JP2006345496A - Image forming apparatus and pre-view image display method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a time duration until displaying a pre-view image and improve a working efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a scanner portion 120 which forms an image data of a scanned original; an operation indicator 130 which carries out an indicator output of an image to an operation input by an user; a first image transfer line 151 which connects a scanner portion 120 and a body portion 110 which performs image processing to the image data; and a pre-view image transfer line 150 which connects directly the scanner portion 120 and the operation indicator 130 without using the body portion 110. While the scanner portion 120 transmits the image data to the body portion 110 through the first image transfer line 151, the image data are transmitted to the operation indicator 130 through the pre-view image transfer line 150. The operation indicator 130 displays the image data received from the scanner portion 120 at LCD 133 as a pre-view image of the scanned original. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that scans a document, generates image data of the scanned document, and outputs the image, and in particular, an image forming apparatus and a preview image that display and output the scanned image data as a preview image It relates to the display method.

  Conventionally, in the process of scanning a document placed by a user and outputting the image data of the scanned document, the image data of the document is displayed on the operation display unit as a preview image before printing in response to a user request. An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is generally known.

  In addition, a technique for speeding up preview processing by generating a plurality of pages of preview images in parallel in a printer is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Also disclosed is a technique for generating a plurality of image data with different resolutions or gradations using a scanner device and performing a preview display process at high speed based on low resolution or low gradation image data (for example, Patent Documents). 2).

JP-A-11-203099 JP-A-11-289416

  However, when a preview image is displayed on a conventional image forming apparatus, image data of a document scanned by a scanner unit is transmitted to a main unit that performs image processing and the like, and a preview image is generated from the image data received by the main unit. The generated preview image is transmitted to the operation display unit and displayed. In this case, the image data scanned by the scanner unit is RGB format data, but the image data that is finally generated to print the image data is CMYK format data that is a writing format or general data. Data in JPEG format, which is an image format.

  Therefore, the main body converts the RGB format image data scanned by the scanner section into CMYK format data or JPEG format data. When a preview image is requested by the user, the image data is regenerated to return to RGB format data that is a format for display as a preview image. Therefore, after converting the data format, the original data format is restored and the preview screen is displayed, so that it takes time until the user displays the preview image and the work efficiency is lowered. was there.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a display device (operation display unit) that displays a preview image is not provided in the printer, and the preview image is displayed on a host PC (Personal Computer) on the network. That is, a preview image is generated during image processing performed in the printer main body, transmitted to the host PC via the network, and displayed on the display device unit. There is a problem that it takes a long time to be displayed and the work efficiency is lowered.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, a display unit (operation display unit) that displays a preview image is not provided, and the preview image is displayed on a computer on a network. That is, since the preview image is displayed on the computer via the network as in the technique of the above-described Patent Document 1, it takes time until the user displays the preview image and the work efficiency is increased. There was a problem of lowering.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and can shorten the time from when a document is scanned to when a preview image is displayed, thereby improving the operability without causing the user to wait for a long time. It is an object of the present invention to obtain an image forming apparatus and a preview image display method that improve efficiency.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a scanner unit that scans a document and generates image data of the scanned document, an operation input by a user, and a user. On the other hand, an operation display unit having a display unit (LCD) that displays and outputs an image, a main body unit that performs image processing on the image data, and a first image transfer unit that connects the scanner unit and the main body unit. Preview image transfer means for directly connecting the scanner means and the operation display means without going through the main body, and the scanner means passes the image data via the first image transfer means. The image data is transferred to the operation display means via the preview image transfer means, and the operation display means is transferred from the scanner means. Displaying output on the display unit of the image data signal as a preview image of a document by the scan, an image forming apparatus according to claim.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the preview image transfer unit is branched from the first image transfer unit and connected to the operation display unit. It is characterized by.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a reading control unit that is provided inside the scanner unit and controls generation and transmission / reception of the image data. Means includes data processing means for generating the preview image from the image data, and transfers the preview image generated by the data processing means to the operation display means via the preview image transfer means; Features.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the image forming apparatus includes a display control unit that is provided inside the operation display unit and that controls the reception of the image data and the display output. The display control means includes data processing means for generating the preview image from the image data received from the scanner means via the preview image transfer means, and the preview image generated by the data processing means is It is characterized in that it is displayed on the display unit.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the operation display unit previews the image data processed by the main body from a user. A second image that receives a request for detailed display to be displayed and output as an image, connects the operation display means and the main body, and transfers the image processed image data from the main body to the operation display; Transfer means, and when the operation display means accepts the detailed display request, the main body unit displays the image processed image data via the second image transfer means. And the operation display means displays and outputs the image processed image data received from the main body unit on the display unit.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the operation display unit displays and outputs the image data scanned by the scanner unit as a preview image. When the request for preview image display is received, and the scanner means receives the request for display of the preview image by the operation display means, the scanned image data is transferred to the operation display means via the preview image transfer means. The operation display unit displays and outputs the scanned image data received from the scanner unit on the display unit.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising image output means for outputting the image data, wherein the operation display means further includes: An image output operation start request for starting an image output operation of the image data processed by the main body unit is received from a user, and the main body unit receives the image output operation start request by the operation display unit. In this case, the image data subjected to the image processing is transferred to the image output unit, and the image output unit receives the image received from the main body when the operation display unit receives a request to start the image output operation. An image output operation of the processed image data is started.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the operation display unit further requests to stop the image output operation for stopping the image output operation of the image processed image data. When the operation display means accepts the request for stopping the image output operation, the main body unit deletes the image data that has undergone the image processing, and the image output means When an output operation stop request is received, the image output operation of the image processed image data is stopped.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the operation display means sets the image output operation start to start the image output operation or stops the image output operation to stop the image output operation. In response to the setting, the main body further transfers the image processed image data to the image output means when a predetermined time has elapsed when the image output operation start setting is received, and the image output operation When the predetermined time elapses when the stop setting is received, the image processed image data is deleted, and the image output means further receives the image output operation start setting when the predetermined time elapses. When the time has elapsed, the image output operation of the image processed image data received from the main body is started, and the image output operation stop setting is received. Wherein when a predetermined time has elapsed, to stop the image output operation of the image data which is the image processing, characterized by the.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the image output unit includes a printer unit that prints the image data. .

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the image output means includes a facsimile unit for facsimile transmission of the image data. To do.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, image data of a document scanned by the scanner unit is connected to a scanner unit that scans the document and a first image transfer unit that connects a main body that performs image processing on the image data. A transfer step of transferring the image data to the operation display means via a preview image transfer means for directly connecting the scanner means and an operation display means for displaying an image; and the scanner means A display step of displaying on the display unit a preview image of the scanned original document image data received from the image data.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the scanner unit transfers the image data of the scanned document to the main body that performs image processing on the image data via the first image transfer unit, and also scans the image of the scanned document. The data is transferred to the operation display means via the preview image transfer means, and the operation display means displays and outputs the image data received from the scanner means to the display unit as a preview image of the scanned document.

  For this reason, the image data read by the scanner unit is transferred to the main unit, and after the image data is processed in the main unit, the image data is transferred to the operation display unit and a preview image is displayed. The display of the preview image and the processing of the image data for image output can be performed simultaneously. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the time from when the document is read by the scanner unit until it is displayed as the preview image by the operation display unit, and the operability is improved and the work efficiency is improved without causing the user to wait for a long time. There is an effect of letting.

  Further, since the data read by the scanner means is directly transferred to the operation display means, it is possible to utilize that the read data and the display data are the same data. That is, it is not necessary to regenerate the image data scanned by the scanner unit, and the data in the RGB format can be transferred to the operation display unit and displayed as a preview image. Therefore, complicated control such as conversion from RGB format data to CMYK format or JPEG format data, or reconversion from CMYK format or JPEG format data to RGB format data for preview image generation The preview image display function can be realized with simple control, and the time until the preview image is displayed can be shortened.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the preview image transfer means is branched from the first image transfer means and connected to the operation display means. Therefore, since the same image data is transferred from the scanner unit to the main unit and the operation display unit, the configuration of the scanner unit can be used as it is other than the image data transmission function, and the user's wasteful expenditure. There is an effect that can be prevented.

  According to the invention of claim 3, image data generation and transmission / reception control are performed by the reading control means provided in the scanner means. Further, the reading control means has data processing means for generating a preview image from the image data, and transfers the preview image generated by the data processing means to the operation display means via the preview image transfer means.

  For this reason, image data for main body transfer and image data as a preview image for operation display means are separately generated by the data processing means inside the scanner means. Therefore, considering that image data as a preview image to be transferred to the operation display means requires a smaller amount of data than image data to be transmitted to the main unit, image data can be generated individually for the preview image. Thus, only an appropriate data amount can be transferred to the operation display means. Accordingly, it is possible to solve problems such as a delay in transfer time due to transfer of a larger amount of image data than necessary, a risk of destruction of image data during transfer, a delay in data processing time in the operation display means, and the like. The time from when the document is read by the means until it is displayed as the preview image by the operation display means can be shortened.

  In addition, by generating a preview image by reducing the resolution, resolution, etc. by simple decimation from the image data processed for printing by the main body, it is not necessary to add complicated control, etc. It is possible to shorten the time from the reading until it is displayed as a preview image by the operation display means, and the working efficiency is improved.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the display control means provided in the operation display means controls the reception of image data and the display output. Furthermore, the display control means has a data processing means for generating a preview image from the image data received from the scanner means via the preview image transfer means, and displays the preview image generated by the data processing means on the display unit. . For this reason, a preview image display with an appropriate image size and resolution corresponding to the display unit can be performed by the processing by the data processing means. If the data generation amount can be arbitrarily set, functions such as enlargement and reduction of the preview image can be easily added, and the working efficiency can be improved.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the operation display means accepts a request for detailed display for displaying and outputting the image data processed by the main body as a preview image from the user. When the request for detailed display is received, the image data subjected to the image processing is transferred to the operation display means via the second image transfer means connecting the operation display means and the main body, and the main body is displayed by the operation display means. The image processed image data received from is displayed and output on the display unit.

