JP2004229140A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid a wasteful process in a self unit without applying an unnecessary load to network communication and the like when a normal process to image data cannot be operated in an image processing apparatus capable of performing a prescribed process to specific image data which are obtained from a file server and the like. <P>SOLUTION: Image specific information and attribute information to image data specified by the image specific information are read from an IC tag embedded in a manuscript through an IC tag reader 601. When the self unit has only a monochrome image forming function and the specified image data are color images, it is determined that a regular process cannot be carried out in the self unit, and the image data are not down-loaded from a file server, or image formation is not implemented until a user's indication is shown. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus having a function of searching for and processing related image data from an image information storage unit such as a server.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various servers such as digital copiers, printers, and other image processing apparatuses and print servers that can also be used as printers in workplaces of many people are generally used by being network-connected to a plurality of client terminals. It has become.
In such a network environment, there is an increasing demand for storing image data in a file server or the like, reading the image data as needed, and printing out the image data.
[0003]
On the other hand, for example, information for specifying the image data to be printed (such as the IP address of the server storing the image data and the image file name. These are hereinafter referred to as “image specifying information”) are recorded on the recording sheet. An apparatus has been developed in which a barcode is displayed on a printer and the printer reads the barcode, searches the network, downloads the image data to its own apparatus, and prints out the image data. Technology).
[0004]
Further, according to Patent Document 1, when document data is transmitted from a client terminal, a print server accumulates the document data and notifies the sender's mobile phone of the identification information of the document data. When the sender transmits the identification information from the mobile phone to a desired printer, the printer automatically downloads the document data from the print server based on the identification information and prints the document data. (Second prior art).
[0005]
According to such a configuration, when it is necessary to print out the same document data again, there is no need to bother reading the same document file from the terminal and requesting reprinting, and output from the printer closest to the user. It is very convenient because it is also possible.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-149370
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the first and second prior arts, for example, if the attribute of the downloaded image information is a color image and the printer that the user wants to output has only a monochrome image forming function, the appropriate Processing becomes impossible. If an attempt is made to print this out by force, a monochrome image is output. This not only makes the user unpleasant, but also unnecessarily congests the network for downloading and wastes toner and recording sheets.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and reads out specific image data from image data stored in an image data storage unit such as a file server or an HDD (hard disk drive) to perform a predetermined process. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing the above-mentioned processing, without imposing an unnecessary load on network communication and the like, and preventing the apparatus from performing unnecessary processing.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires image identification information stored in a portable information terminal by wireless communication, and an image acquired by the first acquisition unit. Search means for searching for related image data stored in the image data storage means based on the specific information, second obtaining means for obtaining information relating to the attribute of the related image data, and information obtained by the second obtaining means A determination unit configured to determine whether the own apparatus can perform normal processing on the related image data based on information on an attribute of the related image data.
[0010]
Here, “image data” means all data that can be finally converted into an image. Data ”.
The “image specifying information” refers to any information that is sufficient for a search unit to search an image data storage unit such as a server to specify related image data. For example, the IP address of the server on the network or the file name of the image data may be used, or when “image data” is text data, a keyword included in the text may be used.
[0011]
The "first acquisition means" and the "second acquisition means" may be the same when the information to be acquired is stored in the same data carrier.
“Regular processing” refers to correct processing performed in accordance with the attributes of the related image data.
[0012]
Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the portable information terminal is a non-contact type IC tag attached to a document.
Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a first acquisition unit for acquiring image identification information from a set document, and an image data storage unit that stores the image identification information based on the image identification information acquired by the first acquisition unit. Searching means for searching for the related image data obtained, second obtaining means for obtaining information on the attribute of the related image data, and self-information based on the information on the attribute of the related image data obtained by the second obtaining means. A determination unit configured to determine whether the apparatus can perform normal processing on the related image data.
[0013]
Further, according to the present invention, when the own device has only a monochrome image forming function and the attribute of the related image data is a color image, It is characterized in that it is determined that normal processing for is not possible.
Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of processing units that execute different processes on image data, a display unit, and a display control unit that controls display contents of the display unit, and the determination unit includes: Based on the information about the attribute acquired by the second acquisition unit, it is determined whether or not regular processing by the specific processing unit is possible for the image data. When it is determined that the regular processing by is not possible, the processing content of another processing means is displayed on the display means.
[0014]
Here, the “plurality of processing units” refers to, for example, an image forming unit, an image transfer unit, and the like.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is a multi-function digital copying machine (Multiple Function Peripheral: hereinafter simply referred to as “MFP”) will be described with reference to the drawings.
<Network system configuration>
First, an overall configuration of a network system (hereinafter, simply referred to as “system”) including an MFP according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the present system. As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes an MFP 10 having a monochrome image printing function, a printer 20 having a color image printing function, and a file server (hereinafter, simply referred to as “server”) 30 storing a large number of image files. Are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 40.
[0017]
Note that the number of MFPs, printers, and the like is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1, and a larger number may actually be connected. Usually, the client terminal is also connected to the LAN 40 and sends print data to the MFP 10 or the printer 20 to print out the data. However, since it is not directly related to the content of the present invention, here Not shown.
