JP2007208475A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device that enables a user to easily confirm contents of image data with other devices, even in a state where printer errors are not immediately restored, if printer errors occurs, when executing print processings of received image data. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device is provided with a determination part 7b, which determines whether the print processing is normally executed to the image data received by reception processing, an image converter 7d which converts the image data received by the reception processing into a preset prescribed file format, when determined by the determination part 7b that the print processing is not executed normally, and a storage processor 7f to execute processing for storing the image data converted to the prescribed file format by the image converter 7d into a first storage region 9a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus configured to be capable of executing at least one of facsimile reception processing and Internet facsimile reception processing and print processing, and more particularly, facsimile reception processing and print processing, or The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus configured to be able to execute Internet facsimile reception processing and print processing.

When image data is received and printing processing of the received image data is executed, even if a printer error occurs in the printing process (including a failure in post-processing at the finisher here), the printing process is restarted. The received image data is held in the memory for a predetermined period (for example, until the passage of the recording paper on which the received image data is recorded is confirmed by the paper discharge sensor provided at the finisher outlet). An image forming apparatus (in this case, a facsimile machine) configured as described above has been devised (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-064674 A

  In the conventional image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above, the print processing of the received image data can be completed with certainty. However, the image data held in the memory is encoded by, for example, the MMR method. Therefore, it is not easy to transfer the image data to a PC (personal computer) and display the image of the image data on the monitor of the PC. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot confirm the contents of the received image data until the image forming apparatus recovers from the printer error.

  In particular, a printer error is not a recording paper jam that the user can deal with relatively easily, but the user cannot easily deal with it, and it is necessary to contact the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus. In the case of a fatal error, it takes a considerable time for the image forming apparatus to recover from the printer error, which is very inconvenient for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and when a printer error occurs when executing print processing of received image data, even if the printer error does not immediately recover, the user can use another device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily confirming the contents of image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus configured to execute at least one of a facsimile reception process and an Internet facsimile reception process and a print process. A determination unit that determines whether or not the print process can be normally performed on the image data received by the reception process, and a determination unit that determines that the print process cannot be normally performed. In addition, image conversion means for converting the image data received by the reception processing into a predetermined file format set in advance, and image data converted into the predetermined file format by the image conversion means are stored in a first storage area. Storage processing means for performing the processing of storing in the storage.

  According to the above configuration, the determination unit determines whether the print process can be normally performed on the image data received by the reception process, and the determination unit determines that the print process cannot be normally performed. In such a case, the image conversion means converts the image data received by the receiving process into a predetermined file format set in advance. The storage processing means stores the image data converted into a predetermined file format by the image conversion means in the first storage area.

  Therefore, by setting a predetermined file format to a file format that can be easily processed by another device, the user can perform a print error when executing print processing of received image data. The image data in a predetermined file format stored in the first storage area is processed using an information processing apparatus (for example, PC: personal computer) using a recording medium such as a USB memory or via a LAN or the like. And displaying the image data of a predetermined file format on the monitor of the information processing apparatus, it becomes possible to easily confirm the contents of the image data on the information processing apparatus even when the printer error is not immediately recovered. .

  An image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recording medium is configured to be detachable and data can be written to the recording medium, and the writing Connection determining means for determining whether the recording medium is attached to the means, and the storage processing means is determined by the connection determining means that the recording medium is attached to the writing means. In this case, the image data converted into the predetermined file format is stored in the recording medium by the writing means.

  According to the above configuration, when the connection determination unit determines whether or not the recording medium is mounted on the writing unit, and when the connection determination unit determines that the recording medium is mounted on the writing unit, The image data converted into a predetermined file format by the storage processing means is stored in the recording medium via the writing means.

  Therefore, when a printer error occurs when executing print processing of received image data, a recording medium storing image data in a predetermined file format is mounted on an information processing apparatus (for example, a PC) and the predetermined error is detected. By displaying the image data in the file format on the monitor of the information processing apparatus, the user can easily check the contents of the image data on the information processing apparatus even when the printer error is not immediately recovered.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recording medium is configured to be detachable and data can be written to the recording medium, and the writing A connection determination means for determining whether or not the recording medium is mounted on the means; a storage destination of image data converted into the predetermined file format based on the received operation input, and accepting an operation input from the outside; Setting means for setting, and when the connection determination means determines that the recording medium is mounted on the writing means, the storage processing means, based on the setting by the setting means, Processing for storing image data converted into a predetermined file format in the first storage area, or image data converted into the predetermined file format by the writing means. It is characterized by performing the process of storing on the medium.

  According to the above configuration, the setting unit receives an operation input from the outside, and sets the storage destination of the image data converted into the predetermined file format based on the received operation input. Then, the connection determination means determines whether or not the recording medium is attached to the writing means, and when the connection determination means determines that the recording medium is attached to the writing means, the storage processing means Based on the setting by the setting means, the image data converted into the predetermined file format is stored in the first storage area, or the image data converted into the predetermined file format is recorded via the writing means. Processing to store in the medium is performed.

