JP2005277584A - Image forming apparatus and system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for reducing the wait time of a user when transferring the read data of a manuscript to external equipment, based on the command of the external equipment, and for improving working efficiency, and to provide an image forming system, a control method, and a program. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus comprises a CPU 1, an external interface 6, a scanner 9, and the like. In the operation of pull-scan functions when data transmission by the scanner 9 and the external interface 6 are enabled. When a scan start command is received from a PC, the CPU 1 disables data transmission by the scanner 9 and the external interface 6, enables the scanner 9 after completing reading the manuscript by the scanner section 9, and enables data transmission by the external interface 6 after completing image data transmission in the image data to the PC from the external interface 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting scan data by performing a scan operation according to a scan start command, and in particular, pull scan performed by installing a device that issues a scan start command and a device that performs a scan operation at positions separated from each other. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control method, and a program applicable to (network scan, remote scan).

Conventionally, as a technique related to the above-described pull scan, a technique for performing exclusive control in an image forming apparatus when a plurality of scan commands are simultaneously received from an external device (for example, see Patent Document 1), or for protecting the confidentiality of data. A technology that requires a PIN when viewing data transferred to the Internet (see, for example, Patent Document 2), or a technology that stops data transfer while viewing a preview during data transfer in order to shorten the data transfer time (See, for example, Patent Document 3).
JP 2002-185690 A JP 2003-115957 A JP 2000-78576 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus including the scanner unit and the data transfer unit, there is a problem that the waiting time of the user at the time of pull scanning may increase. When the waiting time of the user becomes long, one is caused by the completion of the pull scanning operation being delayed by scanning a large amount of documents, and the other is when the user who finished the pull scanning ends the pull scanning. This is caused by forgetting to set (offline). In particular, when a large amount of documents are scanned, it takes several tens of minutes to transfer scan data from the image forming apparatus to an external device, and there is a demand for reducing the waiting time of the user.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming apparatus capable of shortening a waiting time for a user when transferring read data of an original to an external device based on an instruction from the external device and improving work efficiency. A control method and a program are provided.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention includes a reading unit that reads a document and a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and remotely transmits the read data of the document to the external device based on a command from the external device. An image forming apparatus having a reading function, wherein the reading means determines whether the reading means can be used in each function including the remote reading function or whether the reading means cannot be used in other functions other than the remote reading function. Communication determining means for determining whether the communication means is in a communicable state in each of the functions or in an incapable state of communication in the other functions, and the reading means is in the usable state and the communication means is in the communicable state. When the command is received from the external device, the reading unit is disabled and the communication unit is disabled, and after the reading is completed. It said reading means and the usable state, and a controlling means to the communication enabled state of the communication means after completion of the transfer.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention includes a reading unit that reads a document and a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and remotely transmits the read data of the document to the external device based on a command from the external device. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a reading function, wherein the reading unit is usable in each function including the remote reading function, and the communication unit is in a communicable state in each function. When the forming apparatus receives a command from the external device, the reading unit is disabled in a function other than the remote reading function, and the communication unit is disabled in the other function. The reading unit is set in the usable state after reading is completed, and the communication unit is set in the communicable state after transfer is completed.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention includes a reading unit that reads a document and a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and remotely transmits the read data of the document to the external device based on a command from the external device. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of an image forming apparatus having a reading function, wherein the reading unit is usable in each function including the remote reading function or is not used in other functions other than the remote reading function. A reading determination module that determines whether the communication unit is in a communicable state; a communication determination module that determines whether the communication unit is in a communicable state in each of the functions; When the image forming apparatus receives a command from the external device when the communication unit is in the communicable state, the reading unit is moved forward. A control module that sets the communication unit to the communication disabled state, sets the reading unit to the usable state after reading is completed, and sets the communication unit to the communication enabled state after transfer is completed. It is characterized by.

  The present invention further includes an image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads a document and a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and having a remote reading function that transfers read data of the document to the external device based on a command from the external device. Reading determination means for determining whether the reading means is enabled in each function including the remote reading function or disabled in other functions other than the remote reading function; Communication determining means for determining whether the communication means is in an enabled state in which communication is possible in each function or in a disabled state in which communication is not possible in the other functions, and when the reading means and the communication means are in the enabled state When the command is received from the external device, the reading unit and the communication unit are set to the disabled state, and the reading is performed after the reading is completed. The stage and the enable state, may be the communication means after completion of the transfer a configuration and control means for said enabled state.