[0018]
The MFP 10 is a digital monochrome copying machine, and includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 100, a scanner unit 200, a printer unit 300, and the like. It also has a print function for executing a print job in response to a request from the client terminal shown in the figure, and in the present embodiment, further, image data downloaded to its own device from a device such as a server that stores image data is copied to another device. A process of transferring to a printer or the like to print out (hereinafter, referred to as “network transfer”), a process of directly transferring from an external device storing image data such as a server to another printer or the like and printing out (hereinafter, referred to as “network transfer”). “External device transfer”), the image data expanded in the memory of the own device or the external device. Process of transferring the HDD of the device (hereinafter, referred to as "HDD Transfer".) Being adapted to run multiple processes, such as, the user can select the particular case.
[0019]
In this embodiment, a recording sheet S in which a non-contact IC tag 61 is embedded as shown in FIG. 2A is used as a document and a recording sheet. An IC tag reader 601 for reading the information of the tag 61 is provided, and an IC tag writer 602 for writing predetermined information to the IC tag 61 is provided in the middle of a paper sheet discharge path of the image-formed recording sheet in the printer unit 300. Is established.
[0020]
Here, the non-contact IC tag has a coil and an IC chip inside, receives radio waves emitted from a so-called IC tag reader / writer, and performs wireless communication by electromagnetic induction coupling. As a communication method between the non-contact IC tag and the IC tag reader / writer, there is an international standard defined in ISO14443, ISO15693, or the like, but it is not limited to this communication method alone.
[0021]
Recently, minute non-contact IC tags having a size of 0.4 mm square have also been made, and there is a tendency for further miniaturization and cost reduction. Hereinafter, this non-contact IC tag is simply referred to as “IC tag”.
FIG. 2B shows the contents of information stored in the IC chip of the IC tag 61 of the document. In the following, it is assumed that characters are printed on an original, and the text data of the original stored in a server or the like is referred to as an “original document”.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2B, in the IC tag 61, image identification information such as the IP address of the server 30 storing the file of the original document of the original, its file name, and the like, and the original document is a color original Information such as attribute information such as whether the document is a monochrome document or the like (hereinafter, referred to as “attribute information”) is stored. Upon entering, the IC tag reader 601 reads out the image specifying information and the attribute information, compares the attribute information with the processing function of the own device, and determines whether or not proper processing is possible by the own device. Has become.
[0023]
When image formation is performed by the MFP 10, the IC tag writer 602 is configured to write the read image specifying information into the IC tag 61 of the recording sheet on which the image is formed.
An operation panel 500 is provided at a position on the front of the MFP 10 where the user can easily operate. The operation panel 500 includes a start button 501 and a display unit 502 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). The display unit 502 has a transparent touch panel laminated on the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel, and displays various messages and displays a predetermined input screen under the control of the control unit 400 (see FIG. 3) described later. By touching an operation button on the screen, the user can specify the number of copies and other processing modes.
[0024]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 400 in the MFP 10.
As shown in the drawing, the control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a memory 402, an HDD 403, a LAN interface 404, and the like connected via a bus 405.
The CPU 401 controls the ADF 100, the scanner unit 200, the printer unit 300, the operation panel 500, the IC tag reader 601 and the IC tag writer 602, and performs processing for rasterizing image data received via the LAN interface 404. In addition, based on a known search program stored in the HDD 403, the image data is accessed by accessing the inside of the HDD 403 itself, the server 30 connected to the LAN 40, and the like, and the image data (text (Including data), and also operates as image data search means.
[0025]
In the HDD 403, in addition to a program for the CPU 401 to control the above-described units, a search program, and the like, information (hereinafter referred to as “device information”) relating to processing functions of the apparatus itself, and the like are read by the CPU 401 as necessary. And executed on the memory 402.
The image data rasterized by the CPU 401 is temporarily stored in the memory 402 and transferred to the printer unit 300 or the HDD 403 as needed.
[0026]
The LAN interface 404 establishes a connection with another printer 20, the server 30, or the like via the LAN 40 based on TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), and executes data transmission and reception. In this embodiment, for example, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or the like is used as a protocol for transmitting data to another terminal.
[0027]
Image data of a document optically read by the scanner unit 200 is converted into a digital signal by a signal processing circuit (not shown) in the scanner unit 200 and subjected to various image processing such as edge enhancement and density conversion. Thereafter, the data is DMA-transferred to the memory 402.
In the present embodiment, the printer unit 300 forms a monochrome image based on input image data. The printer unit 300 exposes the photosensitive drum with a laser beam emitted from a print head and develops the photosensitive drum with black toner. The image data stored in the memory 402 is DMA-transferred to the print head to execute printing.
[0028]
The IC tag reader 601 and the IC tag writer 602 each have a known configuration including a transmission / reception antenna and a control IC. The former reads information of an IC tag of a document, converts the information into a digital signal, and sends the digital signal to the CPU 401. In the latter case, the latter receives the instruction of the CPU 401 and writes the read information in the IC tag of the recording sheet to be discharged.
[0029]
Returning to FIG. 1, the printer 20 is, for example, a laser beam type printer capable of forming a color image. The server 30 is a general-purpose personal computer including a CPU, a CPU main body including a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), a monitor device, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. A communication program and other necessary control programs are installed, and are connected to another terminal or the MFP 10 by an existing communication protocol (such as TCP / IP), so that data can be transmitted to and received from these terminals and the MFP 10.
[0030]
<Control Operation in Control Unit 400 of MFP 10>
Hereinafter, control operations performed by the control unit 400 will be described with reference to flowcharts.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a control operation executed by control unit 400 after MFP 10 is powered on.
