JP2006033087A - Image processing apparatus and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus at a low cost that does not place a limit on other operations during an image transfer operation even when a built-in storage means has only a small capacity and to provide a method thereof. <P>SOLUTION: A read device 101 reads an image of an original and stores obtained image data to a built-in RAM 111. A data conversion section 104 encodes the image data to produce encoded data and stores the encoded data to the RAM 111 when no removable extension memory 201 is loaded to the image processing apparatus. When the extension memory 201 is loaded, the encoded data are stored in the extension memory 201 to reserve free areas of the RAM 111. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus and method for converting image data obtained by reading a document image using an internal memory and then transferring the converted image data to an external apparatus.

  With the development of image processing technology and data communication technology, composite devices that have composite functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, an image transfer function, and a communication function and are connected to a network and a communication line have become widespread.

In general, when original image data is acquired by a scanner function using an image reading device such as a CCD or CIS, the acquired image data has an enormous amount of data depending on the reading resolution. Therefore, in the conventional composite device, the above functions are realized by providing a large-capacity memory such as a hard disk capable of sufficiently storing the read document image data in the device. For example, an image reading apparatus that temporarily stores an image input from an image input unit such as a line image sensor in a buffer memory, encodes it, and stores it in a storage device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-189093

  The conventional composite apparatus has a problem that the cost for realizing the function is high because the apparatus has a large-capacity hard disk on the order of gigabytes. In addition, the control does not naturally correspond to the realization of the function with the memory saving, and the cost increase is unavoidable when developing the multifunctional multifunction peripheral.

  The present invention solves the above-described problem, and provides a low-cost image processing apparatus and method that does not restrict other operations during an image transfer operation even if a built-in storage unit has a small capacity. The purpose is to provide.

  Specifically, the image processing apparatus includes the first storage unit and the second storage unit is detachable. When the second storage unit is mounted, the encoded data is stored in the first storage unit. The image transfer operation is executed without restricting the image reading operation by storing in the second storage unit without storing in the first storage unit and securing the usable capacity of the first storage unit.

  Further, when the second storage means is mounted, the image transfer operation is performed without restricting the recording operation by storing the recording data in the first storage means during the data transfer operation to the external device. Execute.

  In addition, by dynamically controlling the mapping of the built-in memory, the image data transfer function can be realized in a memory-saving manner without significantly restricting the operation.

  The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

  That is, an image processing apparatus having a first storage unit and a second storage unit detachable, which reads an original image, generates image data, and stores the image data in the first storage unit Means, encoding means for encoding image data stored in the first storage means to generate encoded data, and if the second storage means is not attached, the encoded data is Storage control means for storing in the first storage means and controlling the encoded data to be stored in the second storage means when the second storage means is mounted. Features.

  Further, a recording data is generated based on the image data and is recorded in the first storage means, and a visible image is recorded on the recording paper based on the recording data stored in the first storage means. Image recording means for recording the image data, and transfer means for transferring the encoded data stored in the first storage means or the second storage means to an external device, and the storage control means When the transfer operation is being performed by the transfer means, the recording data is controlled to be stored in the first storage means only when the second storage means is mounted.

  An image processing apparatus having a built-in memory, which reads an original image to generate image data, stores the image data in the memory, generates recording data based on the image data, and stores the recording data in the memory Recording data generating means, image recording means for recording a visible image on a recording sheet based on the recording data, encoding means for encoding the image data stored in the memory to generate encoded data, Transfer means for transferring the encoded data to an external device; and memory control means for controlling allocation of an area of data stored in the memory, wherein the memory control means is performing a transfer operation by the transfer means. If present, the area for the recording data in the memory is reduced.

  According to the present invention, when the second storage unit is mounted, the first storage unit is stored by storing the encoded data in the second storage unit without storing the encoded data in the first storage unit. Does not reduce the usable capacity of Therefore, the image transfer operation can be executed without restricting the image reading operation.

  Further, when the second storage means is mounted, the image transfer operation is performed without restricting the recording operation by storing the recording data in the first storage means during the data transfer operation to the external device. Can be executed.