  For this reason, when a request for detailed display of a preview image is made by the user, it is possible to display the image data subjected to image processing by the main body as a detailed image. In addition, it is possible to display image data for image output processed by the main unit and image data stored in the main unit on the operation display unit, which deteriorates the function of the conventional image forming apparatus. There is no. Therefore, it is possible to check the image at a high level and improve the functionality, and it is possible to shorten the time from when the document is read by the scanner unit until it is displayed as the preview image by the operation display unit. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience and work efficiency without causing the user to wait for a long time. Further, only when there is a request for detailed display of the preview image, the image data for image output subjected to the image processing is displayed, so that the stability of the system can be increased.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the operation display means accepts a request for preview image display to display and output image data scanned by the scanner means as a preview image, and the scanner means causes the operation display means to display a preview image. When the request is received, the scanned image data is transferred to the operation display unit via the preview image transfer unit, and the scanned image data received from the scanner unit is displayed on the display unit by the operation display unit. Therefore, since the preview image is displayed only when the preview image display is requested, the image output is performed with the same processing ability as the apparatus having no preview image display function unless the preview image display is requested. Therefore, it is possible to prevent functional deterioration due to the addition of the preview image display function, and there is an effect of improving functionality and improving work efficiency.

  According to the invention of claim 7, the operation display means receives a request for starting an image output operation for starting an image output operation of image data processed by the main body from the user, and the operation is performed by the main body. When the image output operation start request is received by the display means, the image processed image data is transferred to the image output means, and when the image output operation start request is received by the operation display means by the image output means, the main unit The image output operation of the image processed image data received from is started. Therefore, the image output operation start can be requested after the preview image is displayed and confirmed, and the image output operation can be surely started after confirming the preview image, so that it is possible to improve functionality and improve work efficiency. There is an effect that can be done.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the operation display means accepts a request for stopping the image output operation for stopping the image output operation of the image processed image data, and the operation display means causes the image display operation to be performed by the operation display means. When the stop request is received, the image processed image data is deleted, and when the image output operation stop request is received by the operation display means by the image output means, the image output operation of the image processed image data is stopped. To do. Therefore, after the preview image is displayed and confirmed, it can be requested to stop the image output operation, and when the image output direction is different from the desired direction, the processing can be interrupted even during image processing or image output. There is an effect that the functionality can be improved and the working efficiency can be improved.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the operation display means receives the image output operation start setting for starting the image output operation or the image output operation stop setting for stopping the image output operation, and the main body unit outputs the image output. When the predetermined time has elapsed when the operation start setting is accepted, the image processed image data is transferred to the image output means, and when the predetermined time has elapsed when the image output operation stop setting is accepted, the image processing has been performed. When a predetermined time has elapsed when image output is deleted and image output operation start setting is received by the image output means, the image output operation of the image processed image data received from the main unit is started, and the image output operation If a predetermined time has elapsed when the stop setting is accepted, the image output operation of the image data subjected to image processing is stopped. Therefore, after a preview image is displayed, even if a predetermined time has elapsed without requesting the next operation, the image output operation is started or the image output operation is stopped, and the operation of the apparatus is left halfway. Since the final operation can be completed without any problems, the functionality can be improved and the working efficiency can be improved.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the image output means includes a printer unit that prints image data. Accordingly, the display of the preview image and the processing of the image data for printing can be performed at the same time, and the time from when the document is read by the scanner unit until it is displayed as the preview image by the operation display unit can be shortened. There is an effect that it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus including a printer unit that improves operability and working efficiency without causing the user to wait for a long time.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the image output means includes a facsimile unit for facsimile transmission of image data. Accordingly, the display of the preview image and the processing of the image data for facsimile transmission can be performed simultaneously, and the time from when the document is read by the scanner means until it is displayed as the preview image by the operation display means can be shortened. Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus including a facsimile unit that improves operability and working efficiency without causing the user to wait for a long time.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, in the transfer step, scanning is performed by the scanner unit via the first image transfer unit that connects the scanner unit that scans the document and the main body unit that performs image processing on the image data. The image data of the prepared document is transferred to the main body, and the image data is transferred to the operation display means via the preview image transfer means that directly connects the scanner means and the operation display means for displaying the image. The image data received from the means is displayed and output on the display unit as a preview image of the scanned document.

  For this reason, the image data read by the scanner unit is transferred to the main unit, and after the image data is processed in the main unit, the image data is transferred to the operation display unit and a preview image is displayed. The display of the preview image and the processing of the image data for image output can be performed simultaneously. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the time from when the document is read by the scanner unit until it is displayed as the preview image by the operation display unit, and the operability is improved and the work efficiency is improved without causing the user to wait for a long time. There is an effect of letting.

  Further, since the data read by the scanner means is directly transferred to the operation display means, it is possible to utilize that the read data and the display data are the same data. That is, it is not necessary to regenerate the image data scanned by the scanner unit, and the image data in the RGB format can be transferred to the operation display unit and displayed as a preview image. Therefore, it is not necessary to add complicated control such as generation of a data format, and the preview image display function can be realized with a simple control configuration, and the time until display of the preview image can be shortened.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus and a preview image display method according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, an example in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to a copying machine, and can be applied to any apparatus that performs image forming processing such as a printer and a facsimile.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment scans a document, generates image data of the scanned document, and prints it. The scanner unit 120, the main body unit 110, the operation display unit 130, and a printer Part 140.

  Further, the main body 110 and the scanner unit 120 are connected by a first image transfer line 151, the main body 110 and the operation display unit 130 are connected by a request transfer line 152, and further, The printer unit 140 is connected by a third image transfer line 153. Further, the scanner unit 120 and the operation display unit 130 are directly connected by the preview image transfer line 150 without passing through the main body unit 110.

  The scanner unit 120 scans and reads a document placed by a user, and mainly includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 121 and a reading control unit 122.

  The CCD 121 irradiates light on a document placed on a contact glass (not shown) installed in the scanner unit 120 by a user, photoelectrically converts the reflected light, and converts the document image into RGB format image data. Read.

  The reading control unit 122 controls the scanner unit 120 by transferring the image data read by the CCD 121 to the main body unit 110 via the first image transfer line 151. Further, the reading control unit 122 transfers the image data read by the CCD 121 to the operation display unit 130 via the preview image transfer line 150 without passing through the main body unit 110.

  The main body unit 110 receives the image data read from the scanner unit 120 and performs image processing, image data storage, and the like according to operations such as settings input by the user from the operation display unit 130. 111 and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 114 are mainly provided. The control unit 111 performs control such as image processing of image data read by the scanner unit 120, and mainly includes an image memory 112 and an image processing unit 113.

  The HDD 114 is a storage medium that stores image data read from the scanner unit 120, image data for printing generated by the image processing unit 113, and the like.

  The image memory 112 is a storage medium that temporarily stores image data read from the scanner unit 120, image data generated by the image processing unit 113, and the like for image processing and the like.

  The image processing unit 113 generates image data such as CMYK format or JPEG format for printing in the printer unit 140 from RGB format image data received from the scanner unit 120 and temporarily stored in the image memory 112. And is stored in the image memory 112. The image processing unit 113 also performs various types of image processing (resolution change, enlargement / reduction, density / color adjustment, etc.) corresponding to the function set by the user and layout processing (double-sided printing / single-sided printing, aggregate printing). , Adjust margin size, etc.).

  The operation display unit 130 receives setting input by a user and displays and outputs image data such as a preview image. The operation display unit 130 mainly includes a touch panel 131, a display control unit 132, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 133. ing. Further, the operation display unit 130 directly receives the image data read by the scanner unit 120 via the preview image transfer line 150 that does not pass through the main body unit 110, and displays and outputs it as a preview image.

  The touch panel 131 is an input screen composed of a key, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the like, and a setting operation is performed when the user presses the key with a finger or the like.

  The display control unit 132 transfers information such as a print instruction input to the touch panel 131 by the user to the main body unit 110 via the request transfer line 152 and controls the operation display unit 130. The display control unit 132 displays and outputs the RGB format image data received from the scanner unit 120 via the preview image transfer line 150 as a preview image on the LCD 133.

  The LCD 133 is a liquid crystal screen that displays characters and images, and displays a preview image of an image scanned by the scanner unit 120 and various buttons and keys for inputting settings from the user.

  The printer unit 140 receives and prints image data for printing generated by the main body unit 110, and mainly includes a printing unit 141 and a writing control unit 142.

  The printing unit 141 is generated by deflecting and scanning a light beam based on the image data generated by the image processing unit 113 in the main body unit 110, and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member using toner. The toner image is transferred onto a transfer sheet, and a fixing process is performed to print image data.

  The writing control unit 142 receives image data for printing generated in the main body unit 110 and performs control such as printing by the printing unit 141.

  Next, a copy process for printing image data read by the copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in the copying machine 100.

  First, when a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 120. The reading control unit 122 scans the placed document and reads it as RGB format image data with the CCD 121 (step S201).

  Next, the reading control unit 122 transfers the image data read by the CCD 121 to the image processing unit 113 in the main body 110 in order to generate image data for printing in the main body 110 (step S202). The image processing unit 113 receives the image data transferred from the reading control unit 122 via the first image transfer line 151 (step S203). The image processing unit 113 performs image processing for generating image data for printing in the CMYK format or JPEG format from the received image data, and stores the generated image data in the image memory 112 (step S204).

  The reading control unit 122 also transfers the image data read in step S201 to the display control unit 132 in order to display a preview image on the operation display unit 130 (step S205). Then, the display control unit 132 directly receives the image data transferred by the reading control unit 122 via the preview image transfer line 150 without passing through the main body unit 110 (step S206). The display control unit 132 displays and outputs the received image data as a preview image on the LCD 133 (step S207).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the preview image displayed on the LCD 133 has been confirmed by the user (step S208). That is, it is determined whether the display control unit 132 has received a print instruction. If the print instruction is received, it is determined that the preview image has been confirmed. When the preview image is not confirmed by the user (step S208: No), that is, when the print instruction is not given, the reading control unit 122 scans the document again.