[0031]
First, the control unit 400 executes device information processing of its own device (step S100). This own device device information processing is a process of acquiring information on the processing function of the own device. As shown in a subroutine of FIG. 5, the device information of the own device is read from the HDD 403 and the device information is read. Is determined (steps S101 and S102).
[0032]
Here, the device information is information indicating a function that can be executed by the own apparatus, and includes not only information on the presence / absence of a color image forming function and the presence / absence of a double-sided image forming function, but also prints currently waiting for processing. It also includes information such as the number of jobs and whether or not the job is ready (processed immediately).
Here, first, it is determined whether or not the own device has a color image forming function, that is, whether or not the own device is a color machine (step S103). If the own machine is a color machine, the color machine flag is set to “1”. (Step S104), and if not a color machine, the color machine flag is set to "0" (step S105). Then, if necessary, it is determined whether or not other device information of the own device, for example, whether printing on a recording sheet of a predetermined size is possible or not, is performed (step S106). To return.
[0033]
Next, "other initialization processing" for initializing the control variables stored in the memory 402 and the setting values of various flags to be described later is executed (FIG. 4, step S200), and the subsequent control operations are performed. Prepare for.
Then, other device device information processing for acquiring device information of another printer or the like connected to the network is executed (step S300).
[0034]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the other device information processing. First, another device connected to the LAN 40 is read (network read), and an image processing device connected to the LAN 40 is searched in the same area (steps S301 and S302).
In the present embodiment, up to eight external image processing devices (devices) can be registered. Each time an image processing device on the LAN 40 is searched, the device name and device information are acquired and stored in the memory 402. It is stored (steps S303 to S318), and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
[0035]
Thereafter, an IC tag process is executed (FIG. 4, step S400). This IC tag process is a process of reading information of the IC tag 61 of a document and determining its attribute.
Specifically, as shown in the subroutine of FIG. 7, first, it is determined whether or not the IC tag 61 is within a predetermined range (step S401). In the present embodiment, the output of the IC tag reader 601 is set so that the communication distance with the IC tag 61 is, for example, about 20 cm to 30 cm. It is possible to communicate with. However, the communicable range is not limited to this, and may be slightly increased or decreased. However, if the communication distance becomes too large, an object passing by the vicinity of the MFP 10 accidentally communicates with the IC tag 61 possessed by the user, which is undesirable. Therefore, it is desirable that the communication distance be at most about 50 to 60 cm. Will.
[0036]
The IC tag reader 601 periodically issues a request signal in a short cycle. When a document is placed on the document tray 110 and within a communication distance, a response signal from the IC tag 61 can be received. The determination in step S401 becomes possible.
If it is determined in step S401 that the IC tag 61 is within the predetermined range, the tag flag is set to "1" (step S402), and information (image specifying information) for specifying the original document of the placed document is set. ) Is read and obtained from the IC tag 61 (step S403), and the attribute information of the original document is further read and obtained (step S404), and both information are stored in the memory 402.
[0037]
If it is determined from the acquired attribute information that the original document is a color document, the color flag is set to “1” (step S405: YES, step S406). If it is determined that the document is a document, the color flag is set to "0" (step S405: NO, step S407), and other attribute information is determined if necessary (step S408). And returns to the main routine to execute the network processing of the next step S500. If it is determined in step S401 that there is no IC tag 61, the tag flag is set to "0" (step S409), and the process returns to the main routine.
[0038]
The network processing mainly includes accessing the storage location of the original document on the network and downloading the original document to its own device, network transfer processing, external device transfer processing, and preparation for the same.
8 and 9 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of the network processing.
[0039]
Note that various requests (eg, “download request” in step S508 in FIG. 8) appearing in the following determination steps of the subroutine in FIGS. 8 to 13 are all subroutines (see FIG. 8) of the operation panel process in step S1000 in FIG. 14 to FIG. 17).
First, in step S501, it is determined whether network processing is being performed. This determination can be made based on, for example, whether communication is being performed with another device on the network via the LAN interface 404 (FIG. 3).
[0040]
If it is determined in step S501 that the network processing is being performed, it is next determined in step S502 whether or not the network processing has been completed. If the network processing has been completed (step S502: YES), step S503 in FIG. 9 is performed. Then, the network flag is set to “0”.
If the result of the determination in step S502 is negative (step S502: NO), the process proceeds to step S504 to determine whether or not there is a download stop request. Forcible stop processing is performed (step S505).
[0041]
Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the network processing is performed according to other requirements than the download (step S506). If the network processing is being performed, the process proceeds to step S507 in FIG. 9 and the network flag is set to “1”. However, if not, the process moves to step S503 to set the network flag to “0”.
If it is determined in step S501 that network processing is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S508 to determine whether there is a download request. If it is determined that the request is present, the process proceeds to step S400 (FIG. 4). The network is searched for a file based on the obtained image specifying information (step S509). Specifically, this file search accesses a device that stores the file, for example, the server 30, and searches the HDD in the server 30 by the original file name based on the IP address included in the image specifying information. It is performed by It is also possible to search all the devices on the network for the original document file immediately without specifying the IP address only by the file name. In this case, the device that stores the original document as the image specifying information Is unnecessary.