  According to the present invention, when an instruction is received from an external device when the reading unit is usable and the communication unit is communicable, the reading unit is disabled and the communication unit is disabled. After the reading is completed, the reading unit is made usable, and after the transfer is completed, the communication unit is made communicable. As a result, even when the reading data read by the reading means is being transferred to the external device, the reading means becomes ready for use when the reading is completed, so that it is possible to use other functions using the reading means. The next image reading operation can also be performed. As a result, the waiting time of the user can be shortened and the work efficiency can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus is used to switch the online state in which both the reading unit and the communication unit are secured to the offline state in which both the reading unit and the communication unit are opened when a certain time has elapsed. It is possible to reduce the trouble of the next user (the trouble of confirming the previous user who has used the image forming apparatus), and a highly convenient remote reading function can be provided.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the read data transfer to the external device is not completed even after a lapse of a certain period of time, the online state is switched to the offline state. can do.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the state where a paper jam is detected, if the paper jam is not cleared even after a certain time has elapsed, the online state is switched to the offline state. Function can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus is configured as a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions (copy function, box function, pull scan function (network function for performing pull scan)), for example, CPU 1, memory 2, An input / output unit 3, a printer unit 4, a time measurement unit 5, an external interface 6, an image processing unit 7, an operation unit 8, a scanner unit 9, a transfer end determination unit 10, and an error detection unit 11 are provided.

  The CPU 1 controls the entire image forming apparatus, and executes processing shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 5 described later based on the control program. The memory 2 stores information such as image data. The input / output unit 3 is for inputting and outputting information, and for example, an IC card or the like can be considered. The printer unit 4 performs a printing operation for printing an image on a sheet. The time measuring unit 5 measures the time from a certain time to the current time. The external interface 6 communicates with an external device (personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as PC)) connected to the image forming apparatus via a network.

  The image processing unit 7 performs image processing for converting an image read from a document by the scanner unit 9 into image data. The operation unit 8 has the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and is used by the user to operate information input from the input / output unit 3 and make various settings for the image forming apparatus. The scanner unit 9 performs a scanning operation for reading an image from a document. The transfer end determination unit 10 determines whether the image data transfer to the external device by the external interface 6 has ended. The error detection unit 11 detects an error such as a paper jam inside the image forming apparatus.

  It is assumed that the image forming apparatus is equipped with a general document table and a feeder used when reading a document, but illustration thereof is omitted. It is assumed that the feeder is generally capable of discharging the original after reading the original and subsequently reading the next original.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 2, a copy button 21 is for instructing a transition to the copy mode, a box button 22 is for instructing a transition to the box mode, and a network button 23 is a transition to the network mode. It is for instructing. The panel 24 displays information from the input / output unit 3. The keyboard 25 is used for inputting characters and symbols and operating the cursor, and the numeric keypad 26 is used for inputting numbers.

  The clear button 29 is for giving an instruction indicating NO to the setting content clear instruction or selection, and the start button 30 is for giving an instruction meaning YES to the setting content execution instruction or selection. belongs to. The offline button 27 is used for instructing switching to an offline state (a state in which both resources (all necessary resources) for data transfer via the scanner unit 9 and the external interface 6 are released: hereinafter abbreviated as offline). The online button 28 is an instruction for switching to an online state (a state in which both resources (all necessary resources) for data transfer via the scanner unit 9 and the external interface 6 are secured: hereinafter, abbreviated as online)). Is for doing. Note that “data transfer via the external interface 6” is hereinafter simply referred to as “transfer”.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, the operation outline of the copy function and the box function in the image forming apparatus will be described, and then the operation outline of the pull scan function will be described.

  First, a copy operation in which, for example, one original set on the original table of the image forming apparatus is read by the copy function and three copies are made will be described. When the user sets a document on the document table and presses the copy button 21 of the operation unit 8, the image forming apparatus shifts to a copy mode for performing copy settings. At this time, the setting contents are displayed on the panel 24 of the operation unit 8. Here, since the number of copies is 3, the user presses the number 3 on the numeric keypad 29 of the operation unit 8 and presses the start button 30 to issue a copy start command to the image forming apparatus. At this time, the set number of copies 3 is stored in the memory 2.

