JP2005153189A - Apparatus and method for image formation, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the functionality of remote copying and to provide a quick printing environment to users. <P>SOLUTION: The step S2601 starts local copying by setting an original at a scanner in S2601. The step 2602 checks if an alarm of paper lack, jamming or toner shortage is generated in the middle of local printing. When the alarm is generated, an alarm screen is displayed, and the process is advanced to the step S2604 to check if the local printing being operated belongs to the local copying. When the step S2604 discriminates the local printing belonging to the local copying, the process is advanced to the step S2605 to check if remote change is to be carried out. If a remote printer is registered and the remote change is pressed down on the alarm screen, the process is advanced to the step S2608 to check if remote change setting is carried out. The process is advanced to the step S2609, and image data is transmitted to the selected remote printer and printed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and method, and an image forming system, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and method having a remote print function for remotely forming an image, and an image forming system.

  In recent years, with the spread of networks in offices and the like, image forming apparatuses such as digital copiers and printers have been widely used, and those having a network connection function have been used. Image forming systems capable of performing image reading and image reading have become widespread.

  In such an image forming system, a copy operation is performed by scanning a document with a certain apparatus and sending the scanned image to a printer connected to a designated network and printing it, so-called remote copying, or scanning images to a plurality of printers Duplicate copying, etc., in which copying is performed by sending a message, is possible. It is also possible to print by sending image data stored and stored on the local machine side to a remote printer. The printer specified as the remote copy data transmission destination can accept reception of remote prints from other devices when it is instructed to print from a device connected to the network. By spooling in the storage device, printing can be performed based on a plurality of jobs from a plurality of printers.

  On the other hand, there is also an image forming system that sends PDL data and print operation mode from a host such as a PC or WS to a printer server, and outputs it from a printer connected to the printer server. The PDL data from the printer server is being output by a printer. In addition, a system has been proposed that can substitute output to another printer connected to the printer server when printing cannot be continued due to some trouble (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-22172 A

  However, in the conventional remote copy, it is necessary to select a remote printer in advance before reading an original with a scanner. Therefore, if an error such as out-of-paper or paper jam occurs while outputting the original image data read by the scanner (local copy) to the local printer, the image data that has not been printed even in a system capable of remote printing Cannot be printed on a remote printer, and there is no other way than to restart the local copy by processing paper replenishment and jam clearing, or start from rescanning using remote copy. There is a problem with sex. Further, when an error occurs during the copying operation and the output becomes impossible, even if the alternative output technique described above is applied, the process cannot always be performed quickly depending on the content of the error. In other words, for example, when a paper jam error occurs, the time required for recovery differs depending on where the paper is jammed. Can be terminated.

  As described above, when an error occurs during copying, there is a request for alternative output, but there is a case in which all alternative output is automatically removed from the purpose.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and in the event that a trouble occurs during local copying, the functionality of remote copying is made by allowing the user to select whether or not to perform transfer printing to the remote printer. It is an object of the present invention to provide a quick print environment for the user while improving the image quality. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a more flexible remote copy environment because the user can select whether or not to perform transfer printing after confirming the error contents.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives image data from an image processing apparatus via a network, and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data. The image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays processing for an error when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, and another image forming apparatus on the network when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus. A transfer means for transferring image data to the image forming apparatus, and a selection means for allowing the user to select whether or not to transfer the image data to another image forming apparatus by the transfer means when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus. The means is characterized by displaying processing for errors and selecting means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the display means displays an error recovery method corresponding to each error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus, and the error recovery method is performed by the user. In this case, the image formation based on the image data is resumed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first or second aspect, when the transfer of the image data is selected by the selection unit, the transfer unit performs image formation out of the image data received by the reception unit. It is characterized by transferring image data that has not been performed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, or third aspect, when image data transfer is selected by the selection unit, image formation is performed among the image data received by the reception unit. The apparatus further comprises means for selecting whether to transfer image data that has not been performed or to transfer all image data received by the receiving means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image forming apparatus connected to the network is displayed on the display means, and the image is previously connected to the predetermined network. The apparatus further includes apparatus selection means for selecting a forming apparatus.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus that transmits image data via a network, an image forming apparatus that includes a receiving unit that receives image data and an image forming unit that performs image formation based on the image data. When an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, a display unit that displays a process for the error, and in a case where an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, other image forming apparatuses on the network A transfer unit that transfers image data; and a selection unit that allows a user to select whether or not to transfer image data to another image forming apparatus by the transfer unit when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus. Displays a process for the error and a selection means.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the image processing device transmits image data via a network, the image forming device receives image data from the image forming device, and the image forming device forms an image based on the image data. An image forming method comprising: a step of displaying a process for the error when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus by the display means; and an error occurring in the image forming apparatus by the transfer means If the error occurs in the image forming apparatus due to the step of transferring the image data to another image forming apparatus on the network and the selecting means, whether the image data is transferred to the other image forming apparatus by the transferring means. Step to let the user choose whether or not Characterized by comprising a step of displaying the selection means displays an.