[0042]
Furthermore, if the target file is a text data file as in this example, it is also possible to search by a character string, and if the image specifying information provides a clue for searching for the original document file, It is not limited to an IP address or a file name.
If the original document is found in step S510 (step S510: YES), the process of downloading the original document is activated using a protocol such as FTP (step S511), and the process proceeds to step S507 in FIG. Set the network flag to "1".
[0043]
If the file of the original document cannot be searched in step S510, error processing such as displaying "the original document cannot be searched" on the display unit 502 of the operation panel 500 is performed (step S512). Move and return to the main routine.
If it is determined in step S508 that there is no download request, the process proceeds to step S513 in FIG. 9 to determine whether there is a network transfer request, and if there is such a request, the IP address of the transfer source (that is, the own device). ), And the IP address of the transfer destination device specified by the user in the operation panel process described later (steps S514 and S515), activates the network transfer operation (step S516), and sets the network flag to “1”. (Step S507).
[0044]
If it is determined in step S513 that there is no network transfer request (step S513: NO), the process proceeds to step S517 to determine whether there is an external device transfer request, and if there is such a request (step S517: YES). ), The IP address of the transfer source device holding the original document and the IP address of the transfer destination device are notified (steps S518, S519), and an external device transfer request is issued by specifying the original file to be transferred. (Step S520). Specifically, for example, when the original document file is transferred directly from the server 30 to the printer 20, the IP address of the server 30 is notified to the printer 20 and the IP address of the printer 20 is notified to the server 30. By issuing an external device transfer request to the server 30, the server 30 transfers the specified original file to the notified IP address.
[0045]
Thereafter, the network flag is set to “1”, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. If it is determined in step S517 that there is no external device transfer request (step S517: NO), the network flag is set to “0”, and the process returns to the main routine.
Next, the process proceeds to step S600 in FIG. 4 to execute RIP (raster image processor) processing. In the case of text data, since it is usually described in PDL (Page Description Language), when printing it, it is necessary to perform RIP processing and develop it into bitmap data.
[0046]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the RIP process.
First, it is determined whether or not RIP processing of image data is currently being performed (step S601). If RIP processing is being performed, it is determined whether or not there is a RIP stop request (step S602). Is executed (step S604), and when this is completed, the RIP flag is set to “0” (step S605: YES, step S609). If the RIP processing is not completed yet, the RIP flag is set to “1”. (Step S605: NO, Step S606), the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
[0047]
If it is determined in step S602 that there is a RIP stop request, the RIP flag is set to “0” (step S603), and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
If it is determined in step S601 that the RIP process is not being performed (step S601: NO), it is determined whether or not there is a RIP request (step S607). After confirming this (step S607: YES, step S608: YES), the RIP process of step S604 is executed.
[0048]
If it is determined in step S607 that there is no RIP request, and if it is determined in step S608 that the download data is not ready, the RIP flag is set to “0” in step S609, and then the main routine of FIG. Return to routine.
Next, the HDD transfer processing of step S700 in FIG. 4 is executed. FIG. 11 shows a subroutine of the HDD transfer process.
[0049]
First, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the HDD is being transferred. If the transfer is being performed (step S701: YES), the HDD transfer flag is set to "1" in step S702, and the process returns to the main routine. .
If it is determined in step S701 that the HDD transfer is not being performed (step S701: NO), the process proceeds to step S703 to determine whether there is an HDD transfer request. If there is an HDD transfer request (step S703: YES), the address on the transfer source memory and the address on the transfer destination HDD are set (steps S704 and 705), and the transfer operation is started (step S706). The HDD transfer flag is set to "1" (step S702). When the data is transferred to the HDD of the external device via the LAN 40, the “address” in steps S704 and S705 includes the IP address of the own device and the IP address of the transfer destination external device, respectively.
[0050]
If it is determined in step S703 that there is no HDD request (step S703: NO), the HDD transfer flag is set to “0” (step S707), and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
Next, the scan processing of step S800 in FIG. 4 is performed. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of this scan processing.
[0051]
First, in step S801, it is determined whether or not scanning is currently being performed. If so (step S801: YES), image data read from the scanner unit 200 is DMA-transferred to the memory 402 (hereinafter, “input DMA”). Is read (step S802), and it is determined from the counter value whether or not the input DMA is completed (step S803).
[0052]
When the input DMA counter value reaches a predetermined value, it is determined that “input DMA is completed” (step S803: YES), and the scanning flag is set to “0”. If it is not determined in step S803 that "input DMA is completed", the scanning flag is set to "1" (step S808), and the process returns to the main routine in FIG.
[0053]
If it is determined in step S801 that scanning is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S805 to determine whether there is a scanning request. If there is a scanning request (step S805: YES), the ADF 100 and the scanner unit 200 To start the scanning operation (step S806), and also starts the input DMA (step S807). Then, the scanning flag is set to "1", and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
[0054]
Next, the printing process of step S900 in FIG. 4 is executed. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of this printing process.
First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not printing is currently being performed. If so (step S901: Y), image data is DMA-transferred from the memory 402 to the print head of the printer unit 300 (hereinafter, “output DMA”). ) Is read out (step S902), and it is determined from the counter value whether or not the output DMA is completed (step S903).
[0055]
When the output DMA counter value reaches a predetermined value, it is determined that "output DMA is completed" (step S903: YES), and the printing flag is set to "0". If it is not determined in step S903 that "output DMA is completed" (step S903: NO), the printing flag is set to "1" (step S908), and the process returns to the main routine.