  When a copy start command is issued, the CPU 1 receives this copy start command, and sends a read command to the scanner unit 9 and an image processing command to the image processing unit 7 respectively. As a result, the scanner unit 9 reads the document on the platen, and the image processing unit 7 converts the image read from the document into image data and stores it in the memory 2. When the image data is stored in the memory 2, the CPU 1 sends the image data stored in the memory 2 and the number of copies to the printer unit 4. The printer unit 4 performs a copying operation for printing this image data by the number of copies. This is the copy function.

  Next, a box scan operation for saving image data read from, for example, three originals set in the feeder of the image forming apparatus to the box name “MYBOX1” by the box function will be described. When the user sets three originals on the feeder and presses the box button 22 of the operation unit 8, the image forming apparatus shifts to a box mode for setting a box. At this time, the setting contents are displayed on the panel 24 of the operation unit 8. Here, since the name of the box to be saved is “MYBOX1”, the user designates the box “MYBOX1” as the save destination by using the keyboard 25 or the numeric keypad 26 of the operation unit 8, and presses the start button 30. A box start command is issued to the forming apparatus. At this time, the set storage location “MYBOX1” is stored in the memory 2.

  When a box start command is issued, the CPU 1 receives this box start command, and sends a reading command for the scanner unit 9 and an image processing command for the image processing unit 7 respectively. As a result, the scanner unit 9 reads the document of the feeder, and the image processing unit 7 converts the image read from the document into image data and stores it in the area of the box “MYBOX1” of the memory 2. When the first document data is stored in the memory 2, the CPU 1 issues a box start command so as to store the image data of the second document in the same box as the image data of the first document. . This operation is repeated for the third document, and when the scanner unit 9 notifies the CPU 1 that there is no document in the feeder, the process ends. This is a box scan of the box function.

  Finally, the pull scan function (pull scan of the network function) transmits the image data scanned from the original by the scanner unit 9 of the image forming apparatus to an external device (PC) connected to the image forming apparatus via the network. Will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall processing including the scan phase of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the transfer phase, and FIG. 5 is a simplified version of FIGS. It is a flowchart which shows the switching process of enable (disable) and disable (disable).

  In this embodiment, in order to explain that the waiting time of the user at the time of pull scanning is shortened, the scanning time of one original is set to 3 seconds (time from the start of scanning to the end of scanning), for example. The transfer time of the image data scanned from the original to the PC from the forming apparatus is, for example, 5 seconds (the time from the start of transfer to the end of transfer). Here, the data read time from the memory 2, the determination time of the CPU 1, the scanner unit The description will be made assuming that the time required for switching the state (occupied state / unused state) 9 is not considered.

  In the following description, enabling the scanner unit 9 means enabling the scanner unit 9 in each function (copy function, box function, pull scan function), and enabling transfer by the external interface 6. This is to enable communication via the external interface 6 in each function. Also, disabling the scanner unit 9 means that the scanner unit 9 is disabled for functions other than the function (pull scan function in this process), and disables transfer by the external interface 6. This means that communication via the external interface 6 is disabled in functions other than the function (pull scan function in this process).

  3 to 5, when the user sets, for example, three documents on the feeder of the image forming apparatus, the CPU 1 enables the scanner unit 9 and enables transfer by the external interface 6 (step S1). . When the user presses the network button 23 of the operation unit 8, the mode is changed to the network mode for setting the pull scan. At this time, the setting contents are displayed on the panel 24 of the operation unit 8. Next, when detecting that the external interface 6 has received the pull scan start command (step S2) transmitted from the PC to the image forming apparatus, the CPU 1 starts the scan phase (steps S3 to S6). . The scan phase is as follows.

  When the scan phase is activated, the CPU 1 determines whether there is a document that has not been scanned by the scanner unit 9 (step S3). If there is no unscanned document, the CPU 1 enables the scanner unit 9 (maintains enable when the scanner unit 9 is already enabled) (step S12). If there is an unscanned document (because the first document has not been scanned yet), the CPU 1 disables the scanner unit 9 (step S4) and issues a scan start command to the scanner unit 9. . In response to the scan start command, the scanner unit 9 starts scanning the document (step S5). When the scanning of the document by the scanner unit 9 is completed (step S6), the image processing unit 7 converts the image read from the document by the scanner unit 9 into image data and stores it in the memory 2. The above is the scan phase.

  When the scan phase (steps S3 to S6) for the first document is completed, the CPU 1 activates the scan phase (steps S3 to S6) for the next document and activates the transfer phase (steps S8 to S11). (Step S7).