  In addition, by dynamically controlling the mapping of the built-in memory, the image data transfer function can be realized with a small amount of memory without any significant operation restrictions.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First embodiment]
<Device configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a reading device that reads an original, and is constituted by, for example, a CCD or a CIS. An analog front end (hereinafter referred to as AFE) device 102 converts analog image data read by the reading device 101 into multi-bit digital data. A read data processing unit 103 controls the timing of the connected reading device 101 and AFE 102 and performs reading-system image processing on the read document image data. Image processing performed by the read data processing unit 103 includes shading correction processing that performs white-side data correction and black-side data correction on the read image data, masking processing that corrects color space data appropriate for subsequent processing, and gamma correction. Processing, resolution conversion processing to match the resolution of the output image, and the like.

  A data conversion unit 104 converts image data output from the read data processing unit 103 during an image transfer operation, and performs compression / decompression processing, image area separation processing, format conversion processing to transfer image data, and the like. The compression / decompression method used in the data conversion unit 104 is a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method that is often used for color image data, and a JBIG (Joint Bi-lebel Image Group) that is used for binary image data. An appropriate method is selected and executed according to the data format of the area identified by the image area separation process in the data conversion unit 104. Note that the encoding method in the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described encoding method, and may be another encoding method that realizes a high compression rate. The data conversion unit 104 also decodes the code data of each area in the document encoded by each of the above-described encoding methods, converts the data into an image data format that is finally required during the image transfer operation, and outputs the image data format. The final image data format may be bitmap format, TIFF format, JPEG format, PDF format, etc., but this embodiment does not depend on these image data formats, and is a data format suitable for image transfer operation. Is what is used.

  A recording data processing unit 105 performs data processing during a copy operation or a print operation from an externally connected device such as a PC connected via a network or the like. Examples of data processing in the recording data processing unit 105 include N-value conversion processing using an error diffusion method or a dither method. A recording device 106 performs actual image recording, and is configured as an electrophotographic recording engine (laser beam printer, hereinafter referred to as LBP) or an inkjet recording engine (inkjet printer).

  Reference numeral 107 denotes a DMAC, which transfers processing data among the read data processing unit 103, the data conversion unit 104, the recording data processing unit 105, and the recording device 106 according to the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral. Note that FIG. 1 does not show the data path of the DMAC 107, but has a plurality of channels that only perform transfer between the processing units.

  Reference numeral 111 denotes a main memory (RAM) of the multi-function peripheral, which includes DRAM, SDRAM, SDR, and DDR. Although the control becomes easier as the capacity of the RAM 111 is larger, in order to explain the memory saving configuration that is a feature of the present invention, it is assumed here that the capacity is a small capacity of 128 megabytes (MB).

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a CPU that controls the entire multifunction peripheral, and operates according to a program downloaded to the program area of the RAM 111. Reference numeral 113 denotes a ROM that stores the operation of the CPU 112. The contents of the ROM are read out when the MFP is turned on, and transferred to the program area of the RAM 111 via the connected DMAC 114.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes an operation unit for selecting an operation mode and a function of the multifunction device, and 116 denotes a display unit for displaying the operation mode of the multifunction device, which includes an LCD or the like. 117 is a communication line, and 118 is a communication line control unit, which controls data transmission / reception by facsimile. Reference numeral 119 denotes a network line, and 120 denotes a network control unit. The image data converted by the data conversion unit 104 is transferred in the image transfer operation mode, and various network data transfer is performed. 121 is a DMAC connected to the communication line control unit 118 and the network control unit 120.

  Reference numerals 108 and 109 denote buses to which data of processing units connected thereto are transferred, and transfer to the RAM 111 is performed via a memory controller 110 (hereinafter referred to as MEMC). An extended memory interface (I / F) unit 123 performs USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F control, for example. The handling of image data using a USB port is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-17855. According to the publication, the utility of the bulk transfer mode and the isochronous transfer mode is described as an operation mode for handling image data, but the data transfer of the present invention is not limited to the USB port, and the high speed Any I / F part that can be transferred is acceptable. Reference numeral 122 denotes a DMAC connected to the extended memory I / F unit 123.

