JP2007074064A - Image processing system, image reader, and client device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system that enables cost reduction of an image reader can be reduced by simplifying its configuration executing PC scan, copying and faxing or the like, in a state of being connected to client devices, such as PCs and to provide the image reader and the client device. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing system 1 includes a means for receiving the instruction of read start of an original in the client device 3, and transmitting the instruction of read start of the original from the client device 3 to the image reader 2a; a means for reading the image of the original in the image reader 2a for acquiring read image data when the image reader 2a receives the read start instruction, and transferring the acquired read image data from the image reader 2a to the client device 3; and a means for applying image processing to the transferred read image data in the client apparatus 3 and storing the processed image in a memory. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system including an image reading apparatus having a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile communication function, and the like and a client apparatus, an image reading apparatus, and a client apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image reading apparatus (multifunction machine) having a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile communication function, and the like alone is connected to a client apparatus such as a PC via, for example, a LAN or a USB. Resources can be used effectively. Specifically, it is possible to transfer read image data acquired from a document by a scanner provided in the image reading apparatus to the client apparatus, or to transmit image data transferred from the client apparatus to the image reading apparatus from the image reading apparatus by FAX. It is.

  For example, as an image reading apparatus connected to a PC via a USB, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 14, the image reading apparatus 50 described in Patent Document 1 includes a FAX unit 51 and a printer unit 52. The FAX unit 51 includes facsimile communication, document reading, and image data management. Etc. The FAX unit 51 includes a FAX control unit 53 that controls the entire FAX unit 51, a FAX ROM 54 that stores a control program for the FAX unit 51, a RAM 55 that stores various setting information, a reading unit 56 that reads image data of a document, and image data. Are temporarily stored, a modem 58 that modulates or demodulates data to be communicated, an NCU 59 that is a network controller, a USB controller 60, and an IEEE 1284 I / F controller 61.

  On the other hand, the printer unit 52 performs print processing of read image data read from a document by the FAX unit 51, received image data received by facsimile in the FAX unit 51, and the like. The printer unit 52 includes a printer control unit 63 that controls the printer unit 52, a printer ROM 64 that stores a control program for the printer unit 52, a RAM 65 that temporarily stores image data, a recording head 66 that records an image of the image data on paper, An ASIC 67 that controls the recording head 66 and performs image processing on image data, a USB controller 68, and an IEEE 1284 I / F controller 69 are provided.

The USB controller 60 of the FAX unit 51 and the USB controller 68 of the printer unit 52 are individually connected to the USB interface cable 73 via the USB connector 72 by the USB HUB controller 71, respectively. The printer unit 52 as well as the FAX unit 51 can be used from a client device (not shown).
JP 2002-77499 A

  As described above, effective use of the resources of the image reading device from a client device such as a PC via a LAN or USB has been actively performed, but conversely, the resource of the client device from the image reading device. Is currently not actively used. In other words, even when the image reading apparatus is always connected to the client apparatus and used, image processing generally performed on the image data by the image reading apparatus (for example, color space conversion, level conversion of the image data). There has been no image processing system that allows a client device to perform a tone reduction process, an encoding process, and the like. For this reason, there is a problem in that the image processing apparatus and the codec are not required to simplify the configuration of the image reading apparatus, and the manufacturing cost of the image reading apparatus cannot be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is possible to simplify the configuration of an image reading apparatus that performs PC scanning, copying, facsimile transmission, and the like while being connected to a client apparatus such as a PC, thereby reducing the cost of the image reading apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system, an image reading apparatus, and a client apparatus that can be downed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the client device receives an instruction to start reading a document and transmits a document reading start command from the client device to the image reading device; When the image reading apparatus receives the reading start instruction, the image reading apparatus reads an image of a document to acquire read image data, and transfers the acquired read image data from the image reading apparatus to the client apparatus. And means for performing image processing on the read image data transferred in the client device and storing it in a memory.

  3. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the client device receives an instruction to start reading a document and transmits a document reading start command from the client device to the image reading device, and the image reading device receives the reading start command. The image reading device reads an image of a document to acquire read image data, and transfers the acquired read image data from the image reading device to the client device. The read image data thus received is subjected to image processing to generate output image data, and the generated output image data is transferred from the client device to the image reading device, and the image data transferred by the image reading device And means for outputting image data for output.

  The image processing system according to claim 3 is the image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the read image data transferred in the client device is subjected to image processing to generate output image data, and the generated output image The image processing apparatus comprises: means for transferring image data from the client device to the image reading device; and means for outputting the output image data transferred in the image reading device.

  An image processing system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the second or third aspect, further comprising a USB for connecting the image reading device and the client device, and the reading from the image reading device to the client device. The image reading apparatus is provided with a USB HUB for simultaneously performing a process of transferring image data and a process of transferring the output image data from the client apparatus to the image reading apparatus.

  The image processing system according to claim 5 is an image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an interrupt is issued when a predetermined operation for using the image reading device is performed in the client device. Means for transmitting a prohibition command from the client device to the image reading device, and when the image reading device receives the interrupt prohibition command, access from the client device that is the transmission source of the interrupt prohibition command in the image reading device And a means for prohibiting access from other client devices.

  The image processing system according to claim 6 is the image processing system according to claim 5, wherein there is no instruction to start reading the document even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the client device transmitted the interrupt prohibition instruction. Means for transmitting an interrupt prohibition release command from the client device to the image reading device, and when the image reading device receives the interrupt prohibition release command, the image reading device receives a command from the other client device. And a means for canceling the access prohibition.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, when receiving a document reading start command from the client device, means for reading the image of the document and acquiring the read image data, and without performing image processing on the acquired read image data Means for transferring to the client device.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, when receiving a document reading start command from the client device, means for reading the image of the document and acquiring the read image data, and without performing image processing on the acquired read image data Means for transferring to the client device; and means for outputting the received output image data when the output image data is received from the client device after transferring the read image data. .

  The image reading device according to claim 9 is the image reading device according to claim 7, wherein when the output image data is received from the client device after the read image data is transferred, the received output image data is received. It is characterized by comprising means for outputting.

  The image reading device according to claim 10 is the image reading device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the image reading device is connected to the client device via USB, and processing for transferring the read image data to the client device and the client device And a USB HUB for simultaneously performing the process of receiving the output image data transferred from.

  An image reading apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, wherein when an interrupt prohibition instruction is received from the client apparatus, only an access from the client apparatus of the transmission source is received. And a means for prohibiting access from other client devices.

  The image reading device according to claim 12 is an access from the other client device in the image reading device according to claim 11, when the interrupt prohibition release command is received from the client device that is the transmission source of the interrupt prohibition command. It is characterized by comprising means for canceling the prohibition.

  A client device according to claim 13, receiving a document reading start instruction and transmitting a document reading start command to the image reading device, and reading image data from the image reading device after transmitting the reading start command. And means for processing the received read image data and storing it in a memory when received.

  The client device according to claim 14, receiving a document reading start instruction and transmitting a document reading start command to the image reading device, and reading image data from the image reading device after transmitting the reading start command. When received, the image processing apparatus includes: means for processing the received read image data to generate output image data; and means for transferring the generated output image data to the image reading apparatus.

  The client device according to claim 15, in the client device according to claim 13, when the read image data is received from the image reading device after the reading start command is transmitted, the received read image data is subjected to image processing. Means for generating output image data, and means for transferring the generated output image data to the image reading apparatus.

  A client device according to a sixteenth aspect is the client device according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, wherein when a predetermined operation for using the image reading device is performed, only an access from the own device is performed. It is characterized by comprising means for transmitting an interrupt prohibition command for permitting and prohibiting access from other client apparatuses to the image reading apparatus.

  The client device according to claim 17, wherein, in the client device according to claim 16, the image is read when there is no instruction to start reading the document even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the interruption prohibition instruction was transmitted. It is characterized by comprising means for transmitting an interrupt prohibition release command for causing the reading device to cancel access prohibition from the other client device to the image reading device.

  According to the image processing system of the first aspect, an instruction to start reading a document with respect to the image reading apparatus and image processing with respect to the read image data stored in the memory of the client apparatus are performed in the client apparatus. Therefore, an operation panel for inputting an instruction to start reading a document, an image processing circuit for performing color space conversion, color adjustment, etc. on the read image data, a codec for encoding the read image data, and the like are provided in the image reading apparatus. There is no need to provide the image reading apparatus, and an inexpensive image reading apparatus can be manufactured by simplifying the configuration of the image reading apparatus.

  According to the image processing system described in claim 2, an instruction to start reading a document with respect to the image reading apparatus and output image data output from the image reading apparatus (for example, print data used for printing processing or FAX transmission) The client device performs processing for generating transmission image data to be used) based on the read image data. Therefore, an operation panel for inputting an instruction to start reading a document, an image processing circuit for performing color space conversion, color adjustment, gradation reduction processing, etc. on the read image data, a codec for encoding the read image data, etc. Is not required to be provided in the image reading apparatus, and an inexpensive image reading apparatus can be manufactured by simplifying the configuration of the image reading apparatus.