  On the other hand, when the user confirms the preview image and gives a print instruction (step S208: Yes), the image processing unit 113 prints the image data read by the reading control unit 122 in step S204. The processed image data is transferred to the writing control unit 142 (step S209). Next, the writing control unit 142 receives the image data transferred by the image processing unit 113 via the third image transfer line 153 (step S210). Then, the printing unit 141 prints the received image data on a sheet (step S211).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the scanner unit 120 transfers the scanned image data of the document to the main body unit 110 that performs image processing on the image data via the first image transfer line 151 and the image data. Is transferred to the operation display unit 130 via the preview image transfer line 150, and the operation display unit 130 displays and outputs the image data received from the scanner unit 120 on the LCD 133 as a preview image of the scanned document.

  For this reason, the display of the preview image and the processing of the image data for printing can be performed simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time from when the document is read by the scanner unit 120 until it is displayed by the operation display unit 130 as a preview image, and the operability is improved without causing the user to wait for a long time. Can be improved.

  Further, since the data read by the scanner means is directly transferred to the operation display means, it is possible to utilize that the read data and the display data are the same data. That is, it is not necessary to regenerate the image data scanned by the scanner unit, and the data in the RGB format can be transferred to the operation display unit and displayed as a preview image. Therefore, complicated control such as conversion from RGB format data to CMYK format or JPEG format data, or reconversion from CMYK format or JPEG format data to RGB format data for preview image generation The preview image display function can be realized with simple control, and the time until display of the preview image can be shortened.

(Second Embodiment)
In the copying machine of the first embodiment, the image data read by the CCD is transferred to the image processing unit and the display control unit by the reading control unit. In the copying machine of the second embodiment, the reading control is performed. The image data transferred by the unit is branched and transferred to the image processing unit and the display control unit. The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The copier 300 according to the present embodiment scans a document, generates image data of the scanned document, and prints it. The scanner unit 320, the main body unit 110, the operation display unit 130, and a printer Part 140.

  Further, the main body 110 and the scanner unit 320 are connected by a first image transfer line 351, the main body 110 and the operation display unit 130 are connected by a request transfer line 152, and further, The printer unit 140 is connected by a third image transfer line 153. In addition, the scanner unit 320 and the operation display unit 130 are directly connected by being branched from the first image transfer line 351 by the preview image transfer line 350 without passing through the main body unit 110.

  Here, the configurations and functions of the main body unit 110, the operation display unit 130, and the printer unit 140 are the same as those of the copying machine according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. The operation display unit 130 displays and outputs the image data received from the scanner unit 320 via the preview image transfer line 350 branched from the first image transfer line 351 as a preview image on the LCD 133.

  The scanner unit 320 scans and reads a document placed by a user, and mainly includes a CCD 121 and a reading control unit 322.

  Here, the configuration and function of the CCD 121 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The reading control unit 322 controls the scanner unit 320 by transferring the image data read by the CCD 121 to the main body unit 110 via the first image transfer line 351. Further, the reading control unit 322 transfers the image data read by the CCD 121 to the operation display unit 130 via the preview image transfer line 350 branched from the first image transfer line 351 without passing through the main body unit 110. .

  Next, a copying process for printing image data read by the copying machine 300 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the copying process in the copying machine 300.

  First, when a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 320. The reading control unit 322 scans the placed document and reads it as RGB format image data with the CCD 121 (step S401).

  Next, the reading control unit 322 transfers the image data read by the CCD 121 (step S402). The image processing unit 113 receives the image data transferred from the reading control unit 322 via the first image transfer line 351 (step S403). Then, the image processing unit 113 performs image processing for generating image data for printing in the CMYK format or the JPEG format from the received image data, and stores the generated image data in the image memory 112 (step S404). .

  Further, the display control unit 132 passes the image data transferred by the reading control unit 322 in step S <b> 402 via the preview image transfer line 350 branched from the first image transfer line 351 without passing through the main body unit 110. Direct reception is performed (step S405). Then, the display control unit 132 displays and outputs the received image data as a preview image on the LCD 133 (step S406).

  The processing and flow (steps S407 to S410) after the confirmation of the preview image displayed on the LCD 133 by the user is the same as the processing and flow (steps S208 to S211) described in the first embodiment of FIG. is there.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the preview image transfer line 350 is branched from the first image transfer line 351 and connected to the operation display unit 130. Accordingly, since the same image data is transferred from the scanner unit 320 to the main body unit 110 and the operation display unit 130, the configuration of the scanner unit 320 can be used as it is except for the image data transmission function. It is possible to prevent unnecessary expenses.

(Third embodiment)
In the copying machine of the first embodiment, the image data read by the CCD is directly transferred to the image processing unit and the display control unit by the reading control unit. After the data processing of the image data read by is performed, the image data is transferred to the image processing unit and the display control unit. The third embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The copier 500 according to the present embodiment scans a document, generates image data of the scanned document, and prints it. The scanner unit 520, the main body unit 110, the operation display unit 130, and a printer Part 140.

  Further, the main body 110 and the scanner unit 520 are connected by a first image transfer line 551, the main body 110 and the operation display unit 130 are connected by a request transfer line 152, and further, The printer unit 140 is connected by a third image transfer line 153. Further, the scanner unit 520 and the operation display unit 130 are directly connected via the preview image transfer line 550 without passing through the main body unit 110.

  Here, the configurations and functions of the main body unit 110, the operation display unit 130, and the printer unit 140 are the same as those of the copying machine according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. The operation display unit 130 displays and outputs the image data received from the scanner unit 520 via the preview image transfer line 550 on the LCD 133 as a preview image.

  The scanner unit 520 scans and reads a document placed by a user, and mainly includes a CCD 121 and a reading control unit 522.

  Here, the configuration and function of the CCD 121 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The reading control unit 522 controls the scanner unit 520 by transferring the image data read by the CCD 121 to the main body unit 110 via the first image transfer line 551. Further, the reading control unit 522 directly transfers the image data read by the CCD 121 to the operation display unit 130 via the preview image transfer line 550 without passing through the main body unit 110. The reading control unit 522 mainly includes a data processing unit 523 that performs data processing.

  The data processing unit 523 separately generates image data to be transferred to the image processing unit 113 of the main body unit 110 and a preview image to be transferred to the display control unit 132 from the image data read by the CCD 121. is there.

Next, a copying process for printing image data read by the copying machine 500 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in the copying machine 500.

  First, when a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 520. The reading control unit 522 scans the placed document and reads it as RGB format image data with the CCD 121 (step S601).

  Next, a data processing unit 523 provided in the reading control unit 522 has image processing unit transfer data for transferring to the image processing unit 113 from the image data read by the CCD 121 and a preview for transferring to the display control unit 132. Images are generated separately (step S602). By generating each separately, the preview image can be generated with a smaller data amount than the image processing unit transfer data (image data to be transferred for printing).

  Next, the reading control unit 522 transfers the image processing unit transfer data generated by the data processing unit 523 to the image processing unit 113 (step S603). Then, the image processing unit 113 receives the image processing unit transfer data transferred from the reading control unit 522 through the first image transfer line 551 (step S604). Then, the image processing unit 113 performs image processing for generating image data for printing in the CMYK format or the JPEG format from the received image processing unit transfer data, and stores the generated image data in the image memory 112. (Step S605).

  Also, the reading control unit 522 transfers the preview image generated by the data processing unit 523 in step S602 to the display control unit 132 (step S606). Then, the display control unit 132 directly receives the preview image transferred by the reading control unit 522 via the preview image transfer line 550 without passing through the main body unit 110 (step S607). Then, the display control unit 132 displays and outputs the received preview image on the LCD 133 (step S608).

  The processing and flow (steps S609 to S612) after the confirmation of the preview image displayed on the LCD 133 by the user is the same as the processing and flow (steps S208 to S211) described in the first embodiment of FIG. is there.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the reading control unit 522 provided in the scanner unit 520 controls the generation and transmission / reception of image data. Further, the reading control unit 522 has a data processing unit 523 that generates a preview image from the image data, and transfers the preview image generated by the data processing unit 523 to the operation display unit 130 via the preview image transfer line 550. To do. Accordingly, the data processing unit 523 inside the scanner unit 520 generates image data for transfer of the main body unit 110 and image data as a preview image for the operation display unit 130, respectively. Only the amount of data can be transferred. Therefore, problems such as a delay in transfer time, a risk of destruction of image data during transfer, and a delay in data processing time in the operation display unit 130 can be solved by transferring a larger amount of image data than necessary. In addition, it is possible to shorten the time from when the document is read by the scanner unit 520 to when the operation display unit 130 displays the preview image.

  Further, by generating a preview image by reducing the resolution, resolution, and the like by simple decimation from the image data processed for printing by the main body unit 110, it becomes unnecessary to add complicated control and the like. The time from when the document is read until it is displayed on the operation display unit 130 as a preview image can be shortened, and work efficiency can be improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the copying machine of the second embodiment, the image data transferred by the reading control unit is branched and transferred to the image processing unit and the display control unit. The copying machine of the fourth embodiment Is displayed after receiving the image data transferred by the display control unit and further performing image processing. Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The copier 700 according to the present embodiment scans a document, generates image data of the scanned document, and prints it. The scanner unit 320, the main unit 110, the operation display unit 730, and a printer Part 140.

  Further, the main body 110 and the scanner unit 320 are connected by a first image transfer line 351, the main body 110 and the operation display unit 730 are connected by a request transfer line 152, and further, The printer unit 140 is connected by a third image transfer line 153. Further, the scanner unit 320 and the operation display unit 730 are directly connected via a preview image transfer line 350 by branching from the first image transfer line 351 without passing through the main body unit 110.

  Here, the configuration and function of the main body 110 and the printer unit 140 are the same as those of the copier in the first embodiment, and the scanner unit 320 is the same as that of the copier in the second embodiment. The description is omitted.

  The operation display unit 730 accepts setting input by a user and displays and outputs image data such as a preview image, and mainly includes a touch panel 131, a display control unit 732, and an LCD 133. The operation display unit 730 directly receives the image data read by the scanner unit 320 via the preview image transfer line 350 that does not pass through the main body unit 110, and displays and outputs the image data as a preview image.

