JP2006246180A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method capable of appropriately deleting a document when the capacity of a personal box reaches to its upper limit in the case of duplicating the document. <P>SOLUTION: In the case that memory full occurs at the time of executing the duplication of a box storage document, the document list of a duplication origin and a duplication destination requiring deletion so as to secure a management area for making the duplication possible is displayed. For the document list, a using frequency is checked and the list is prepared from the document of the lowest frequency. A user selects and deletes the document from the list, and thus an area just required for the duplication is easily secured. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image input / output system suitable for application to a digital copying machine having a personal box function, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus.

Recently, a personal box function has been proposed in which the hard disk of a digital copying machine is divided into individual areas, image data is temporarily stored in each individual area, and printed when desired.
JP 11-196245 A

  However, when copying a document, the upper limit of the personal box capacity may be reached, making it impossible to perform a copying operation. It is necessary to delete other documents in the personal box to enable duplication, but there was no means to notify the user of how many documents should be deleted, so the user deletes more documents than necessary. There is a possibility that it is necessary to check whether the copying operation is possible each time while deleting the document step by step.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to limit the capacity that can be used as a personal box in a digital copying machine having a personal box function when copying a box-stored document. If it has been reached, the document list of the copy source and copy destination personal boxes that need to be deleted in order to secure a management area that can be copied is displayed. The document list checks the frequency of use of stored documents and creates a list from documents with low frequency. Provided is an image forming apparatus in which a user can easily secure an area necessary for copying by selecting and deleting a document from the list, and can effectively use a limited-capacity personal box. It is.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1
In an image forming apparatus for registering image data in an image storage area assigned to a plurality of users, and performing image formation by reading from the image storage area assigned to each user,
A plurality of users for registering image data in the image storage area;
Capacity acquisition means for acquiring the capacity of the image data stored in the image storage area; replication means for replicating the image data registered by the registration means to another image storage area;
When the usage amount of the image storage area reaches the upper limit by executing the duplication means,
A list creating means for comparing the capacity of image data to be copied with the capacity of a single or a plurality of registered image data, and listing the registered image data having a capacity equal to or larger than the capacity of the image data to be copied; The image forming apparatus includes display means for displaying the created image data list on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, and means for selecting the displayed list and instructing deletion of the image data.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 2
In an image forming apparatus for registering image data in an image storage area assigned to a plurality of users, and performing image formation by reading from the image storage area assigned to each user,
A plurality of users for registering image data in the image storage area;
Capacity acquisition means for acquiring the capacity of the image data stored in the image storage area; replication means for replicating the image data registered by the registration means to another image storage area;
When the usage amount of the image storage area reaches the upper limit by executing the duplication means,
A list creating means for comparing the capacity of image data to be copied with the capacity of single or a plurality of registered image data, and listing the registered image data having a capacity equal to or larger than the capacity of the image data to be copied; Weighting is performed according to the frequency of use of the image data, and the image data list created by the list order creation means, which is a combination of image data with low use frequency but arranged at the top of the list, is created on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. It has a display means for displaying and means for selecting the displayed list and instructing deletion of the image data.

  According to the present invention, when copying the document stored in the personal box, when the capacity of the personal box is reached, it is necessary to delete other documents in the personal box. Without deleting, without deleting the document step by step, it is possible to easily copy by simply selecting the deleted document from the document list displayed on the operation unit, without checking whether copying is possible each time. The management area can be secured, and the personal box having a limited capacity can be used effectively.

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

[Device overview]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.

  A digital copying machine 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a network 101. On the network 101 to which the digital copying machine is connected, a network server 102, a workstation 104, a personal computer 105, or others. The digital copying machine 103 is connected.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, only two digital copying machines are illustrated, but three or more may be used.

  Here, the digital copying machine 110 and the digital copying machine 103 have the same configuration.

  In FIG. 1, the digital copying machine main body 110 can scan an original document, convert the original document into image data, and print it on recording paper (paper). The digital copying machine 110 is connected to a network 101 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and a telephone line 106, and image data sent via the network 101 and the telephone line 106 is received. The processing can be controlled by the controller unit 111 and stored (saved) in the hard disk 113. Further, processing of scanned image data and the like can be controlled by the controller unit 111 and transmitted or stored (saved) via the network 101 or the telephone line 106.