  According to the present invention, when any error occurs in the image forming apparatus, the display unit displays processing for the error, and when any error occurs in the image forming apparatus, the image data is transferred to other image forming apparatuses on the network. A transfer means for transferring, and a selection means for allowing a user to select whether or not to transfer image data to another image forming apparatus by the transfer means when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus. Since the process and the selection means are displayed, if a problem occurs during local copying, the user can select whether to perform transfer printing to the remote printer, thereby improving the functionality of remote copying and using it. It is possible to provide a quick print environment to the user.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a network of an image forming system in this embodiment. The digital multifunction peripheral 1001 includes a scanner and a printer, which will be described later. The digital multifunction peripheral 1001 can transmit an image read from a scanner via a local area network 1010 (hereinafter, LAN 1010), and can print out an image received via the LAN 1010 by a printer. Further, an image read from the scanner can be transmitted via the PSTN or ISDN 1030 or an image received via the PSTN or ISDN 1030 can be printed out by a printer by a FAX transmission means (not shown).

  The database server 1002 manages the binary image and multi-valued image read by the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 as a database. The database client 1003 can browse / search image data stored in the database 1002 of the database server 1002. The e-mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 as an e-mail attachment file. The e-mail client 1005 can receive and browse mail received by the e-mail server 1004 and send e-mail. The WWW server 1006 prints out the HTML document provided by the WWW server 1006 by the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 that provides the HTML document via the LAN 1010.

  The router 1011 connects the LAN 1010 to the Internet / intranet 1012. Similar to the database server 1002, WWW server 1006, e-mail server 1004, and digital multi-function peripheral 1001, the digital multi-function peripheral 1021, database server 1022, database client 1023, and e-mail server 1024 are connected to the Internet / intranet 1012. To do. On the other hand, the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 can transmit / receive data to / from the FAX apparatus 1031 via the PSTN or ISDN 1030. A printer 1040 is also connected to the LAN 1010 so that an image read by the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 can be printed out.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall hardware configuration diagram of the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the present embodiment. The controller unit 2000 is connected to a scanner 2070 as an image input device and a printer 2095 as an image output device. On the other hand, the controller unit 2000 is connected to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 to input / output image information and device information.

  A CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 2002, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software and image data.

  An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface unit for the operation unit 2012 that is a display input unit, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. Also, it has a role of transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001. A network 2010 is connected to the LAN 2011 and inputs / outputs information. A modem 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007.

  An image bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge that is connected to the system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed and converts a data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008. A RIP (raster image processor) 2060 expands PDL code data into bitmap image data. The device I / F unit 2020 connects the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095, which are image processing apparatuses and image input / output devices, to the controller 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation processing unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression processing unit 2040 performs compression / decompression processing of multi-value image data to JPEG and binary image data to JBIG, MMR, and MH.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an image input / output device constituting the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the present embodiment. A scanner unit 2070 as an image input device illuminates an image on paper as a document, scans it with a CCD line sensor (not shown), and converts it into an electrical signal of raster image data. The manuscript paper is set on the tray 3002 of the manuscript feeder 3001, and when the apparatus user issues a reading start instruction from the operation unit 2012, the controller CPU 2001 gives an instruction to the scanner 2070, and the manuscript feeder 3001 is manipulating the manuscript paper one by one. Feeds and reads the original image. The document feeder 3001 is provided with a document size detection sensor (not shown) necessary for realizing an automatic paper selection mode to be described later, and can detect the size of the set document.

  The printer unit 2095, which is an image forming means, is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array. There are inkjet methods for printing an image directly on paper, and any method can be used. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the controller CPU 2001.

  The printer unit 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there are paper cassettes 3005 to 3008 corresponding thereto. A paper discharge tray 3004 receives paper that has been printed.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation unit 2012 of the present embodiment. The LCD display unit 4001 has a touch panel sheet pasted on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU 2001 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 4006 is used to start a document image reading operation. There is a green and red two-color LED 4005 at the center of the start key 4006, and the color indicates whether the start key 4006 is usable. A stop key 4004 functions to stop an operation in progress. An ID key 4003 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 4002 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080. The image bus I / F controller 5001 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080. The filter processing unit 5002 performs a convolution operation with a spatial filter. For example, the editing unit 5003 recognizes a closed region surrounded by a marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shading, shading, and negative / positive reversal on the image data in the closed region. The scaling processing unit 5004 performs enlargement / reduction by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image when changing the resolution of the read image. The scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). A table 5005 is a conversion table for converting image data that is read luminance data into density data. A binarization unit 5006 binarizes multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing. The processed image data is transferred to the image bus via the image bus controller 5001 again.

  FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090. The image bus I / F controller 6001 is connected to the image bus 2008, operates to control the bus access sequence, and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090. A resolution conversion unit 6002 performs resolution conversion for converting image data coming from the network 2011 or the public line 2051 to the resolution of the printer 2095. The smoothing processing unit 6003 performs processing to smooth out jaggies (roughness of an image appearing at a black-and-white boundary portion such as an oblique line) of image data after resolution conversion.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the image compression processing unit 2040. The image bus I / F controller 7001 is connected to the image bus 2008, operates to control the bus access sequence, and performs timing control for exchanging data with the input buffer 7002 and the output buffer 7005, and an image compression unit. Control such as mode setting for 7003 is performed. The processing procedure of the image compression processing unit 2040 is shown below.

  Settings for image compression control are performed from the CPU 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 7001 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 7001 performs settings necessary for image compression (for example, MMR compression, JBIG expansion, etc.) for the image compression unit 7003. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 7001. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 7001 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. The received image data is temporarily stored in the input buffer 7002, and the image is transferred at a constant speed in response to an image data request from the image compression unit 7003. At this time, the input buffer determines whether or not image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 7001 and the image compression unit 7003, reads the image data from the image bus 2008, and sends the image data to the image compression unit 7003. When the image cannot be written, control is performed so as not to transfer data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as handshaking).

  The image compression unit 7003 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 7004. This is because several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing to be performed, and several lines of image data are prepared in order to compress the first one line. This is because the image cannot be compressed unless it is empty. The image data subjected to the image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 7005. The output buffer 7005 performs handshaking with the image bus I / F controller 7001 and the image compression unit 7003 and transfers the image data to the image bus I / F controller 7001. The image bus I / F controller 7001 transfers the transferred compressed (or expanded) image data to the RAM 2002 or each device on the image bus 2008. Such a series of processing is performed until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (that is, until processing of the required number of pages is completed), or when a stop request is issued from the image compression unit (when an error occurs during compression or decompression). Etc.) is repeated.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the image rotation processing unit 2030. The image bus I / F controller 8001 is connected to the image bus 2008, operates to control the bus sequence, controls to set a mode or the like in the image rotation unit 8002, and timing for transferring image data to the image rotation unit 8002 Take control. The processing procedure of the image rotation unit is shown below. Settings for image rotation control are performed from the CPU 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 8001 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 7001 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction / angle, etc.) for the image rotation unit 8002. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 7001. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 8001 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. Here, the size of the image to be rotated is set to 32 × 32 (bits), and the image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits when transferring the image data on the image bus 2008 (the image to be handled). Is binary).

  As described above, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 (bit) image, it is necessary to transfer the image data from a discontinuous address by performing the unit data transfer 32 times as shown in FIG. The image data transferred by such discontinuous addressing is written in the RAM 8003 so as to be rotated to a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the 32-bit image data transferred first is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. 10, so that the image is rotated by reading in the X direction at the time of reading. The

  After the 32 × 32 (bit) image rotation (writing to the RAM 8003) is completed, the image rotation unit 8002 reads the image data from the RAM 8003 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image to the image bus I / F controller 8001. The image bus I / F controller 8001 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008 with continuous addressing. Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (until the processing of the required number of pages is completed).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the device I / F unit 2020. The image bus I / F controller 11001 is connected to the image bus 2008, operates to control the bus access sequence, generates control and timing of each device in the device I / F unit 2020, and an external scanner 2070. And a control signal to the printer 2095 is generated. The scan buffer 11002 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 2070 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008. The serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 11003 arranges the image data stored in the scan buffer 11002 in order or decomposes and converts the image data into a data width that can be transferred to the image bus 2008.

  A serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 11004 decomposes the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 or arranges the image data in order, and converts the image data into a data width that can be stored in the print buffer 11005. A print buffer 11005 temporarily stores image data sent from the image bus 2008 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the printer 2095.

  Next, a processing procedure at the time of image scanning of the device I / F 2020 is shown below. First, the image data sent from the scanner 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 11002 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 2070. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when image data is 32 bits or more in the buffer, the image data is first-in first-out, and 32 bits are sent from the buffer to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 11003. The image data is converted into image data and transferred to the image bus 2008 through the image bus I / F controller 11001. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE 1394, the image data in the buffer is first-in first-out and sent from the buffer to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 11003 to be converted into serial image data, and the image bus 2008 is sent through the image bus I / F controller 11001. Forward up.