  According to the image processing system of the third aspect, the processing for generating the output image data output from the image reading device based on the read image data is performed in the client device. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide the image reading apparatus with an image processing circuit that performs, for example, color space conversion, color adjustment, gradation reduction processing, and a codec that encodes the read image data. An inexpensive image reading apparatus can be manufactured with a simplified configuration.

  According to the image processing system of claim 4, even when the image reading apparatus and the client apparatus are connected by a single USB cable, the process of transferring the read image data from the image reading apparatus to the client apparatus, and the client The process of transferring the output image data from the apparatus to the image reading apparatus can be performed simultaneously.

  According to the image processing system of the fifth aspect, after the user who operates the client apparatus performs a predetermined operation on the client apparatus, the user sets a document on the image reading apparatus and returns to the client apparatus. It is possible to prevent the problem that the user operates the image reading apparatus from another client apparatus connected to the image reading apparatus.

  According to the image processing system of claim 6, for example, when the user operating the client apparatus stops the operation for using the image reading apparatus halfway and the reading start command is not transmitted to the image reading apparatus. In addition, the problem that the image reading apparatus is unnecessarily occupied by the client apparatus can be prevented.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the image reading apparatus is used in a state where it is always connected to a client apparatus having means for receiving an instruction to start reading a document and means for performing image processing on the read image data. Then, an operation panel for inputting an instruction to start reading a document, an image processing circuit for performing color space conversion, color adjustment, etc. on the read image data, a codec for encoding the read image data, etc. There is no need to provide the device. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture an inexpensive image reading apparatus by simplifying the configuration of the image reading apparatus.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, a client including means for receiving an instruction to start reading a document and means for performing image processing necessary for generating output image data for the read image data. If it is used while being always connected to the apparatus, an operation panel for inputting an instruction to start reading a document, for example, color space conversion, color adjustment, gradation reduction processing, etc. are performed on the read image data. It is not necessary to provide an image processing circuit, a codec for encoding read image data, and the like in the image reading apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture an inexpensive image reading apparatus by simplifying the configuration of the image reading apparatus.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the ninth aspect, the image reading apparatus is used in a state in which it is always connected to a client apparatus having means for performing image processing necessary for generating output image data for the read image data. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the image reading apparatus with, for example, an image processing circuit that performs color space conversion, color adjustment, gradation reduction processing, and the like, and a codec that encodes the read image data. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture an inexpensive image reading apparatus by simplifying the configuration of the image reading apparatus.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the tenth aspect, even when the image reading apparatus and the client apparatus are connected by a single USB cable, the process of transferring the read image data to the client apparatus and the transfer from the client apparatus. The process of receiving the output image data can be performed simultaneously.

  According to the image reading device of claim 11, when the user performs a predetermined operation, the client device is used while being connected to the client device that transmits an interrupt prohibition instruction to the image reading device. After the user who operates the client device performs a predetermined operation on the client device and before setting the document on the image reading device and returning to the client device, another user connects from another client device connected to the image reading device. It is possible to prevent the problem that the image reading apparatus is operated.

  According to the image reading device of claim 12, an interrupt prohibition release command is transmitted when there is no instruction to start reading a document even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the interrupt prohibition command was transmitted to the image reading device. For example, a user operating the client device stops the operation for using the image reading device halfway and the reading start command is not transmitted to the image reading device. In this case, it is possible to prevent the problem that the image reading apparatus is unnecessarily occupied by the client apparatus.

  The client device according to claim 13 receives a document reading start instruction and transmits a document reading start command to the image reading device, and receives read image data from the image reading device after transmitting the reading start command. In this case, there is provided means for processing the received read image data and storing it in the memory. Therefore, an operation panel for inputting an instruction to start reading a document, an image processing circuit for performing color space conversion, color adjustment, and the like on the read image data, a codec for encoding the read image data, and the like are acquired. It is not necessary to provide an image reading apparatus that performs processing for transferring image data to the client apparatus, and an inexpensive image reading apparatus can be manufactured by simplifying the configuration of the image reading apparatus.

  The client device according to claim 14 receives an instruction to start reading a document and transmits a document reading start command to the image reading device, and receives read image data from the image reading device after transmitting the reading start command. In this case, there are provided means for processing the received read image data to generate output image data, and means for transferring the generated output image data to the image reading apparatus. Therefore, an operation panel for inputting an instruction to start reading a document, an image processing circuit for performing color space conversion, color adjustment, gradation reduction processing, etc. on the read image data, a codec for encoding the read image data, etc. Is not required to be provided in an image reading apparatus that performs processing for outputting output image data generated based on the read image data, and an inexpensive image reading apparatus can be manufactured by simplifying the configuration of the image reading apparatus. .

  The client device according to claim 15, when receiving read image data from the image reading device after transmitting a read start command, means for processing the received read image data to generate output image data; And a means for transferring the generated output image data to the image reading apparatus. Therefore, for example, an image processing circuit that performs color space conversion, color adjustment, gradation reduction processing, etc. on the read image data, a codec that encodes the read image data, etc. are transferred to the client device for saving the read image data However, it is not necessary to provide an image reading apparatus that performs processing for outputting output image data generated based on the read image data, and an inexpensive image reading apparatus can be manufactured by simplifying the configuration of the image reading apparatus. it can.

  17. The image reading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein when an interrupt prohibition instruction is received, only an access from the client apparatus that is the transmission source of the interrupt prohibition instruction is accepted, and an access from another client apparatus is prohibited. When the user who operates the client apparatus performs a predetermined operation on the client apparatus and sets the document on the image reading apparatus and returns to the client apparatus, Can be prevented from operating the image reading apparatus from another client apparatus connected to the image reading apparatus.

  According to the client device according to claim 17, when the interrupt prohibition release command is received, the client device is used while being connected to an image reading device that permits access from the client device that has been prohibited from accessing. For example, when a user operating a client device stops an operation for using the image reading device halfway and a reading start command is not transmitted to the image reading device, the image reading device is unnecessarily occupied by the client device. It is possible to prevent the problem of being generated.

  Hereinafter, an image processing system, an image reading apparatus, and a client apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this image processing system 1, an image reading apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) 2 and a client apparatus 3 are connected via a network (LAN: Local Area Network) 4. A plurality of multifunction peripherals 2a (2) to 2c (2) having the same configuration is installed on the LAN 4, and the plurality of multifunction peripherals 2a to 2c and the client device 3 communicate with each other via the LAN 4. can do.

  The MFP 2 connected to the client device 3 via the LAN 4 is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 5 and can perform facsimile communication with, for example, a facsimile device (not shown). Although not shown, the LAN 4 is provided with a mail server, a router, and the like, and the multifunction device 2 passes the mail server, the router, the Internet 6 and the like to the image data of the original with, for example, an Internet facsimile machine (not shown). Internet facsimile communication for transmitting or receiving an e-mail attached with a message can be performed. Therefore, the multifunction device 2 can output image data (image data for output described later) to an external device by Internet facsimile communication.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the client device 3 is composed of a PC (Personal Computer) that is generally widely used. The client device 3 transmits and receives electronic mail via the Internet 6, and transmits the multifunction device 2 via the LAN 4. It can be used.

  FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the multifunction machine 2. The multifunction device 2 is a device dedicated to network connection that is used in a state where the client device 3 is connected to the network via the LAN 4. Specifically, by performing predetermined communication processing with the client device 3 while being connected to the client device 3 via a network (here, LAN 4), PC scan, copy, facsimile (FAX) ) A device that can perform transmission and the like.

  The multifunction device 2 is not provided with an operation panel including various operation keys for a user to input information and a liquid crystal display device (LCD) for displaying various screen information. Inputs such as operation instructions and settings for 2 are all made in the client device 3. That is, the multifunction device 2 operates based on a command (command) transmitted from the client device 3 via the LAN 4.

  As shown in the figure, the MFP 2 includes a control unit (Central Processing Unit) 8, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 9, a scanner (original reading unit) 10, a page memory 11, a printer 12, a LAN I / F (Local Area). A network interface (USB interface) 13, a USB HUB (Universal Serial Bus Hub) 14, a modem 15, and an NCU (Network Control Unit) 16 are provided, and the units 8 to 16 are communicably connected via a bus 17. .

  The control unit 8 controls the operation of each unit of the multifunction machine 2. The ROM 9 stores various programs for controlling the operation of each unit of the multifunction machine 2 by the control unit 8. When the scanner 10 receives a document reading start command from the client device 3, the scanner 10 reads an image of the document and obtains read image data. Here, both color and monochrome read image data of the document are acquired. It has a configuration that can be read. Although not shown, the scanner 10 includes a flat bed scanner (FBS), an automatic document feeder (ADF), a document detection sensor, and the like in this embodiment. .

  The flat bed scanner is placed on a document placing plate (not shown) by a color line sensor (CCD) composed of, for example, three line sensors of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue). Reading image data is read from a document. In the automatic document feeder, a document placed on a document tray (not shown) is transported along a predetermined transport path and then discharged to a paper discharge tray. The document placed on the document tray is sent to the conveyance path by the automatic document feeder, and the read image data is read by the color line sensor when passing through a predetermined reading position on the conveyance path. It has become.