  Therefore, when the user selects the first storage area as the storage destination of the image data in the predetermined file format, the image data in the predetermined file format stored in the first storage area is, for example, a LAN or the like. The content of the image data can be easily confirmed by transferring the information to the information processing apparatus (for example, PC) via the network and displaying it on the monitor of the information processing apparatus. Further, when the user selects a recording medium as a storage destination of image data in a predetermined file format, the user inserts the recording medium in which the image data in the predetermined file format is stored in an information processing apparatus (for example, a PC). By displaying image data in a predetermined file format on the monitor of the information processing apparatus, the contents of the image data can be easily confirmed.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the recording medium is a USB memory.

  According to the above configuration, since the recording medium is a USB memory, the user can easily take out the image data converted into the predetermined file format from the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determining unit determines that the storage processing unit can perform a print process normally. In addition, the image data received by the receiving process is stored in a second storage area.

  According to the above configuration, when executing the print process on the image data received by the reception process, the determination unit determines whether or not the print process for the received image data can be normally performed. When the determination unit determines that the print process can be normally performed, the storage processing unit stores the image data received in the reception process in the second storage area.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the print process can be performed normally, the image data received in the reception process is stored in the second storage area without being converted into a predetermined file format. This eliminates unnecessary processing such as reverse conversion of image data converted into the file format into image data before conversion to perform print processing, and print processing can be performed quickly.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit is configured to start and end the print process for the image data received by the reception process. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the printing process can be normally performed every predetermined time.

  According to the above configuration, the determination unit determines whether or not the print process can be normally performed every predetermined time from the start to the end of the print process for the image data received in the reception process. Therefore, when a printer error occurs, the generated printer error can be detected quickly.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image data received by the reception process is image data including a plurality of pages, and the image conversion unit includes When the determination unit determines that the print process cannot be performed normally after the print process for the received image data is started, the determination unit determines that the print process cannot be performed normally. At this point, the image data after the page being printed is converted into the predetermined file format.

  According to the above configuration, when the determination unit determines that the print process cannot be normally performed after the print process for the received image data is started, the image conversion unit performs the print process normally. When it is determined by the determination means that the image cannot be printed, the image data after the page being printed is converted into a predetermined file format.

  Accordingly, only the image data of the page that cannot be printed normally among the image data composed of a plurality of pages received by the receiving process is converted into a predetermined file format. It is possible to prevent unnecessary processing such as converting image data of a page whose contents can be confirmed from paper into a predetermined file format.

  An image forming apparatus according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is communicably connected to the client terminal device and configured to transfer data to the client terminal device. The storage processing means performs processing for storing the image data converted into the predetermined file format into the client terminal device by the transfer means at a predetermined timing.

  According to the above configuration, since the image data converted into the predetermined file format by the storage processing unit is stored in the client terminal device through the transfer unit at a predetermined timing, when the printer error occurs, the printer Even when the error is not immediately recovered, the user can easily check the content of the image data on the client terminal device connected to be communicable with the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the predetermined file format does not require specific application software and is a file that can be processed by an operating system. It is characterized by the form.

  According to the above configuration, the image conversion means converts the image data received in the reception process into a file format that can be processed by the operating system without requiring specific application software. The content of the image data can be confirmed by any information processing apparatus in which is installed.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the image conversion unit determines that the print process cannot be performed normally by the determination unit, and In this case, conversion is performed when a state in which the printing process cannot be normally performed corresponds to a predetermined printer error.

  According to the above configuration, the determination unit determines whether the print process can be normally performed on the image data received by the reception process, and the determination unit determines that the print process cannot be normally performed. In addition, when a state in which the printing process cannot be normally performed corresponds to a predetermined printer error, the image data is converted into a predetermined file format by the image conversion unit.

  Therefore, when a predetermined printer error (for example, a fatal printer error that cannot be easily dealt with by the user, such as printing of the entire recording paper black, out of toner, hardware failure of the printer engine, etc.) occurs, the user However, the content of the image data can be easily confirmed by another device. In addition, when a printer error other than a predetermined printer error (for example, a printer error that can be dealt with relatively easily by a user such as a recording paper jam) occurs, the image data is not converted into a predetermined file format. Makes it possible to confirm the contents of the image data from the recording paper output after performing the trouble-resolving operation corresponding to the generated printer error. In other words, according to the content of the printer error, it is possible to switch between confirming the content of the image data using another device or confirming the content of the image data from the recording paper by performing a trouble canceling operation. .