  Here, since the configurations and functions of the touch panel 131 and the LCD 133 are the same as those of the copying machine according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  The display control unit 732 controls the operation display unit 730 by transferring information input to the touch panel 131 by the user to the main unit 110 via the request transfer line 152. The display control unit 732 displays and outputs the RGB format image data received from the scanner unit 320 via the preview image transfer line 350 on the LCD 133 as a preview image. The display control unit 732 includes a data processing unit 734 that performs data processing.

  The data processing unit 734 generates a preview image to be displayed on the LCD 133 from the image data received by the reading control unit 322.

  Next, a copying process for printing image data read by the copying machine 700 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in the copying machine 700.

  First, when a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 320. The processing and flow (steps S801 to S804) from scanning of the document placed by the CCD 121 in the reading control unit 322 to storage of the image data generated by the image processing unit 113 in the image memory 112 (steps S801 to S804) are shown in FIG. This is the same as the processing and flow (steps S401 to S404) described in the second embodiment.

  Next, the display control unit 732 does not pass the image data transferred by the reading control unit 322 in step S802 via the preview image transfer line 350 branched from the first image transfer line 351 via the main body unit 110. (Step S805).

  Next, the data processing unit 734 provided in the operation display unit 730 generates a preview image to be displayed on the LCD 133 from the image data received from the reading control unit 322 (step S806). Then, the display control unit 732 displays and outputs the generated preview image on the LCD 133 (step S807).

  The processing and flow (steps S808 to S811) after the confirmation of the preview image displayed on the LCD 133 by the user is the same as the processing and flow (steps S208 to S211) described in the first embodiment of FIG. is there.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the display control unit 732 provided in the operation display unit 730 controls reception of image data and display output. Further, the display control unit 732 includes a data processing unit 734 that generates a preview image from image data received from the scanner unit 120 via the preview image transfer line 350, and the preview image generated by the data processing unit 734 is displayed on the LCD 133. Display output. For this reason, the processing by the data processing unit 734 enables preview image display with an appropriate image size and resolution according to the LCD 133. If the data generation amount can be arbitrarily set, functions such as enlargement and reduction of the preview image can be easily added, and work efficiency can be improved.

(Fifth embodiment)
The copying machine according to the third embodiment performs image processing of image data read by the CCD and then transfers the image data to the image processing unit and the display control unit. Further, when there is a request for detailed display of the preview image by the user, the machine displays the image data subjected to image processing in the main body as a preview image. Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The copier 900 according to the present embodiment scans a document, generates image data of the scanned document, and prints it. The scanner unit 520, the main body unit 110, the operation display unit 130, and a printer Part 140.

  Further, the main body 110 and the scanner unit 520 are connected by a first image transfer line 551, and the main body 110 and the operation display unit 130 are connected by a request transfer line 152 and a second image transfer line 953. Further, the main unit 110 and the printer unit 140 are connected by a third image transfer line 153. Further, the scanner unit 520 and the operation display unit 130 are directly connected via the preview image transfer line 550 without passing through the main body unit 110.

  Here, the configuration and functions of the main body 110, the operation display unit 130, and the printer unit 140 are the same as those of the copier in the first embodiment, and the configuration and functions of the scanner unit 520 are the same as those in the third embodiment. Since this is the same as the copying machine in the embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The operation display unit 130 displays and outputs the image data received from the scanner unit 520 via the preview image transfer line 550 on the LCD 133 as a preview image. Further, the operation display unit 130 transfers the request for detailed display of the preview image input by the user to the image processing unit 113 via the request transfer line 152, and the image via the second image transfer line 953. The image data generated by the processing unit 113 is received and displayed on the LCD 133 as a detailed display of the preview image.

  Next, a copy process for printing image data read by the copying machine 900 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIGS. 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing the procedure of the copying process in the copying machine 900. FIG.

  First, when a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 520. The processing and flow (steps S1001 to S1008) from scanning of a document placed by the CCD 121 in the reading control unit 522 to display of a preview image on the LCD 133 in the display control unit 132 (steps S1001 to S1008) are shown in the third embodiment of FIG. This is the same as the processing and flow (steps S601 to S608) described in the above.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user has requested detailed display of the preview image (step S1009). When the detailed display of the preview image is requested by the user (step S1009: Yes), that effect is transferred to the image processing unit 113 via the request transfer line 152. Then, the image processing unit 113 transfers the image data subjected to the image processing stored in the image memory 112 to the display control unit 132 (step S1010).

  Next, the display control unit 132 receives the image data transferred from the image processing unit 113 via the second image transfer line 953. Then, the received image data is displayed and output on the LCD 133 as a detailed display of the preview image (step S1011).

  On the other hand, when the detailed display of the preview image is not requested by the user (step S1009: No), the following processing is performed as it is.

  Processing and flow after confirmation of preview image displayed on LCD 133 and detailed display when detailed display is performed by user, or preview image displayed on LCD 133 when detailed display is not performed (steps S1012 to S1015) ) Is the same as the processing and flow (steps S208 to S211) described in the first embodiment of FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation display unit 130 accepts a request for detailed display from the user to display and output image data processed by the main body 110 as a preview image, and the second image transfer line 953 is received. Thus, the operation display unit 130 and the main body unit 110 are directly connected to transfer image data subjected to image processing from the main body unit 110 to the operation display unit 130, and the image processing received from the main body unit 110 by the operation display unit 130. The output image data is displayed and output. Therefore, when the user requests detailed display of the preview image, it is possible to display the image data subjected to image processing by the main body unit 110 as a detailed image. In addition, it is possible to display image data for printing that has been subjected to image processing by the main body 110 or image data stored in the main body 110 on the operation display unit 130, which deteriorates the function of the conventional image forming apparatus. I will not let you. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time from when the document is read by the scanner unit 520 until it is displayed as the preview image by the operation display unit 130, and without increasing the convenience for the user. Efficiency can be improved.

  The copying machine according to the present embodiment transfers a request transfer line 152 used for transferring a detailed display request by a user and image data processed by the image processing unit 113 as a detailed display of a preview image. The second image transfer line 953 is provided as a separate line, but the same image line may also be used. In that case, the hardware configuration can be prevented from becoming complicated.

(Sixth embodiment)
The copier of the fifth embodiment receives the transferred image data, and when a preview image subjected to image processing by the display control unit is displayed, an instruction to start a printing operation is given and printing is performed. However, the copying machine of the sixth embodiment further stops the printing operation when the user gives an instruction to stop the printing operation. The sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine according to the sixth embodiment. The copier 1100 according to the present embodiment scans a document, generates image data of the scanned document, and prints it. The scanner unit 120, a main body unit 1110, an operation display unit 1130, and a printer unit. 1140.

  The main body 1110 and the scanner unit 120 are connected by a first image transfer line 151, the main body 1110 and the operation display unit 1130 are connected by a request transfer line 152, and further, The printer unit 1140 is connected by a third image transfer line 153. The scanner unit 120 and the operation display unit 1130 are directly connected by the preview image transfer line 150 without passing through the main body unit 110.

  Here, since the configuration and functions of the scanner unit 120 are the same as those of the copying machine according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  The operation display unit 1130 receives setting input by a user and displays and outputs image data such as a preview image. The operation display unit 1130 mainly includes a touch panel 131, a display control unit 1132, and an LCD 133. In addition, the operation display unit 1130 directly receives the image data read by the scanner unit 120 via the preview image transfer line 150 that does not pass through the main body unit 1110, and displays and outputs it as a preview image.

  Here, since the configurations and functions of the touch panel 131 and the LCD 133 are the same as those of the copying machine according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

The display control unit 1132 controls the operation display unit 1130 by transferring information input to the touch panel 131 by the user to the main body unit 1110 via the request transfer line 152. In addition, when the display control unit 1132 receives a request for starting a printing operation to start printing image data of a document scanned by the scanner unit 120 by the user when the “start button” or the like of the touch panel 131 is pressed. The printing operation transition flag is set to ON. On the other hand, when a print operation stop request to stop printing by the user is received by pressing a “cancel button” or the like on the touch panel 131, the print operation transition flag is set to off. Here, the printing operation transition flag is a flag for determining whether or not to proceed to the printing operation. When the printing operation transition flag is on, the printing operation transition flag indicates a state in which the printing operation can be performed, and the printing operation transition When the flag is off, it indicates a state where the printing operation is not shifted. The print operation transition flag is stored in a storage medium such as a memory or HDD.
Further, the display control unit 1132 displays and outputs the RGB format image data received from the scanner unit 120 via the preview image transfer line 150 on the LCD 133 as a preview image. In addition, the display control unit 1132 includes a data processing unit 734 that performs data processing. Here, since the configuration and function of the data processing unit 734 are the same as those of the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The main body unit 1110 receives the image data read from the scanner unit 120 and performs image processing, image data storage, and the like according to operations such as settings input by the user from the operation display unit 1130. 1111 and HDD 114 are mainly provided. The control unit 1111 controls image processing of image data read by the scanner unit 120 and mainly includes an image memory 112 and an image processing unit 1113.

  Here, since the configuration and functions of the image memory 112 are the same as those of the copying machine according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The HDD 114 is a storage medium that stores image data read from the scanner unit 120, image data for printing generated by the image processing unit 1313, and the on / off setting of the printing operation transition flag.

Similar to the image processing unit 113 in the first embodiment, the image processing unit 1113 performs printing in the printer unit 140 from RGB format image data received from the scanner unit 120 and temporarily stored in the image memory 112. For example, processing for generating image data such as CMYK format or JPEG format is stored in the image memory 112. Further, various image processing and layout processing corresponding to the function set by the user are performed and stored in the image memory 112.
Also, the image processing unit 1113 refers to the printing operation transition flag, and if the printing operation transition flag is set to ON by the display control unit 1132 of the operation display unit 1130, the image processing unit 1113 performs the image processing as described above. A process of transferring the image data for printing performed to the printer unit 1140 is performed. In addition, the image processing unit 1113 refers to the printing operation transition flag, and when the printing operation transition flag is set to OFF by the display control unit 1132 of the operation display unit 1130, transfers the fact to the printer unit 1140. Processing for deleting the image data for printing that has been subjected to the image processing as described above is performed from the image memory 112, and a standby state is entered in preparation for the next operation.