<Memory control>
Hereinafter, the memory control in this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of mapping of the RAM 111 when an image transfer operation is not performed in the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment, that is, during a copy operation or a scanner operation. In the copying operation, both the reading control memory for storing the read image data and the recording control memory for storing the output image data obtained by performing the recording process on the read image data are required. The necessary capacity is secured above each. Note that the device control F / W area in FIG. 3A is an area in which the operation program of the CPU 112 is held, and in this embodiment, 30 MB is allocated out of the total capacity of 128 MB of the RAM 111. In addition, the reading control memory does not allocate a capacity capable of storing all of the image data to be read, but generates print data while executing reading, and controls a memory area of a predetermined area as a ring buffer. In this embodiment, 20 MB is allocated to the reading control memory.

Memory control during copy operation The following describes the data flow of image data and memory control during a copy operation.

  Document image data read by the reading device 101 is digitally converted by the AFE 102 and input to the read data processing unit 103. In order not to interrupt the reading operation of the reading device 101, the image data input to the read data processing unit 103 is first stored in the RAM 111 via the DMAC 107, the bus 108, and the MEMC 110. As the reading operation control in this case, the read image data for a predetermined capacity is stored in the ring buffer 0 shown in FIG. 3A, and the next read data is stored in the ring buffer 1. The read data is stored in the ring buffer 0 next after the read data is stored up to the last ring buffer 19. Accordingly, the image data stored in the ring buffer 0 is controlled so that the processing by the read data processing unit 103 and the recording data processing unit 105 is completed before the read data is stored in the ring buffer 19. That is, the reading operation control in the present embodiment is realized by a cooperative operation including the DMAC 107, the MEMC 110, and the RAM 111. Specifically, the image data stored in the ring buffer 0 area of the RAM 111 is transferred to the read data processing unit 103 via the MEMC 110, the bus 108, and the DMAC 107. The transferred image data is subjected to shading correction processing, masking processing, gamma correction processing, and resolution conversion processing by the read data processing unit 103. The output data of the read data processing unit 103 is transferred to the recording data processing unit 105 via the DMAC 107. The recording data processing unit 105 performs, for example, error diffusion processing on the input image data and performs N-value processing. The N-valued image data is transferred again to the RAM 111 via the DMAC 107, the bus 108, and the MEMC 110, and sequentially stored in the general-purpose memory area (recording control memory) shown in FIG. 3A.

  Here, the general-purpose memory capacity is 78MB, which is the total capacity of RAM111, minus 128MB of device control F / W capacity and 20MB of read control memory, but this is not allotted as recording control memory. The minimum memory capacity required to operate as a multifunction machine, for example, the capacity excluding the facsimile received document storage (for α in FIG. 3A). Since the capacity of the facsimile reception document is relatively small, about 6 MB is allocated as α in FIG. 3A. Therefore, it is assumed that the remaining 72 MB is allocated as the processing result data capacity of the recording data processing unit 105. Since the output data from the recording data processing unit 105 is N-valued, it has a smaller capacity than the read data, so if there is a capacity of 72 MB, 4 colors, output resolution 600 dpi, 2 bits for each pixel and each color It is possible to store one A3 size image data consisting of

  Needless to say, the capacity of each area in the memory is not limited to the numerical values in this example.

  The image data stored on the recording control memory of the RAM 111 is transferred to the recording device 106 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is the time when output image data for one page is stored in the case of an LBP engine. In the case of an inkjet engine, the output image data for printing in one carriage printing operation is stored in the RAM 111. Will be stored in

  As described above, at the time of the copy operation of the present embodiment, the copy operation is controlled within 128 MB of memory capacity without limiting the operation as a multifunction peripheral such as factory reception.