  Next, the processing procedure at the time of image printing of the device I / F 2020 is shown below. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller 11001, sent to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 11004, and input data bits of the printer 2095. The image data is divided into a number of image data and stored in the print buffer 11005. If the image bus 2008 is IEEE 1394, the serial image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the serial parallel / parallel serial conversion 11004, and the number of input data bits of the printer 2095. And is stored in the print buffer 11005. Then, in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the printer 2095, the image data in the buffer is sent to the printer 2095 on a first-in first-out basis.

  FIG. 12 is a software block diagram for explaining the overall configuration of software that operates in the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 of the present embodiment. The module 12001 controls a user interface (UI), and mediates with the device when the operator performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral. The user interface 12001 transfers input information to various modules to be described later according to an operator's operation, and requests processing or sets data.

  The address book 12002 is a database module that manages data transmission destinations, communication destinations, and the like. The contents of the address book 12002 are used to add, delete, and acquire data by an operation from the user interface 12001, and are used to give data sending / communication destination information to each module described later by an operator's operation. The web server module 12003 is used to notify management information of the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 in response to a request from a web client (not shown). The management information is read via an API control unit 12018 described later, and is notified to the Web client via an HTTP module 12012, a TCP / IP module 12016, and a network driver 12017 described later.

  The broadcast distribution module 12004 is a module for controlling data distribution, and distributes data instructed to the operator by the user interface module 12001 to a communication (output) destination similarly designated. When the operator uses the scanner function of the device to generate distribution data, the device is operated via an API control unit 12018 described later to generate data. A module 12005 is P550 executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in the broadcast distribution module 12004. The e-mail module 12006 is executed when an e-mail address is designated as a communication destination in the broadcast distribution module 12004.

  The DB module 12007 is executed when a database is designated as an output destination in the broadcast distribution module 12004. The DP module 12008 is executed when a digital multi-function peripheral similar to this device is designated as an output destination in the broadcast distribution module 12004. The remote copy scan 12009 uses the scanner function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1001, uses other digital multi-function peripherals connected via a network as an output destination, and performs processing equivalent to the copy function realized by the digital multi-function peripheral 1001 alone. Module to perform.

  The remote copy print module 12010 uses the printer function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1001, uses another multi-function peripheral connected via a network or the like as an input destination, and performs processing equivalent to the copy function realized by the digital multi-function peripheral 1001. It is a module. A web-pull print (Web-Pull-Print) module 12011 is a module that reads and prints information on various websites on the Internet or an intranet. The HTTP module 12012 is used when the digital multi-function peripheral 1001 communicates by HTTP, and provides communication to the web server 12003 and web pull print module 12011 module by a TCP / IP module 12016 module described later.

  The lpr module 12013 provides communication to the printer module 12005 in the broadcast distribution module 12004 described above by a TCP / IP module 12016 described later. The SMTP module 12014 provides communication to the e-mail module 12006 in the broadcast distribution module 12004 described above by a TCP / IP module 12016 described later. An SLM (Salutation-Manager) module 12015 communicates with the database module 12017, the DP module 12018, the remote copy scan module 12009, and the remote copy print module 12010 in the broadcast distribution module 12004 described above by a TCP / IP module 12016 described later. provide.

  The TCP / IP communication module 12016 provides network communication to the various modules described above by a network driver 12017 described later. The network driver 12017 controls a part physically connected to the network. The API control unit 12018 provides an interface with an upstream module such as the broadcast distribution module 12004 to a downstream module such as a job manager 12019 described later, and reduces dependency between upstream and downstream modules. Increase the applicability of each.

  The job manager 12019 interprets processing instructed from the various modules described above via the API control unit 12018, and gives instructions to each module described later. Further, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the digital multifunction peripheral 1001. A codec manager (CODEC-Manager) 12020 manages and controls various compression / decompression of data in the process instructed by the job manager 12019.

  The FBE encoder (FBE-Encoder) 12021 compresses data read by the scan processing executed by the job manager 12019 and the scan manager 12024 in the FBE format. A JPEG codec (JPEG-CODEC) 12022 is a JPEG compression of read data and a JPEG expansion process of print data in a scan process executed by the job manager 12019, the scan manager 12024, and a print process executed by the print manager 12026. Is to do.

  An MMR codec (MMR-CODEC) 12023 includes MMR compression of read data and MMR decompression processing of print data in the scan processing executed by the job manager 12019 and the scan manager 12024 and the print processing executed by the print manager 12026. I do. A scan manager 12024 manages and controls scan processing instructed by the job manager 12019. The SCSI driver 12025 communicates with the scanner unit to which the scan manager 12024 and the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 are internally connected. A print manager 12026 manages and controls print processing instructed by the job manager 12019.