  The printer unit 1140 receives and prints image data for printing generated by the main body unit 1110, and mainly includes a printing unit 141 and a writing control unit 1142.

  Here, since the function and configuration of the printing unit 141 are the same as those of the copying machine according to the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The writing control unit 1142 receives the printing image data generated in the main body unit 1110 and performs control such as printing by the printing unit 141. Further, the writing control unit 1142 prints image data for printing that has been subjected to image processing received from the main body unit 1110 when the print operation transition flag is set to ON by the display control unit 1132 of the operation display unit 1130. Start operation. In addition, when the printing operation transition flag is set to OFF by the display control unit 1132 of the operation display unit 1130, when the printing operation of the image data for printing processed from the main body unit 1110 is performed. The printing operation is interrupted and stopped, and a standby state is entered in preparation for the next operation.

  Next, a copying process for printing image data read by the copying machine 1100 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in the copying machine 1100.

  First, when a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 120. The reading control unit 122 scans the placed document and reads it as RGB format image data with the CCD 121 (step S1201).

  Next, the reading control unit 122 transfers the image data read by the CCD 121 to the image processing unit 1113 in the main body 1100 in order to generate image data for printing in the main body 1100 (step S1202). The image processing unit 1113 receives the image data transferred by the reading control unit 122 via the first image transfer line 151 (step S1203). The image processing unit 1113 performs image processing for generating image data for printing in the CMYK format or JPEG format from the received image data, and stores the generated image data in the image memory 112 (step S1204).

  The reading control unit 122 also transfers the image data read in step S1201 to the display control unit 1132 in order to display a preview image on the operation display unit 1130 (step S1205). Then, the display control unit 1132 directly receives the image data transferred by the reading control unit 122 via the preview image transfer line 150 without passing through the main body unit 1110 (step S1206).

  Next, the data processing unit 734 provided in the operation display unit 1130 generates a preview image to be displayed on the LCD 133 from the image data received from the reading control unit 122 (step S1207). Then, the display control unit 1132 displays and outputs the generated preview image on the LCD 133 (step S1208).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the preview image displayed on the LCD 133 has been confirmed by the user. That is, the display control unit 1132 determines whether or not the preview image has been confirmed by the user by determining whether or not a request for starting a printing operation has been received from the user (step S1209). When the print operation start request is received (step S1209: YES), the display control unit 1132 confirms the preview image, and sets the print operation transition flag to ON (step S1210).

  On the other hand, if the print operation start request has not been received (step S1209: No), the preview image has not been confirmed, and the display control unit 1132 determines whether a print operation stop request has been received ( Step S1211). If a print operation stop request is received (step S1211: Yes), the print operation is forcibly stopped (step S1212). That is, the image processing unit 1113 performs processing for deleting image data for printing from the image memory 112, and shifts to a standby state in preparation for the next operation. In addition, when the printing control unit 1140 has already performed printing operation of the image data for printing received from the main body unit 1110, the writing control unit 1140 interrupts and stops the printing operation, and shifts to a standby state in preparation for the next operation. To do. On the other hand, if the print operation stop request has not been received (step S1211: No), the process returns to step S1209 to determine again whether or not the preview image has been confirmed.

  In addition, after storing the image data in the image memory 112 in step S1204, the image processing unit 1113 determines whether or not the printing operation transition flag in step S1210 is set to ON (step S1213). If the printing operation transition flag is not turned on, that is, if the printing operation transition flag is set to off (step S1213: No), the processing returns to step 1213 again to perform processing.

  On the other hand, when the printing operation transition flag is set to ON (step S1213: Yes), the image processing unit 1113 stores the image data read by the reading control unit 122 in the image memory 112 in step S1204. The stored image data for printing is transferred to the writing control unit 1142 (step S1214). Next, the writing control unit 1142 receives the image data transferred by the image processing unit 1113 via the third image transfer line 153 (step S1215). Then, the printing unit 141 prints the received image data on a sheet (step S1216).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, after a preview image is displayed and output by the display control unit 1132, a request for starting a printing operation of image data for printing processed by the main body unit 1110 is received from the user. The image processing unit 1113 transfers the processed image data for printing to the printer unit 1140, and the writing control unit 1142 starts a printing operation of the image data received from the main body unit 1110. In addition, when a preview image is displayed and output by the display control unit 1132 and a request for stopping the printing operation of the image data for printing processed by the main body unit 1110 is received from the user, the image processing unit 1113 displays the image. The processed image data for printing is deleted, and the writing control unit 1142 stops the printing operation when the image data printing operation is being performed.

  Accordingly, since the print operation can be requested after the preview image is displayed and confirmed, the print operation can be surely started after the preview image is confirmed, and the functionality can be improved and the work efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the print operation can be stopped after the preview image is displayed and confirmed, even when the image to be printed is different from the desired direction, even during image processing or printing of the image data Processing can be interrupted, functionality can be improved, and work efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, if the preview image has a print direction that can be determined, the volume of image data transferred to the operation display unit 1130 can be reduced. Further, since it is possible to determine whether to start or stop the printing operation even during the image processing operation of the image data in the main body 1110, if there is an error in the printing direction, it is immediately The printing operation can be stopped and corrected, and the printing operation can be started again. Further, the functionality can be improved and the working efficiency can be improved.

(Seventh embodiment)
The copier according to the sixth embodiment receives the transferred image data, and displays an image processed preview image by the display control unit, and then receives an instruction to start a printing operation. Although the printing operation is stopped when printing is instructed to stop the printing operation, the copying machine according to the seventh embodiment further includes image data subjected to image processing in the main body. Are output as a detailed display of the preview image. The seventh embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine according to the seventh embodiment. The copier 1300 according to the present embodiment scans a document, generates image data of the scanned document, and prints it. The scanner unit 120, a main body unit 1310, an operation display unit 1330, and a printer unit. 1140.

  The main body 1310 and the scanner 120 are connected by a first image transfer line 151, and the main body 1310 and the operation display 1330 are connected by a request transfer line 152 and a second image transfer line 953. Further, the main body unit 1310 and the printer unit 1140 are connected by a third image transfer line 153. The scanner unit 120 and the operation display unit 1330 are directly connected by the preview image transfer line 150 without going through the main body unit 1310.

  Here, the configuration and function of the scanner unit 120 are the same as those of the copier in the first embodiment, and the configuration and function of the printer unit 1140 are the same as those of the copier in the sixth embodiment. Description is omitted.

  The operation display unit 1330 accepts setting input by a user and displays and outputs image data such as a preview image. The operation display unit 1330 mainly includes a touch panel 131, a display control unit 1332, and an LCD 133. The operation display unit 1330 directly receives the image data read by the scanner unit 120 via the preview image transfer line 150 that does not pass through the main body unit 1310, and displays and outputs the image data as a preview image.

  Here, since the configurations and functions of the touch panel 131 and the LCD 133 are the same as those of the copying machine according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  In addition to the functions of the display control unit according to the sixth embodiment, the display control unit 1332 requests image data that has undergone image processing from the main body unit 1310, and the main control unit 1310 receives the image data via the second image transfer line 953. The image data subjected to the image processing is received, and the received image data is displayed and output on the LCD 133 as a detailed display of the preview image.

  The main body unit 1310 receives the image data read from the scanner unit 120 and performs image processing, image data storage, and the like in accordance with operations such as settings input by the user from the operation display unit 1330. 1311 and HDD 114 are mainly provided. The control unit 1311 controls image processing of image data read by the scanner unit 120, and mainly includes an image memory 112 and an image processing unit 1313.

  Here, since the configurations and functions of the HDD 114 and the image memory 112 are the same as those of the copier in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  In addition to the functions of the image processing unit according to the sixth embodiment, the image processing unit 1113 receives image data processed in the image memory 112 from the operation display unit 1330. The image data is transferred to the operation display unit 1330 via the second image transfer line.

  Next, a copying process for printing image data read by the copying machine 1300 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in the copying machine 1300.

  First, when a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 120. The processing and flow (steps S1401 to S1412) from the scanning of the original placed by the CCD 121 in the reading control unit 122 to the forced stop of the printing operation (steps S1401 to S1412) are the same as those described in the sixth embodiment in FIG. The same as (Steps S1201 to S1212).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the display control unit 1332 has received a request for stopping the printing operation (step S1411). When the request for stopping the printing operation has not been received (step S1411: No), the display control unit 1332 displays the image. The processed image data is requested to the main body 1310 (step S1413). Then, the display control unit 1332 receives the image processed image data corresponding to the request from the main body unit 1310 via the second image transfer line 953 (step S1414), and the received image data is the details of the preview image. The display is output on the LCD 133 as a display (step S1415). Then, the process returns to step S1409, and the process of determining again whether the preview image (detailed display) has been confirmed is performed.

  Further, after the image data is stored in the image memory 112 in step S1404, it is determined whether a request for image processed image data from the display control unit 1332 made in step S1413 has been received (step S1416). If a request for image data subjected to image processing is received (step S1416: YES), the image processing unit 1313 transfers the image data stored in the image memory 112 to the operation display unit 1130 (step S1417). Note that the display control unit 1332 has received the image data transferred here in step S1414 described above.

  Then, the image processing unit 1313 determines whether or not the printing operation transition flag in step S1410 is set to ON (step S1418). Similarly, if a request for data subjected to image processing has not been received (step S1416: NO), it is determined whether the print operation transition flag is set to ON (step S1418). If the printing operation transition flag is not turned on, that is, if the printing operation transition flag is set to off (step S1418: No), the processing returns to step 1416 again to perform processing.

  On the other hand, when the printing operation transition flag is set to ON (step S1418: Yes), the printing operation is started by the printer unit 1140, but the processing after the transfer of the image data for printing by the image processing unit 1313 and The flow (steps S1419 to S1421) is the same as the processing and flow (steps S1214 to S1216) described in the sixth embodiment in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the display control unit 1332 does not accept the request for starting the printing operation after the preview image is displayed, the image data processed in the main body unit 1310 is transferred to the second image transfer unit. The image data is transferred to the operation display unit 1330 via the line, and the display control unit 1332 displays and outputs the image data for printing processed from the main body unit 1310 on the LCD 133.