[0056]
If it is determined in step S901 that printing is not being performed (step S901: NO), the process proceeds to step S905 to determine whether there is a print request, and if there is a print request (step S905: YES). Then, it instructs the printer unit 300 to execute the sheet conveying operation (step S906), and starts the output DMA (step S907). Then, the printing flag is set to "1" (step S908), and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
[0057]
Next, the operation panel processing of step S1000 in FIG. 4 is executed. 14 to 17 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of this operation panel processing.
In FIG. 14, first, it is determined whether the tag flag set in the IC tag processing (step S400) is “1” (step S1001). In the case of "1", there is a case where the IC tag 61 is attached to the original placed on the original tray, the image identification information is read therefrom, and the original document is downloaded and printed. Therefore, the display screen of the display unit 502 of the operation panel 500 is changed to an original selection screen as shown in FIG. 18 (step S1002). In the original selection screen, the user presses the start key 501 as it is to copy the original, and presses the original print button 504 to print the original document (original print).
[0058]
Next, it is determined whether or not the mode setting for downloading the original document from the external device is “auto mode”. This automatic mode is a mode in which the original document is downloaded and the RIP process is performed without waiting for the user to make a final selection on the processing of the original document. The administrator of the MFP 10 operates, for example, a DIP switch inside the MFP 10. Can be set.
[0059]
It is preferable that the mode is not set to the automatic mode from the viewpoint of avoiding unnecessary load on network communication.However, when the download of the image data requires a long time due to the large capacity of the image data, the waiting time can be reduced. Is set to automatic mode.
If the automatic mode is set, a download request process for issuing a download request is executed (step S1004), and a request is made to perform a RIP process on the downloaded image data (step S1005). If it is determined in step S1003 that the automatic mode has not been set, steps S1004 and S1005 are skipped.
[0060]
Then, it is determined whether or not the start key 501 of the operation panel 500 has been pressed (step S1006). If it is determined that the start key 501 has been pressed, this means that the document placed on the document tray 110 is copied. Then, it is determined whether or not the automatic mode has been set in step S1007 (step S1007). When the automatic mode is set (step S1007: YES), the download of the original document started in step S1004 is unnecessary. Therefore, a download stop request and a RIP stop request are issued (download stop request processing, RIP stop request processing), and useless processing is stopped (steps S1008 and S1009).
[0061]
If it is determined in step S1007 that the automatic mode has not been set, steps S1008 and S1009 are skipped.
Then, in step S1010, a scan request is issued (scan request processing), and the display unit 502 of the operation panel 500 displays "copying" (step S1011).
[0062]
Then, it is determined whether or not the print data is ready, that is, whether or not the original has been scanned and corrected, and whether or not the image data for the required scanning lines has been stored in the memory 402 (step S1012). If the preparation is completed, a print request is issued (step S1013). If the preparation is not completed, the process proceeds to step S1014 to execute other operation panel processing.
[0063]
Here, the “other operation panel processing” mainly means changing the display on the display unit 502 of the operation panel 500. For example, when “copying” is displayed in step S1011, the operation is performed simultaneously with the end of the copy. A process is performed to delete the display or to return the panel display to the initial screen when there is no panel operation by the user for a predetermined time.
The determination as to whether or not copying has been completed is made, for example, when the scanning flag is set to “0” (see step S804 in FIG. 12) and the printing flag is set to “0” ( In FIG. 13, step S904), it is determined that copying has been completed.
[0064]
If it is determined in step S1001 that the tag flag is not “1”, the document is not placed on the document tray or the document is not loaded with the IC tag 61 even if it is placed. It is determined whether or not the start key 501 of the operation panel 500 has been pressed (step S1016). If it has been pressed, it is determined that a copy request has been made by the user, so the copy in steps S1010 to S1013 described above has been performed. Execute the process.
[0065]
If the start key 501 has not been pressed (step S1016: NO), the “other operation panel process” of step S1014 is executed and the process returns to the main routine.
If the start key 501 has not been pressed in step S1006, it is determined whether the original print button 504 (FIG. 18) has been pressed and the original print has been selected (step S1015).
[0066]
If the original print has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S1012 to determine whether the preparation of the print data has been completed. If the automatic mode is set in step S1003, the download process and the RIP process are proceeding in steps S1004 and S1005, and preparation of the print data is completed after a lapse of a predetermined time (step S1012: (YES), a print request is issued (step S1013).
[0067]
However, if it is determined in step S1003 that the automatic mode has not been set, the original document is not downloaded, so the determination in step S1012 is always "NO", and the printing process is not executed.
That is, in the present embodiment, when the user does not press the start key 501 or the original print button 504 when the original document is present and the automatic mode is set, the preparation of the print data is completed immediately. The printing process of the original document is executed, otherwise the printing process is not executed.
[0068]
If it is determined in step S1015 that the original print is selected (step S1015: YES), the process proceeds to step S1017 in FIG. 15 to determine whether the color flag is “1”. If the color flag is "1", since the original document is a color document, it is determined whether the color machine flag is "1" (step S1018).
[0069]
Here, if the color machine flag is “1”, the own apparatus has the color printing function, so that the own apparatus can perform normal processing (color printing). If it is determined in step S1017 that the color flag is not "1", the original document is a monochrome document, and in this case, it is not necessary to determine whether the own apparatus is a color machine. Normal processing (monochrome printing) by the device can be performed.