  When the transfer phase is activated, the CPU 1 disables the transfer by the external interface 6 (step S8), and determines whether the transfer of the image data scanned from the document by the scanner unit 9 to the PC is completed (step S9). When the transfer has been completed, the process waits as it is. If the transfer has not been completed, the CPU 1 issues a transfer start command for transferring the image data stored in the memory 2 to the PC via the external interface 6, and transfers the image data through the external interface 6. Start (step S10). When the CPU 1 receives the transfer end notification from the transfer end determination unit 10, the CPU 1 ends the image data transfer (step S11), and again determines whether there is scanned image data to be transferred to the PC (step S9). The above is the transfer phase.

  In the present embodiment, after scanning three originals with the scanner unit 9, the CPU 1 enables the scanner unit 9 (step S12) and waits until image data transfer to the PC is completed (step S13). When the transfer phase ends (step S14), transfer by the external interface 6 is enabled (step S15), and the pull scan ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a detailed description will be given of a sequence related to a scanning processing time when sequentially reading, for example, three originals in the image forming apparatus and a processing time for sequentially transferring image data read from the three originals to the PC. explain.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing times of document scanning and transfer in the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 6, the scan of the first document is completed 3 seconds after the start of scanning of the first document, and the scan of the second document is completed 6 seconds after the start of scanning of the first document. In this example, the image data transfer of the first document is completed 8 seconds after the start of scanning of the first document. Immediately after the image data transfer of the first original is completed, the image data transfer of the second original is started. Nine seconds after the start of scanning of the first document, the scanning of the third document is completed, and the scan is completed because there are only three documents. The image data transfer of the second original is completed 13 seconds after the start of scanning of the first original, and the image data transfer of the third original is completed 18 seconds after the start of scanning of the first original. To do.

  To use the copy function and box function using a scanner in the conventional method, functions other than the pull scan function (copy function and box function) can be used until the image data transfer from the image forming apparatus to the PC is completed. Therefore, it is necessary to wait for 18 seconds from the start of scanning of the first document until image data transfer for three documents is completed. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the scanning of the third document is completed, the scanner unit 9 is enabled and the other functions can be used, and therefore, 9 seconds from the start of scanning the first document. Just wait.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating whether or not functions other than the pull scan function of the image forming apparatus can be used in each state at the time of pull scan (scanning, transferring, transferring, and transfer completed).

  In FIG. 7, when copying, box scanning, box printing, FAX communication, and data transmission can be used (communicable) during scanning, during transfer, during transfer, and when transfer is completed, respectively, during the pull scan described above. Is marked with ◯, and when it cannot be used (communication is impossible), it is marked with x.

  That is, in the above description, the image forming apparatus performs copying by the copy function (using the scanner unit 9 and the printer unit 4), box scanning by the box function (using the scanner unit 9), and pull scanning function (pull scanning by the network function). An example is given of a case where (using the scanner unit 9 and the external interface 6) can be executed.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus further performs box printing (using the printer unit 4) for printing box data using the box function, FAX communication (using the scanner unit 9 and the external interface 6), and transmission for transferring data. (External interface 6 use) is shown, and whether these operations are available (communication possible) during scanning, during transfer, during transfer, and when transfer is completed during pull scan This indicates whether it is unusable (communication is impossible).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the scanner unit 9 and transfer are enabled in the image forming apparatus, when the scan start command is received from the PC, the CPU 1 disables the scanner unit 9 and transfer, The scanner unit 9 is enabled after the reading of the original by the scanner unit 9 is completed, and the transfer is enabled after the image data transfer from the external interface 6 to the PC is completed. Accordingly, even during the data transfer in which the image data read from the original by the scanner unit 9 by the pull scan function is transferred to the PC, the scanner unit 9 is enabled when the reading is completed. Can be used, and the next image scanning operation can also be performed during data transfer. As a result, the waiting time of the user can be shortened and the work efficiency can be improved.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment described above in that it automatically transitions to offline (described later) when a set time has elapsed from online (described later). To do. The other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the above-described first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2), and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the example in which the pull scan is executed when both the scanner unit 9 and the transfer of the image forming apparatus are enabled has been described.

  In the present embodiment, when both the scanner unit 9 and transfer resources (device or all resources necessary for communication) are secured (online), and both the scanner unit 9 and transfer are enabled A description will be given of an image forming apparatus capable of performing a pull scan only when the scanner unit 9 and transfer are both enabled by a pull scan start command from a PC. It should be noted that functions other than the pull scan function can be used only in a non-online state (offline).

