the output interface 811 performs JPEG compression and outputs data to the I / F 150.
[0054]
<Process of image rotation unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the image rotation unit 801 will be described.
[0055]
The CPU 112 makes settings for image rotation control from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, and the like) for the image rotation unit 801. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F. Here, the image size to be rotated is set to 32 pixels and 32 lines, and when transferring image data to the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 24 bytes (8 bits each for RGB, one pixel). I do.
[0056]
As described above, in order to obtain an image of 32 pixels and 32 lines, it is necessary to perform the above-described unit data transfer 3232 times and to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses. The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written to the SRAM 134 such that the image data is rotated at a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the transferred image data is written in the Y direction. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated.
[0057]
After the image rotation of 32 pixels and 32 lines (writing to the DRAM 152) is completed, the image rotating unit 801 reads the image data from the DRAM 152 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image to the bus controller 113.
[0058]
The bus controller 113 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F by continuous addressing.
[0059]
Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no more processing request from the CPU 112 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed).
[0060]
<Process of image scaling unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the image scaling unit 802 will be described.
[0061]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for image scaling control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for image scaling (the scaling ratio in the main scanning direction, the scaling ratio in the sub-scanning direction, the image size after scaling, etc.) for the image scaling unit 802. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0062]
The image scaling unit 802 stores the received image data in the temporary DRAM 152, and uses the image data as an input buffer. The stored data has the necessary number of pixels and lines according to the main scanning and sub-scanning magnifications. The image is enlarged or reduced by performing an interpolation process corresponding to, thereby performing a magnification process. The data after the scaling is written back to the DRAM 152 again, and the image scaling unit 802 reads the image data from the DRAM 152 using this as an output buffer, and transfers it to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that receives the image data subjected to the scaling process transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0063]
<Process of color space conversion unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the color space conversion unit 803 will be described.
[0064]
The CPU 112 makes settings for the color space conversion control from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With these settings, the bus controller 113 performs settings (coefficients of matrix operation, table values of the LUT 804, etc., described later) necessary for the color space conversion processing on the color space conversion unit 803 and the LUT (look-up table) 804. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0065]
The color space conversion unit 803 performs a predetermined matrix operation on each pixel of the received image data. Next, conversion by the LUT 804 is performed on the data after the matrix operation. As a result, nonlinear conversion can be performed. Naturally, by setting a through table, LUT conversion can not be performed substantially.
[0066]
After that, the color space conversion unit 803 transfers the image data subjected to the color space conversion processing to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the color space converted image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0067]
<Process of Image Binarization Unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the image binarization unit 805 will be described.
[0068]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for binarization control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for the binarization processing (such as various parameters according to the conversion method) for the image binarization unit 805. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0069]
The image binarization unit 805 performs a binarization process on the received image data. In the present embodiment, as a binarization method, image data is simply binarized by comparing it with a predetermined threshold value. Of course, any method such as a dither method, an error diffusion method, or an improved error diffusion method may be used.
[0070]
After that, the image binarization unit 805 transfers the image data subjected to the binarization processing to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 receiving the binarized image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0071]
<Processing of scanner input unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the scanner input unit 806 will be described.
[0072]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for scanner input control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs necessary settings (various parameters corresponding to input processing, etc.) on the scanner input unit 806. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data.
[0073]
After that, the image data is input to the scanner input unit 806 in synchronization with the synchronization signal input from the scanner image processing unit 157. The scanner input unit 806 temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM 152 as an input buffer, and the scanner input unit transfers the image stored in the DRAM 152 to the bus controller 113. Upon receiving the scanner input image data, the bus controller 113 transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.
[0074]
<Process of printer output unit>
Next, a processing procedure in the printer output unit 807 will be described.
[0075]
Via the I / F 150, the CPU 112 makes settings for printer output control in the bus controller 113. With this setting, the bus controller 113 makes necessary settings (various parameters and the like according to output processing) for the printer output unit 807. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data. According to this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transfer of image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.
[0076]
The printer output unit 807 temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM 152. After that, the image stored in the DRAM 152 is output to the printer image processing unit 153 according to the synchronization signal input from the printer image processing unit 153.
[0077]
<Operation section overview>
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the configuration of the operation unit 180.
[0078]
The LCD display unit 3001 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU 112 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 3002 is used to start a reading operation of a document image. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key 3002 can be used. A stop key 3003 functions to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 3004 is used to input a user ID of a user. A reset key 3005 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit 180.