[0070]
Therefore, in both cases, the process proceeds to step S1023, and print processing in the own apparatus is executed.
That is, it is determined whether or not the automatic mode has been set (step S1023). If the automatic mode has not been set, a request for original document download processing and RIP processing is issued (steps S1024 and S1025), and the display unit In step S1026, it is displayed that printing is being performed (step S1026), and the processes after step S1012 in FIG. 14 are executed to prepare for printing.
[0071]
If it is determined in step S1023 that the automatic mode has been set (step S1023: YES), the download of the original document and the request for the RIP process based thereon have already been issued in steps S1004 and S1005 in FIG. , S1025 are skipped, the printing-in-progress display process in step S1026 is executed, and the routine goes to step S1012 in FIG.
[0072]
If it is determined in step S1017 that the color flag is “1”, and if it is determined in step S1018 that the color machine flag is not “1”, normal processing (color processing) is no longer performed on the original document. Printing) is not possible,
In step S1019, a process of displaying a list of printers connected to the LAN 40 on the display unit 502 of the operation panel 500 (printer list display process) is executed, and the list acquired in FIG. 5 and FIG. The device information of the apparatus and other external printers is displayed (step S1020).
[0073]
FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 502 in the display processing.
As shown in the figure, an attribute display indicating that the original print mode has been set and that the original document is in color are displayed above the display unit 502, and a print output button 505 and a network transfer Buttons such as a button 506, an external device transfer button 507, and an HDD transfer button 508 are displayed as a processing mode selection receiving unit, and a printer list 509 is displayed below the button.
[0074]
Note that the name of the printer is displayed in the “Name” column of the printer list 509. In this example, an example is shown in which the printer name of the MFP 10 is “A” for convenience and three other printers B, C, and D are connected on the network.
In the “number of print jobs” column, the number of print jobs waiting to be processed in each printer is displayed. This is convenient because the user can consider this number of print jobs waiting to be processed as a factor in determining the printer that should process the original document.
[0075]
It should be noted that this column may be displayed not as the number of print jobs but as a time obtained by converting them into a processing time, that is, a processing waiting time.
The “status” column displays the status of each printer, such as whether printing can be performed immediately (preparation completed) or whether another document is being printed (processing).
Further, in the "comment" column, device information of each printer, particularly, in this example, distinction between a color machine and a monochrome machine is displayed.
[0076]
As described above, each piece of the above information is obtained by the own device information processing (step S100) and the other device information processing (step S300).
Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 15, after the display processing of steps S1019 and S1020, the process proceeds to step S1021, and waits for an input by the user on the processing mode selection screen of FIG.
[0077]
In the present embodiment, print output processing is selected as an initial setting, and unless the user selects another processing mode on the processing mode selection screen in FIG. 19, the processing automatically proceeds to step S1022, and the user starts the processing. When the key 501 is pressed (step S1022: YES), the process proceeds to the print processing operation after step S1023.
[0078]
If “NO” is determined in the step S1022, the process returns to the main routine via the step S1014 in FIG. 14, and waits until the routine circulates to reach the step S1021 again.
If the user desires print output or HDD transfer by a printer other than the MFP 10, the user presses a desired processing mode button from a selection button group on the display screen of FIG. When the printer name of the output destination is pressed from among the printers, the printer is set as the transfer destination, and when the start key 501 is further pressed, the selected processing mode is executed.
[0079]
That is, if it is determined in step S1021 that the network transfer or the external device transfer has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1030 in FIG. 16, and first, a device (printer) of an output destination is determined (device selection processing). In the present embodiment, since eight external devices other than the own device can be registered, in steps S1031 to S1038, the device number of the file transfer destination is set according to the device number determined to be selected in step S1030. I am trying to be. The device number here is automatically assigned by the control unit 400 of the MFP 10. For example, the printer B in the printer list 509 in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to such a specific method.
[0080]
After the output destination of the file is set in this way, the selected processing mode is determined. If this is a network transfer process, the process proceeds to step S1040 to wait for the start key 501 to be pressed, and to determine whether the automatic mode has been set. (Step S1040: YES, step S1041).
If the automatic mode has not been set (step S1041: NO), the download request processing is executed (step S1042). If the automatic mode has been set (step S1041: YES), the download request processing has already been executed. Therefore, it is determined whether the transfer data is ready by skipping step S1042 (step S1043).
[0081]
Here, if the downloading of the original document to the own device has been completed, it is determined that the preparation of the transfer data has been completed (step S1043: YES), a network transfer request process is executed (step S1044), and the current network The fact that the data is being transferred is displayed on the display unit 502, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 4 via the other operation panel processing (step S1014) of FIG.
[0082]
If it is determined in step S1039 that the external device transfer process has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1046, and waits for the start key 501 to be pressed, and determines whether or not the automatic mode has been set (step S1046: YES, step S1047).
In the case of the external device transfer process, download to the own device is unnecessary, so if the automatic mode is set, a download stop request and a RIP stop request are issued to stop those processes (steps S1048 and S1049). If the automatic mode has not been set, steps S1048 and S1049 are skipped. Then, a process of issuing an external device transfer request is executed (step S1050), and the fact that the external device is being transferred is displayed on the display unit 502 (step S1051), and the other operation panel process of FIG. 14 (step S1014) is performed. Then, the process returns to the main routine.