  Here, the digital copying machine 110 includes an operation unit 400, a reader unit 116, and a printer unit 117, which are connected so that image data and the like can communicate with each other via the controller unit 111. The operation unit 400 is used to instruct the digital copying machine 110 to operate. The reader unit 116 is used for reading an image of a document and outputting image data corresponding to the document to the printer unit 117. The printer unit 117 serving as an image output unit is used to record an image corresponding to image data from the reader unit 116 and the controller unit 110 on a recording sheet.

  On the other hand, the facsimile unit 114 decompresses the compressed data received via the telephone line 106, transfers the decompressed image data to the controller unit 111, and compresses the image data transferred from the controller unit 111. Then, the compressed compressed image is transmitted by facsimile via the telephone line 106. The compressed image data received by the facsimile unit 114 can be temporarily stored in the hard disk 113 through the controller unit 111. The external interface unit 112 is an interface between the network 101 and the controller unit 111, and PDL data (Page Description) that is code data representing an image transferred from the workstation 104 or the personal computer 105 connected on the network. (Language data: page description language data) is developed (rasterized) into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 117 and is transferred to the controller unit 111. The controller unit 111 serving as a control unit controls the flow of data among the reader unit 116, the facsimile unit 114, the external interface unit 112, and the hard disk 113, particularly the flow of image data. Therefore, storage of image data and output of image data can be controlled.

  The configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example, and is not limited to the illustrated configuration.

[Overview of copier]
FIG. 2 shows an external view of a digital copying machine as an embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as “DF”), which can automatically feed a plurality of documents one by one and set the front and back surfaces of each document sequentially on a document table. Since the specific configuration is already known, detailed description is omitted. In FIG. 2, a plurality of documents to be read are placed on the DF 200. Documents set on the DF 200 are fed one by one by the DF 200 and placed on the document table 201. Reference numeral 202 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on the document table glass 201. Reference numerals 203, 204, and 205 denote scanning mirrors that are accommodated in an optical scanning unit (not shown) and guide reflected light from the original to the CCD unit 206 while reciprocating. The CCD unit 206 includes an imaging lens 207 that forms an image of reflected light from an original on the CCD, an image sensor 208 that includes a CCD, a CCD driver 209 that drives the image sensor 208, and the like. An image signal output from the image sensor 208 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data and then input to the controller unit 111. Reference numeral 210 denotes a photosensitive drum, which is discharged by a pre-exposure lamp 212 in preparation for image formation. A charger 213 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 210. Reference numeral 214 denotes an exposure unit, which is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser and exposes the photosensitive drum 210 based on image data processed by the controller unit 111 that performs image processing and control of the entire apparatus, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. . A developing unit 215 stores a black developer (toner). A pre-transfer charger 219 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 210 onto a sheet. Reference numerals 220, 222, and 224 denote paper feed units, which are driven by the paper feed rollers 221, 223, and 225 to feed the transfer paper into the apparatus, temporarily stop at the position where the registration rollers 226 are disposed, and the photosensitive drum 210. The timing of writing out the image formed in the above is taken and re-feeded. A transfer charger 227 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 210 to a transfer sheet to be fed. A separation charger 228 separates the transfer sheet after the transfer operation from the photosensitive drum 210. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 210 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 211. A conveyance belt 229 conveys the transfer sheet after the transfer process to the fixing device 230 and is fixed by heat, for example. A flapper 231 switches the transfer path of the transfer sheet after the fixing process, and controls whether the copying is finished and the sheet is discharged to the outside of the apparatus or in the arrangement direction of the intermediate tray 237. Reference numerals 233 to 236 denote feeding rollers which feed the transfer paper once the fixing process is completed to the intermediate tray 237 while being reversed (multiple) or non-reversed (both sides). Reference numeral 238 denotes a refeed roller, which again conveys the transfer paper placed on the intermediate tray 237 to the position where the registration roller 236 is disposed. A staple sorter 232 performs collation of the copied paper and stapling.

  The controller unit 111 includes a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and performs the above-described image forming operation in accordance with an instruction from the operation panel 400.

[Detailed explanation of controller part]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the controller unit 111 in the digital copying machine of the present invention.