For this reason, the preview image of the image data directly transferred from the scanner unit 120 to the operation display unit 1330 has not been subjected to image processing, so it may be different in detail from the actual print image. The image data for printing that has been subjected to image processing by the main body unit 1310 and the image data stored in the main body unit 1310 can also be displayed on the LCD 133, thereby enabling high-level image confirmation. Therefore, even a user who places importance on speeding up printing operations and a user who places importance on high-level image confirmation can perform operations according to each user's request, thereby improving functionality.
Further, when displaying the directly transferred preview image, it is possible to shorten the time from when the document is read by the scanner unit 120 until it is displayed as the preview image by the operation display unit 1330. Without waiting, it is possible to improve convenience and work efficiency.

(Eighth embodiment)
The copier of the seventh embodiment displays and outputs the image data image-processed in the main body as a detailed display of the preview image. However, the copier in the eighth embodiment further includes: When there is a request for detailed display of the preview image by the user, the image data processed in the main body is displayed as the detailed display of the preview image. The eighth embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The configuration of the copier according to the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the seventh embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, a configuration different from the copying machine of the seventh embodiment will be described.

  In addition to the function of the display control unit of the sixth embodiment, the display control unit 1332 accepts a request for detailed display from the user to display and output the image data processed by the main body unit 1310 as a preview image. If the image data is processed, the image processing unit 1310 requests the image data subjected to image processing to the main body 1310. The display control unit 1332 receives image data that has undergone image processing from the main body unit 1310 via the second image transfer line 953, and outputs the received image data to the LCD 133 as a detailed display of the preview image. It is.

  In addition to the functions of the image processing unit according to the sixth embodiment, the image processing unit 1313 accepts a request for detailed display in the operation display unit 1330, and receives a request for image data subjected to image processing. The stored image data is transferred to the operation display unit 1330 via the second image transfer line.

  Next, a copying process for printing image data read by the copying machine 1300 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in the copying machine 1300.

  First, when a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 120. The processing and flow (steps S1501 to S1512) from the scanning of the document placed by the CCD 121 in the reading control unit 122 to the forced stop of the printing operation (steps S1501 to S1512) are the same as those described in the sixth embodiment in FIG. The same as (Steps S1201 to S1212).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the display control unit 1332 has received a request for stopping the printing operation (step S1511). If the request for stopping the printing operation has not been received (step S1511: No), the display control unit 1332 uses It is determined whether a request for detailed display of the preview image has been received from the user (step S1513). When the request for detailed display of the preview image from the user has not been received (step S1513: No), the process returns to step S1509 to determine again whether or not the preview image has been confirmed.

  On the other hand, when a request for detailed display of a preview image is received from the user (step S1513: Yes), the processing and flow after the request for image data by the display control unit 1332 (steps S1514 to S1522) are shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the processing and flow (steps S1413 to S1421) described in the seventh embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the display control unit 1332 receives a request for detailed display of a preview image for displaying and outputting the image data processed by the main body unit 1310 as a preview image from the user, the main body unit 1310. The image data subjected to the image processing in FIG. 5 is transferred to the operation display unit 1330 via the second image transfer line, and the display control unit 1332 displays the image processed image data for printing received from the main body unit 1310 on the LCD 133. Output.

Therefore, when the user requests detailed display of the preview image, the image data subjected to image processing by the main body 1310 can be displayed as a detailed image. Further, the preview image of the image data directly transferred from the scanner unit 120 to the operation display unit 1330 is not subjected to image processing, and thus may differ in detail from an actual print image. Image data for printing that has been subjected to image processing by the main body unit 1310 and image data stored in the main body unit 1310 can be displayed on the LCD 133, thereby enabling high-level image confirmation. Therefore, even a user who places importance on speeding up printing operations and a user who places importance on high-level image confirmation can perform operations according to each user's request, thereby improving functionality.
Further, when displaying the directly transferred preview image, it is possible to shorten the time from when the document is read by the scanner unit 120 until it is displayed as the preview image by the operation display unit 1330. Without waiting, it is possible to improve convenience and work efficiency. In addition, only when there is a request for detailed display of a preview image, the image data for printing that has undergone image processing is displayed, reducing unauthorized data transfer, reducing the inability to control the device, and system stability Can be increased.

(Ninth embodiment)
In the eighth embodiment, the copying machine displays image data processed in the main body as detailed display of a preview image when a user requests detailed display of the preview image. However, in the ninth embodiment, when a preview image display request is made by the user in the display of the preview image, which is the process before the request for detailed display of the preview image, the reading is performed by the CCD. The image data is displayed as a preview image. The ninth embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The configuration of the copier according to the ninth embodiment is the same as that of the seventh embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a configuration different from that of the copier of the eighth embodiment will be described.

  In addition to the functions of the display control unit according to the eighth embodiment, the display control unit 1332 accepts a request for displaying a preview image to display and output the image data of the document read by the reading control unit 122 as a preview image. In this case, the image data of the read original received from the scanner unit 120 is displayed and output on the LCD 133. If the request for preview image display is not accepted, the printing operation transition flag is set to ON.

  The reading control unit 122 controls the scanner unit 120 by transferring the image data read by the CCD 121 to the main body unit 110 via the first image transfer line 151. In addition, when the operation display unit 1330 receives a request for preview image display, the reading control unit 122 reads the image data read by the CCD 121 via the preview image transfer line 150 without passing through the main body unit 110. Forward to 130.

  Next, a copying process for printing image data read by the copying machine 1300 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in the copying machine 1300.

  First, when a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 120. The reading control unit 122 scans the placed document and reads it as RGB format image data with the CCD 121 (step S1601).

  Next, the display control unit 1332 determines whether a request for preview image display has been received (step S1602). When a request for preview image display is received (step S1602: Yes), the reading control unit 122 uses the main body 1300 to read the image data read by the CCD 121 in order to generate image data for printing in the main body 1300. The image data is transferred to the image processing unit 1313 (step S1605). The image processing unit 1313 receives the image data transferred by the reading control unit 122 via the first image transfer line 151 (step S1606). The image processing unit 1313 performs image processing for generating image data for printing such as CMYK format or JPEG format from the received image data, and stores the generated image data in the image memory 112 (step S1607).

  The reading control unit 122 also transfers the image data read in step S1601 to the display control unit 1332 in order to display a preview image on the operation display unit 1330 (step S1608). Then, the display control unit 1332 directly receives the image data transferred by the reading control unit 122 via the preview image transfer line 150 without passing through the main body unit 1310 (step S1609).

  Next, the data processing unit 734 provided in the operation display unit 1330 generates a preview image to be displayed on the LCD 133 from the image data received from the reading control unit 122 (step S1610). Then, the display control unit 1332 displays and outputs the generated preview image on the LCD 133 (step S1611).

  On the other hand, when the request for preview image display is not received in step S1602 (step S1602: No), the display control unit 1132 sets the printing operation transition flag to ON (step S1603). Next, the reading control unit 122 transfers the image data read by the CCD 121 to the image processing unit 1313 in the main body 1300 in order to generate image data for printing in the main body 1300 (step S1604). And the process after step S1606 is performed. In this case, the read image data is not transferred to the display control unit 1332.

  The processing and flow from determination of whether or not the preview image displayed on the LCD 133 has been confirmed by the user to transfer of the image data by the image processing unit 1313 (steps S1612 to S1621) is the eighth embodiment. This is the same as the processing and flow described in step S1509 to S1518.

  Next, the image processing unit 1313 determines whether or not the printing operation transition flag in step S1603 and step S1613 is set to ON (step S1622). Similarly, when a request for image-processed data is not received (step S1620: No), it is determined whether the print operation transition flag is set to ON (step S1622). When the printing operation transition flag is not turned on, that is, when the printing operation transition flag is set to off (step S1622: No), the processing returns to step 1416 again to perform processing.

  On the other hand, when the printing operation transition flag is set to ON (step S1622: Yes), the printing operation is started by the printer unit 1140, but the processing after the transfer of the image data for printing by the image processing unit 1313 and The flow (steps S1623 to S1625) is the same as the processing and flow (steps S1214 to S1216) described in the sixth embodiment in FIG.

  As described above, when the display control unit 1332 receives a preview image display request for displaying and outputting the image data scanned by the scanner unit 120 as a preview image, the display control unit 1332 displays the image data scanned by the reading control unit 122 on the preview image transfer line. The display control unit 1332 displays and outputs the scanned image data received from the scanner unit 120 on the LCD 133. Accordingly, since the preview image is displayed only when the preview image display is requested, if the preview image display is not requested, the printing operation is performed with the same processing capability as the copying machine having no preview image display function. It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the function due to the addition of the preview image display function, improve the functionality, and improve the work efficiency. At this time, if the image data transfer operation from the reading control unit 122 to the operation display unit 1330 is also stopped, the stability of the system can be increased, such as reduction of the control load of the apparatus.

  When a plurality of originals are printed continuously, if it is desired to display a preview image only for the first sheet in order to confirm the printing direction, the preview image display function is used in the printing operation for the second and subsequent originals. The printing operation can be executed with a processing capability equivalent to that of a copier that does not have a printer.

(Tenth embodiment)
In the eighth embodiment, the copying machine displays image data processed in the main body as detailed display of a preview image when a user requests detailed display of the preview image. However, in the tenth embodiment, after a preview image is displayed, if there is no instruction for the next operation within a predetermined time, a predetermined next operation is executed. The tenth embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The configuration of the copier according to the tenth embodiment is the same as that of the seventh embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a configuration different from that of the copier of the eighth embodiment will be described.

  In addition to the functions in the display control unit of the eighth embodiment, the display control unit 1332 has not accepted any request for starting or stopping the printing operation within a predetermined time after displaying the preview image on the LCD 133. In this case, a printing operation start setting for setting in advance that a printing operation for printing image data read by the reading control unit 122 with the printer unit 1140 is started, or a printing operation stop setting for setting in advance that the printing operation is stopped. Is stored in the HDD 114.