  The document detection sensors detect the presence or absence of documents on the document placement plate, the document tray, the conveyance path, and the paper discharge tray. A plurality of document detection sensors are installed at predetermined positions of the scanner 10. As this document detection sensor, for example, an optical reflective sensor or the like can be used. Based on the detection result (detection signal) of the document detection sensor, the control unit 8 determines whether or not a document is placed (set) on a document tray or a document placing plate, or an automatic document feeder. It is possible to determine whether or not a document jam (paper jam) has occurred in the conveyance path, and to detect whether the user has forgotten to remove a document from the paper discharge tray.

  The scanner 10 is provided with an AFE circuit (Analog Front End) and an A / D converter. The RGB color system read image data read from the original by the color line sensor is gain-adjusted in the AFE circuit. Then, after A / D conversion (Analog to Digital Conversion) in the A / D converter, the data is output to a predetermined output destination. As will be described later, the read image data is transferred to the client apparatus 3, and after performing the minimum processing necessary for transferring to the client apparatus 3, color space conversion or the like is performed. The image data is transferred to the client device 3 without being processed.

  The page memory 11 is based on the read image data output from the scanner 10, print data for print processing (output image data) generated based on the read image data in the client device 3, and the read image data in the client device 3. The transmission image data (output image data) for facsimile transmission generated in this way is temporarily stored. When receiving a reading start command from the client device 3, the control unit 8 acquires the read image data from the original by the scanner 10 and temporarily stores the acquired read image data in the page memory 11. Then, the acquired read image data is read from the page memory 11, and the read image data thus read is transferred to the client device 3 by the LAN I / F 13 or the USB HUB 14 without performing image processing.

  The printer 12 performs print processing of print data read from the page memory 11. That is, an image of print data is recorded on a sheet. Here, the printer 12 records both color and monochrome images on paper, and as the recording method in the printer 12, for example, various recording methods such as an electrophotographic method and an ink jet recording method are used. Can do.

  As will be described later, print data used for print processing of the printer 12 is generated in the client device 3 based on the read image data transferred from the multifunction device 2 to the client device 3. Therefore, the control unit 8 outputs the received print data by the printer 12 when the print data is received from the client device 3 after the read image data is transferred to the client device 3. That is, the received print data is printed and the print data is printed out.

  The LAN I / F 13 is an interface that connects the LAN 4 and the MFP 2 so that they can communicate with each other. The USB HUB 14 incorporates a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device controller, and can send and receive data via the USB to and from the client apparatus 3 having a USB host controller function. The control unit 8 controls either the LAN I / F 13 or the USB HUB 14 to communicate with the client device 3. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 communicates with the client device 3 via the LAN 4 by the LAN I / F 13. Communicate.

  The modem 15 is, for example, a recommendation V.16 of ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector). Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to the 34 standard or the like. The NCU 16 is a line network control device that controls a telephone line to place or disconnect a call, and is connected to the PSTN 5.

  As will be described later, transmission image data used for facsimile transmission by the modem 15 and the NCU 16 is generated in the client device 3 based on the read image data transferred from the multifunction device 2 to the client device 3. . Therefore, the control unit 8 outputs the received transmission image data by the modem 15 and the NCU 16 when receiving the transmission image data from the client device 3 after transferring the read image data to the client device 3. That is, by transmitting the received transmission image data by facsimile to the destination device designated by the client device 3, the received transmission image data is output to the designated destination device.

  On the other hand, here, the client apparatus 3 is network-connected to the multifunction machine 2 via the LAN 4, and as shown in FIG. 2B, a control unit (CPU) 19, a LAN I / F 20, a USB host controller. 21, a scanner image processing unit 22, a printer image processing unit 23, a codec 24, an operation unit 25, a display unit 26, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 27, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 28. The units 19 to 28 are communicably connected via a bus 29.

  The control unit 19 controls the operation of each unit of the client device 3. The LAN I / F 20 is an interface that connects the LAN 4 and the client device 3 so that they can communicate with each other. The USB host controller 21 executes a USB host controller function, and can send and receive data to and from the multifunction device 2 having the USB device controller function via the USB. For this reason, the client device 3 can be connected to the multifunction device 2 via either the LAN 4 or the USB, but in this embodiment, a case where communication with the multifunction device 2 is performed via the LAN 4 will be described. .

  The operation unit 25 uses a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and receives inputs such as operation instructions and settings for the client device 3, and additionally receives inputs such as operation instructions and settings for the multifunction device 2. It also functions as a means. That is, an instruction to start reading a document to the scanner 10 of the multifunction device 2 and input of a destination of transmission image data transmitted by facsimile from the NCU 16 of the multifunction device 2 are performed from the operation unit 25. Therefore, when an instruction to start reading a document is input from the operation unit 25 to the scanner 10 of the multifunction device 2, the control unit 19 receives the instruction to start reading the document and issues a document reading start command to the multifunction device 2. Process to send to.

  The display unit 26 uses a CRT or a liquid crystal display, and displays various screen information. Specifically, a setting screen for setting a document reading condition for the multifunction device 2 and an image of read image data acquired from the document by the multifunction device 2 by the scanner 10 are displayed.

  The scanner image processing unit 22 performs image processing on the read image data transferred from the multifunction device 2. Specifically, color space conversion for converting read image data of RGB color system into image data of YCrCb color system, brightness adjustment, color adjustment, re-adjustment, etc. of YCrCb color system image data subjected to color space conversion Color adjustment, enlargement / reduction processing, and the like.

  The printer image processing unit 23 performs print processing (image data for output) by performing image processing necessary for performing print processing on the read image data that has been subjected to image processing required by the scanner image processing unit 22. Is to be generated. Specifically, color space conversion for converting the read image data of the YCrCb color system into CMYK color data (print data), and each color data subjected to color space conversion is binarized or quaternary by error diffusion processing or the like. Gradation reduction processing is performed.

  The control unit 19 prints an image of the read image data acquired from the document by the multifunction device 2 on a sheet, and transmits a reading start command to the multifunction device 2 in a state where a so-called copy function is designated from the operation unit 25. After that, when the read image data is received from the multifunction device 2, the received read image data is subjected to image processing to generate output image data (print data). Specifically, the received RGB color system read image data is color space converted into YCrCb color system image data by the scanner image processing unit 22, and the color space converted image data is then converted to CMYK by the printer image processing unit 23. The color data is converted into binary or quaternary, and print data used by the multifunction device 2 for print processing is generated.

  The codec 24 performs image processing on the image data, and encodes (encodes) and decodes (decodes) the read image data transferred from the multifunction device 2. Specifically, read image data subjected to image processing by the scanner image processing unit 22 is converted into JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified Read), MMR (Modified Modified Read), JBIG ( It is encoded by the Joint Bi-level Image Group) method and the encoded image data is decoded.

  The control unit 19 stores the read image data acquired from the document by the multifunction device 2 in the HDD (memory) 28 and outputs a reading start command in a state where a so-called PC scanner function is designated from the operation unit 25. 2, when the read image data is received from the multifunction device 2, the received read image data is subjected to image processing and stored in the HDD 28. Specifically, the received RGB color system read image data is color space converted into YCrCb color system image data by the scanner image processing unit 22, and the color space converted image data is encoded by the codec 24 using the JPEG method. The encoded image data is stored in the HDD 28 as a JPEG file, PDF file, TIFF file, or the like.

  The control unit 19 transmits a read start command to the multi-function device 2 in a state where a so-called FAX transmission function is designated from the operation unit 25 by facsimile transmission of the read image data acquired from the document by the multi-function device 2. When the read image data is received from the multifunction device 2, the received read image data is subjected to image processing to generate output image data (transmission image data). Specifically, the received RGB color system read image data is color space converted into YCrCb color system image data by the scanner image processing unit 22, and the color space converted image data is converted by the codec 24 using, for example, the JPEG method. Encoding is performed to generate transmission data used by the multifunction device 2 for facsimile transmission.

  When the control unit 19 generates the print data or the transmission image data as the output image data as described above, the control unit 19 transfers the generated data to the MFP 2 via the LAN 4 by the LAN I / F 20. Specifically, when print data is generated, the generated print data and a print start command for causing the multifunction device 2 to execute a print process for the print data are transferred to the multifunction device 2. On the other hand, when the transmission image data is generated, a transmission start command for causing the multifunction device 2 to perform facsimile transmission of the generated transmission image data, the destination, and the transmission image data to the destination device is transferred to the multifunction device 2. .

  Here, the scanner image processing unit 22, the printer image processing unit 23, and the codec 24 are functions that execute image processing (color space conversion, gradation reduction processing, encoding processing, and the like) that should be originally performed in the multifunction machine 2. However, the functions of these expansion boards may be realized by software installed in the HDD 28 of the client device 3. This is preferable because it is not necessary to add hardware for performing the processing of each unit 22 to 24.

  The RAM 27 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the control unit 19 and stores various setting information and the like. The read image data transferred from the multifunction device 2 is temporarily stored in the RAM 27, and the above processing is performed by the units 22 to 24. The HDD 28 is a storage device having a large-capacity memory area, and a plurality of folders having different names (folder names) are set in order to sort and manage various data. Various types of image data generated in the client device 3 are stored in the HDD 28, such as a JPEG file, PDF file, TIFF file, etc. generated based on the read image data received from the multifunction device 2. The image file is stored in a stored image folder (designated folder) set in advance from the operation unit 25.