[0079]
<Characteristic display screen>
Next, among the screens displayed on the operation unit 180, characteristic screens according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0080]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation screen.
[0081]
The functions provided by the apparatus of the present embodiment are classified into six broad categories: Copy, Send, Retrieve, Tasks, Tasks, Management, and Configuration. These are six main tabs displayed at the top of the operation screen 3010, that is, a “COPY” tab 3111, a “SEND” tab 3012, a “RETREIVE” tab 3013, a “TASKS” 3014, a “MGMT” 3015, and “CONFIG” 3016 is supported. By pressing these main tabs, switching to a screen of each category is performed. If switching to another category is not allowed, the display color of the main tab changes, and there is no response even if the main tab is pressed.
[0082]
Copy (Copy) is a function of performing a normal document copy using the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 of the own apparatus, and a function of copying a document using a printer connected to the reader unit 200 of the own apparatus via a network. Includes copy function (remote copy).
[0083]
Send is a function for transferring a document placed in the reader unit 200 of the own device to an e-mail, a remote printer, a facsimile, a file transfer (FTP) and a database, and a plurality of destinations can be designated. It is.
[0084]
Retrieve is a function of acquiring an external document and printing the document on the printer unit 300 of the own device. WWW, electronic mail, file transfer, and fax can be used as a document acquisition means.
[0085]
Tasks (Tasks) automatically processes documents sent from the outside such as fax and Internet print, and generates and manages tasks for periodically performing Retrieve. The management manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, documents, account information, and the like. In the configuration (Configuration), the setting (network, clock, etc.) for the own device is performed.
[0086]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a Copy main screen.
[0087]
When the start button 3002 is pressed when the Copy main copy screen is displayed, the reader unit 200 operates, and a copy corresponding to each setting parameter displayed on the screen is output from the selected printer. .
[0088]
The copy main screen 3100 includes a printer display area 3102, a printer selection button 3103, an image quality display area 3104, an image quality selection button 3105, a copy parameter display 3101, enlargement / reduction setting buttons 3106, 3107, a paper selection button 3108, a sorter setting button 3110, It includes a double-sided copy setting button 3112, a density indicator and density setting button 3109, and a numeric keypad 3114.
[0089]
When a printer selection button 3103 is pressed, a list of available printers (printers owned by the own device and printers connected via a network) is displayed in a pull-down list. When a desired printer is selected from the list, the list disappears. The displayed printer name is displayed in the printer display area 3102.
[0090]
When the ImageQuality setting button 3105 is pressed, a list of image qualities is displayed, and a desired image quality can be selected from the list. When the above-described buttons for setting various copy parameters (enlargement / reduction setting buttons 3106, 3107, paper selection button 3108, sorter setting button 3110, and duplex copy setting button 3112) are pressed, settings corresponding to the respective settings are performed. A sub screen (enlargement / reduction setting, paper selection, sorter setting, double-sided copy setting) is displayed, and parameters can be set. Further, density setting can be operated by a density indicator and a density setting button 3109.
[0091]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a Send main screen.
[0092]
When the start button 3002 is pressed when the Send main screen 3200 is displayed, the reader unit 200 operates, and the process of transmitting the read image data to the set destination by the specified transmission method is started.
[0093]
The Send main screen 3200 includes a destination display area 3202, a detailed destination number display area 3203, a destination scroll button 3204, an address book button 3208, a New button 3209, an Edit button 3210, a Delete button 3211, a Subject input area 3205, and a Message input area 3206. , File Name input area 3207, CoverPage check button 3212, PutIntoHD check button 3213, PrintOut check button 3214, and ScanSetting button 3215.
[0094]
At the time of initialization including resetting, no destination is displayed in the destination display area, and an operation explanation screen is displayed. A list of input destinations is displayed in the destination display area 3202, and inputs are sequentially added to the end. The number of destinations currently set is displayed in the detailed destination number display area 3203. When the user presses the Delete button 3211 after selecting a destination from the destination display area 3202, the selected destination is deleted.
[0095]
When the Subject input area 3205, the Message input area 3206, and the FileName input area 3207 are pressed, a full keyboard is displayed, and each input can be performed. Further, when the ScanSetting button 3215 is pressed, a ScanSetting sub screen 3370 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. When one scan setting is selected from the Preset mode selection area 3371 in the ScanSetting sub-screen, the corresponding preset resolution, scan mode, and density are displayed in the respective display areas 3377, 3379, 3381. These values can be changed manually.
[0096]
<Network system>
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of the entire network system of the present embodiment.