  The HDD 114 is a storage medium that stores image data read from the scanner unit 120, image data for printing generated by the image processing unit 1313, and settings for either print operation start settings or print operation stop settings.

  In addition to the functions of the image processing unit according to the eighth embodiment, the image processing unit 1313 is set within a predetermined time after the preview image is displayed on the LCD 133 when the print operation start setting is made with reference to the HDD 114. If neither the request for starting the printing operation nor the request for stopping the printing operation is received, a process for starting the printing operation and the image data for printing subjected to the image processing are transferred to the printer unit 1140. In addition, when the print operation stop setting is made with reference to the HDD 114, the print operation start request or the print operation stop request is not received within a predetermined time after the preview image is displayed on the LCD 133. The operation stop request is transferred to the printer unit 1140, and the image data for printing that has undergone image processing is deleted from the image memory 112, and a standby state is entered in preparation for the next operation.

  The writing control unit 1142 receives the printing image data generated in the main body unit 1110 and performs control such as printing by the printing unit 141. In addition, the writing control unit 1142 passes a predetermined time after displaying the preview image on the LCD 133, and according to a predetermined print operation start setting, the main body unit 1310 issues a print operation start request and image-processed image for printing. When the data is received, the printing operation of the received image data is started. The writing control unit 1142 receives a request for stopping the printing operation from the body unit 1310 according to a predetermined printing operation stop setting after a predetermined time has elapsed after displaying the preview image on the LCD 133. When the printing operation of the image data for printing that has been subjected to the image processing received from is performed, the printing operation is interrupted and stopped, and a standby state is entered in preparation for the next operation.

  Next, a copying process for printing image data read by the copying machine 1300 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in the copying machine 1300.

  First, the display control unit 1332 starts the printing operation or stops the printing operation when a request for starting the printing operation or stopping the printing operation is not received within a predetermined time after the preview image is displayed on the LCD 133 by the user. A setting for which operation is performed, that is, a setting for either a printing operation start setting or a printing operation stop setting is received in advance and stored in the HDD 114.

  When a document is copied and printed, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 120. The processing and flow (steps S1701 to S1708) from scanning of a document placed by the CCD 121 in the reading control unit 122 to display of a preview image by the display control unit 1332 (steps S1701 to S1708) will be described in the sixth embodiment of FIG. The same processing and flow (steps S1201 to S1208) are performed.

  Next, the image processing unit 1313 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the display image is displayed on the LCD 133 by the display control unit 1332 (step S1709). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S1709: NO), it is determined whether or not the preview image displayed on the LCD 133 has been confirmed by the user. That is, the display control unit 1332 determines whether or not a preview image has been confirmed by the user by determining whether or not a request for starting a printing operation has been received from the user (step S1710). When the print control start request is received (step S1710: YES), the display control unit 1132 confirms the preview image, and sets the print operation transition flag to ON (step S1711).

  On the other hand, if the print operation start request has not been received (step S1710: NO), the preview image has not been confirmed, and the display control unit 1332 determines whether or not the print operation stop request has been received ( Step S1712). If a print operation stop request is received (step S1712: YES), the print operation is forcibly stopped (step S1713). That is, the image processing unit 1313 performs processing for deleting image data for printing from the image memory 112, and shifts to a standby state in preparation for the next operation. In addition, when the printing control unit 1140 has already performed printing operation of the image data for printing received from the main body unit 1110, the writing control unit 1140 interrupts and stops the printing operation, and shifts to a standby state in preparation for the next operation. To do.

  Returning to step S1709, if a predetermined time has elapsed (step S1709: YES), the image processing unit 1313 refers to the HDD 114 to determine whether the print operation stop setting is stored (step S1709). Step S1714). If the printing operation stop setting has not been saved, that is, if the printing operation start setting has been saved (step S1714: No), the display control unit 1132 sets the printing operation transition flag to ON (step S1711). .

  On the other hand, if the printing operation stop setting has been saved (step S1714: YES), the printing operation is forcibly stopped (step S1713). That is, the image processing unit 1313 performs processing for deleting image data for printing from the image memory 112, and shifts to a standby state in preparation for the next operation. In addition, when the printing control unit 1140 has already performed printing operation of the image data for printing received from the main body unit 1110, the writing control unit 1140 interrupts and stops the printing operation, and shifts to a standby state in preparation for the next operation. To do.

  Returning to step S1712, the processing and flow after the request for detailed display of the preview image by the display control unit 1332 when the request for stopping the printing operation is not accepted (step S1712: No) (steps S1715 to S1724). This is the same as the processing and flow (steps S1513 to S1422) described in the eighth embodiment in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the display control unit 1332 receives a print operation start setting for starting a print operation or a print operation stop setting for stopping the print operation in advance. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the print operation start setting, the main body unit 1310 transfers the image data for printing that has undergone image processing to the printer unit 1140, and the printer unit 1140 receives from the main body unit 1330. The printing operation of the image data for printing that has been subjected to the image processing is started. In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed when the printing operation stop setting is received, the main body unit 1310 deletes the image data that has undergone image processing, and the printer unit 1140 performs a printing operation of the image data for printing that has undergone image processing. To stop. Therefore, after the preview image is displayed, even if a predetermined time elapses without requesting the next operation, the copying machine starts or stops the printing operation. It is possible to prepare for the next operation by completing the final operation without being left unattended, improving functionality and improving work efficiency.

(Eleventh embodiment)
The eleventh embodiment shows an example in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine. The eleventh embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment. A facsimile apparatus 1800 according to the present embodiment scans a document, generates image data of the scanned document, and transmits it by facsimile. The scanner unit 120, a main body unit 1810, an operation display unit 1830, And a facsimile unit 1840.

  Further, the main body 1810 and the scanner unit 120 are connected by a first image transfer line 151, the main body 1810 and the operation display unit 1830 are connected by a request transfer line 152, and further, The facsimile unit 1840 is connected by a third image transfer line 153. Further, the scanner unit 120 and the operation display unit 1830 are directly connected by the preview image transfer line 150 without going through the main body unit 1810.

  Here, since the configuration and functions of the scanner unit 120 are the same as those of the scanner unit in the copying machine according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  The operation display unit 1830 receives setting input by a user and displays and outputs image data such as a preview image. The operation display unit 1830 mainly includes a touch panel 131, a display control unit 1832, and an LCD 133. Further, the operation display unit 1830 directly receives the image data read by the scanner unit 120 via the preview image transfer line 150 that does not pass through the main body unit 1810, and displays and outputs it as a preview image.

  Here, the configurations and functions of the touch panel 131 and the LCD 133 are the same as those of the touch panel and the LCD in the copying machine according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The display control unit 1832 controls the operation display unit 1830 by transferring information input to the touch panel 131 by the user to the main body unit 1810 via the request transfer line 152. Further, the display control unit 1132 receives a request for starting a facsimile transmission operation to start facsimile transmission of image data of a document scanned by the scanner unit 120 by the user when the “start button” or the like of the touch panel 131 is pressed. When accepted, the transmission operation transition flag is set to ON. On the other hand, when a request for stopping the facsimile transmission operation to stop facsimile transmission by the user is received by pressing the “cancel button” or the like on the touch panel 131, the transmission operation transition flag is set to OFF. Here, the transmission operation transition flag is a flag for determining whether or not to proceed to the facsimile transmission operation. When the transmission operation transition flag is ON, the transmission operation transition flag indicates a state in which the transition to the facsimile transmission operation is possible. When the operation transition flag is OFF, this indicates a state in which the operation does not proceed to the facsimile operation. The transmission operation transition flag is stored in a storage medium such as a memory or HDD.
Further, the display control unit 1832 displays and outputs the RGB format image data received from the scanner unit 120 via the preview image transfer line 150 on the LCD 133 as a preview image. The display control unit 1832 includes a data processing unit 734 that performs data processing. Here, the configuration and function of the data processing unit 734 are the same as those of the data processing unit in the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The main body unit 1810 receives the image data read from the scanner unit 120 and performs image processing, image data storage, and the like according to operations such as settings input by the user from the operation display unit 1830. 1811 and HDD 114 are mainly provided. The control unit 1811 controls image processing of image data read by the scanner unit 120, and mainly includes an image memory 112 and an image processing unit 1813.

  The HDD 114 is a storage medium that stores image data read from the scanner unit 120, image data for facsimile transmission generated by the image processing unit 1813, and the ON / OFF setting of a transmission operation transition flag.

  Here, since the configuration and function of the image memory 112 are the same as those of the image memory in the copying machine according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Similar to the image processing unit 113 in the first embodiment, the image processing unit 1813 receives from the scanner unit 120 and temporarily stores the image data in RGB format in the facsimile unit 1840 from the RGB image data. Processing for generating image data for transmission, etc. is performed and stored in the image memory 112, and various image processing and layout processing processing corresponding to the function set by the user are performed.
Further, the image processing unit 1813 refers to the transmission operation transition flag, and when the transmission operation transition flag is set to ON by the display control unit 1832 of the operation display unit 1830, the image processing unit 1813 performs the image processing as described above. Processing for transferring the image data for facsimile transmission performed to the facsimile unit 1440 is performed. Further, the image processing unit 1813 refers to the transmission operation transition flag, and when the transmission operation transition flag is set to OFF by the display control unit 1832 of the operation display unit 1830, transfers the fact to the facsimile unit 1840, The image data for facsimile transmission subjected to the image processing as described above is deleted from the image memory 112, and a standby state is entered in preparation for the next operation.

  The facsimile unit 1840 receives the image data for facsimile transmission generated by the main body unit 1810 and transmits the received image data to each destination by facsimile. In addition, the facsimile unit 1842 transmits the image data for facsimile transmission processed by the image processing unit 1810 received from the main body unit 1810 when the transmission operation transition flag is set to ON by the display control unit 1832 of the operation display unit 1830. Start operation. Further, when the transmission operation transition flag is set to OFF by the display control unit 1832 of the operation display unit 1830, the facsimile transmission operation of the image data for facsimile transmission received from the main body unit 1810 is performed. In this case, the facsimile transmission operation is interrupted and stopped, and a standby state is entered in preparation for the next operation.