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, by setting the predetermined file format to a file format that can be easily processed by another device, the user can perform the print processing of the received image data. When a printer error occurs during execution, the image data in a predetermined file format stored in the first storage area can be transferred using a recording medium such as a USB memory or via a LAN or the like. Even if the printer error is not immediately recovered by transferring it to an information processing device (for example, PC: personal computer) and displaying image data in a predetermined file format on the monitor of the information processing device, the information processing device The contents can be easily confirmed.

  According to the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, when a printer error occurs when the received image data is printed, a recording medium storing image data in a predetermined file format is used as the information processing apparatus. By attaching the image data of a predetermined file format to the monitor of the information processing apparatus (for example, a PC), the user can easily view the contents of the image data with the information processing apparatus even when the printer error is not immediately recovered. Can be confirmed.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, when the user selects the first storage area as the storage destination of the image data of the predetermined file format, the predetermined storage stored in the first storage area is performed. By transferring image data in the file format to an information processing apparatus (for example, a PC) via a network such as a LAN and displaying it on the monitor of the information processing apparatus, the contents of the image data can be easily confirmed. it can. Further, when the user selects a recording medium as a storage destination of image data in a predetermined file format, the user inserts the recording medium in which the image data in the predetermined file format is stored in an information processing apparatus (for example, a PC). By displaying image data in a predetermined file format on the monitor of the information processing apparatus, the contents of the image data can be easily confirmed.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, since the recording medium is a USB memory, the user can easily take out the image data converted into the predetermined file format from the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, when it is determined that the print process can be normally performed, the image data received in the reception process is not converted into a predetermined file format. Since the image data converted into the predetermined file format is converted back to the pre-conversion image data to perform the printing process, the printing process can be performed quickly. Can be done.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, whether or not the printing process can be normally performed at predetermined time intervals from the start to the end of the printing process for the image data received by the receiving process. Therefore, when a printer error occurs, the generated printer error can be detected quickly.

  According to the image forming apparatus of claim 7, only image data of a page that cannot be normally printed out of image data including a plurality of pages received by the reception process is converted into a predetermined file format. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary processing such as converting image data of a page whose contents can be confirmed from the recording paper output by the print processing into a predetermined file format.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the image data converted into the predetermined file format by the storage processing unit is stored in the client terminal device through the transfer unit at a predetermined timing, a printer error occurs. Even if the printer error does not immediately recover when the error occurs, the user can easily check the content of the image data on the client terminal device connected to be communicable with the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect, the image data received in the reception process is converted into a file format that can be processed by the operating system without requiring specific application software. The contents of the image data can be confirmed by any information processing apparatus in which the operating system is installed.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a predetermined printer error (for example, the entire recording paper is printed black, toner is out, a hardware failure of the printer engine portion, etc. is fatal that the user cannot easily deal with. The user can easily check the contents of the image data on another device. In addition, when a printer error other than a predetermined printer error (for example, a printer error that can be dealt with relatively easily by a user such as a recording paper jam) occurs, the image data is not converted into a predetermined file format. Can confirm the content of the image data from the recording paper output after performing the trouble-resolving operation corresponding to the generated printer error. That is, according to the content of the printer error, it is possible to switch between confirming the content of the image data using another device or confirming the content of the image data from the recording paper by performing a trouble solving operation.

  Hereinafter, a multifunction peripheral (an example of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function device 1 is configured to be capable of executing at least one reception process of a facsimile reception process and an Internet facsimile reception process and a print process.

  Here, the multi-function device 1 receives a facsimile reception process for receiving image data from a G3 facsimile apparatus 3 that is communicably connected via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 2 and an Internet 4. Internet facsimile reception processing for receiving image data from the Internet facsimile apparatus 5 connected to be communicable via the Internet facsimile is possible. The multi-function device 1 is configured to be able to execute print processing for recording an image of image data (for example, image data received by facsimile reception processing or Internet facsimile reception processing) on a recording sheet.

  As shown in the figure, the MFP 1 includes a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 7, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 8, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 9, a document reading unit 10, and a codec (CODEC: Coder and Decoder). ) 11, recording unit 12, operation unit 13, display unit 14, modem 15, NCU (Network Control Unit) 16, USB I / F (Universal Serial Bus Interface) 17, and LAN I / F (Local Area Network) The units 7 to 18 are communicably connected by a bus 19.

  The control unit 7 controls each unit constituting the multi-function device 1 according to a control program stored in the ROM 8. The ROM 8 stores various control programs for controlling each unit of the multifunction machine 1 by the control unit 7. The RAM 9 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the control unit 7, and here stores image data encoded by the codec 11, image data received by reception processing, and the like.

  The document reading unit 10 reads image data of a document. Although not shown, the document reading unit 10 includes a flat bed scanner (FBS: Flat Bed Scanner) including an optical system such as a CCD color line sensor and a light source, and an automatic document feeder ( A document supply mechanism such as an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) is provided.