[0097]
Reference numeral 100 in the figure denotes an image input / output device according to the present embodiment, which includes the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 as described above, and allows an image read from the reader unit 200 to flow to the LAN 400 or an image received from the LAN 400 It can be printed out by the printer unit 300. Further, the image read from the reader unit 200 can be transmitted to the PSTN or ISDN (1030) by a fax transmission unit (not shown), and the image received from the PSTN or ISDN can be printed out by the printer unit 300.
[0098]
Reference numeral 410 denotes a database server which manages a binary image and a multi-valued image read by the image input / output device 100 of the present embodiment as a database. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a database client of the database server 410, which can perform browsing / searching of image data stored in the database server 410. An e-mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the image input / output device 100 of the present embodiment as an e-mail attachment. An e-mail client 1005 can receive and browse the e-mail received by the e-mail server 1004, and can transmit an e-mail. A WWW server 1006 provides an HTML document to the LAN 400. The image input / output device 100 according to the present embodiment can print out an HTML document provided by the WWW server. A router 1007 connects the LAN 1010 with the Internet / intranet 1012 by a router. In the Internet / intranet 1012, the same devices as the image input / output device 100, the database server 410, the WWW server 1006, and the e-mail server 1004 of the present embodiment described above are provided, respectively. And an e-mail server 1023.
[0099]
On the other hand, the image input / output device 100 of the present embodiment is capable of transmitting and receiving to and from the fax device 1031 via the PSTN or ISDN 1030. A printer 1040 is also connected to the LAN 400, and is configured to be able to print out an image read by the image input / output device 100 of the present embodiment.
[0100]
<Sequence when outputting PDL image>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outputting a PDL image in the present embodiment.
[0101]
When outputting a PDL image, first, in step S51, the user sets print settings for the PDL image output job on the PC 401. The print setting contents include the number of copies, paper size, one side / two sides, page output order, sort output, and whether or not stapling is performed.
[0102]
In a succeeding step S52, a print instruction is given on the PC 401, and at the same time, driver software installed on the PC 401 converts code data on the PC 401 to be printed into so-called PDL data, and prints the print data set in the step S51. The PDL data is transferred to the controller unit 110 of the image input / output device via the LAN 400 together with the setting parameters.
[0103]
In the next step S53, the CPU 112 of the main controller 111 in the controller unit 110 develops (rasterizes) the PDL data transferred via the connector 126 and the network controller 125 into image data based on the print setting parameters. The development of the image data is performed on the DRAM 122. When the development of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to step S54.
[0104]
In step S54, the main controller 111 transfers the image data expanded on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151, and in the next step S55, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing independently of the print setting parameters. For example, if the paper size specified by the print setting parameters is A4, but the paper supply unit 360 of the printer unit 300 has only A4R paper, the graphic processor 151 rotates the image by 90 degrees. As a result, an image can be output according to the output sheet. When the image processing of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to step S56.
[0105]
In step S56, the graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111, and the main controller 111 stores the transferred image data in the DRAM 122. Further, in step S57, the main controller 111 controls the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155, and transmits the image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at appropriate timing. And transfer.
[0106]
In step S58, the controller unit 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data. When the transfer of the image data is completed, that is, when the PDL job ends, the print output ends.
[0107]
<Sequence when outputting a copy image>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a copy image output according to the present embodiment.
[0108]
When outputting a copy image, in step S61, the user performs copy setting of the copy image output job on the operation unit 180. The copy setting contents include the number of copies, paper size, one-sided / two-sided, enlargement / reduction ratio, sort output, and whether or not stapling is performed.
[0109]
In step S62, when the start key 3002 is pressed on the operation unit 180 to give a copy start instruction, the main controller 111 of the controller unit 110 controls the reader unit 200 to read image data of a document. First, the document feeding unit 250 feeds the placed documents one by one onto the platen glass 211, and at the same time, detects the size of the document. The image data is read by exposing and scanning the original based on the detected size of the original. The read image data is compressed in the image format designated by the graphic processor 151 and stored in the DRAM 122. In this embodiment, image data is always read at the same magnification (100%) irrespective of the setting of the enlargement / reduction ratio in the copy setting, and the magnification process is described later in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. To be performed by the graphic processor 151.
[0110]
In the next step S63, the main controller 111 transfers the image data in the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151. In the following step S64, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing based on the copy setting parameters. For example, when the enlargement is set to 400%, the image scaling unit 802 which is a module in the graphic processor 151 performs the scaling process in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. When the image processing of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to step S65.