  An engine interface (Engine-I / F) driver 12027 provides an I / F between the print manager 12026 and the printing unit. The parallel port driver 12028 provides an I / F when the web pull print module 12011 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a built-in application block relating to image distribution in the present embodiment. The UI block 12001 includes a block 13100 indicating a remote copy application transmission side, a block 13150 indicating a broadcast distribution transmission side, a block 13200 indicating a Web Pull Print module, and a web server module as a transmission side. As a receiving side, a block 13300 indicating a remote copy receiving side (printing side), a block 13350 for receiving and printing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution by a general-purpose printer, and receiving a remote print Block 13400 indicating the side (print side), a block 13450 for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution by a known Notes server, and a binary image for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution Block 1 to do 500, a block 13550 for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution by a known mail server, a block 13600 for receiving and storing a multi-valued image by an image transmitted by broadcast distribution, including information content It includes a known web browser 13700 that accesses the known web server 13650 and the web server of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each block.

First, the UI application 12001 is as described above, and the address book 12002 will be described here. The address book 12002 is stored in a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile memory, hard disk, etc.) in the digital multi-function peripheral 1001, and the features of the devices connected to the network are described therein. For example, those listed below are included.
(A) Device official name or alias name (b) Device network address (c) Device processable network protocol (d) Device processable document format (e) Device processable compression type (f) Image resolution that can be processed by the device (g) Paper size that can be fed in the case of a printer device, paper feed stage information (h) Folder name that can store a document in the case of a server (computer) device, and a remote copy application 13100 The broadcast distribution application 13150, the web server application 13250, and the web pull print application 13200 can determine the characteristics of the distribution destination based on the information described in the address book 12002. In addition, the address book 12002 can be edited, and can be downloaded and used, or directly referred to, stored in a server computer or the like in the network.

  The remote copy application 13100, which is an image formation request unit, discriminates resolution information that can be processed by the device designated as the distribution destination from the address book 12001, and according to this, binary image data that is an image read by the scanner is known MMR. The image data is compressed using compression, then converted into a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), sent to the printer device on the network through the SLM. Although not described in detail, the SLM is a kind of network protocol including device control information called a known salutation manager, and is also called a smart link manager.

  Unlike the remote copy application 13100, the broadcast distribution application 13150 can transmit images to a plurality of distribution destinations with a single image scan. Further, the distribution destination is not limited to the printer device, but can be directly distributed to a so-called server computer. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order according to a delivery destination. When it is determined from the address book 12002 that the distribution destination device can process a known network printer protocol LPD (Line Printer Daemon) and a known LIPS as a printer control command, according to the image resolution determined from the address book 12002 as well. In this embodiment, an image is read, and the image itself is compressed using a well-known FBE (First Binary Encoding), further LIPS-encoded, and transmitted to a partner device using an LPR which is a well-known network printer protocol.

  When the delivery destination device is a server device that can communicate with the SLM, it is determined from the address book 12002 whether the server address and the folder in the server are specified. Then, similarly to the remote copy application 13100, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression, converted into a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and the server device on the network is identified through the SLM. It is possible to store in the folder.

  Also, in the digital multifunction peripheral 1001, when the server as the counterpart device determines that a known JPEG-compressed multi-value image can be processed, an image obtained by multi-value reading in the same manner as the above-described binary image is used. It is also possible to convert the file into a known JFIF and store it in a specific folder of the server device on the network through the SLM. When the delivery destination device is a known E-mail server, the e-mail address described in the address book 12002 is determined, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression, and then known. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is transmitted to the E-mail server using a known Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) 13153. Subsequent distribution is executed according to the mail server 13550.

  The web pull print application 13200 reads and prints information on various websites on the Internet or an intranet. In response to a request from the web client, the web server application 13250 notifies management information of the web client's own device.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system that includes the digital multi-function peripheral 1001 and executes remote copy, which is also a feature of the present invention. The image forming system in FIG. 14 includes a digital copier 1040 in addition to the above-described digital multi-function peripheral 1001. The digital multi-function peripherals 1001 and 1040 are connected via a local area network 1010 and can communicate with each other.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of storage area allocation of the hard disk 2004 in the digital copying machines 1001 and 1040. The hard disk 2004 is divided into a temporary area A and a memory box area B as shown in FIG. The temporary area A is further divided into four areas. A1 is an area for temporarily storing images for electronic sort processing and the like during local copying. A2 is an area for temporarily storing images for remote copy reception printing. A3 is an area for temporarily storing images for PDL reception printing. A4 is an area for temporarily storing images by other functions. The memory box area B is an area for registering images.

  Next, processing for performing remote printing will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart on the transmission side when performing remote printing according to the present embodiment. Here, in the system of FIG. 14, it is assumed that image data in the box memory area of the digital copying machine 1001 is remote-printed by designating the digital copying machine 1040, and the memory box area in the hard disk 2004 in the digital copying machine 1001. Assume that image data is stored in B as document data in advance.