  The codec 11 encodes and decodes image data. Specifically, the image data read from the document by the document reading unit 10 is encoded by the JPEG, MH, MR, MMR, JBIG method, etc., and the encoded image data is decoded. The codec 11 encodes and decodes image data in accordance with image formats such as JPEG format, PDF (Portable Document Format) format, and TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format. The image data encoded by the codec 11 is temporarily stored in the RAM 9.

  The recording unit 12 prints out the image data read out from the RAM 9 and then decoded by the codec 11 on a recording sheet. The recording unit 12 receives the image data read from the original by the original reading unit 10 or received by the receiving process. Print processing of image data and the like. As a recording method in the recording unit 12, for example, various recording methods such as an electrophotographic method and an ink jet recording method can be used.

  The operation unit 13 includes an input key such as a numeric keypad on which a user inputs information, a touch panel, and the like. Various operation inputs by the user are performed via the operation unit 13. The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) that is arranged in parallel with the operation unit 13 and displays various setting states, operation states of the multi-function device 1, and the like as characters, graphics, or the like. LED lamps to display, speakers that output a predetermined warning sound and the like.

  The modem 15 is, for example, an ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union) recommendation V.3. 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 make or cut a call, and is connected to the G3 facsimile apparatus 3 through the PSTN 2 so as to be communicable.

  The USB I / F 17 (corresponding to a writing unit) executes a host controller function of USB (Universal Serial Bus). The USB I / F 17 includes a USB port (not shown). The USB memory 21 (an example of a recording medium) can be attached to the USB port, and the USB memory 21 is attached (connected). As a result, a USB is formed, and data can be written to the USB memory 21.

  The USB I / F 17 also functions as a connection determination unit that determines whether the USB memory 21 is attached to the USB port of the USB I / F 17. Specifically, when the USB memory 21 is attached, the USB I / F 17 determines that the USB memory 21 is attached by electrically detecting that the USB memory 21 is connected. Then, it negotiates with the USB memory 21 that is the connection destination device to acquire identification information of the USB memory 21 and writes data to the USB memory 21 or reads data from the USB memory 21.

  A LAN I / F 18 (corresponding to a transfer unit) connects a LAN (Local Area Network) 22 and the multifunction device 1 so that they can communicate with each other. A mail server 23 and a router 24 are connected to the LAN 22, and an Internet facsimile machine 5 is connected via the router 24 and the Internet 4. A client PC 25 (corresponding to a client terminal device) is connected to the LAN 22 so that various functions of the multi-function device 1 can be used from the client PC 25. That is, the LAN I / F 18 is communicably connected to the client PC 25 and configured to be able to transfer data to the client PC 25.

  The client PC 25 is composed of, for example, a personal computer, receives operation input from the user via a mouse, a keyboard, etc., transmits the operation input to the multi-function device 1 via the LAN 22, and transmits the LAN 22 from the multi-function device 1 to the LAN 22. The image data received via the screen is displayed on a monitor so as to be visible.

  FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of a main part of the present invention. The control unit 7 of the multifunction device 1 functionally includes a reception unit 7a, a determination unit 7b, a print execution unit 7c, an image conversion unit 7d, an area setting unit 7e, and a storage processing unit 7f. As storage areas for storing image data, two storage areas, a first storage area 9a and a second storage area 9b, are provided.

  Here, the control unit 7 reads and executes a control program stored in advance in the ROM 8 or the like, thereby receiving the reception unit 7a, the determination unit 7b, the print execution unit 7c, the image conversion unit 7d, the area setting unit 7e, and And function as a functional unit including the storage processing unit 7f.

  The reception unit 7a performs two reception processes, a facsimile reception process and an Internet facsimile reception process. Specifically, the reception unit 7a performs facsimile reception processing for receiving image data transmitted from the G3 facsimile apparatus 3 via the PSTN 2 by facsimile, and image data transmitted from the Internet facsimile apparatus 5 via the Internet 4 to the Internet. Internet facsimile reception processing for facsimile reception is performed. Note that the image data received by the receiving process performed by the receiving unit 7a can be normally printed, that is, if no printer error has occurred, a facsimile-only format (for example, The data is stored in the second storage area 9b of the RAM 9 by the MMR method or the MR method.

  The determination unit 7b (corresponding to a determination unit) determines whether the print process can be normally performed on the image data received by the reception process. Here, the determination unit 7b determines whether or not the print process can be normally performed every predetermined time from the start to the end of the print process for the image data received by the reception process. Specifically, the determination unit 7b is a period from the start to the end of the print process executed by the print execution unit 7c on the image data received by the reception process of the reception unit 7a, for example, every 0.1 second. The print execution unit 7c determines whether the print process can be normally performed. Therefore, when a printer error occurs, the generated printer error can be detected quickly. It should be noted that whether or not this print process can be normally performed is determined before the print process is started (from when the reception process is started by the receiving unit 7a until when the print process is actually started), and after the print process is executed. Done in both.