[0111]
In step S65, the graphic processor 151 compresses and transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111 in the designated image format. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122. At the next step S66, the main controller 111 converts the image data stored in the DRAM 122 into a file in a designated file format and transfers the file to the HD drive 132 via the HD controller 131, thereby reading the read image data. It is stored in the HD drive 132.
[0112]
The operation from the reading of the image data to the storage of the image data in the HD drive 132 is repeatedly performed as long as a document exists in the document feeding unit 250.
[0113]
In the subsequent step S67, the image data is transferred to the printer unit 300. At this time, if the image data file to be printed does not exist in the DRAM 122, the image file is read from the HD drive 132 and stored in the DRAM 122. The main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155.
[0114]
In step S68, the controller unit 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data. When the transfer of all the image data is completed, that is, when the copy job ends, the print output ends.
[0115]
<Sequence during scan transmission>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a scan transmission procedure according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that multivalued image data is transmitted.
[0116]
When performing scan transmission, in step S71, the user performs copy setting of the scan job on the operation unit 180. The scan setting contents include a transmission address, color / monochrome reading, reading resolution, one-sided / two-sided, and the like.
[0117]
In step S72, when a scan start instruction is given on the operation unit 180, the main controller 111 of the controller unit 110 controls the reader unit 200 to read the image data of the document. First, the document feeding unit 250 feeds the placed documents one by one onto the platen glass 211, and at the same time, detects the size of the document. The image data is read by exposing and scanning the original based on the detected size of the original. The read image data is compressed in the image format designated by the graphic processor 151 and stored in the DRAM 122. In the present embodiment, image data is always read at 600 dpi regardless of the resolution setting of the scan setting, and the resolution conversion is performed by a graphic processor 151 described later in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. I do.
[0118]
In the next step S73, the main controller 111 transfers the image data in the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151, and performs image processing of image rotation, resolution conversion, and color space conversion based on the scan setting parameters. The graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111, and the main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.
[0119]
In a succeeding step S74, it is confirmed whether or not the destination at the time of the scan transmission is an e-mail. If not, the image data is filed in a step S75. The main controller 111 stores the read image data in the HD drive 132 by converting the image data stored in the DRAM 122 into a file in a specified file format and transferring the file to the HD drive 132 via the HD controller 131.
[0120]
In the subsequent step S76, the main controller 111 transmits, for example, to the e-mail server 1004 if the transmission address is E-mail and to the database server 410 if the transmission address is a database via the network controller 125 and the LAN 400. When the transmission address is set in the printer, the image data on the DRAM 122 is transferred to the printer unit at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155. Transfer to 300.
[0121]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S74 that e-mail transmission is to be performed, the flow advances to step S77 to compare the image data size in the DRAM 122 with the size upper limit set in the user mode from the operation unit 180. If the image data size is equal to or smaller than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S75 and thereafter, and the image data is directly transmitted to the e-mail server 1004.
[0122]
If the image data size exceeds the upper limit in the determination processing of step S77, the process first proceeds to step S78, where the image data in the DRAM 122 is transferred to a predetermined address of the database server 410 by the network controller 125 and the LAN 400. , And acquires the address information (URL and the like) stored in the database server 410 and stores it on the DRAM 122 via the LAN 400.
[0123]
Next, in step S79, the image data in the DRAM 122 is transferred to the graphic processor 151, and the image scaling unit 802 lowers the resolution according to the image data size. For example, if the image data size greatly exceeds the upper limit value, the resolution is set low, and if the image data size slightly exceeds the upper limit value, the setting of the image scaling unit 802 is controlled to slightly lower the resolution. I do. Further, in step S80, the compression rate of the output interface 811 is set to be higher than the compression rate set in step S72, and the image data whose resolution and compression rate have been changed in this way are stored in the DRAM 122. To memorize.
[0124]
In a succeeding step S81, the size of the image data stored again in the DRAM 122 is compared with the upper limit value, and if it is larger than the upper limit value, the steps S79 and S80 are repeated again. When the size of the image data falls within the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S76 via the processing of step S75, and the address information of the database server 410 storing the image data before the data capacity change is replaced with the data capacity change. The image data is transmitted to the e-mail server 1004 together with the subsequent image data. When the transmission ends, the main scan transmission ends.
[0125]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when transmitting an image by e-mail, if the amount of transmitted image data exceeds the upper limit, the image data is stored in the database server connected via the network. In addition, since the image data to be actually transmitted is transmitted together with the address information such as the URL stored in the server while the image data capacity is kept within the upper limit value, before the data capacity change with less image quality deterioration is performed later. When it is desired to obtain an image, the location of the image can be easily known.