  The HDD 28 also includes a print data folder for temporarily storing print data generated based on the read image data received from the multifunction device 2 and transmission image data generated based on the read image data. A transmission image data folder is temporarily stored, and print data or transmission image data transferred to the multifunction device 2 is temporarily stored in the HDD 28 and then transferred to the multifunction device 2. Is done.

  The HDD 28 stores a program 30 for controlling each part of the client device 3 by the control unit 19, and the processing operation of the client device 3 is based on the program 30 stored in the HDD 28. This is performed according to a command issued by the control unit 19.

  In the image processing system 1 including the MFP 2 and the client device 3 having the above configuration, a plurality of MFPs 2 a to 2 c having the same configuration are installed on the LAN 4, and a plurality of users operating the client device 3 can be operated. An arbitrary multifunction device 2 can be selected from the multifunction devices 2a to 2c to perform PC scanning, copying, FAX transmission, and the like.

  FIG. 3 shows processing operations performed in the client device 3 in order to determine the MFP 2 to be used when an operation for performing PC scanning, copying, or FAX transmission is performed from the operation unit 25. This will be described based on a flowchart.

  First, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether or not an operation necessary for performing PC scanning, copying, or FAX transmission has been performed based on the presence or absence of a predetermined operation by the user in the operation unit 25 ( S1). If it is determined that an operation necessary for performing PC scan, copy, or FAX transmission has been performed (S1: YES), device information is acquired from all multifunction devices 2a to 2c on the network. (S2). That is, all the multifunction devices 2a to 2c on the LAN 4 are accessed, and device information is acquired from each accessed multifunction device 2.

  Here, the device information is information including position information and operation information, the position information is information indicating a distance from the client device 3, and the operation information is information indicating that the multifunction device 2 is on standby, or This is information indicating the status of the operation, such as whether or not a document reading, print data printing process, transmission image data transmission process, and the like are being executed. The control unit 19 can discriminate between the multi-function device 2 installed at a position close to the client device 3 and the multi-function device 2 installed at a position away from the client device 3 based on the position information. Further, based on the operation information, it is possible to discriminate between the MFP 2 that can be used immediately and the MFP 2 that cannot be used immediately.

  The control part 19 alert | reports the information which prompts designation | designated of distance priority or speed priority following the processing operation of S2 (S3). Specifically, information prompting the user to specify whether to use the multifunction device 2 installed at a location close to the client device 3 or to use the multifunction device 2 that can be used immediately during standby is displayed. This is displayed on the unit 26. Here, the distance priority means that the MFP 2 installed near the client device 3 is preferentially used, and the speed priority is a standby state in which a command from the client device 3 is used. On the other hand, this means that the MFP 2 that can start processing immediately is used preferentially.

  Then, it is determined whether or not distance priority is designated based on the presence / absence of a predetermined operation by the user in the operation unit 25 (S4). Here, when it is determined that distance priority is designated (S4: YES), the MFPs 2 are listed in order from the closest distance based on the position information of the device information acquired in S2 (S5). Specifically, information that identifies the multifunction device 2 (for example, a layout diagram that indicates the name and installation location of the multifunction device 2) corresponds to the distance from the client device 3 to the location where the multifunction device 2 is installed. A display screen is displayed on the display unit 26 in which the attached information is arranged in order from the one closest to the client device 3 to the one farthest from the client device 3.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 19 determines that the distance priority is not specified (S4: NO), the control unit 19 determines whether the speed priority is specified (S6). If it is determined that the speed priority is designated (S6: YES), the MFPs 2 are listed in order from the standby state based on the operation information of the device information acquired in S2 (S7). Specifically, a display screen in which information specifying the multifunction device 2 and information indicating the operation status of the device are arranged in order from the standby multifunction device 2 to the active multifunction device 2 Is displayed on the display unit 26. On the other hand, when it is determined that the speed priority is not designated (S6: NO), the default multifunction device 2 preset in the RAM 27 is displayed on the display unit 26 (S8).

  After performing the processing operation of S5, S7, or S8 in this way, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the multifunction device 2 to be used is selected by the user based on the presence or absence of a predetermined operation from the operation unit 25. If it is determined that one of the multifunction devices 2 has been selected (S9: YES), the device information is acquired again from the selected multifunction device 2 (S10). Then, it is determined whether or not the device information has been changed, in other words, whether or not the operation information of the device information has been changed (S11). If it is determined that there has been a change (S11: YES), S2 and subsequent steps are performed. Perform the processing operation again. Conversely, if it is determined that the device information has not been changed (S11: NO), the MFP 2 that uses the MFP 2 determined to have been selected in S9 is determined (S12). Information regarding the multifunction device 2 determined in this way is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 27 as setting information, and the client device 3 performs communication processing described below with the determined multifunction device 2.

  As described above, the user who operates the client device 3 arbitrarily selects the MFP 2 that is most suitable for PC scanning, copying, or facsimile transmission from the plurality of MFPs 2a to 2c depending on the situation. be able to.

  Next, FIG. 4 to FIG. 11 show processing operations performed in the MFP 2 and the client device 3 when the MFP 2 to be used for PC scanning, copying, or FAX transmission is determined as described above. This will be described based on a flowchart. In the following description, the case where the multifunction device 2a is determined as the multifunction device 2 used for PC scanning, copying, or FAX transmission will be described. However, when another multifunction device 2 is determined, other In the MFP 2, the same processing operation as the processing operation of the MFP 2a described below is performed. Further, the processing operation of the client apparatus 3 shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 7 is performed according to an instruction issued by the control unit 19 based on the program 30 stored in the HDD 28, and is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing operation of the multifunction device 2a is performed according to a command issued by the control unit 8 based on a program stored in the ROM 9.

  First, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether or not the MFP 2 used for PC scan, copy, or FAX transmission has been determined based on the setting information in the RAM 27 (S15). If it is determined that the MFP 2a to be used for PC scan, copy, or FAX transmission has been determined (S15: YES), the reservation signal (interrupt disable instruction) is transmitted to the MFP 2a (S16). Here, the reservation signal is a command for the multifunction peripheral 2a for allowing only access from the own device 3 and prohibiting access from other client devices.

  As described above, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 performs the predetermined operation for using the multifunction device 2a, that is, the multifunction device 2 that uses the multifunction device 2a for PC scanning, copying, or FAX transmission. When a predetermined operation for determination is performed from the operation unit 25, a reservation signal for permitting only access from the own device 3 and prohibiting access from other client devices (not shown) on the LAN 4 is provided. Transmit to the multifunction device 2a. When the reservation signal is transmitted from the client device 3 to the multi-function device 2a, the control unit 19 starts a reservation timer (S17). Specifically, the counting of the elapsed time after performing the processing operation of S16 is started.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a determines whether or not a reservation signal (interrupt prohibition instruction) has been received from the client device 3 (S85). If it is determined that the reservation signal has been received (S85: YES), the state shifts to the reservation state (S86). Here, the reservation state is a state in which only access from the client device 3 that has transmitted a reservation signal to the own device 2a is permitted and access from other client devices is prohibited, and the state has shifted to the reservation state. Information indicating this is stored in a register (not shown) of the control unit 8.

  As described above, when receiving the reservation signal from the client device 3, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a transmits the reservation signal from the normal state in which access from all devices on the network (here, the LAN 4) is accepted. Only the access from the original client device 3 is permitted, and the state shifts to a reservation state in which the access from other client devices is prohibited. When the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a receives a command from the client device, for example, during the transition to the reservation state, the command transmission is performed based on the IP address of the client device added to the received command. It is determined whether or not the original client device is the client device 3. If it is determined that the client apparatus 3 is used, the process corresponding to the received command is executed. If it is determined that the client apparatus 3 is not used, the process corresponding to the received command is not executed. The machine 2a is controlled.

  In other words, in the image processing system 1, when the multifunction peripheral 2a receives an interrupt prohibition instruction, the multifunction peripheral 2a permits only access from the client apparatus 3 that is the transmission source of the interrupt prohibition instruction, and from other client apparatuses. Prohibit access. Therefore, after the user who operates the client device 3 performs a predetermined operation from the operation unit 25, the multifunction device 2 a is not connected to another device on the LAN 4 until the document is set on the multifunction device 2 a and returned to the client device 3. It is possible to prevent the problem of being used from the client device.

  Next, after performing the processing operation of S17, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 notifies information that prompts the user to place a document and specify a reading condition (S18). Specifically, the display unit 26 displays a setting screen for setting a document reading resolution, a reading magnification, and the like, together with a message for urging to place a document such as “Please set a document on the MFP to be used”. . And it is judged whether it timed out (S19). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the reservation timer in S17 exceeds a predetermined time. If it is determined that the time-out has not occurred (S19: NO), the document is determined based on whether or not a predetermined operation necessary for transmitting a document reading start command to the multifunction peripheral 2a has been performed from the operation unit 25. It is determined whether or not there is an instruction to start reading (S20). If it is determined that there is an instruction to start reading a document (S20: YES), a document reading start command is transmitted to the multi function device 2a (S21). In other words, the client device 3 receives an instruction to start reading a document, and transmits a document reading start command from the client device 3 to the multifunction peripheral 2a. Conversely, if it is determined that there is no instruction to start reading the document (S20: NO), the processing operation of S19 is performed again.