  The print execution unit 7c executes print processing on the image data received by the reception processing. That is, the print execution unit 7c outputs the image data received by the reception process of the reception unit 7a to the recording unit 12, and controls the recording unit 12 to record the image of the received image data on the recording paper. Execute. Note that the image data received by the reception process is temporarily stored in the second storage area 9b of the RAM 9 and read from the second storage area 9b and then by the codec 11 when the print process can be performed normally. After being decoded, the data is output to the recording unit 12 and printed.

  The image conversion unit 7d (corresponding to the image conversion unit) encodes the image data received by the reception process (for example, encoded by the MMR method) when the determination unit 7b determines that the print process cannot be performed normally. Image data) is converted into a predetermined file format set in advance. Here, the predetermined file format is a file format that does not require specific application software and can be processed by the operating system of the information processing apparatus (here, the client PC 25). In this embodiment, XPS (XML Paper Specification) format.

  The XPS format is a standard file format of Windows Vista (registered trademark), which is the next OS (Operating System) under development by Microsoft, and any application software is installed on the device in which Windows Vista is installed (here, the client PC 25). It is possible to open a file without going through a browser or the like. Therefore, when Windows Vista is installed on the client PC 25, it is not necessary to install application software for reading an XPS format file. In this embodiment, Windows Vista is installed in the client PC 25, and when XPS image data is stored in the memory of the client PC 25, the XPS image data is stored in the client PC 25 with specific application software. It is possible to process (for example, display on a monitor) without installing.

  The image conversion unit 7d, after the image data received by the reception process of the reception unit 7a is image data composed of a plurality of pages, after the print processing of the received image data is started by the print execution unit 7c. When the determination unit 7b determines that the print process cannot be performed normally, the image data on and after the page being printed is determined when the determination unit 7b determines that the print process cannot be performed normally. Conversion into a predetermined file format (here, XPS format). For example, when the image data received by the reception process is image data including 10 pages, and the determination unit 7b determines that the print process cannot be normally performed during the print process of the image data of the sixth page, The image data of the sixth page and thereafter, that is, the image data of the 6th to 10th pages are converted into XPS format.

  Here, the image converting unit 7d is determined by the determining unit 7b that the printing process cannot be normally performed, and the state in which the printing process cannot be normally performed corresponds to a predetermined printer error. Then, the image data is converted into a predetermined file format (here, XPS format). Specifically, the image conversion unit 7d is determined by the determination unit 7b that the printing process cannot be normally performed, and the state in which the printing process cannot be normally performed is a fatal printer error. Then, the image data is converted into the XPS format. On the other hand, when the determination unit 7b determines that the print process can be performed normally, or the determination unit 7b determines that the print process cannot be performed normally, and the print process is performed normally. If the state where the image data cannot be processed is not a fatal printer error, the image conversion unit 7d does not perform image data conversion processing.

  The area setting unit 7e (corresponding to setting means) sets the storage destination of the image data received by the receiving process. When the determination unit 7b determines that the area setting unit 7e can perform the print process normally when the print execution unit 7c executes the print process on the image data received by the reception process, The second storage area 9b of the RAM 9 is set as the storage destination of the image data received by the reception process. If it is determined that the print process can be performed normally, the image data received by the reception process is not converted into a predetermined file format by the image conversion unit 7d, but is stored by the storage processing unit 7f. 2 storage area 9b.

  Further, the area setting unit 7e accepts an operation input from the outside, and sets the storage destination of the image data converted into a predetermined file format based on the accepted operation input. That is, the area setting unit 7e is determined by the determination unit 7b that the print process cannot be performed normally when the print execution unit 7c executes the print process on the image data received by the reception process. The external operation input via the operation unit 13 is accepted, and the first storage area 9a of the RAM 9 or the USB memory 21 is set as the storage destination of the image data converted into the XPS format based on the accepted operation input. To do.

  Specifically, the area setting unit 7e receives a selection input by the user from the touch panel of the operation unit 13 formed integrally with the liquid crystal display device of the display unit 14, and based on the received selection input, the image conversion unit As a storage destination of the image data converted into a predetermined file format (here, XPS format) by 7d, the first storage area 9a of the RAM 9 or the USB memory 21 attached to the USB port of the USB I / F 17 Set one of them. In the present embodiment, as an information processing device that displays image data in XPS format so as to be visible, a client PC 25 is connected to the multifunction device 1 so as to be communicable, and based on a selection input from the operation unit 13, In addition to the first storage area 9 a and the USB memory 21, the client PC 25 can also be set as a storage location for XPS format image data.