  First, the digital copier 1040 is notified that a remote print job is to be executed (S1801), the image size required for the designated document data is obtained, and the total image size P to be transmitted to the digital copier 1040 is calculated. (S1802). Next, an area securing command necessary for the total page size P is issued to the digital copying machine 1040 (S1803). In step S 1804, it is determined whether the area has been secured from the response result of the area securing command from the digital copying machine 1040. If the image data can be secured, the image data is read from the area B on the hard disk 2004 and transmitted to the digital copying machine 1040 (S1805). If it cannot be secured, a message indicating that there is a possibility of memory full as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the LCD display unit 4001 on the operation unit 2012 (S1806). In step S 1807, if “Yes” is pressed, the image data is read from the area B on the hard disk 2004 and transmitted to the digital copying machine 1040 (S 1805). If “NO” is pressed, the digital copier 1040 is notified that the process is to be terminated, and the process ends (S1808).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing on the remote print receiving side of the present embodiment. When there is a remote print instruction, a job submission instruction is issued in the designated job mode (S1901). Next, the area securing command is received, and the total image size P designated from the parent device is acquired (S1902). Next, it is determined whether or not the area for P size is in the remote print area A2 on the hard disk 2004 (S1903). If there is an area, the area S for P size is reserved and secured from the area A2. (S1904).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state where the area S is secured in the remote area A2. Next, the master unit is notified that the area for the designated size P has been successfully secured (S1905). Next, page data is received from the master unit (S1906), stored in the area S (S1907), and a print instruction is issued (S1908). Next, it is determined whether or not the page is the last page, and if it is not the last page, the procedure of steps S1906 to S1909 is repeated, so that the page data transmitted from the parent device is stored in the area S and at the same time a print instruction is issued. be able to. When the printing process is completed, the secured area S is released (S1910).

  Further, if it is determined in S1903 that the area for P size is not in the remote print area A2 on the hard disk 2004, the master unit is notified that the area could not be secured (S1911), and the reservation on the area A2 is made. Processing is performed using an unallocated area. In this case, when page data is received from the master unit (S1912), a page size Q is obtained (S1913), and an area of size Q from the temporary area P2 in the remote print area A2 on the hard disk 2004 shown in FIG. An attempt is made to secure (S1914). Next, in step S1914, it is determined whether the area can be secured. If the area cannot be secured, the processing is stopped due to a memory full error (S1919). If it can be secured, a print instruction is issued (S1916), it is determined whether or not it is the last page (S1917), and if it is not the last page, the procedure of steps S1912 to S1917 is repeated to generate a memory full in area P Otherwise, the page data transmitted from the master unit can be stored in the area P and at the same time a print instruction can be issued. When the print processing is completed, the secured area is released from the area P (S1918).

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a remote printer selection screen 20001 for selecting a remote printer to be subjected to remote printing possessed by a certain image input apparatus. In the remote printer list 20002 on the remote printer selection screen, the form, status, and name of a remote printer that can be selected as a remote printer by the image input apparatus are displayed. The form of the remote printer is indicated by an icon, and the icon pattern varies depending on whether a finisher or a paper deck is present or connected to the network. The remote printer status indicates whether it is connected to the network and can be used as a remote printer. The user can select a remote printer to be used by pressing any one of the remote printer names. When a printer is selected, the remote printer name is highlighted. By pressing an “up” scroll key 20003 and a “down” scroll key 20004, the remote printer list is scrolled. When a “return” key 20005 is pressed, the remote printer selected in the remote printer list is set as a target for remote printing.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a remote printer registration screen 21001 for registering a remote printer. The remote printer registration screen is displayed by pressing the user mode key of the operation unit to display a non-displayed user mode screen and further pressing the remote printer registration key. To register a remote printer, an “IP address” key 21002 is pressed. When the “IP address” key is pressed, an IP address can be input using a numeric keypad (not shown). By pressing a “close” key 21003, the IP address of the remote printer is additionally held in the nonvolatile memory in the image forming apparatus.