  In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the administrator or the user displays “x minutes from the last operation of the user in the online state” on the panel 24 of the operation unit 8 before starting the pull scan of the image forming apparatus. If it has passed, the message automatically changes from online to offline. Please enter x. " Accordingly, the user sets x to a desired time (for example, 30 minutes) using the keyboard 25 or the numeric keypad 26 of the operation unit 8.

  In this embodiment, the procedure from the start of the pull scan of the image forming apparatus to the final image data transfer to the PC is the same as that of the first embodiment. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  The setting is online when all image data scanned from the document to the PC from the image forming apparatus has been transferred. Here, it is assumed that the user A who has transmitted a pull scan start command from the PC and performed the pull scan in the image forming apparatus performs some setting without taking the setting offline. In this case, even if the next user B tries to use the copy function, the box function, and the pull scan function of the image forming apparatus, since the setting is online, the function cannot be used (the network of the image forming apparatus is also user A). Because it is connected to other PCs, it cannot be used on other PCs).

  However, if the time measuring unit 5 measures that the set time (30 minutes) has elapsed since the user A made the setting online, the setting automatically goes offline in accordance with a command from the CPU 1. Thereby, the user B can use the copy function, the box function, and the pull scan function of the image forming apparatus.

  In addition, about the said setting time, it is good also as selecting a desired method among the method which a user sets arbitrarily from the operation part 8 as mentioned above, and the method memorize | stored in the memory 2 previously. The set time is either a fixed time from online to the current time as described above, or a fixed time from the last transfer of image data to the PC by the external interface 6 to the current time. But you can.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the set time has elapsed from online in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is used because it automatically shifts to offline (releases resources). It is possible to reduce the trouble of the next user (the trouble of confirming the previous user who has used the image forming apparatus), and a highly convenient pull scan function can be provided.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment of the present invention, in contrast to the first embodiment described above, automatically when the transfer is not completed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of image data transfer from the image forming apparatus to the PC. It is different in that a warning is given to transition to offline. The other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the above-described first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2), and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, an image forming apparatus capable of performing pull scan only when the setting is online and both the scanner unit 9 and transfer are enabled will be described.

  In the present embodiment, if the image data transfer is not completed even after a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) has elapsed from the start of the image data transfer to the PC by the measurement of the time measuring unit 5 of the image forming apparatus, the operation unit 8 An example will be described in which a warning message is displayed on the panel 24, and when the user does not perform an operation for agreeing to the warning or when no operation is performed, an automatic transition from online to offline is performed. Unlike the second embodiment, the predetermined time (20 minutes) is stored in the memory 22 in advance, and the setting cannot be changed by the user or the administrator.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment until the start of image data transfer, except that if the scanner unit 9 and transfer are both enabled by a pull scan start command from the PC to the image forming apparatus, it automatically shifts to online. Since these procedures are the same, only the differences after the start of image data transfer will be described.

  When image data transfer from the image forming apparatus to the PC is started, the CPU 1 stores in the memory 2 the transfer start time (transfer time is 0) measured using the time measuring unit 5. The CPU 1 determines whether or not the image data transfer has been completed by the transfer end determination unit 10, and if the image data transfer has not been completed, the time taken for the image data transfer is less than a predetermined time (20 minutes). Is determined based on the transfer start time stored in the memory 2 and the measurement by the time measuring unit 5.

  When the image data transfer is completed and when the time taken for the image data transfer is less than a predetermined time (20 minutes), the CPU 1 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment. When the time required for the image data transfer exceeds a predetermined time (20 minutes), the CPU 1 displays “There is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the data transfer. If you do not mind, please press the offline button or start button, if you want to stay online, press the online button or clear button.If there is no input, it will automatically go offline after 10 seconds. Is displayed.

  When detecting that the online button 28 or the clear button 29 of the operation unit 8 is pressed, the CPU 1 resets the elapsed time to 0 and waits for the completion of the image data transfer again. When the pressing of the offline button 27 or the clear button 29 of the operation unit 8 is detected, or when there is no input, the CPU 1 makes a transition to offline.