  Subsequently, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 does not receive an instruction to start reading a document (S20: NO), and if it is determined that a time-out has occurred (S19: YES), a reservation cancellation signal (S19: YES) (Interrupt prohibition release command) is transmitted to the multifunction machine 2a (S22). Here, the reservation cancellation signal is a command for returning the multifunction peripheral 2a that has entered the reservation state to the normal state. As described above, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 accesses the multifunction peripheral 2a from another client device when there is no instruction to start reading a document even after a predetermined time has passed since the reservation signal was transmitted. A reservation cancellation signal for canceling the prohibition is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 2a. In other words, an interrupt reservation cancellation signal is transmitted from the client device 3 to the multifunction peripheral 2a when there is no instruction to start reading a document even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reservation signal was transmitted in the client device 3. Then, a message such as “Reservation canceled due to time-out” is displayed on the display unit 26 to notify the reservation cancellation (S23).

  On the other hand, the control unit 8 of the MFP 2a determines whether or not a document reading start command has been received after shifting to the reserved state by the processing operation of S86 (S87). If it is determined that a document reading start command has not been received (S87: NO), it is determined whether a reservation cancellation signal has been received (S88). If it is determined that the reservation cancellation signal has not been received (S88: NO), the processing operation of S87 is performed again. Conversely, if it is determined that a reservation cancellation signal has been received (S88: YES), the reservation state is canceled (S89). Specifically, the information in the register is rewritten so that the own device 2a is returned from the reserved state in which only access from the client device 3 is accepted to the normal state in which access from all devices on the LAN 4 is accepted. That is, when the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a receives a reservation cancellation signal from the client device 3 that is the transmission source of the reservation signal, the control unit 8 performs a process of canceling access prohibition from other client devices.

  As described above, in the image processing system 1, when the multifunction device 2a receives the reservation cancellation signal, if the access prohibition from another client device is canceled in the multifunction device 2a, the processing is performed without performing the PC scan. Complete.

  Here, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a performs the process of canceling the reservation state when receiving the reservation cancellation signal, but counts the elapsed time since the reception of the reservation signal, and the counted elapsed time If the data such as the reading start command cannot be received from the client device 3 before the predetermined time exceeds, the reservation state may be canceled. That is, when there is no access from the client device 3 that is the transmission source of the reservation signal even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the reservation signal, the access prohibition from other client devices may be canceled. .

  If the control unit 8 of the multi-function peripheral 2a determines that a document reading start command has been received without receiving a reservation cancellation signal (S87: YES), the control unit 8 determines whether there is a document (S90). Specifically, a document is placed on a document tray of an automatic document feeder of the scanner 10 or a document placement plate of a flat bed scanner based on a detection signal of a document detection sensor provided in the scanner 10. It is determined whether it is set. If it is determined that there is no document (S90: NO), a document no signal for notifying that a document is not set is transmitted to the client apparatus 3 (S91).

  On the other hand, if the control unit 19 of the client device 3 transmits a document reading start command in S21, it determines whether or not a document no signal has been received (S24). If it is determined that a document no signal has been received (S24: YES), a message such as “No document is set on the multifunction device” or “Please set document” is displayed on the display unit 26. Then, information for prompting the placement of the document is notified (S25). Then, it is determined whether or not a timeout has occurred, that is, whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the reservation timer in S17 has exceeded a predetermined time (S26). If it is determined that a timeout has occurred (S26: YES) , S22 and S23 are performed. Note that the predetermined time in the determination process of S26 is a longer time than the predetermined time in the determination process of S19.

  On the other hand, when performing the processing operation of S91, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a determines whether or not a document has been placed (S92), and the document is set by the user of the client device 3 so that the document is set. Is determined to be placed (S92: YES), a document presence signal is transmitted to the client apparatus 3 to notify that fact (S93). Conversely, if it is determined that no document is placed (S92: NO), it is determined whether a reservation cancellation signal has been received (S94). If it is determined that the reservation cancellation signal has not been received (S94: NO), the processing operation of S92 is performed again. If it is determined that the reservation cancellation signal has been received (S94: YES), S89 is performed. The processing operation is performed.

  Further, when the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines that the time-out has not occurred (S26: NO), it determines whether or not a document presence signal has been received (S27). If it is determined that the document presence signal has not been received (S27: NO), the processing operation of S26 is performed again. Conversely, when it is determined that a document presence signal has been received (S27: YES), or a document has been set in the multi-function peripheral 2a, a document no-signal signal is combined after transmitting a document reading start command in S21. If it has not been received from the machine 2a (S24: NO), the reservation timer is stopped (S28). That is, the counting of the elapsed time after transmitting the reservation signal is stopped.

  On the other hand, the control unit 8 of the MFP 2a determines that there is a document in S90 (S90: YES), or determines that a document is placed in S92 and transmits a document presence signal to the client device 3 in S93. In this case, the image of the original is read to obtain read image data (S95). Specifically, the color line sensor of the scanner 10 reads an image of a document placed on a document tray of an automatic document feeder or a document placement plate of a flat bed scanner, and reads an RGB color system. Get image data. The read image data acquired by the scanner 10 in this way is subjected to only necessary minimum processing such as gain adjustment and A / D conversion, and then sent to the page memory 11 and temporarily stored in the page memory 11. Is done.

  Then, when the read image data is stored in the page memory 11, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a transfers the acquired read image data stored in the page memory 11 to the client device 3 (S96). As described above, when the multifunction device 2a receives the reading start command, the multifunction device 2a reads the image of the document to acquire the read image data, and transfers the acquired read image data from the multifunction device 2a to the client device 3. Processing is performed. Then, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the transfer process is completed (S97). If it is determined that the transfer has not been completed (S97: NO), it is determined whether a document jam has occurred based on the detection signal of the document detection sensor (S98). That is, whether or not a document jam has occurred is monitored until the transfer of the read image data is completed. Here, if it is determined that a document jam has occurred (S98: YES), that is, if a document jam occurs in the transport path of the automatic document feeder, a jam occurrence notification signal is sent to notify that fact. Is transmitted to the client apparatus 3 (S99), and the occurrence of the document jam is notified by blinking the LED lamp (not shown) included in the multifunction machine 2a or by sounding an alarm sound from a speaker (not shown) (see FIG. S100).

  On the other hand, when the reservation timer is stopped in S28, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether the read image data transferred from the multifunction peripheral 2a is used for PC scanning, copying, or FAX transmission. It is determined based on the setting information in the RAM 27 (S29). If it is determined that the read image data is image data used for PC scan (S29: PC scan), that is, if it is determined that the read image data is to be stored in the HDD 28, the process proceeds to S31 in FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not reception of the read image data is started (S31). Specifically, some data is received from the multifunction peripheral 2a, and it is determined whether or not the received data is read image data of the RGB color system. If it is determined that the reception of the read image data is started (S31: YES), the read image data is received (S32), and the received read image data is subjected to image processing (S33). Specifically, the scanner image processing unit 22 performs color space conversion for converting the read image data of the RGB color system to image data of the YCrCb color system, and the image data of the YCrCb color system that has been color space converted. The codec 24 performs encoding (compression encoding) using, for example, the JPEG method.

  Then, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether or not the reception of the read image data is completed based on whether or not the transfer completion notification signal is received from the multifunction peripheral 2a (S34), and completes the reception. If it is determined that the jam has not occurred (S34: NO), it is determined whether or not a jam occurrence notification signal has been received (S35). If it is determined that a jam occurrence notification signal has been received (S35: YES), a message such as “document jammed” or “please remove jammed document and set again” is displayed on the display unit 26. For example, information prompting the user to perform a jam release operation is notified (S36).

  On the other hand, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a determines whether or not the document jam is released when the processing operation of S100 is performed (S101), and determines that the document jam is not released (S101). : NO), the processing operation of S100 is continued. Conversely, when it is determined that the original jam has been released due to the user performing a jam release operation (S101: YES), a jam release notification signal is transmitted to the client device 3 (S102). Then, when the processing operation of S102 is performed, or when it is determined in S98 that no document jam has occurred (S98: NO), the processing operation after S95 is performed. That is, read image data transfer processing is performed while monitoring the occurrence of document jam.

  On the other hand, when performing the processing operation of S36, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether or not a jam release notification signal is received (S37), and determines that no jam release notification signal is received. If so (S37: NO), the processing operation of S36 is continued. Conversely, when it is determined that the jam release notification signal has been received (S37: YES), or when it is determined that the jam occurrence notification signal has not been received (S35: NO), the read image data is continuously transferred from the multifunction device 2a. Therefore, the processing operation after S32 is continued.