  Next, facsimile transmission processing for performing facsimile transmission of image data read by the facsimile apparatus 1800 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure of facsimile transmission processing in the facsimile apparatus 1800.

  First, when a document is copied and transmitted by facsimile, the user places the document on a contact glass installed in the scanner unit 120. The processing and flow from scanning of a document by the reading control unit 122 to display of a preview image by the display control unit 1832 (steps S1901 to 1908) are the processing and flow described in the sixth embodiment in FIG. This is the same as steps S1201 to S1208).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the preview image displayed on the LCD 133 has been confirmed by the user. That is, the display control unit 1832 determines whether a preview image has been confirmed by the user by determining whether a request for starting a facsimile transmission operation from the user has been received (step S1909). When the request for starting the facsimile transmission operation is received (step S1909: YES), the display control unit 1832 confirms the preview image, and sets the transmission operation transition flag to ON (step S1910).

  On the other hand, when the request for starting the facsimile transmission operation is not received (step S1909: No), the preview image is not confirmed, and the display control unit 1832 determines whether the request for stopping the facsimile transmission operation is received. (Step S1911). When a request for stopping the facsimile transmission operation is received (step S1911: Yes), the facsimile transmission operation is forcibly stopped (step S1912). That is, the main body 1810 performs processing for deleting image data for facsimile transmission from the image memory 112, and shifts to a standby state in preparation for the next operation. Further, if the facsimile transmission operation of the image data for facsimile transmission received from the main body portion 1810 has already been performed, the facsimile unit 1840 interrupts and stops the facsimile transmission operation, and enters a standby state for the next operation. Transition. On the other hand, if the request for stopping the facsimile transmission operation is not accepted (step S1911: NO), the process returns to step S1909, and the process of determining again whether the preview image has been confirmed is performed.

  In addition, after storing the image data in the image memory 112 in step S1904, the image processing unit 1113 determines whether or not the transmission operation transition flag in step S1910 is set to ON (step S1913). If the transmission operation transition flag is not turned on, that is, if the transmission operation transition flag is set to off (step S1913: No), the processing returns to step 1913 again to perform processing.

  On the other hand, when the transmission operation transition flag is set to ON (step S1913: Yes), the image processing unit 1813 transmits the image data read by the reading control unit 122 by facsimile in step S1904. The image data for facsimile transmission stored in is transferred to the facsimile unit 1842 (step S1914). Next, the facsimile unit 1842 receives the image data transferred by the image processing unit 1813 via the third image transfer line 153 (step S1915). Then, the facsimile unit 1840 transmits the received image data by facsimile to each destination (step S1916).

As described above, in this embodiment, after a preview image is displayed and output by the display control unit 1132, a request for starting a facsimile transmission operation of image data for facsimile transmission processed by the main body unit 1110 is received from the user. In this case, the image processing unit 1113 transfers the processed image data for facsimile transmission to the facsimile unit 1840, and the facsimile unit 1840 starts a facsimile transmission operation of the image data received from the main body unit 1110. In addition, when a preview image is displayed and output by the display control unit 1132 and a request for stopping the facsimile transmission operation of image data for facsimile transmission processed by the main body unit 1110 is received from the user, the image processing unit 1113 Then, the processed image data for facsimile transmission is deleted, and the facsimile unit 1842 stops the facsimile transmission operation when the facsimile transmission operation of the image data is being performed.
Accordingly, since the facsimile transmission operation can be requested after the preview image is displayed and confirmed, the facsimile transmission operation can be surely started after the preview image is confirmed, thereby improving the functionality and improving the work efficiency. it can. Further, since the facsimile transmission operation can be requested to stop after the preview image is displayed and confirmed, the image data is being processed or transmitted during the facsimile transmission when the image to be transmitted by facsimile is not in the desired direction. Can also interrupt the process, improve functionality and improve work efficiency.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripherals 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, and 1300 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the MFPs 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, and 1300 have a configuration in which the controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire multifunction device 1 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction peripherals 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, and 1300. The CPU 11 includes a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and the other chips are connected via the chip set. Connected with equipment.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, PCI bus, HDD 18 and MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Fax Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus. The operation display unit 20 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  Note that the preview image display program executed by the MFPs 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, and 1300 according to the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The preview image display program executed by the multifunction peripherals 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300 according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD). ), A CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or other computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, a preview image display program executed by the multifunction peripherals 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, and 1300 according to the present embodiment is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and is transmitted via the network. You may comprise so that it may provide by downloading. The preview image display program executed by the multifunction peripherals 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, and 1300 according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The preview image display program executed in the MFPs 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, and 1300 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described units (reading control units 122, 322, and 522, display control units 132 and 732). 1132, 1312, image processing units 113, 1113, 1313, and write control units 142, 1422). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) loads a preview image display program from the ROM. By reading and executing, the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the read control units 122, 322, and 522, the display control units 132, 732, 1132, and 1312, the image processing units 113, 1113, and 1313, and the write control unit 142 and 1422 are generated on the main storage device.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copier according to a first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in the copying machine according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine according to a second embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in a copying machine according to a second embodiment; It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the copying machine concerning 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in a copying machine according to a third embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the copying machine concerning 4th Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in a copying machine according to a fourth embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the copying machine concerning 5th Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in a copying machine according to a fifth embodiment; 22 is a flowchart (continuation) illustrating a procedure of a copying process in the copying machine according to the fifth embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the copying machine concerning 6th Embodiment. 16 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in a copying machine according to a sixth embodiment; It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the copying machine concerning 7th Embodiment. 20 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in a copying machine according to a seventh embodiment. 20 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in a copying machine according to an eighth embodiment; 19 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in a copying machine according to a ninth embodiment. 19 is a flowchart showing a copy processing procedure in a copying machine according to a tenth embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the facsimile apparatus concerning 11th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the facsimile transmission process in the facsimile apparatus concerning 11th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the multifunctional device concerning this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300 Copier 110, 1110, 1310, 1810 Main unit 111, 1111, 1311, 1811 Control unit 112 Image memory 113, 1131, 1313, 1813 Image processing unit 114 HDD
120, 320, 520 Scanner section 121 CCD
122, 322, 522 Reading control unit 130, 730, 1130, 1330, 1830 Operation display unit 131 Touch panel 132, 732, 1132, 1332, 1832 Display control unit 133 LCD
140, 1140 Printer unit 141 Printing unit 142, 1142 Write control unit 150, 350, 550 Preview image transfer line 151, 351, 551 First image transfer line 152 Request transfer line 153 Third image transfer line 523, 734 Data Processing unit 953 Second image transfer line 1800 Facsimile device 1840 Facsimile unit

Claims (12)

Scanner means for scanning a document and generating image data of the scanned document;
Operation display means including a display unit (LCD) for displaying an operation input by the user and displaying an image for the user;
A main body for performing image processing on the image data;
First image transfer means for connecting the scanner means and the main body;
Preview image transfer means for directly connecting the scanner means and the operation display means without going through the main body,
The scanner means transfers the image data to the main body via the first image transfer means, and transfers the image data to the operation display means via the preview image transfer means,
The operation display means displays and outputs the image data received from the scanner means on the display unit as a preview image of the scanned document;
An image forming apparatus. The preview image transfer means is branched from the first image transfer means and connected to the operation display means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Provided inside the scanner means, comprising a reading control means for controlling the generation and transmission / reception of the image data,
The reading control means includes data processing means for generating the preview image from the image data, and transfers the preview image generated by the data processing means to the operation display means via the preview image transfer means. thing,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Provided inside the operation display means, comprising display control means for controlling the reception and display output of the image data,
The display control means includes data processing means for generating the preview image from the image data received from the scanner means via the preview image transfer means, and displays the preview image generated by the data processing means. Display output to the
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The operation display means receives a request for detailed display from the user to display and output the image data processed by the main body as a preview image;
A second image transfer unit that connects the operation display unit and the main body unit, and transfers the image data subjected to the image processing from the main body unit to the operation display unit;
The main body, when receiving the request for detailed display by the operation display means, transfers the image processed image data to the operation display means via the second image transfer means,
The operation display means displays and outputs the image processed image data received from the main body unit to the display unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The operation display means accepts a request for preview image display for outputting the image data scanned by the scanner means as a preview image,
The scanner means, when the request for preview image display is received by the operation display means, transfers the scanned image data to the operation display means via the preview image transfer means,
The operation display means displays the scanned image data received from the scanner means on the display unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: An image output means for outputting the image data;
The operation display means further accepts a request for starting an image output operation for starting an image output operation of the image data subjected to image processing in the main body from a user,
When the main body unit receives the image output operation start request by the operation display unit, the image data processed image data is transferred to the image output unit,
The image output means starts an image output operation of the image processed image data received from the main body when the operation display means receives the request for starting the image output operation;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The operation display means further accepts a request for stopping an image output operation for stopping an image output operation of the image processed image data,
When the main body unit receives the image output operation stop request by the operation display unit, the image processing unit deletes the image processed image data,
The image output means, when receiving a request for stopping the image output operation by the operation display means, stopping the image output operation of the image data subjected to the image processing;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The operation display means accepts an image output operation start setting for starting an image output operation, or an image output operation stop setting for stopping an image output operation,
The main body further transfers the image data subjected to the image processing to the image output means when the predetermined time has elapsed when the image output operation start setting is received, and receives the image output operation stop setting. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the image data that has been subjected to the image processing is deleted,
The image output means further starts an image output operation of the image processed image data received from the main body when the predetermined time has elapsed when the image output operation start setting is received, If the predetermined time has elapsed when accepting an image output operation stop setting, stopping the image output operation of the image data that has undergone the image processing;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. The image output means includes a printer unit for printing the image data;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image output means includes a facsimile unit for facsimile transmission of the image data;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image data of the original scanned by the scanner means is transferred to the main body via the first image transfer means that connects the scanner means for scanning the original and the main body for performing image processing on the image data. A transfer step of transferring image data to the operation display means via a preview image transfer means for directly connecting the scanner means and an operation display means for displaying an image;
A display step of displaying the image data received from the scanner means on a display unit as a preview image of a scanned document;
A preview image display method comprising:

Images