  In addition, about the said predetermined time, it is good also as selecting the desired method among the method memorize | stored in the memory 2 previously as mentioned above, and the method arbitrarily set from the operation part 8 by a user. Further, the predetermined time is a certain time from the start of image data transfer to the PC by the external interface 6 as described above until the current time, or a certain time from online until the current time, or It may be any fixed time from the last transfer of image data to the PC by the external interface 6 until the current time.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, if the transfer is not completed even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the data transfer from the image forming apparatus to the PC, a warning that the switch is automatically made offline is generated. If the user does not agree with the warning or does not perform any operation, the system automatically goes offline (releases resources), so the trouble of the next user who uses the image forming apparatus (image) The trouble of confirming the previous user who used the forming apparatus) can be reduced, and a highly convenient pull scan function can be provided.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when a paper jam occurs during scanning of an original in the image forming apparatus, the paper jam is not cleared even after a predetermined time has elapsed, compared to the first embodiment described above. The case is different in that it automatically goes offline. The other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the above-described first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2), and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As in the second embodiment, this embodiment is an image forming apparatus capable of performing pull scan only when the setting is online and both the scanner unit 9 and transfer are enabled. An example will be described in which when a paper jam occurs, an offline transition is automatically performed under the conditions described later.

  In the present embodiment, the procedure until the scan start command is issued is the first except that the scanner unit 9 and the transfer are both automatically enabled by the pull scan start command from the PC to the image forming apparatus, and the online start is automatically performed. Since this is the same as the embodiment, only the differences will be described.

  It should be noted that the time until automatic transition to offline when a paper jam occurs is such that when a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) or more has elapsed since the time of online transition, the system automatically transitions to offline. It is stored in the memory 2 of the image forming apparatus (the predetermined time cannot be changed).

  When the error detection unit 11 detects that a paper jam has occurred during scanning of a document in the image forming apparatus and notifies the CPU 1, the CPU 1 uses the time measurement unit 5 to make the setting online until the present time. Is measured and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (10 minutes) or more has elapsed.

  If it is less than the predetermined time (10 minutes), the CPU 1 displays a warning message “Paper jam has occurred. Please remove” on the panel 24 of the operation unit 8 while maintaining online. The user can continue scanning by clearing the paper jam (the image data causing the paper jam is deleted). If the user passes the predetermined time (10 minutes) or more without releasing the paper jam, or if the user passes the predetermined time (10 minutes) or more when the paper jam occurs, the CPU 1 displays the panel 24 of the operation unit 8. Displays a message that says "I'll go offline because a paper jam has occurred" and shift to offline (all scanned image data is deleted).

  In addition, about the said predetermined time, it is good also as selecting the desired method among the method memorize | stored in the memory 2 previously as mentioned above, and the method arbitrarily set from the operation part 8 by a user. In addition, the predetermined time is either a fixed time from online to the current time as described above, or a fixed time from the last transfer of image data to the PC by the external interface 6 to the current time. But you can.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a paper jam occurs during scanning of an original in the image forming apparatus, if the paper jam is not cleared even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the apparatus automatically goes offline. (Release resources), so it is possible to reduce the trouble of the next user who uses the image forming apparatus (the trouble of confirming with the previous user who used the image forming apparatus), and a highly convenient pull scan function Can be provided.

[Other embodiments]
In the first to fourth embodiments, the case where the image forming apparatus has the plurality of functions (pull scan function, copy function, box function (box scan, box print), FAX function, etc.) is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image forming apparatus can have a pull scan function and any other function.

  The present invention supplies a software program (flowcharts in FIGS. 3 to 5) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments to a computer or CPU, and the computer or CPU reads and executes the supplied program. Can be achieved.

  In this case, the program is directly supplied from a storage medium storing the program, or downloaded from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like. Supplied.

  The form of the program may be in the form of object code, program code executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS (operating system), and the like.

  The present invention also supplies a computer or CPU with a storage medium storing a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the computer or CPU reads and executes the program stored in the storage medium. Can also be achieved.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for storing the program code, for example, ROM, RAM, NV-RAM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk (registered trademark), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, MO, CD-R, CD -RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, etc.

  The function of the above-described embodiment is not only by executing the program code read from the computer, but the OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. Can also be realized.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be achieved by downloading a software program that implements the above-described embodiment from a database on a network or a homepage by a communication program, and reading and executing this program.

  The above program can also be supplied by connecting to a homepage on the Internet using a browser of a client computer and downloading the computer program itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function from the homepage to a storage medium such as a hard disk. .