Memory control during image transfer operation Next, memory control during image transfer operation will be described.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a mapping example of the RAM 111 during the image transfer operation in the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, since the reading device 101 is used during the image transfer operation, the copying operation using the reading device 101 cannot be executed at the same time. Therefore, at the time of the image transfer operation of the present embodiment, the RAM 111 is controlled by restricting a print operation from an external device such as a PC connected via a network or the like that performs the same image recording process as the copy operation. The above recording control memory is used for an image transfer operation.

  Hereinafter, the image transfer operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail, including the specific operation in the data conversion unit 104 that performs data conversion processing for image transfer. The processing until the data read by the reading device 101 is stored in the RAM 111 is the same as the above-described copying operation, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The image data stored in the RAM 111 is transferred to the data conversion unit 104 via the MEMC 110, the bus 108, and the DMAC 107. The data conversion unit 104 performs an encoding process on the transfer data. For example, if the input data is color image data, JPEG encoding processing is performed. The generated code data is transferred again to the RAM 111 via the DMAC 107, the bus 108, and the MEMC 110. At this time, the code data is stored in a data conversion unit memory area in the RAM 111. This is an area allocated as a recording control memory during a copy operation as shown in FIG. 3A.

  The data conversion unit 104 repeatedly executes the encoding process until encoding of all read document image data is completed. In order to reduce the total amount of data to be transferred, the reading resolution during the image transfer operation is generally lower than that during the copy operation, and there is no problem if it is about 300 dpi.

  Here, since the reading control memory of the reading device 101 and the RAM 111 can be used when the encoding process for all the image data of the read original is completed, the scanner operation can be performed even when the transfer image data is generated. I understand that there is. In other words, before the start of the image transfer operation, it is possible to send scan data to an external device such as a PC connected via a network or the like, which significantly restricts the operation as a multifunction device. There is nothing. Further, since the memory capacity (α) for storing the received facsimile image is secured, it is possible to simultaneously perform the receiving operation.

  In this manner, by utilizing the memory area allocated for recording control in the RAM 111 for data conversion, image data can be transferred without limiting the scanner operation or the facsimile reception operation.

  At the time of image transfer, if the transfer image data format is the same as the encoding method stored in the RAM 111 (JPEG code in this embodiment), the image data stored in the RAM 111 is transferred as it is to the transmission destination. Specifically, if the data is transferred to an external device connected to the network, the data is transferred via the MEMC 110, the bus 109, the DMAC 121, and the network control unit 120. On the other hand, if the transfer image data format is different from the encoding method stored in the RAM 111, the data conversion unit 104 receives the code data stored in the RAM 111 via the MEMC 110, the bus 108, and the DMAC 107, and converts them into an image transfer format. For this purpose, the decoding process is performed once for each page, and the decoded image data is developed in a free area of the RAM 111. Next, the data conversion unit 104 converts the developed image data into image data corresponding to the transfer image format. As a format after conversion, a bitmap format or a TIFF format can be considered, but here, the transfer image data format is assumed to be capable of holding a plurality of image data hierarchies.

  The data conversion unit 104 performs image area separation processing on the developed image data, and performs attribute discrimination such as a character area and a photograph area. Next, the data conversion unit 104 performs compression processing using an appropriate encoding method based on the attribute determination result. For example, a JPEG encoding process or an MMR encoding process is performed after a JPEG encoding process for a photo area and a binarization process for a character area. By performing image area separation in this way and applying an appropriate encoding method to each attribute discrimination result, the total transfer data amount can be reduced while maintaining the image quality of the final transfer image. When the encoding process for all regions is completed, the data conversion unit 104 combines the encoded data as hierarchical data to generate transfer image data.