[0126]
[Second embodiment]
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the sequence at the time of scan transmission described in the flowchart of FIG. 18, and other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0127]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of scan transmission in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an example of transmitting binary image data will be described.
[0128]
First, after performing the processing of steps S91 and S92 in the same manner as the processing of steps S71 and S72 of the first embodiment, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151 in step S93. Image processing such as image rotation, resolution conversion, color space conversion, and binarization based on the scan setting parameters. The graphic processor 151 transfers the processed image data to the main controller 111, and the main controller 111 stores the transferred image data in the DRAM 122 as a binary raster image.
[0129]
In step S94, the raster image data stored in the DRAM 122 is subjected to a binary image compression process in a designated image format using the codec 133. In a succeeding step S95, it is confirmed whether or not the destination at the time of the scan transmission is an e-mail. If not, the image data is filed in a step S96. The main controller 111 stores the read image data in the HD drive 132 by converting the image data stored in the DRAM 122 into a file in a specified file format and transferring the file to the HD drive 132 via the HD controller 131.
[0130]
In the subsequent step S97, the main controller 111 transmits, for example, to the e-mail server 1004 if the transmission address is E-mail, and to the database server 410 if the transmission address is a database via the network controller 125 and the LAN 400.
[0131]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S95 that e-mail transmission is to be performed, the flow advances to step S98 to compare the image data size in the DRAM 122 with the size upper limit set in the user mode from the operation unit 180. If the image data size is equal to or smaller than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S96 and thereafter, and the image data is transmitted to the e-mail server 1004 as it is.
[0132]
If the image data size exceeds the upper limit in the determination processing in step S98, the flow advances to step S99 to transfer the image data in the DRAM 122 to a predetermined address of the database server 410 by the network controller 125 and the LAN 400. , And acquires the address information (URL and the like) stored in the database server 410 and stores it on the DRAM 122 via the LAN 400.
[0133]
Next, in step S100, the compressed image data on the DRAM 122 is converted into a raster image using the codec 133, and in step S101, the image data on the DRAM 122 is transferred to the graphic processor 151. The resolution is reduced according to the data size, and stored in the DRAM 122 as raster image data. For example, if the image data size greatly exceeds the upper limit value, the resolution is set low, and if the image data size slightly exceeds the upper limit value, the setting of the image scaling unit 802 is controlled to slightly lower the resolution. I do.
[0134]
In the following step S102, the image data stored in the DRAM 122 is subjected to binary image compression again using the codec 133, and further compared with the upper limit in step S103. Step S102 is repeated. When the size of the image data falls within the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S97 via the above-described step S96, and the address information of the database server 410 storing the image data before the data capacity change is replaced with the data capacity change. The image data is transmitted to the e-mail server 1004 together with the subsequent image data. When the transmission ends, the main scan transmission ends.
[0135]
Also in the present embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0136]
The above-described control method can be realized by storing a program according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 to 18 in the ROM 120 in the controller unit 110 and operating the program.
[0137]
The present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, and may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including a single device. A storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that it will be completed by doing so.
[0138]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, 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, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, or ROM is used. Can be. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer performs the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the functions are performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0139]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the expansion is performed based on the instruction of the next program code. It goes without saying that the CPU of the expansion board or the expansion unit performs the processing and performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0140]
[Embodiment]
Examples of embodiments of the present invention are listed below.
[0141]
<Embodiment 1>
Image input means for inputting image data, image capacity changing means for changing the capacity of the image data input by the image input means, communication means connected to a communication medium, the image data input by the image input means, A mail transmission determining unit that determines whether or not to transmit to a predetermined e-mail address by the communication unit; and when transmitting to the predetermined e-mail address, a capacity of image data to be transmitted exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. An upper limit value determining unit for determining whether or not the image data to be transmitted is larger than a predetermined upper limit value. The change unit changes the capacity of the image data so as to be within the upper limit, and stores the storage destination information of the image storage device together with the changed image data. Image output apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for transmitting to a predetermined e-mail address.
[0142]
<Embodiment 2>
A compressed image storage unit configured to compress and store the image data input by the image input unit, wherein the image capacity changing unit is configured to change a size of the image data stored in the compressed image storage unit The image input / output device according to the first embodiment, wherein:
[0143]
<Embodiment 3>
The image input / output device according to the first or second embodiment, further comprising address input means for inputting or selecting the predetermined e-mail address.