  The storage processing unit 7f (corresponding to the storage processing unit) stores the image data in the storage destination set by the area setting unit 7e. When the determination unit 7b determines that the print process can be normally performed, the storage processing unit 7f stores the image data received by the reception process in the second storage area 9b. That is, while the determination unit 7b determines that the print process can be normally performed, the storage processing unit 7f receives the reception data because the process of converting the image data received by the reception process into the XPS format is not performed. The image data received by the processing and not converted into the XPS format is stored in the second storage area 9b of the RAM 9. Here, when the image data stored in the second storage area 9b is image data received by facsimile reception processing, the image data is image data in a facsimile-dedicated format. Is image data encoded by the MMR method, MR method or the like. The image data stored in the second storage area 9b is read by the print execution unit 7c, decoded by the codec 11, and then printed by the recording unit 12.

  As described above, when it is determined that the print process can be normally performed, the image data received in the reception process is stored in the second storage area 9b in the facsimile dedicated format without being converted into the XPS format. Therefore, wasteful processing such as reverse conversion of the image data converted into the XPS format to image data before conversion is performed, and print processing by the print execution unit 7c is performed quickly. Can do.

  In addition, the storage processing unit 7f stores the image data converted into a predetermined file format by the image conversion unit 7d in the first storage area 9a of the RAM 9, and the USB memory 21 is connected to the USB port of the USB I / F 17. When it is determined by the USB I / F 17 that it is mounted, the image data converted into a predetermined file format is stored in the USB memory 21 by the USB I / F 17. That is, the storage processing unit 7f, here, based on the setting by the region setting unit 7e when the USB I / F 17 determines that the USB memory 21 is attached to the USB port of the USB I / F 17, the XPS A process of storing the image data converted into the format in the first storage area 9a of the RAM 9 or a process of storing the image data converted into the XPS format into the USB memory 21 by the USB I / F 17 is performed. In this embodiment, the client PC 25 may be set by the area setting unit 7e as a storage destination of the image data converted into the XPS format. In this case, the storage processing unit 7f is set at a predetermined timing. A process of storing image data converted into a predetermined file format (here, XPS format) in the client PC 25 by the USB I / F 17 (for example, when a predetermined operation input from the operation unit 13 is performed). Do. In other words, a process of transferring XPS format image data to the client PC 25 is performed.

  Hereinafter, processing operations performed in the multifunction machine 1 when the reception processing of image data transmitted from the G3 facsimile apparatus 3 or the Internet facsimile apparatus 5 is started will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the receiving unit 7a determines whether or not reception processing of image data transmitted from the G3 facsimile apparatus 3 or the Internet facsimile apparatus 5 has been started (S1). If it is determined that the image data reception process has not been started (S1: NO), a standby state is entered. Conversely, if it is determined that the image data reception process has started (S1: YES), the storage processing unit 7f stores the image data received by the reception process of the reception unit 7a in the second storage area 9b of the RAM 9. Is started (S2).

  Then, before the print process is started, the determination unit 7b determines whether or not the print execution unit 7c can normally perform the print process of the image data received by the reception process of the reception unit 7a ( S3). If it is determined that the print process can be normally performed (S3: YES), the print execution unit 7c starts the print process for one page (S4). Specifically, the print execution unit 7c reads out the image data stored in the second storage area 9b of the RAM 9 by the storage processing unit 7f after being received by the reception unit 7a, and decodes the decoded image by the codec 11. The print processing for outputting the data to the recording unit 12 and recording the image of the received image data of one page on the recording paper is started.

  Subsequently, when the print processing by the print execution unit 7c is started, the determination unit 7b determines whether the print processing can be performed normally, that is, whether a printer error has occurred. (S5). If it is determined that a printer error has not occurred (print processing can be performed normally) (S5: NO), the determination unit 7b completes the print processing for one page by the print execution unit 7c. It is determined whether or not one page has been printed (S6: NO), the processing operation of S5 is performed again. As described above, the process of the determination unit 7b that determines whether or not the print process can be normally performed is performed at predetermined time intervals from the start to the end of the print process for the image data received by the reception process. Is called. If the determination unit 7b determines in S5 that a printer error has not occurred ("NO" in S5) and determines that the printing process for one page has been completed (S6: YES), the image data for the next page is determined. It is determined whether or not there is (S7). Here, when it is determined that there is image data of the next page (S7: YES), the processing operation after S4 as described above is performed on the image data of the next page. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no image data of the next page (S7: NO), the process ends as the print process is completed.

  The determination unit 7b determines in S3 (before starting the printing process) that the printing process cannot be performed normally (S3: NO), or cannot perform the printing process normally during the printing process. (S5: YES), it is determined whether the printer error that has occurred is a predetermined printer error (S8). Here, printer errors occurring in the multifunction device 1 are classified in advance into fatal printer errors (predetermined printer errors) and non-fatal printer errors, and the generated printer errors are classified into either. Whether it is a thing is determined by the determination part 7b. A fatal error is a printer error that cannot be easily dealt with by the user. Examples thereof include a printer error in which the entire recording paper is printed black, out of toner, and a hardware failure in the printer engine. A non-fatal error is a printer error that can be dealt with relatively easily by the user, and includes, for example, a jam on a recording paper. Further, what kind of printer error is regarded as a fatal error may be specified in advance by a program, or the user may arbitrarily change the setting via the operation unit 13.