  A CPU 301 controls the entire image processing apparatus, and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 303 (ROM) that stores a control procedure (control program) of the apparatus main body. The CPU 301 is connected to each load via the CPU bus 302. Reference numeral 304 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a working storage area, and the like. Reference numeral 305 denotes an I / O interface, which is operated by an operator through key inputs, and displays 400 operation panels using liquid crystal and LEDs, and motors that drive a paper feed system, a transport system, and an optical system. 307, clutches 308, solenoids 309, and paper detection sensors 310 for detecting the transported paper are connected to each load of the apparatus. (Furthermore, the developing device 215 is provided with a toner residual detection sensor 311 for detecting the amount of toner in the developing device, and its output signal is input to the I / O port 305.) 315 is a high-pressure unit. In accordance with instructions from the CPU, a high voltage is output to the aforementioned charger, developer, pre-transfer charger, transfer charger, and separation charger.

  An image processing unit 306 receives an image signal output from the CCD unit 206, performs image processing described later, and outputs a control signal of the laser unit 214 according to the image data. Laser light output from the laser unit 214 irradiates the photosensitive drum 210.

[Overview of operation section]
The operation unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the key arrangement of the operation unit 400.

  The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has a copy function, a facsimile function, and a personal box function, and a user selects a necessary function from the plurality of functions by operating the operation unit 400. can do.

  In FIG. 4, 401 is a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies and other necessary numerical values, and 401-1 is a copy start key for instructing a copy start. A large-sized liquid crystal touch panel 402 displays keys on the liquid crystal, and the operator performs a desired operation by pressing the displayed keys with a finger.

  A copy mode key 403 is used to select a copy mode that is a function for copying from a plurality of functions. Reference numeral 404 denotes a fax mode key, which is used to select a facsimile mode that is a function for performing facsimile communication from a plurality of functions. A personal key box key 405 is used to select a personal box mode that uses the personal box function from a plurality of functions.

  A reset key 406 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby.

  Description of keys that are not directly related to the present invention is omitted.

  When the user operates the operation unit 400 to select a copy function from the plurality of functions, when the user presses the copy start key 401-1, the operation of the reader unit 116 converts the document into image data. And transferred to the printer unit 117. The transferred image data is printed out on a recording sheet by the printer unit 117.

  A case where the user operates the operation unit 400 to select a personal box function from among these functions will be described later.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes box information display indicating information of each box, which displays a box number, a box name, and the number of documents (documents or documents). The box number on the operation unit 400 is a button, and a box to be opened can be selected by touching the display of the box number.

  Reference numerals 502 and 503 denote up and down cursor keys. When there are a number of boxes that cannot be displayed on one screen, the box information display 501 can be scrolled up and down. A close key 504 is used to end the screen of FIG. 5 and return to the previous standard screen.

  When the corresponding part of the box number of the operation unit 400 is touched, the box to be opened is designated, and the operation unit 400 displays the screen of FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 6, one document to be output on a recording sheet (paper) from a plurality of documents (documents) stored in the selected box, and one document to be copied or deleted are selected. In FIG. 6, which is a screen for selecting a document to be stored in one selected box, 601 is a document information display in the box, in which the stored date and time of the document and the document name of the document are displayed. Further, the currently selected document is displayed in reverse video, and the selected document can be changed by touching the file name. For example, in FIG. 6, the document 1 is selected. Reference numerals 602 and 603 are up and down cursor keys, respectively. When there are a number of documents that cannot be displayed on one screen, the document information display 601 can be scrolled up and down. A copy key 604 is used when the selected document is copied. Detailed operation methods in the present invention will be described later. Reference numeral 605 denotes a print key. By pressing this key after selecting a document, a print operation can be executed and output onto recording paper (paper). Reference numeral 606 denotes an erase key, which is used when the document in the box is erased without being output onto recording paper (paper). Reference numeral 607 denotes a close key, which is used to close the screen of FIG. 6 and shifts to the screen of FIG. 5 by closing.

  Next, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the copy key 604 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed, the operation unit 400 displays the screen shown in FIG.

  In the user interface screen example of FIG. 7, it is possible to specify a copy destination box of the document selected in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes a selection screen for designating a copy destination box. The box number 00 in which the copy source document is stored is shaded (702), and the user selects the copy destination box on 701. It can be selected by pressing. In FIG. 7, box number 02 is selected and black and white are reversed. (703) 704 and 705 are up and down cursor keys, respectively. When there are a number of boxes that cannot be displayed on one screen, the box selection screen 701 can be scrolled up and down.