  When it is determined that the transfer of the read image data is completed (S97: YES), the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a transmits a transfer completion notification signal to the client device 3 (S103). Then, based on the information transmitted from the client apparatus 3 together with the document reading start command and the document reading condition information, whether the read image data is used for PC scanning, copying, or FAX transmission. It is determined whether it is used (S104). If it is determined that the read image data is to be used for PC scanning (S104: PC scan), that is, if it is determined that it is stored in the HDD 28, the process proceeds to S106 in FIG. Start (S106). Specifically, counting of the elapsed time since the transmission completion notification signal is transmitted in S103 is started.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 19 of the client device 3 receives the transfer completion notification signal transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 2a and determines that the reception of the read image data has been completed (S34: YES), the read image data is changed to, for example, The image file such as a JPEG file, PDF file, or TIFF file is stored in the designated folder of the HDD 28 (S38). In this way, the read image data transferred in the client device 3 is subjected to image processing and stored in the HDD 28. The stored read image data is decoded by the codec 24 and displayed on the display unit 26 (S39), and a read completion timer is started (S40). That is, the counting of elapsed time after determining that the reception of the read image data is completed in S34 is started.

  When performing the processing operation of S106, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a determines whether or not the read document is removed from the discharge tray based on the detection signal of the document detection sensor (S107). If it is determined that the document has not been removed (S107: NO), it is determined whether a time-out has occurred (S108). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the reading completion timer has exceeded a predetermined time. If it is determined that the timeout has not occurred (S108: NO), the processing operation of S107 is performed again. Conversely, if it is determined that a time-out has occurred (S108: YES), the reserved state is canceled (S109) in the same manner as the processing operation of S89, the LED lamp is turned on, a predetermined alarm sound is emitted from the speaker, etc. Then, forgetting to take the document is notified (S110).

  When the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a determines that the document has been removed (S107: YES), the reserved state is canceled (S111) in the same manner as S89 to notify that the document has been removed. Is sent to the client apparatus 3 (S112). Then, the reading completion timer is stopped to complete the processing (S113). As described above, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a transfers the read image data acquired by the processing operations of S95 and S96 to the client device 3, and then performs the processing operation of S109 or S111, thereby allowing other client devices to Remove access prohibition for.

  On the other hand, after starting the reading completion timer in S40, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether or not a document release signal has been received from the multifunction machine 2a (S41). If it is determined that the document release signal has not been received (S41: NO), it is determined that the document has not been removed from the scanner 10, and it is determined whether a time-out has occurred (S42). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the reading completion timer in S40 has exceeded a predetermined time. Here, when it is determined that the time-out has not occurred (S42: NO), the processing operation of S41 is performed again, and when it is determined that the time-out has occurred (S42: YES), “forgetting the original”, Information that prompts the user to release the document such as “Please remove the document” is notified (S43). If it is determined that the document release signal has been received (S41: YES), it is determined that the document has been removed from the scanner 10 by the user, and the reading completion timer is stopped (S44).

  As described above, when a PC scan is performed in which the read image data acquired by the scanner 10 is stored in the HDD 28 as an image file in the image processing system 1, the read image data of the original acquired by the multi-function device 2a is originally used for the multi-function device. Image processing to be performed in 2a is performed in the client device 3. Also, the input of the document reading start instruction to the scanner 10 is all performed from the operation unit 25. Therefore, there is no need to provide an operation panel, an image processing circuit, and a codec for inputting an instruction to start reading a document in the multifunction device 2a, and the configuration of the multifunction device 2a can be simplified.

  In addition, the user of the client apparatus 3 using the multifunction peripheral 2a performs all operations (operations) except for the operation of setting a document from the operation unit 25 of the client apparatus 3. Therefore, by performing the notification process from the display unit 26 or the like as described above, it is possible to prevent a document jam or forgetting to remove a document.

  Next, a case where the read image data is used for copying will be described. When the control unit 19 of the client apparatus 3 determines that the read image data is image data used for copying (S29: copy), the process proceeds to S46 in FIG. 6 and whether or not reception of the read image data is started. Is determined in the same manner as the processing operation of S31 (S46). If it is determined that the reception of the read image data is started (S46: YES), the read image data is received (S47), the received read image data is processed to generate print data, and the generated print data is generated. Is stored in the designated folder of the HDD 28 (S48). Specifically, the scanner image processing unit 22 performs color space conversion for converting the RGB color system read image data into YCrCb color image read image data. Then, the printer image processing unit 23 generates CMYK color data (print data) based on the read image data of the YCrCb color system, and binarizes or quaternary the generated print data to designate a specified folder in the HDD 28. Once stored.

  Then, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether or not the reception of the read image data is completed (S49), similarly to the processing operation of S34, and determines that the reception is not completed (S49) ( S49: NO), similarly to the processing operation of S35, it is determined whether or not a jam occurrence notification signal has been received (S50). If it is determined that a jam occurrence notification signal has been received (S50: YES), information prompting for a jam release operation is notified in the same manner as the processing operation of S36 (S51).

  On the other hand, after performing the processing operation of S100 as described above, the control unit 8 of the MFP 2a determines whether or not the document jam has been released (S101), and determines that the document jam has not been released. In this case (S101: NO), the processing operation of S100 is continued. Conversely, if it is determined that the original jam has been released (S101: YES), a jam release notification signal is transmitted to the client device 3 (S102). When the processing operation of S102 is performed, or when it is determined in S98 that no document jam has occurred (S98: NO), the processing operation after S95 is performed.

  On the other hand, when the processing operation of S51 is performed, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether or not a jam release notification signal is received as in the processing operation of S37 (S52). If it is determined that the notification signal has not been received (S52: NO), the processing operation of S51 is continued. Conversely, when it is determined that the jam release notification signal has been received (S52: YES), or when it is determined that the jam occurrence notification signal has not been received (S50: NO), the read image data is continuously transferred from the multifunction device 2a. Therefore, the processing operation after S47 is performed.

  On the other hand, when determining that the transfer of the read image data has been completed (S97: YES), the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a transmits a transfer completion notification signal to the client apparatus 3 as described above (S103). Here, if it is determined that the read image data is to be used for copying based on the information transferred from the client apparatus 3 together with the document reading start command (S104: copy), the print timer is started (S104: copy). S115). Specifically, counting of the elapsed time since the transmission completion notification signal is transmitted in S103 is started.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 19 of the client device 3 receives the transfer completion notification signal transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 2a and determines that the reception of the read image data has been completed (S49: YES), it reads the document. It is determined whether or not the printer 12 of the MFP 2a that has been performed is in a standby state (S53). Specifically, the MFP 2a is accessed to acquire device information, and based on the acquired operation information of the device information, it is determined whether or not the printer 12 is in a standby state. If it is determined that the printer 12 of the multifunction device 2a that has read the document is in a standby state (S53: YES), a print start command is transmitted to the multifunction device 2a that has read the document to start printing. Instruct (S54). Conversely, if it is determined that the printer 12 of the multifunction device 2a that has read the document is not in a standby state (S53: NO), the device information is received from all the multifunction devices 2a to 2c on the network (here, LAN 4). Obtain (S55). Then, based on the acquired device information, it is determined whether there is another multifunction device 2 that can use the printer 12 (S56), and when it is determined that there is no other multifunction device 2 that can use the printer 12. (S56: NO), the processing operation of S53 is performed again, and if it is determined that there is another multifunction device 2 that can use the printer 12 (S56: YES), another multifunction device 2 (for example, a multifunction device 2) A print start command is transmitted to the machine 2b) to start printing (S57).

  Note that when “NO” is determined in S53, a start button for starting copying in the multifunction peripheral 2a is provided, and when another user presses the start button to execute copying, The MFP 2a is in the process of printing image data received by facsimile from an external device different from the device on the LAN 4. That is, here, since the multifunction peripheral 2a has shifted to the reserved state, the printer 12 will not be in use based on commands from other client devices on the LAN 4. In addition, as another case where “NO” is determined in S53, there is a case where the printer 12 of the multifunction peripheral 2a that has read the original is out of paper or out of toner.

  Next, when performing the processing operation of S54 or when performing the processing operation of S57, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 uses the print data stored in the designated folder of the HDD 28 to indicate the start of printing. Transfer to the machine 2 (for example, the multifunction machine 2a) (S58).

  In this way, the read image data transferred in the client device 3 is subjected to image processing to generate print data, and the generated print data is transferred from the client device 3 to the multifunction device 2a. Then, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the transfer is completed (S59). If it is determined that the transfer is not completed (S59: NO), the control unit 19 continues the processing operation of S58 to transfer the data. If it is determined that the transfer has been completed (S59: YES), a transfer completion notification signal is transmitted to the multifunction device 2a that has instructed to start printing, and the process is completed (S60).

  On the other hand, when the print timer is started in S115, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a determines whether or not there is an instruction to start printing (S116). That is, in S96, it is determined whether or not a print start command is received from the client device 3 that transferred the read image data. If it is determined that there is no instruction to start printing (S116: NO), it is determined whether a time-out has occurred, that is, whether the elapsed time since the start of the print timer in S115 has exceeded a predetermined time. (S117) If it is determined that a timeout has not occurred (S117: NO), the processing operation of S116 is performed again. Conversely, if it is determined that a time-out has occurred (S117: YES), the reservation state is canceled in the same manner as the processing operation of S109 (S118).