  The determination unit 7b determines in S8 that the generated printer error is not a predetermined printer error (fatal printer error) (S8: NO), that is, it is determined that the print process cannot be performed normally. Thereafter, when it is determined that the state where the printing process cannot be normally performed does not correspond to the predetermined printer error, a trouble canceling operation for canceling other printer errors (non-fatal printer errors) is prompted. Information is notified (S9). Specifically, a message such as “please pull out the paper cassette and remove the jammed paper” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the display unit 14 and a predetermined warning sound is output from the speaker.

  Then, the determination unit 7b determines whether or not another printer error has been canceled (S10), and continues the processing operation of S9 until the other printer error is canceled. Here, when it is determined that another printer error has been canceled by the user's trouble canceling operation (S10: YES), the processing operation after S4 is performed. If a printer error occurs during the printing process for one page, that is, if “YES” is determined in S5, the processing operation in S4 is performed when the printer error occurs. This is performed on the image data after the page that was in the middle.

  On the other hand, if the determination unit 7b determines that the generated printer error is a predetermined printer error (fatal printer error) (S8: YES), that is, after determining that the print process cannot be performed normally. Furthermore, when the state in which the printing process cannot be normally performed corresponds to a predetermined printer error, the image converting unit 7d converts the image data received by the receiving process of the receiving unit 7a into a predetermined file format (here Then, it is converted into XPS format (S11). Here, when the image data received by the reception process is image data including a plurality of pages, the image conversion unit 7d determines that the print process cannot be performed normally (a printer error has occurred). At the time determined by 7b, the image data on and after the page being printed is converted to XPS format. Therefore, for example, when it is determined that a printer error has occurred before starting the reception process (when “NO” is determined in S3), or the first page of image data received by the reception process If the determination unit 7b determines that a printer error has occurred during the printing process of the image data, the image data for all pages is converted to the XPS format.

  Subsequently, the area setting unit 7e notifies information for notifying the occurrence of a predetermined printer error and information for prompting selection of a storage destination (S12). Specifically, a predetermined warning sound is output from the speaker of the display unit 14, and the liquid crystal display device of the display unit 14, for example, “Please contact the service center” or “Select the storage location of the received document” "Is displayed. Then, it is determined whether or not a storage destination is selected by a predetermined operation input from the operation unit 13 (S13). If it is determined that the storage destination has not been selected (S13: NO), the processing operation of S12 is continued. Conversely, if it is determined that the storage destination has been selected (S13: YES), it is determined whether the selected storage destination is the main body memory (first storage area 9a) or the USB memory 21. (S14). Then, the area setting unit 7e sets the storage destination of the image data converted into a predetermined file format (here, XPS format) based on the processing operation of S14.

  When the transfer destination set by the area setting unit 7e is the main body memory (S14: main body memory), the storage processing unit 7f stores image data in a predetermined file format in the first storage area 9a (S15). That is, the image data converted into the XPS format by the image conversion unit 7 d is stored in the first storage area 9 a of the RAM 9. Then, the area setting unit 7e notifies information prompting a predetermined operation from the operation unit 13 instructing image data transfer processing (S16). Specifically, a message such as “Please confirm by transferring the received document stored in the memory” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the display unit 14. Next, the area setting unit 7e determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed (S17). If it is determined that the predetermined operation has not been performed (S17: NO), the processing operation of S16 is continued. Conversely, when it is determined that a predetermined operation for instructing processing for transferring image data in a predetermined format (in this case, XPS format) stored in the first storage area 9a to the client PC 25 is performed via the operation unit 13. (S17: YES), the storage processing unit 7f reads the image data of a predetermined file format from the first storage area 9a of the RAM 9, and the client PC 25 reads the read image data of the predetermined file format through the LAN I / F 18. (S18). Then, after the image data of a predetermined file format is transferred to the client PC 25, the area setting unit 7e notifies information prompting the client PC 25 to confirm the contents (S19). Specifically, for example, a message such as “Please check the received document transferred to the terminal device” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the display unit 14.

  In this case, the image data converted into the XPS format by the storage processing unit 7f is stored in the client PC 25 when a predetermined operation for instructing the process of transferring to the client PC 25 is performed. The XPS format image data transferred from the machine 1 is displayed so as to be visible. Therefore, when a printer error (here, a fatal printer error) occurs, even if the printer error does not immediately recover, the user can use the client PC 25 that is communicably connected to the multifunction machine 1 to display the contents of the image data. It can be easily confirmed.

  Note that the image data received in the reception process is image data in the XPS format that does not require specific application software and can be processed by the operating system of the client PC 25. The XPS format image data can be stored (transferred) in the client PC 25 and the contents of the image data can be confirmed.