  The generated transfer image data is once stored in the RAM 111 again via the DMAC 107, the bus 108, and the MEMC 110, and then transferred via the bus 109 and the DMAC 121. For example, when transferring to an external device such as a PC connected to the network, the transfer image data is transferred after the network control unit 120 performs network connection control.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image data transfer function can be realized with a memory saving. More specifically, by dynamically switching the mapping of the main memory in accordance with the operation mode, the image data is not limited to other operations as a multifunction peripheral, that is, the operation restriction is limited to only the print operation. The transfer function can be realized.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 2, the difference from the block diagram of FIG. 1 shown in the first embodiment described above is only that the expansion memory 201 is connected to the expansion memory I / F unit 123, and the others are the same as FIG. The processing units having the above functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. It is assumed that the capacity of the expansion memory 201 is smaller than that of the RAM 111. Further, the mapping of the RAM 111 at the time of the copy operation in the second embodiment is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 3A in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

<Memory control>
Hereinafter, the image transfer operation in the second embodiment will be described in detail. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating mapping examples of the RAM 111 and the expansion memory 201 at the time of image transfer operation in the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment. According to FIG. 4A, the RAM 111 which is the main memory has a device control F / W area, a reading control memory area, a data converter memory area used by the data converter 104 during image development, and a general-purpose memory area excluding recording control. Indicates that it will be mapped. Further, according to FIG. 4B, the extended memory 201 indicates that the code data read by the reading device 101 and encoded by the data conversion unit 104 is stored for each document and each page.

Memory Control during Image Transfer Hereinafter, the image transfer operation of the second embodiment will be described in detail using the flowchart of FIG.

  When the user operates the display menu on the operation unit 115 and the display unit 116 to set an operation mode related to image transfer (S101) and activates the image transfer process (S102), the MFP according to the second embodiment displays an image. Start the transfer process. Examples of the contents set by the user include a transfer document attribute, a transfer file size, and a transfer destination address. More specifically, the transfer document attribute is an attribute type such as photo, character, character / photo, and the transfer file size may be a high compression rate or a low compression rate, and a detailed file size is designated. You may do it. The transfer destination address is a transfer destination folder or e-mail address if the transfer is made via a network, and is a transfer destination line number in the case of facsimile communication.

  When the image transfer process is started, the multifunction peripheral reads the original image data by the reading device 101 and the AFE 102, and transfers the read image data to the RAM 111 via the read data processing unit 103, the DMAC 107, the bus 108, and the MEMC 110 (S103). . Next, at a predetermined timing, the data conversion unit 104 compresses the read image data from the RAM 111 (S104). Here, as a compression method of the image data, for example, a JPEG encoding method is used. The encoded image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 111 via the DMAC 107, the bus 108, and the MEMC 110, and then stored in the expansion memory 201 via the bus 109, the DMAC 122, and the expansion memory I / F unit 123 (S105). The data conversion unit 104 repeatedly performs the processing of steps S103 to S105 for all the document image data set by the user until the encoded data is stored in the extended memory 201 (S106).

  In the second embodiment, since all the encoded data of the document image data set by the user is stored in the extended memory 201 at this time, all the areas of the RAM 111 can be used. Therefore, it can be seen that there is no restriction on the copy operation as in the first embodiment.

  At this time, for example, when another user gives a copy operation instruction (S107), the multi-function peripheral of the second embodiment performs the instructed operation, that is, the copy operation, and repeats until this is completed (S108, S109). On the other hand, if there is no separate operation instruction at the end of the transfer image data encoding process (S107), the multi-function device starts the transfer image data creation process using the area of the RAM 111. As described above, in the MFP according to the second embodiment, when there is an operation request other than image transfer, the requested operation is preferentially processed.

  Next, the composite apparatus generates the transfer image data by performing the decoding of the compressed data (S110), the image area separation of the original image data, the image data conversion process (S111), and the storage of the converted data (S112). Since the flow of image data in this case is the same as that in the first embodiment described above, description thereof is omitted here.

  When the generation of the transfer image data is completed (S113), the CPU 112 issues an instruction to start the image data transfer process. Specifically, when the transfer destination is an external device such as a PC connected to the network, the network control unit 120 performs network connection to the address specified by the user and transfer image data control, Transfer (S114, S115). Then, until the transfer of all the image data is completed, the data transfer is performed while maintaining the connection with the transfer destination (S116).