  By pressing the execution key 707, the document is copied to the selected box. Reference numeral 708 denotes a close key, which is used to close the screen shown in FIG. 7, and shifts to the screen shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, when document duplication is executed, if the upper limit of the capacity that can be stored in the personal box is reached, a message indicating that the personal box capacity has reached the upper limit is displayed on the operation unit 400.

  FIG. 8 shows the frequency of use in which document candidates to be deleted are stored in the copy source and the copy destination in order to secure an area that can be copied when the upper limit of the personal box capacity is reached when the copy operation is executed in FIG. Listed in order.

  Reference numeral 801 denotes a list display screen. When there are a number of lists that cannot be displayed on one screen by using the up and down cursor keys 802 and 803, the list display screen 801 can be scrolled up and down. Reference numeral 804 denotes a display representing document names in order of use frequency.

Reference numeral 805 displays the frequency of use of the deletion candidate document. In this figure, the frequency of use is expressed as high (high), (medium), and (low). A method for determining the usage frequency will be described later.
Reference numeral 808 denotes a key for setting the maximum number of deleted documents. The difference in processing due to this setting will be described in a flowchart described later.

  A preview key 806 is a key for displaying the content of the selected document on the operation unit, and the content of the document can be confirmed before deletion.

  By pressing the OK key 807, the selected document is set as a deletion candidate, and a deletion document candidate list for ensuring a capacity capable of the duplication operation is created. The display contents of the deletion candidate list will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the cancel key 807 is pressed, the list display 801 is closed and the screen shifts to the screen in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a screen displayed when the OK key 807 in FIG. 8 is pressed, and displays a document list of copy sources and copy destinations that need to be deleted in order to secure an area that can be copied.

  Reference numeral 901 denotes a list display screen. When there are a number of lists that cannot be displayed on one screen by the up and down cursor keys 902 and 903, the list display screen 901 can be scrolled up and down. Reference numeral 904 denotes a display indicating a combination of deleted documents. In this figure, combinations of document name: document 10 and document name: document 2 and combinations of document name: document 10 and document name: document 11 are deleted. It is displayed as. Reference numeral 905 indicates the frequency of use of the deletion candidate document. In this figure, the frequency of use is expressed as high (high), (medium), and (low). A method for determining the usage frequency will be described later.

  In this figure, a combination candidate 904 for deleting the document name: document 10 and the document name: document 2 is selected and displayed in black and white inversion on the list display 901. By pressing the delete key 906, the selected document is deleted, and the duplication operation that could not be executed because the capacity has reached the upper limit is started again. When the cancel key 907 is pressed, the list display 901 is closed and the screen shifts to the screen of FIG.

  Next, a method for acquiring the document usage frequency displayed in FIGS. 8 and 9 will be described.

  In the digital copying machine having this configuration, an attribute for managing the number of times of use is prepared for a document registered in the personal box. This use count attribute is a simple access count value, and is initialized to 0 when the document is registered in the personal box. Thereafter, the access count value is incremented (increased by 1) when there is an access such as browsing from the client device or when there is a print instruction for this document. In the display examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, it is determined whether the access count value is larger or smaller than a certain reference value, and is expressed by use frequency (high), (medium), and (low).

  Next, image forming processing in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Hereinafter, the step is indicated as S in the drawings.

  When the execution of copying of the document stored in the personal box is instructed in step S1001, it is checked in step S1002 how much capacity the document to be copied occupies on a memory such as a hard disk, and the object to be copied is checked. Get as document capacity.

  Next, in step S1003, it is checked from the capacity acquired in step S1002 whether the capacity for executing duplication is sufficient for the remaining capacity of the entire personal box. If the capacity is not enough, that is, if duplication is executed, the capacity becomes full. Advances to step S1004, and if it is sufficient, the copying operation is actually executed in step S1016.

  If it is determined in step S1003 that the capacity is full, in step S1004, other document information (document name, capacity, access count value) of the personal box to which the document to be copied belongs is acquired, and the copy destination personal Document information (document name, capacity, access count value) belonging to the box is also acquired.

  Next, in step S1005, a usage frequency order list is created from the information acquired in step S1004, in which the documents of the replication source / destination personal boxes are arranged in order of increasing access count values (that is, in the order of decreasing usage frequency).

  In step S1006, the user selects one document to be deleted from the list created in step S1005 as described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1007, the capacity of the deletion candidate document is compared with the document to be copied (that is, the capacity necessary for executing replication). If the deletion candidate document capacity is larger, the process proceeds to step S1008. Add to the deletion candidate list.