  If the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a determines that there is an instruction to start printing (S116: YES), it receives print data from the client device 3 that has instructed to start printing (S120). Print processing is executed (S121). That is, after the read image data is transferred from the multifunction device 2a to the client device 3, the print data transferred in the multifunction device 2a is output. Specifically, each unit of the printer 12 is controlled based on print data composed of CMYK color data, and an image of the print data is recorded on a sheet and the print data is printed out. Then, the transfer completion notification signal transmitted from the client device 3 is received, and it is determined whether or not the printing process is completed (S122). Here, when it is determined that the printing process is not completed (S122: NO), the processing operations of S120 and S121 are continued, and when it is determined that the printing process is completed (S122: YES). Similarly to the processing operation of S111, the reservation state is canceled (S123), the print timer is stopped, and the processing is completed (S124).

  As described above, when copying is performed in the image processing system 1, image processing necessary for generating print data from the read image data of the original obtained by the multifunction device 2 a is performed in the client device 3. It is not necessary to provide an image processing circuit for performing the image processing, and the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 2a can be simplified.

  Even when copying is performed in the image processing system 1 in this way, as in the case of the above-described PC scanning, the client device 3 performs notification processing as in S43 so that the user forgets to remove the document. You may make it prevent. In addition, since the reading of the original and the printing process may be performed in another multifunction device 2a, when copying is completed, the client device 3 receives information on the multifunction device 2a on which the user has set the original, and the original. The display unit 26 displays information related to the multifunction machine 2 from which the recording paper on which the image of the image is recorded is displayed on the display unit 26. You may make it prevent forgetting to take paper.

  Next, a case where the read image data is used for FAX transmission will be described. When the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines that the read image data is image data used for FAX transmission (S29: FAX transmission), the process proceeds to S62 in FIG. 7 and whether reception of the read image data is started. Whether or not is determined is the same as the processing operation of S31 (S62). When it is determined that the reception of the read image data is started (S62: YES), the read image data is received (S63), the received read image data is processed to generate transmission image data, and the generated transmission is generated. The image data is stored in the designated folder (S64). Specifically, the scanner image processing unit 22 performs image processing such as color space conversion for converting read image data in the RGB color system into read image data in the YCrCb color system. Then, the codec 24 encodes the read image data of the YCrCb color system using, for example, the JPEG method to generate transmission image data, and stores the generated transmission image data in a designated folder of the HDD 28.

  Then, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether or not the reception of the read image data is completed similarly to the processing operation of S34 (S65), and determines that the reception is not completed (S65). : NO), similarly to the processing operation of S35, it is determined whether or not a jam occurrence notification signal has been received (S66). If it is determined that a jam occurrence notification signal has been received (S66: YES), information prompting a jam release operation is notified in the same manner as the processing operation of S36 (S67).

  On the other hand, after performing the processing operation of S100 as described above, the control unit 8 of the MFP 2a determines whether or not the document jam has been released (S101), and determines that the document jam has not been released. In this case (S101: NO), the processing operation of S100 is continued. Conversely, if it is determined that the original jam has been released (S101: YES), a jam release notification signal is transmitted to the client device 3 (S102). When the processing operation of S102 is performed, or when it is determined in S98 that no document jam has occurred (S98: NO), the processing operation after S95 is performed.

  On the other hand, when performing the processing operation of S67, the control unit 19 of the client device 3 determines whether or not a jam release notification signal has been received (S68), and has not received the jam release notification signal. (S68: NO), the processing operation of S67 is continued. Conversely, when it is determined that the jam release notification signal has been received (S68: YES), or when it is determined that the jam occurrence notification signal has not been received (S66: NO), the read image data is continuously transferred from the multifunction device 2a. Therefore, the processing operation after S63 is performed.

  If the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a determines that the transfer of the read image data has been completed as described above (S97: YES), the control unit 8 transmits a transfer completion notification signal to the client device 3 (S103). If it is determined here that the read image data is to be used for FAX transmission based on the information transferred from the client apparatus 3 together with the document reading start command (S104: FAX transmission), S127 in FIG. Then, the FAX transmission timer is started (S127). Specifically, the counting of the elapsed time since the transmission completion notification signal is transmitted to the client apparatus 3 in S103 is started.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 19 of the client device 3 receives the transfer completion notification signal transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 2a and determines that the reception of the read image data is completed (S65: YES), it instructs the FAX transmission (S65: YES). S69). Specifically, a destination for FAX transmission of transmission image data and a FAX transmission start command are transmitted to the multi-function device 2a. Subsequently, the transmission image data stored in the designated folder of the HDD 28 is transferred to the multifunction machine 2a (S70).

  In this way, the read image data transferred in the client device 3 is subjected to image processing to generate transmission image data, and the generated transmission image data is transferred from the client device 3 to the multifunction peripheral 2a. Then, it is determined whether or not the transfer is completed (S71). If it is determined that the transfer is not completed (S71: NO), the processing operation of S70 is continued to determine that the transfer is completed. If it is (S71: YES), a transfer completion notification signal is transmitted to the multifunction machine 2a to complete the process (S72).

  On the other hand, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a that started the FAX transmission timer in S127 determines the FAX transmission instruction based on whether the destination of the transmission image data and the FAX transmission start command are received from the client device 3. It is determined whether or not there is (S128). If it is determined that there is no instruction for FAX transmission (S128: NO), it is determined whether or not a timeout has occurred, that is, whether or not the elapsed time since starting the FAX transmission timer in S127 exceeds a predetermined time. Is determined (S129). If it is determined that the timeout has not occurred (S129: NO), the processing operation of S128 is performed again. Conversely, if it is determined that a time-out has occurred (S129: YES), the reservation state is canceled in the same manner as the processing operation of S109 (S130).

  If the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a determines that there is an instruction for FAX transmission (S128: YES), the control unit 8 makes a call to the designated destination (S132) and receives the transmission image data from the client device 3. (S133). Subsequently, the received transmission image data is fax-transmitted to the designated destination (S134).

  That is, after the read image data is transferred from the multifunction device 2a to the client device 3, the transmission image data transferred in the multifunction device 2a is output to a destination device designated by FAX transmission. Then, it is determined whether or not FAX transmission has been completed, that is, whether or not all transmission image data has been transmitted by receiving a transfer completion notification signal from the client apparatus 3 (S135), and FAX transmission has not been completed. If it is determined, the processing operations of S133 and S134 are continued. Conversely, if it is determined that the FAX transmission is completed (S135: YES), the line with the FAX transmission destination device is disconnected (S136), and the reserved state is released in the same manner as the processing operation of S111 (S137). ), The FAX transmission timer is stopped and the processing is completed (S138).

  As described above, when FAX transmission is performed in the image processing system 1, image processing and encoding processing necessary for generating transmission image data from the read image data of the document acquired by the multifunction peripheral 2 a is performed in the client device 3. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an image processing circuit or codec in the multifunction device 2a, and the configuration of the multifunction device 2a can be simplified.

  Note that even when FAX transmission is performed in the image processing system 1 as described above, as in the case of PC scanning, the client device 3 performs a predetermined notification process as in S43, thereby removing the user's document. You may make it prevent forgetting.

  Further, the control unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 2a transfers the read image data stored in the HDD 28 as an image file to the client device 3, after the print processing of the print data transferred from the client device 3 is completed, or After the facsimile transmission of the transmission image data transferred from the client apparatus 3 is completed, the access prohibition from other client apparatuses is released. For this reason, access from other client devices is restricted only during a period in which the client device 3 needs to use the multifunction device 2a, and after the client device 3 has finished using the multifunction device 2a, the other client device can use the multifunction device 2a. 2a can be used.

  Next, an image processing system, a multifunction peripheral, and a client device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the thing of the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different point is demonstrated below. As shown in FIG. 12, the image processing system 32 according to the second embodiment is configured such that the multifunction device 2 and the client device 3 are connected via a USB 33. In other words, the image processing system 32 includes a USB 33 that connects the multifunction device 2 and the client device 3. The USB 33 is provided with a USB HUB 34. The USB HUB 34 controls communication performed between the client device 3 and the multifunction device 2a (2), and communication performed between the client device 3 and the multifunction device 2b (2). The USB HUB 34 enables simultaneous communication with the multifunction device 2a and communication with the multifunction device 2b.

  The MFP 2 connected to the client device 3 via the USB 33 is connected to the USB 33 via the USB HUB 14 instead of the LAN I / F 13, and the client device 3 is connected to the USB 33 via the USB host controller 21. By the way, when the multifunction device 2 and the client device 3 are connected by a single USB cable, for example, in the multifunction device 2, the process of transferring the read image data acquired by the scanner 10 to the client device 3, and the client device 3 A configuration capable of simultaneously receiving the generated output image data is required.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2A, the USB is branched into three by the USB HUB 14 inside the multifunction device 2. One of them is for transferring read image data, the other is for transferring print data, and the other is for transferring transmission image data. In order to be able to use one USB cable at the same time for transmission and reception, the USB HUB 14 switches data transmission / reception, checks for data loss at that time, prevents collision of transmission / reception data, etc. It is configured to be able to control every time. As a result, the USB HUB 14 of the multifunction device 2 simultaneously performs processing for transferring the read image data to the client device 3 and processing for receiving the output image data (print data or transmission image data) transferred from the client device 3. be able to. In other words, the process of transferring read image data from the multifunction device 2 to the client device 3 and the process of transferring output image data from the client device 3 to the multifunction device 2 can be performed simultaneously.