As described above, the example of transferring the document image based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 has been described. However, in the second embodiment, even when another document is set during the transfer of the first document, This can be handled appropriately. Hereinafter, transfer processing of a plurality of documents in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6A and 6B. In FIG. 6A, steps that perform the same processing as in FIG. 5 are given the same step numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted. That is, after the transfer of the image data is completed in step S116, processing of the next original, that is, multi-original processing is started in step S201.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6A, after the transfer of the first document image is completed (S116), multiple document processing is started (S201). FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing a plurality of document processing. When processing for the next document is set (S217), the multifunction peripheral confirms the set operation content (S218). If the setting operation is an operation other than image transfer, such as a copy operation, the MFP resets the image transfer operation settings (transfer document attributes, transfer file size, transfer destination address, etc.) that have been set so far, A new setting operation (such as a copy operation) is started (S220). Then, the setting operation is repeated until all the document image data is completed (S221), and when it is completed, it is confirmed again whether or not the next document is set (S217). If the next original is not set, the process is terminated.

  In step S218, when the image transfer operation is continuously instructed for the newly set document, generation of transfer image data is started. At this time, if the settings related to the image transfer operation have been reset (S219), the process returns to step S101 to perform the resetting. If not reset, the process proceeds directly to step S102 to transfer the transferred image with the same setting as the previous time. Generate data. Specifically, transfer image data generation and image transfer operations are performed without changing the set transfer document attribute, transfer file size designation, and transfer destination address.

  FIG. 8 shows an operation panel configuration of the device of the present invention in the second embodiment. That is, this operation panel constitutes the operation unit 115 and the display unit 116.

  In FIG. 8A, 801 is an operation panel, 802 is a display panel composed of an LCD, 803 is a numeric keypad for instructing the number of copies, 804 is a reset key for resetting the settings of the entire apparatus, and 805 is an operation start instruction for the apparatus. A start key 806 is used, and a stop key 806 is used to give an instruction to end the operation of the apparatus. Reference numeral 807 denotes a menu key to be pressed when displaying the function of the apparatus, reference numerals 808 and 809 denote setting keys for changing the setting of the display panel 802, and reference numeral 810 denotes a tally lamp configured by an LED or the like for informing the operation state of the apparatus.

  The setting reset of the image transfer operation is recognized by pressing one of the clear key, the reset key 804, and the stop key 806 in the numeric keypad 803 in FIG. 8A, for example. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, a continuous image transfer mode key 811 may be provided on the operation panel 801 so as to be recognized by hardware. Reference numeral 812 denotes a lamp composed of an LED or the like, which indicates that the continuous image transfer mode key 811 is pressed. In any case, when a setting change instruction is given during continuous image transfer, it waits for a new image transfer mode (transfer original attribute, transfer file size, transfer destination address, etc.) to be set.

  Needless to say, the continuous image transfer operation of a plurality of originals is not limited to the second embodiment, but also applies to the first embodiment.

● Recovery process when an image transfer error occurs In the second embodiment, if an error occurs during image transfer, a recovery process corresponding to this error is performed. Hereinafter, the recovery process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7A and 7B. In FIG. 7A, steps that perform the same processing as in FIG. 5 are given the same step numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted. That is, after the transfer of the image data is completed in step S116 in FIG. 7A, post-transfer processing in step S301 is started, and the transfer result is checked.

  FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing post-transfer processing. In step S317, when the transfer of the generated transfer image data to the transfer destination address designated by the user has been normally completed via the communication line control unit 118 or the network control unit 120, the MFP stores the data in the RAM 111. The transfer image data is cleared (S318), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the transfer image data cannot be transferred to the transfer destination address specified by the user, or if a transfer error occurs due to a transfer destination address that does not exist by the user, the multifunction device stores it in the RAM 111. The transferred image data is backed up (S319). Specifically, the transfer image data in the RAM 111 is stored in the connected extended memory 201 via the MEMC 110, the bus 109, the DMAC 122, and the extended memory I / F unit 123. In this way, by storing the transfer image data set by the user in the extended memory 201 only when an error occurs, the recording control memory of the RAM 111 can be released. Accordingly, since no transfer image data remains in the RAM 111, other operations (such as a copy operation) as a multifunction peripheral can be performed without restriction. The format of the transfer image data when stored in the expansion memory 201 may be stored in the RAM 111 or may be compressed. Further, when stored in the extended memory 201, a header for error management is added to enable later control.