[0144]
<Embodiment 4>
The image input / output device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, further comprising an upper limit value setting unit that sets an upper limit value of the capacity of the image data to be transmitted.
[0145]
<Embodiment 5>
The image input / output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image capacity changing unit is a scaling unit that changes a resolution.
[0146]
<Embodiment 6>
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image capacity changing unit includes a scaling unit that changes a resolution of image data and a recompression unit that changes a compression ratio of the image data. I / O device.
[0147]
<Embodiment 7>
The image input / output device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image storage device is a server device connected to the outside via the communication medium.
[0148]
<Embodiment 8>
In a control method of an image input / output device, comprising: an image input unit for inputting image data; and an image capacity changing unit for changing a capacity of the image data input by the image input unit, the image data input by the image input unit A mail transmission determining step of determining whether or not to transmit the data to a predetermined e-mail address via a communication unit connected to a communication medium; and when transmitting to the predetermined e-mail address, a size of image data to be transmitted. Executing an upper limit value determining step of determining whether or not exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. If the capacity of the image data to be transmitted exceeds the predetermined upper limit value, the image data is stored in the image storage device. And the image data is changed by the image capacity changing means so that the capacity of the image data is within the upper limit, and the image data is changed together with the changed image data. Method of controlling an image output apparatus and transmits the storage destination information of the serial image storage device in said predetermined electronic mail address.
[0149]
<Embodiment 9>
Computer-readable to execute a control method of an image input / output device comprising image input means for inputting image data, and image capacity changing means for changing the capacity of image data input by the image input means. A medium for providing a control program, wherein the control program determines whether to transmit image data input by the image input unit to a predetermined e-mail address via a communication unit connected to a communication medium. An e-mail transmission determining step, an upper limit value determining step of determining whether or not the volume of the image data to be transmitted exceeds a predetermined upper limit when transmitting to the predetermined e-mail address; If the capacity exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the image data is transmitted to and stored in the image storage device, and Therefore, the capacity of the image data is changed to be within the upper limit value, and the storage location information of the image storage device is transmitted to the predetermined e-mail address together with the changed image data. A medium for providing a control program characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0150]
<Embodiment 10>
Computer-readable to execute a control method of an image input / output device comprising image input means for inputting image data, and image capacity changing means for changing the capacity of image data input by the image input means. A control program, comprising: a mail transmission determining step of determining whether to transmit image data input by the image input unit to a predetermined electronic mail address via a communication unit connected to a communication medium; When transmitting to an e-mail address, an upper limit value determining step of determining whether or not the capacity of the image data to be transmitted exceeds a predetermined upper limit, and the capacity of the image data to be transmitted exceeds the predetermined upper limit. The image data is transmitted to and stored in the image storage device, and the image data capacity is increased by the image capacity changing means. Control program modified to be within the value, characterized by comprising a step of transmitting a storage destination information of the image storage device together with the modified image data to the predetermined e-mail address.
[0151]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, when transmitting an image by e-mail, even if the image data volume is transmitted within the upper limit value, the image quality degradation may occur later at the destination. It is possible to acquire a small image before the data capacity is changed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of a reader unit 200 and a printer unit 300.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a reader image processing unit 222.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller unit 110.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ACS counting unit.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion that functions as a scanner image processing unit 157.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a printer image processing unit 153.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the graphic processor 151.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit 180.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation screen.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a Copy main screen.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a Send main screen.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a ScanSetting sub screen.
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of the entire network system.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outputting a PDL image.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outputting a copy image.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a scan transmission procedure according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of scan transmission according to the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Image input / output device
110 Controller
180 Operation unit
200 Leader Club
210 Scanner unit
250 Document feeding unit
300 Printer section
310 Paper feed unit
330 Paper output unit
400 LAN
410 Database Server

Claims (1)

Image input means for inputting image data,
Image capacity changing means for changing the capacity of the image data input by the image input means,
Communication means for connecting to a communication medium;
Mail transmission determining means for determining whether to transmit the image data input by the image input means to a predetermined e-mail address by the communication means,
When transmitting to the predetermined e-mail address, upper limit value determining means for determining whether the volume of image data to be transmitted exceeds a predetermined upper limit value,
When the capacity of the image data to be transmitted exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the image data is transmitted to and stored in an image storage device, and the capacity of the image data is changed to the upper limit by the image capacity changing unit. Control means for transmitting the storage destination information of the image storage device to the predetermined e-mail address together with the changed image data. .

Images