[0083]
If it is determined in step S1021 in FIG. 15 that the HDD transfer process has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1052 in FIG. 17, and waits for the start key 501 to be pressed, and determines whether or not the automatic mode has been set. (Step S1052: YES, Step S1053).
If it is determined in step S1053 that the automatic mode has not been set (step S1053: NO), a download request and a RIP request are issued to instruct these processes (steps S1054 and S1055), and the automatic mode is set. If so, steps S1054 and S1055 are not required and are skipped.
[0084]
Then, a process of issuing an HDD transfer request is executed (step S1056), a message indicating that the HDD is being transferred is displayed on the display unit 502 (step S1057), and the other operation panel process of FIG. 14 (step S1014) is performed. And return to the main routine.
The “printing display” in step S1026 in FIG. 15, the “network transfer display” in step S1045 in FIG. 16, the “external device transfer display” in step S1051, and the “HDD transfer display” in step S1057 in FIG. In the other operation panel processes in S1014, the display is deleted when the corresponding processes are completed. The end of each process is the same as in the case of erasing “display during copying” in step S1011 of FIG. 14, and is determined based on the setting state of the flag of the corresponding process, and thus the description is omitted.
[0085]
Finally, the other processing of step S1100 in FIG. 4 is performed, and thereafter, the processing from other device information processing of step S300 to the other processing of step S1100 is repeatedly executed with a predetermined routine time.
The “other processing” in step S1100 includes, for example, the temperature control processing of the fixing device and the like, when the printout is performed by the own apparatus, by the IC tag writer 602 on the IC tag of the printed recording sheet. A process of writing the image identification information read from the IC tag 61 of the document is also included. In this way, when the copied recording sheet is used again as a document, the location of the original document is clarified, and the same processing as the above-described series of processing can be performed.
[0086]
As described above, in the present embodiment, first, the image identification information on the document is read from the IC tag 61 embedded in the document by the IC tag reader 601 and the attributes of the original document are grasped. It determines whether it can be processed properly and if it cannot be processed properly, waits for the user's instruction and decides what to do next. There is an advantage that it is possible to eliminate any waste such as downloading and printing out even though regular processing cannot be performed.
[0087]
If it is determined that normal processing (here, color printing) cannot be performed on the original document (step S1018: NO), other executable processing contents as shown in FIG. By doing so (steps S1019 and S1020), the user can easily select another means, which is very convenient.
[0088]
<Modification>
As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following modified examples can be considered.
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the document is a document has been described. Therefore, a file of text data is searched for as an original document, and this text data is eventually subjected to RIP processing and converted into an image. In a sense, it can be grasped as a kind of image data. Therefore, it is possible to call image data together with electronic data of an image such as a painting or a photograph, even when the original is a text, and information for specifying the image data may be called image specifying information.
[0089]
Further, in the above embodiment, the information for specifying only the original document of the manuscript is referred to as image specifying information. However, not only the original manuscript but also other image data related thereto (in the present invention, including the original manuscript, Information for specifying “related image data”) may be used as image specifying information.
When a plurality of related image data are searched based on the image specifying information, all of them may be used as image data to be processed by the image processing apparatus, or a list of the image data may be displayed on the display unit 502. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the user can select specific image data.
[0090]
(2) In the above embodiment, in order to retrieve the original document of the original document that the user wants to process, the image identification information is read from the IC tag 61 embedded in the original document. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be other portable information terminals, for example, an IC card, a batch in which an IC tag is embedded, a mobile phone with a wireless communication function using Bluetooth, or the like. Of course, in such a case, the IC tag reader 601 is also replaced by a communication device capable of communicating with those portable information terminals. The same applies to the acquisition of attribute information.
[0091]
(3) Further, the method for retaining the image specifying information and the attribute information in the document itself is not limited to the method of embedding the IC tag in the document. For example, in a case where image specifying information and attribute information are displayed as bar codes in a margin of a document, and the bar code is read out at the time of scanning and analyzed to obtain image specifying information or the like, As a watermark, a method of embedding user information in an image of a document, extracting and decoding the user information, and acquiring image identification information or the like can be considered. In these cases, the scanner and the electronic circuit or software that analyzes the barcode information or electronic watermark information read by the scanner are positioned as the acquisition unit that acquires the image identification information.
[0092]
(4) In the above-described embodiment, when it is determined from the attributes (color original) of the original document that normal processing (color printing) cannot be performed by the apparatus itself, other processable items are displayed on the display unit. Although the user is allowed to make a selection, it is also possible to program in advance so that other normal processing is automatically selected without waiting for the user's selection. For example, when color printing cannot be performed by the own apparatus, a printer capable of performing color printing may be automatically selected from a printer list, transferred to a network, and color printed by the printer.
[0093]
(5) In the above embodiment, the MFP has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is an image processing apparatus that performs some processing on image data, and is connected to image data storage means such as a server. A simple printer or the like may be used as long as it can receive the transfer of the image data.
Further, in the above embodiment, whether or not the original device can perform normal processing is determined based on whether the attribute of the original document is a color document or a monochrome document. However, the MFP 10 can only print up to A4 size, Is attributed to the A3 size, the document size can be a criterion for the normal processing. If the original document has the attribute for double-sided printing even though the MFP supports single-sided printing, , The print mode can be a criterion for determining the normal processing.