  When the backup of the transfer image data is completed, the multifunction peripheral notifies the user that a transfer error has occurred (S320). Specifically, if a user is registered in advance in the multifunction device, an email message indicating that an error has occurred is sent to the user. If the user registration has not been made, it indicates that a transfer error has occurred by turning on the tally lamp 810 of the operation panel 801 shown in FIG. 8A or FIG. 8B as an error or displaying an error on the display panel 802. The user is notified and the process ends.

  The transfer data stored in the extended memory 201 is managed in a format that can be confirmed by the user after the error notification, and the user can grasp the contents as necessary. 9A and 9B show display examples on the display panel 802 when a transfer image error occurs. In the figure, “ErrorNo” is the error count number, “FileID” is the file ID indicated as the date and time when the transfer error occurred, “Address” is the transfer destination address specified by the user, and “FileSize” is the file size of the transfer image data , “ErrorID” indicates an error attribute. The error attribute is not limited to the description such as “10” or “11” in the figure, and may be a specific code that can be identified in the multifunction peripheral. Similarly, the error count number and file ID may be any code that can identify each file.

  By managing the transfer data in error in this way, the user can check the content of the error on the display panel of the device. Further, based on this management code, the error occurrence status can be displayed on the start menu of the transfer image operation. For example, if there is an error in the contents of the transfer address, image transfer can be performed without regenerating the transfer image data by starting the transfer operation after rewriting the address. As a specific data flow in this case, transfer image data of a specified error count number in the extended memory 201 is transferred to the RAM 111 via the extended memory I / F unit 123, the DMAC 122, the bus 109, and the MEMC 110. . At this time, if the transfer image data has been compressed, the decoding process is performed on the RAM 111. When the image transfer becomes possible, the transfer image data is transferred to the designated transfer destination address via the MEMC 110, the bus 109, the DMAC 121, the communication line control unit 118, or the network control unit 120. If the transfer ends normally, the transfer image data transferred to the RAM 111 is cleared. If an error occurs again, the transfer data backup in step S319 and the error notification process in step S320 are performed.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to secure more usable areas in the RAM 111 by connecting the expansion memory 201 and storing transfer data. Therefore, even during the data transfer operation to the external device, the copy operation in the device can be executed without stopping. That is, the image transfer function can be realized without restricting other operations as a multifunction peripheral.

[Third embodiment]
The third embodiment according to the present invention will be described below.

  The third embodiment is characterized in that the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above are realized at the same time. That is, in the second embodiment, the extended memory 201 shown in FIG. 2 can be attached to and detached from the extended memory I / F unit 123, and when the extended memory 201 is not attached as shown in FIG. When the embodiment is mounted as shown in FIG. 2, the second embodiment is controlled to be executed.

  Specifically, when the extended memory 201 is not installed, the encoded data is stored in the RAM 111, but when the extended memory 201 is installed, the encoded data is stored in the extended memory 201 instead of the RAM 111. By doing so, the usable capacity of the RAM 111 as the main memory can be secured.

  Also, during the image data transfer operation, if the extended memory 201 is not installed, control is performed so that the recording image data output from the recording data processing unit 105 is not stored in the general-purpose memory area of the RAM 111. . That is, the copy operation and the print operation are restricted during image transfer. On the other hand, when the expansion memory 201 is installed, control is performed so that image data for recording can be stored in the general-purpose memory area of the RAM 111. That is, the copying operation and the printing operation can be executed even during the image transfer, and the function as a multifunction peripheral is not limited at all.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the memory can be effectively utilized more flexibly by performing the memory control according to the mounting state of the expansion memory 201.

[Other embodiments]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a camera, a printer, etc.) or an apparatus composed of a single device (for example, a multifunction device). May be.