  Hereinafter, processing operations performed in the USB HUB 14 when the multifunction device 2a is connected to the client device 3 via the USB 33 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing operation of the USB HUB 14 described below is performed according to a command issued by the control unit 8 based on a program stored in the ROM 9.

  First, the USB HUB 14 determines whether or not data transfer from the client device 3 has been started (S140). If it is determined that data transfer from the client device 3 has started (S140: YES), the token packet of the data is analyzed (S141). Then, based on the analysis result, it is determined whether the data is for the device 2a (S142). Here, when it is determined that the data is not intended for the own device 2a (S142: NO), the own device 2a does not perform processing and completes the processing operation.

  Conversely, when the USB HUB 14 determines that the data is for the device 2a (S142: YES), the USB HUB 14 determines whether the data is for the scanner 10 (S143). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the data transferred from the client device 3 is a document reading start command. When it is determined that the data is for the scanner 10 (S143: YES), the reading start command is sent to the control unit 8, and the read image data of the document read by the scanner 10 based on the control command of the control unit 8 is sent. Is transferred to the client device 3 (S144).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the data is not for the scanner 10 (S143: NO), it is determined whether the data is for the printer 12 (S145). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the data transferred from the client device 3 is print data and a print start command. If it is determined that the data is for the printer 12 (S145: YES), a print start command is sent to the control unit 8 and the print data is transferred to the printer 12 operating based on the control command of the control unit 8 ( S146).

  Conversely, if the USB HUB 14 determines that the data is not for the printer 12 (S145: NO), the USB HUB 14 determines whether the data is for the modem 15. Specifically, it is determined whether the data transferred from the client device 3 is transmission image data, a FAX transmission start command, or a destination. If it is determined that the data is for the modem 15, the received FAX transmission start command or destination is sent to the control unit 8, and the received transmission image data is transferred to the modem 15 (S148). Conversely, when it is determined that the data is not for the modem 15, other processing is performed.

  Therefore, even when the client apparatus 3 and the multifunction peripheral 2a are connected by the USB 33 as in the image processing system 32 according to the second embodiment, the client apparatus 3 is obtained from the document by the scanner 10, for example. While transferring the read image data to the client device 3, it is possible to perform parallel processing such as receiving print data transferred from the client device 3 and performing print processing.

  Further, in the first embodiment, while the MFP 2 a is in the reservation state based on the reservation signal from the client device 3, all accesses from other client devices are not accepted. Although the case has been described, for example, when a reservation signal is received for a PC scan from the client apparatus 3 and the state shifts to the reservation state, if the access is for performing processing other than the PC scan, the access is accepted. You may do it. For example, a process of transferring read image data acquired by the scanner 10 to the client apparatus 3 based on a command from the client apparatus 3, and a process of receiving print data transferred from another client apparatus and printing it by the printer 12. May be simultaneously performed in the multifunction machine 2a.

  In the first and second embodiments, the image processing systems 1 and 32 having the three functions of the PC scanner function, the copy function, and the facsimile transmission function have been described. Any two of these three functions are described. Only one function may be provided. For example, when the facsimile transmission function is unnecessary, the multifunction device 2 may not be provided with the modem 15 and the NCU 16, and an image processing system having both a PC scanner function and a copy function may be constructed. Further, any one function, for example, only a PC scanner function may be provided.

  The present invention is applicable to an image processing system including, for example, an image reading apparatus including a scanner, a printer, a facsimile transmission unit, and the like, and a client apparatus such as a PC.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction peripheral, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a client device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in a client device when a PC scan, copy, or FAX transmission operation is performed in the client device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in a client device when a multifunction peripheral to be used for PC scanning, copying, or FAX transmission is determined. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in a client device when read image data for PC scanning is received from a multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in a client apparatus when read image data for copying is received from a multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in a client device when received image data for FAX transmission is received from a multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed when a client apparatus receives a reservation signal from a client apparatus in a multifunction peripheral determined as an apparatus to be used for PC scan, copy, or FAX transmission. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in the multifunction peripheral after transferring scanned image data for PC scanning to a client device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in the multi-function peripheral after transferring read image data for copying to a client device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in the multifunction peripheral after transferring read image data for FAX transmission to a client device. It is the block diagram which showed the structural example of the image processing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed when data is received from a client device in a USB HUB included in a multi-function peripheral. It is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional image reading apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1, 32 Image processing system 2a (2), 2b (2), 2c (2) MFP (image reading apparatus)
3 Client device 4 LAN
8, 19 Control unit 10 Scanner 12 Printer 13, 20 LAN I / F
14 USB HUB
15 Modem 16 NCU
21 USB Host Controller 22 Scanner Image Processing Unit 23 Printer Image Processing Unit 24 Codec 25 Operation Unit 28 HDD (Memory)
33 USB

Claims (17)

  Means for receiving a document reading start instruction in the client device and transmitting a document reading start command from the client device to the image reading device; and when the image reading device receives the reading start command, the image reading device Reading the image of the original to obtain read image data, transferring the acquired read image data from the image reading device to the client device, and subjecting the read image data transferred by the client device to image processing And means for storing the data in a memory.   Means for receiving a document reading start instruction in the client device and transmitting a document reading start command from the client device to the image reading device; and when the image reading device receives the reading start command, the image reading device Reading the image of the original to obtain read image data, transferring the acquired read image data from the image reading device to the client device, and subjecting the read image data transferred by the client device to image processing Generating output image data, transferring the generated output image data from the client device to the image reading device, and outputting the output image data transferred in the image reading device; An image processing system comprising:   Means for processing the read image data transferred in the client device to generate output image data, and transferring the generated output image data from the client device to the image reading device; and the image reading device The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for outputting the output image data transferred in step 1.   A USB for connecting the image reading device and the client device, a process of transferring the read image data from the image reading device to the client device, and transferring the output image data from the client device to the image reading device 4. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein a USB HUB for simultaneously performing the processing is provided in the image reading apparatus.   Means for transmitting an interrupt prohibition instruction from the client apparatus to the image reading apparatus when a predetermined operation for using the image reading apparatus is performed in the client apparatus; and the image reading apparatus outputs the interrupt prohibition instruction. And a means for permitting access only from a client device that is a transmission source of the interrupt prohibition instruction and prohibiting access from another client device in the image reading device when received. The image processing system according to any one of 1 to 4.   Means for transmitting an interrupt prohibition release command from the client device to the image reading device when there is no instruction to start reading the document even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the interrupt prohibition command was transmitted in the client device. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: means for canceling access prohibition from the other client device in the image reading device when the image reading device receives the interrupt prohibition release command. Image processing system.   Means for reading a document image and acquiring read image data when receiving a document reading start command from the client device; and means for transferring the acquired read image data to the client device without image processing. An image reading apparatus comprising:   Means for reading an image of a document to acquire read image data when receiving a document reading start command from the client device; means for transferring the acquired read image data to the client device without image processing; An image reading apparatus comprising: means for outputting the received output image data when the output image data is received from the client apparatus after the read image data is transferred.   8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means for outputting the received output image data when the output image data is received from the client apparatus after transferring the read image data.   A USB HUB is connected to the client device via a USB and simultaneously performs processing for transferring the read image data to the client device and processing for receiving the output image data transferred from the client device. The image reading apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein   11. A device according to claim 7, further comprising means for permitting access only from a client device as a transmission source and prohibiting access from other client devices when an interrupt prohibition instruction is received from the client device. The image reading apparatus according to any one of the above.   12. The image reading apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising means for canceling an access prohibition from the other client device when an interrupt prohibition cancel command is received from a client device that has transmitted the interrupt prohibition command.   Means for receiving an instruction to start reading a document and transmitting an instruction to start reading the document to the image reading device; and when the read image data is received from the image reading device after transmitting the reading start command, Means for processing the image and storing the data in a memory.   Means for receiving an instruction to start reading a document and transmitting an instruction to start reading the document to the image reading apparatus; and when the read image data is received from the image reading apparatus after transmitting the reading start command, the received read image A client apparatus comprising: means for processing image data to generate output image data; and means for transferring the generated output image data to the image reading apparatus.   Means for generating output image data by performing image processing on the received read image data when the read image data is received from the image reading device after transmitting the reading start command; and the generated output image data The client apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: a unit that transfers the image to the image reading apparatus.   When a predetermined operation for using the image reading apparatus is performed, only an access from the own apparatus is permitted, and an interrupt prohibition instruction for prohibiting an access from another client apparatus is transmitted to the image reading apparatus. The client device according to claim 13, further comprising:   Interrupt prohibition for causing the image reading apparatus to cancel the access prohibition from the other client apparatus when there is no instruction to start reading the document even after a predetermined time has passed since the interrupt prohibition instruction was transmitted. 17. The client apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising means for transmitting a release command to the image reading apparatus.

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