[0094]
(6) In the above embodiment, the attribute information of the original document is read from the IC tag 61, but the method of acquiring the attribute information is not limited to this. For example, in the image data storage unit such as the server 30, attribute information of the original document is added to the file of the original document as, for example, one content of a property, and the control unit 400 stores the attribute information of the original document based on the image specifying information. When a file is searched, only the attribute information added to the file may be read out first, and it may be determined whether or not the own device can perform normal processing. In this case, the CPU 401 and the LAN interface 404 in the control unit 400 are in charge of acquiring the attribute information of the image data.
[0095]
(7) The present invention can be understood as an image processing method in an image processing apparatus. In this case, for example, the content of the image processing method according to claim 1 is described as “a first acquisition step of acquiring image identification information stored in a portable information terminal by wireless communication, and a first acquisition step of the first acquisition step. A retrieval step for retrieving related image data stored in the image data storage means based on the image specifying information acquired in the step, a second acquisition step for acquiring information on attributes of the related image data,
A determination step of determining whether or not the own apparatus can perform a normal process on the related image data based on the information on the attribute of the related image data acquired in the second acquisition step. Method. ].
[0096]
Further, the present invention can be understood as a program for causing a computer in an image forming apparatus to execute the above-described paper discharge management method. Furthermore, the present invention can also be understood as a program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a semiconductor memory. Can be
[0097]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image processing device of the present invention, the image specifying information stored in the portable information terminal is acquired by wireless communication, and the information on the attribute of the related image data related to the image specifying information is obtained. It is provided with a judging means for judging whether or not the own device can perform normal processing on the relevant image data based on the information on the attribute of the relevant image data. When a specific process cannot be executed, it is possible to prevent unnecessary execution of the process.
[0098]
According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the portable information terminal is a non-contact type IC tag attached to a document. The image specifying information is read. Further, when the image processing apparatus is a copying machine, the user can copy the original or perform an image forming process based on the related image data.
[0099]
Further, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, image specifying information is obtained from a set document, and it is determined whether or not the apparatus can perform normal processing based on the attribute of image data related to the image specifying information. The same effect as in the present invention described above can be obtained by causing the image processing apparatus to read out the image specifying information by holding the image specifying information in the original by an appropriate method.
[0100]
Further, the present invention is also directed to a case where the own apparatus has only an image forming function of a monochrome image, and when the attribute of the related image data is a color image, the own apparatus performs normal processing on the related image data. Is determined not to be possible, so that a color document can be prevented from being output as a monotone image in advance as in the related art.
[0101]
According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, in image processing having a plurality of different processing means, when it is determined that the specific processing cannot be performed on the related image data by the specific processing means, another processing is performed. Since the contents of the processing by the means are displayed on the display means, it is very convenient for the user to select another processing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network system to which an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected.
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a recording sheet in which an IC tag is embedded, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the IC tag;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit in the MFP.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine of control contents executed by the control unit.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the own device processing in step S100 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of another device device processing in step S300 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of IC tag processing in step S400 in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of network processing in step S500 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is a view showing a flowchart continued from FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a RIP process in step S600 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of HDD transfer processing in step S700 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a scan process in step S800 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a printing process in step S900 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of operation panel processing in step S1000 in FIG. 4;
FIG. 15 is a view showing a flowchart continued from FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a view showing a flowchart continued from FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a view showing another continued flowchart of FIG. 15;
FIG. 18 is an original print selection screen displayed on the display unit of the operation panel.
FIG. 19 is a selection screen displayed to select another process when the original document is a color document and the apparatus is a monochrome machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 MFP (image processing device)
20 Printer
30 server (image data storage means)
40 LAN
61 IC tag
100 ADF
200 Scanner section
300 Printer section
400 control unit
500 Operation panel
501 Start button
502 Display
504 Original print button
505 Print output button
506 Network transfer button
507 External device transfer button
508 HDD transfer button
509 Printer list
601 IC tag reader
602 IC tag writer

Claims (5)

First acquisition means for acquiring the image specifying information stored in the portable information terminal by wireless communication;
Searching means for searching for related image data stored in the image data storing means based on the image specifying information obtained by the first obtaining means;
Second acquisition means for acquiring information on attributes of the related image data;
Image processing, comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not normal processing of the related image data is possible in the own apparatus based on information on an attribute of the related image data acquired by the second acquisition unit. apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable information terminal is a non-contact type IC tag attached to a document. First acquisition means for acquiring image identification information from the set document;
Searching means for searching for related image data stored in the image data storing means based on the image specifying information obtained by the first obtaining means;
Second acquisition means for acquiring information on attributes of the related image data;
Image processing, comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not normal processing of the related image data is possible in the own apparatus based on information on an attribute of the related image data acquired by the second acquisition unit. apparatus. The determining means includes:
When the own apparatus has only the image forming function of a monochrome image and the attribute of the related image data is a color image, it is determined that the own apparatus cannot perform normal processing on the related image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of processing means for performing different processing on the image data;
Display means;
Display control means for controlling the display content of the display means,
The determining unit determines whether the image data can be properly processed by a specific processing unit based on the information on the attribute acquired by the second acquiring unit,
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the normal processing by the specific processing unit is not possible, the display control unit displays the processing content of another processing unit on the display unit. 6. An image processing device according to any one of the above.

Images