  On the other hand, if the deletion candidate document capacity is smaller, the process advances to step S1009. In step S1009, the document to be compared in step S1007 may be the total size of a plurality of documents. Therefore, the next comparison target document is a combination of the document that has been compared last time and the upper document in the usage frequency order list created in step S1005. The total size is used for comparison.

For example, when the document A, document B, document C,... Are in the usage frequency order list, if the document A is selected as a deletion candidate document by the user in step S1006, in step S1007, the document A. Compare the capacity of documents α to be copied,
Document A <Document α
If it is determined, the total capacity of the document A and the document B is acquired in order to compare the total of the next document B in the usage frequency order list.

  Next, in step S1010, a comparison is made with the upper limit number of combinations set in advance by the user in step 808 of FIG. 8 so that the number of documents to be combined does not increase too much.

  For example, if the upper limit number of combinations is 2, the total size of document A and document B is a comparison target, but the total size of document A, document B, and document C is not a comparison target. Therefore, if the upper limit number of combinations is exceeded, the process advances to step S1012 to determine whether or not all documents in the usage frequency order list have been checked. If checked, the process proceeds to step S1014. If not checked, the process proceeds to step S1009, and the size comparison is performed again in combination with other documents on the list.

  On the other hand, if a deletion candidate list is created in step S1008, the process proceeds to step S1011 and is compared with an upper limit set in advance so that the number of deletion candidates does not become too large. As the candidate list creation is completed, the process advances to step S1013 to display the deletion candidate list on the operation unit (FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, if the upper limit is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S1012 to continue the list creation.

  When the creation of the deletion candidate list is completed, the process proceeds to step S1013, and the created list is displayed on the operation unit (FIG. 9).

  Next, in step S1014, it is determined whether the user has designated a document to be deleted from the list displayed in step S1013 and instructed deletion execution.

  If deletion is instructed, the specified document is deleted in step S1015. In step S1016, the duplication operation designated in step S1001 is performed.

  The deletion candidate list creation method described here is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this method.

  Therefore, as shown in the above description, it is possible to secure an area necessary for the duplication operation only by selecting a document to be deleted from the deletion candidate document list stored in the personal backs, and further, candidates for the document to be deleted. Are listed in ascending order of frequency of use, so only unnecessary documents can be deleted, and a personal box with a limited capacity can be used effectively.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment. 1 is an overview of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the controller part of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the basic screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation part of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the box information display which selects the box displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation part of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen which selects the document displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation part of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen at the time of setting the replication destination box of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen which designates the deletion document displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation part of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen at the time of selecting a deletion document from the document list of the deletion candidate displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation part of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the process of this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

200 Document Feeder 232 Staple Sorter 306 Image Processing Unit 400 Operation Panel

Claims (2)

In an image forming apparatus for registering image data in an image storage area assigned to a plurality of users, and performing image formation by reading from the image storage area assigned to each user,
A plurality of users for registering image data in the image storage area;
Capacity acquisition means for acquiring the capacity of the image data stored in the image storage area, and replication means for copying the image data registered by the registration means to another image storage area;
When the usage amount of the image storage area reaches the upper limit by executing the duplication means,
A list creating means for comparing the capacity of image data to be copied with the capacity of a single or a plurality of registered image data, and listing the registered image data having a capacity equal to or larger than the capacity of the image data to be copied; An image forming apparatus comprising: display means for displaying a created image data list on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus; and means for selecting the displayed list and instructing deletion of image data. In an image forming apparatus for registering image data in an image storage area assigned to a plurality of users, and performing image formation by reading from the image storage area assigned to each user,
A plurality of users for registering image data in the image storage area;
Capacity acquisition means for acquiring the capacity of the image data stored in the image storage area; replication means for replicating the image data registered by the registration means to another image storage area;
When the usage amount of the image storage area reaches the upper limit by executing the duplication means,
A list creating means for comparing the capacity of image data to be copied with the capacity of single or a plurality of registered image data, and listing the registered image data having a capacity equal to or larger than the capacity of the image data to be copied; Weighting is performed according to the frequency of use of the image data, and the image data list created by the list order creation means, which is a combination of image data with low use frequency but arranged at the top of the list, is created on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: display means for displaying; and means for selecting the displayed list and instructing deletion of image data.