  Also, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) on which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. 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. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU of the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a mapping of the main memory at the time of copy operation. It is a figure which shows the example of a mapping of the main memory at the time of image transfer operation | movement. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of main memory mapping in the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of mapping of an extended memory. 10 is a flowchart showing an image transfer operation in the second embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image transfer operation for a plurality of originals. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image transfer operation for a plurality of originals. 5 is a flowchart showing a recovery operation when a transfer error occurs. 5 is a flowchart showing a recovery operation when a transfer error occurs. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the transfer image data at the time of transfer error generation | occurrence | production. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the transfer image data at the time of transfer error generation | occurrence | production. It is.

Claims (15)

An image processing apparatus having a built-in first storage means and a removable second storage means,
Image reading means for reading a document image to generate image data and storing the image data in the first storage means;
Encoding means for encoding image data stored in the first storage means to generate encoded data;
When the second storage means is not attached, the encoded data is stored in the first storage means, and when the second storage means is attached, the encoded data is stored in the first storage means. Storage control means for controlling to store in two storage means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A recording data generating unit that generates recording data based on the image data and stores the recording data in the first storage unit;
Image recording means for recording a visible image on recording paper based on the recording data stored in the first storage means;
Transfer means for transferring the encoded data stored in the first storage means or the second storage means to an external device;
The storage control means performs control so as to store the recording data in the first storage means only when the second storage means is mounted, if the transfer operation is being performed by the transfer means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising receiving means for receiving image data from an external apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit has a smaller capacity than the first storage unit.
Furthermore, it has an operation request means for making an operation request among a plurality of predetermined operations including a transfer operation by the transfer means,
The operation according to the operation request is preferentially executed if there is an operation request other than the transfer operation by the operation request unit during the transfer operation by the transfer unit. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of operations include a copying operation.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reading unit, the encoding unit, and the transfer unit are capable of sequentially processing a plurality of documents.   The image according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the transfer unit stores the encoded data in the second storage unit when an abnormality occurs in the transfer of the encoded data. Processing equipment. An image processing apparatus with a built-in memory,
Image reading means for reading a document image to generate image data and storing it in the memory;
Recording data generating means for generating recording data based on the image data and storing it in the memory;
Image recording means for recording a visible image on recording paper based on the recording data;
Encoding means for generating encoded data by encoding image data stored in the memory;
Transfer means for transferring the encoded data to an external device;
Memory control means for controlling area allocation of data stored in the memory,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory control unit reduces an area for the recording data in the memory when the transfer unit is performing a transfer operation.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the encoding unit performs encoding according to an attribute of image data. An image processing method in an image processing apparatus incorporating a first storage means and detachably attaching a second storage means,
An image reading step of reading a document image to generate image data and storing the image data in the first storage unit;
An encoding step of generating encoded data by encoding the image data stored in the first storage means;
A first code storage step of storing the encoded data in the first storage means when the second storage means is not mounted;
A second code storage step of storing the encoded data in the second storage means when the second storage means is mounted;
An image processing method comprising: Further, a recording data generation step for generating recording data based on the image data and storing the recording data in the first storage means;
An image recording step of recording a visible image on a recording sheet based on the recording data stored in the first storage means;
A transfer step of transferring the encoded data stored in the first storage unit or the second storage unit to an external device;
In the recording data generation step, if the transfer step is being executed, the recording data is stored in the first storage unit only when the second storage unit is attached. The image processing method according to claim 11. An image processing method in an image processing apparatus incorporating a memory,
An image reading step of reading a document image to generate image data and storing it in the memory;
Generating recording data based on the image data and storing the data in the memory; and
An image recording step of recording a visible image on a recording sheet based on the recording data;
An encoding step of encoding image data stored in the memory to generate encoded data;
A transfer step of transferring the encoded data to an external device,
If the transfer step is being executed, an area for the recording data in the memory is reduced.   11. A program that causes an information processing apparatus to operate as the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 by controlling the information processing apparatus.   15. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 14 is recorded.

Images