  The above program distributes a storage medium such as a CD-ROM stored after encrypting the program code to the user, and provides a key for decrypting the encryption from the homepage via the Internet to the user who has cleared a predetermined condition. It can also be provided by downloading the information and using the key information to execute the encrypted program code and install it on the computer.

  The functions of the embodiments described above can also be realized by dividing the program code into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different home page. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer also constitutes the present invention.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiment are obtained by writing a program read from a storage medium into a function expansion board inserted in a computer or a memory provided in a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and It can also be realized by the CPU or MPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit executing part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing overall processing including a scan phase of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a transfer phase of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a scanner unit of the image forming apparatus and a process for switching between transfer enable and disable. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing times of document scanning and transfer in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating whether functions other than the pull scan function of the image forming apparatus can be used in each state during scanning (scanning, transferring, transferring, and transfer completed).

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU (corresponding to reading judgment means, communication judgment means, control means, first switching means, second switching means, third switching means)
2 Memory (compatible with memory)
5 Time measuring unit (corresponding to time measuring means)
6 External interface (corresponding to communication means)
9 Scanner section (corresponding to reading means)
10 Transfer end determination unit 11 Error detection unit (corresponding to detection means)

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus comprising a reading unit for reading a document and a communication unit for communicating with an external device, and having a remote reading function for transferring read data of the document to the external device based on a command from the external device,
A reading determination means for determining whether the reading means is usable in each function including the remote reading function or in an unusable state in functions other than the remote reading function;
Communication determining means for determining whether the communication means is in a communicable state in each function or in a state in which communication is not possible in the other function;
When the reading unit is in the usable state and the communication unit is in the communicable state, when the command is received from the external device, the reading unit is disabled and the communication unit is not in communication. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that sets the communication unit in a usable state, sets the reading unit in the usable state after reading is completed, and sets the communication unit in the communication enabled state after transfer is completed. Time measuring means for measuring the time from a certain time to the current time;
A first switching unit that switches an online state in which both the reading unit and the communication unit are secured to an offline state in which both the reading unit and the communication unit are opened when a predetermined time has elapsed due to the measurement of the time measuring unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   2. A second switching unit that switches the online state to the offline state when reading data transfer to the external device is not completed even after a predetermined time has elapsed by measurement of the time measuring unit. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. Detecting means for detecting a paper jam in the image forming apparatus;
In a state where a paper jam is detected by the paper jam detection unit, a third switching unit that switches the online state to the offline state if the paper jam is not released even after a lapse of a predetermined time by the measurement of the time measurement unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein either one of a method for arbitrarily setting the predetermined time and a method for storing the predetermined time in advance can be selected.   5. The image formation according to claim 2, wherein the certain time is a certain time from when the read data is last transferred to the external device by the communication unit to the current time. apparatus.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the certain time is a certain time from the on-line state to the current time.   5. A warning for switching to the offline state is generated, and when an operation for agreeing to the warning is not performed or when no operation is performed, switching to the offline state is performed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.   The function other than the remote reading function is selected from the group including a function of copying the read data onto a sheet, a function of saving the read data in a box area of the memory, and a function of printing the data stored in the box area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   An image forming system comprising: the image forming apparatus according to claim 1; and an external device that communicates with the image forming apparatus via a network. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a reading unit that reads a document; and a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and having a remote reading function that transfers read data of the document to the external device based on a command from the external device. ,
When the image forming apparatus receives a command from the external device when the reading unit is usable in each function including the remote reading function and the communication unit is communicable in each function, The reading unit is disabled in a function other than the remote reading function, the communication unit is disabled in the other function, and the reading unit is enabled after the reading is completed. A control method comprising: setting the communication unit in the communicable state after completion. A computer control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a reading unit that reads a document; and a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and having a remote reading function that transfers read data of the document to the external device based on a command from the external device. A program to be executed,
A reading determination module for determining whether the reading unit is usable in each function including the remote reading function or in an unusable state in functions other than the remote reading function;
A communication determination module for determining whether the communication means is in a communicable state in each of the functions or in a state incapable of communication in the other function;
When the image forming apparatus receives a command from the external device when the reading unit is in the usable state and the communication unit is in the communicable state, the reading unit is set to the unusable state and the communication And a control module that sets the communication unit to the communication disabled state, sets the reading unit to the usable state after reading is completed, and sets the communication unit to the communication enabled state after transfer is completed.

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