  Next, an example will be described in which output cannot be performed by the local printer due to some trouble during local printing according to the present invention. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a no-paper screen 22001 displayed on the operation unit when there is no paper during local printing. 22002 in FIG. 22 indicates each cassette in which paper is stored, and the paper size and amount set in the cassette are displayed. FIG. 22 shows an attempt to feed B4 set in cassette 3, but no cassette B4 can be fed in cassette 3 (the cassette 3 key is highlighted and “paper No message "). Reference numeral 22003 denotes a remote transfer key according to the present invention. The remote transfer key is displayed when one or more remote printers are registered on the remote printer registration screen of FIG. By pressing the remote transfer key, a remote transfer screen, which will be described later, is displayed, and substitution output to the remote printer can be designated. If no paper is supplied without pressing the remote transfer key, or if another cassette is selected, the paper-free screen is not displayed and the screen returns to the basic screen (not shown) to continue local printing.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a jam screen 23001 displayed on the operation unit when a jam occurs during local printing according to the present embodiment. On the jam screen, a message notifying that a jam has occurred and a picture showing in which part of the main body the jam has occurred are displayed. The remote transfer key 23002 is displayed when one or more remote printers are registered on the remote printer registration screen of FIG. By pressing the remote transfer key, a remote transfer screen, which will be described later, is displayed, and substitution output to the remote printer can be designated. When the jam is released without pressing the remote transfer key, the jam screen is not displayed and the screen returns to the basic screen (not shown) to continue local printing.

  FIG. 24 is a view showing a toner out screen 24001 displayed on the operation unit when toner out occurs during local printing according to the present embodiment. A message notifying that toner has run out and a picture showing how to replenish toner are displayed on the toner out screen. The remote transfer key 24002 is displayed when one or more remote printers are registered on the remote printer registration screen of FIG. By pressing the remote transfer key, a remote transfer screen, which will be described later, is displayed, and substitution output to the remote printer can be designated. When toner is replenished without pressing the remote transfer key, the toner out screen is not displayed, and the screen returns to the basic screen (not shown) to continue local printing.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote transfer setting screen 25001 displayed when remote transfer is selected in FIGS. 22 to 24. On the remote transfer setting screen, a remote printer selection key 200002 is pressed to display the remote printer selection screen 20001 described with reference to FIG. Then, the contents to be transferred by the remote printer can be set by pressing a “transfer from the beginning” key 25003 or a “transfer from midway” key 25004. When the “transfer from the beginning” key 25003 is pressed, printing is started again from the beginning of the job, and when the “transfer from midway” key 25004 is pressed, the remaining image data not locally printed is printed. It is assumed that the “transfer from the beginning” key 25003 and the “transfer from the middle” key 25004 cannot be set simultaneously. When the transfer destination remote printer and print contents are set, the “OK” key 25005 can be pressed, and when the “OK” key 25005 is pressed, remote printing is started. When the “Close” key 25006 is pressed, the screen returns to the screen of each alarm (paper out, jammed, out of toner) displayed before the remote transfer setting screen.

  Next, the flow regarding the remote transfer operation in the present invention will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a flow regarding the remote transfer operation of the present embodiment. First, in step S2601, an original is set on the scanner and local copying is started. Next, in step S2602, it is determined whether an alarm such as no paper, jam, or toner has occurred during local printing. If no alarm has occurred, the process advances to step S2603 to determine whether local printing has ended. If there is unprinted image data in S2603, printing is continued and the process returns to S2602. If an alarm has occurred, the corresponding screen among the alarm screens as shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 is displayed, and the process advances to step S2604 to determine whether the active local print belongs to the local copy. . If it is not a local print belonging to the local copy, the process proceeds to S2606 to determine whether or not the alarm has been canceled.

  If the alarm is released, the process proceeds to S2607, where local printing is resumed, and the process returns to S2602. If it is determined in S2604 that the print is a local print belonging to the local copy, the process proceeds to S2605. In step S2605, it is determined whether to perform remote transfer. That is, if the remote printer is not registered, the remote transfer cannot be performed, so the process proceeds to S2606. If the remote printer is registered but the alarm is canceled by the user and the remote transfer is not selected, the process also proceeds to S2606. If the remote printer is registered and remote transfer is pressed on the alarm screen, the process advances to step S2608. In step S2608, it is determined whether remote transfer setting has been performed. That is, on the remote transfer setting screen shown in FIG. 25, the transfer output destination remote printer is selected, and the transfer contents (whether to print all from the beginning of the job or from unprinted image data) are displayed. It is determined whether or not the “OK” key has been pressed. When the transfer setting is made, the process proceeds to S2609, where the image data is transmitted to the remote printer selected in S2608, and printing is executed. If the transfer setting is not made in S2608 and the “Close” key as shown in FIG. 25 is pressed, the process returns to S2605.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the following other embodiments are also possible. That is, software can be executed by a computer so as to operate various devices to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. That is, a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a computer in the apparatus or system connected to these various devices, and the computer (CPU or MPU) in the apparatus or system is used. An embodiment in which the various devices are operated according to a stored program is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In this case, the program code of the software itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, a storage medium storing the program code Also constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD (compact disc [disk])-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM Etc. can be used.

  Furthermore, when the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other application in which the program code is running on the computer. Needless to say, such program code is included in the embodiment of the present invention even when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with software or the like. In addition, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function code is provided in the function expansion board or function storage unit based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the present invention includes a case where the CPU or the like performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Although the above-described embodiment has been described for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, modifications can be made in addition to the above-described embodiment. As long as the modification is based on the technical idea of the present invention described in the claims, the modification is within the technical scope of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a network of an image forming system in the present embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall hardware configuration diagram of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image input / output device constituting a digital multi-function peripheral according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the operation part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the scanner image process part in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the printer image process part in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image compression part in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image rotation part in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the image transfer per 32 bits. It is a figure for demonstrating 90 degree anticlockwise rotation of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the device I / F part in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a software block diagram for explaining an overall configuration of software that operates in the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the built-in application block regarding the delivery of the image in this embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system that includes a digital multi-function peripheral and that performs remote copying, which is also a feature of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of allocation of a storage area of a hard disk in a digital copying machine. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which ensured the area | region in the remote area | region of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state of memory full in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart on the transmission side at the time of performing the remote printing of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the process by the side of the remote print reception of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the remote printer selection screen which selects the remote printer used as the object which performs the remote printing which a certain image input device has. It is a figure which shows the remote printer registration screen which registers a remote printer. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a paper-out screen displayed on the operation unit when paper runs out during local printing. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a jam screen displayed on an operation unit when a jam occurs during local printing of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a toner out screen displayed on an operation unit when toner out occurs during local printing according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the remote transfer setting screen displayed when remote transfer is selected. It is a figure which shows the flow regarding the remote transfer operation | movement of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1001, 1021 Digital MFP 1002, 1004, 1006, 1007, 1022, 1023, 1024 Server 1003, 1005 Client 1010 LAN
1011 Router 1012 Internet / Intranet 1030 PSTN
1031 FAX
2000 Controller unit 2001 CPU
2002 RAM
2003 ROM
2004 HDD
2005, 2006, 2010 I / F
2007, 2008 Bus 2011 LAN
2012 Operation unit 2020 Device I / F
2030, 2040, 2060, 2080, 2090, 5002 to 5006 Various processors 2050 Modem 2051 WAN
2070 Scanner 2095 Printer 3001 Document feeder 3002, 3004 Tray 3005 to 3008 Paper cassette 4001 LCD display section 4002 to 4006, 20003 to 20005, 21002 to 21003, 22002 to 22003, 23002, 24002, 25002 to 25006 Various operation buttons 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 11001 Controller 6002, 6003 Processing unit 7002, 7005, 11002, 11005 Buffer 7003 Image compression unit 7004, 8003 RAM
8002 Image rotation unit 11003, 11004 Conversion unit 12001, 12004-12016, 12018-12024, 12026-12028 Module 12017, 12025 Driver 13100-13650 Block 13700 Web browser 20001 Remote printer selection screen 20002 Remote printer list 21001 Remote printer registration screen 21002 IP address ”key 22001 Paper-free screen 23001 Jam screen 24001 Toner out screen 25001 Remote transfer setting screen

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives image data from an image processing device via a network; and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data.
When an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, display means for displaying processing for the error;
A transfer unit that transfers the image data to another image forming apparatus on a network when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus;
A selection unit that allows a user to select whether or not to transfer the image data to another image forming apparatus by the transfer unit when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, and the display unit performs processing for the error And the selection unit are displayed.   The display means displays an error recovery method corresponding to each error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus, and when the error recovery method is performed by a user, resumes image formation based on the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when image data transfer is selected by the selection unit, the transfer unit transfers image data on which image formation has not been performed among the image data received by the reception unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 2.   When transfer of image data is selected by the selection unit, among the image data received by the reception unit, image data that has not been formed is transferred, or all image data received by the reception unit is 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for selecting whether to transfer.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising apparatus selection means for displaying an image forming apparatus connected to the network on the display means and selecting an image forming apparatus connected in advance to the predetermined network. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. An image forming system comprising: an image processing apparatus that transmits image data via a network; and an image forming apparatus that includes a receiving unit that receives the image data and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data. And
When an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, display means for displaying processing for the error;
A transfer unit that transfers the image data to another image forming apparatus on a network when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus;
A selection unit that allows a user to select whether or not to transfer the image data to another image forming apparatus by the transfer unit when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, and the display unit performs processing for the error And the selection means are displayed. A step of transmitting image data via a network by the image processing apparatus; a step of receiving the image data by the image forming apparatus; and a step of forming an image by the image forming means based on the image data. An image forming method comprising:
When an error occurs in the image forming apparatus by the display means, displaying a process for the error; and
A transfer unit that transfers the image data to another image forming apparatus on a network when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus;
A step of allowing a user to select whether or not to transfer the image data to another image forming apparatus by the transfer unit when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus by the selecting unit;
An image forming method comprising: displaying the processing for the error by the display unit and displaying the selection unit.

Images