  On the other hand, when the set storage destination is the USB memory 21 (S14: USB memory), the area setting unit 7e notifies information that prompts the user to attach the USB memory 21 (S20). Specifically, for example, a message such as “Please connect USB memory” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the display unit 14. Then, the USB I / F 17 determines whether or not the USB memory 21 is attached to the USB port (S21). If the USB I / F 17 determines that the USB memory 21 is not attached (S21: NO), the process proceeds to S20. Processing operations continue. Conversely, when it is determined that the USB memory 21 is attached (S21: YES), the storage processing unit 7f converts the image data converted into a predetermined file format (here, XPS format) by the image conversion unit 7d. The data is stored in the USB memory 21 by the USB I / F 17 (S22). Then, the area setting unit 7e notifies information prompting the user to confirm the contents by mounting the USB memory 21 storing the XPS format image data on the client PC 25 (S23). Specifically, for example, a message such as “Please connect the USB memory to the terminal device and check the received document” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the display unit 14.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the multifunction device 1 according to the present invention, the user can use the first storage area 9a as a storage location for image data in a predetermined file format (in the present embodiment, XPS format). Is selected, the XPS format image data stored in the first storage area 9a is transferred to the client PC 25 via the LAN 22 and displayed on the monitor of the client PC 25, so that the content of the image data is displayed. It can be easily confirmed. Further, when the user selects the USB memory 21 as the storage location of the XPS image data, the user attaches the USB memory 21 storing the XPS image data to the client PC 25 to transfer the XPS image data to the client. By displaying on the monitor of the PC 25, the contents of the image data can be easily confirmed. Therefore, when a printer error occurs when executing the print processing of the received image data, even if the printer error does not immediately recover, the user can easily edit the contents of the image data with the information processing apparatus (here, the client PC 25). Can be confirmed.

  Further, since the recording medium in which image data in a predetermined file format (here, XPS format) is stored is the USB memory 21, the user can easily take out the image data converted into the XPS format from the multifunction device 1. Can do.

  Further, when the image data received by the reception process is image data composed of a plurality of pages, only the image data of the page that cannot be normally printed out of the image data composed of a plurality of pages is in the XPS format. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary processing such as converting image data of a page whose contents can be confirmed from the recording paper output by the printing process into the XPS format.

  Further, when a predetermined printer error (here, a fatal printer error) occurs, the image data is converted into the XPS format, and when a predetermined printer error has not occurred (although a printer error has occurred) If it is not a predetermined printer error), the image data is not converted to the XPS format. Therefore, whether the user confirms the content of the image data using the client PC 25 or whether the content of the image data is confirmed from the recording paper output after performing the trouble canceling operation for eliminating the printer error. Can be switched according to the content of the printer error.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, The following forms may be sufficient. In other words, in the present embodiment, an external operation input is received, and the first storage is used as a storage location for image data converted into a predetermined file format (here, XPS format) based on the received operation input. Although the mode in which any of the area 9a, the USB memory 21, and the client PC 25 is set has been described, the storage destination of the image data converted into the XPS format may be automatically set. That is, when the USB memory 21 is connected to the USB port of the USB I / F 17, the image data converted into the XPS format can be stored in the USB memory 21 without receiving an operation input from the outside. When connected to the client PC 25 in a communicable manner, the image data converted into the XPS format may be stored (transferred) in the client PC 25 without receiving an operation input from the outside. Furthermore, the image data converted into the XPS format may be stored in the first storage area 9a of the RAM 9 regardless of whether or not the USB memory 21 is attached.

  In the present embodiment, the client PC 25 that is an information processing apparatus that displays image data in a predetermined file format (here, XPS format) in a visually recognizable manner is communicably connected to the multifunction device 1. However, if the XPS format image data can be transferred to the client PC 25 by the USB memory 21 or the like, the client PC 25 is not connected to the MFP 1 so as to be communicable. It may be an information processing apparatus of an alone.

  In this embodiment, the recording medium mounted on the multifunction device 1 is the USB memory 21. However, the recording medium mounted on the multifunction device 1 is particularly limited as long as it is a portable recording medium. However, other recording media may be used.

  In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the image data received by the reception process is image data including a plurality of pages and the print process cannot be normally performed after the print process is started (print In the above description, the image data after the page being printed is converted to the XPS format when it is determined that the printing process cannot be performed normally (when a printer error occurs during the processing). You may make it convert the image data of all the pages received by one reception process into the XPS format also including the page which could be printed.

  In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the print process cannot be performed normally, that is, when a printer error occurs, the generated printer error is not a fatal error that cannot be handled by the user. The form in which the image data received by the reception process is not converted to the XPS format has been described. However, when a printer error occurs, the image data received by the reception process is converted to the XPS format regardless of the content of the printer error that has occurred. It may be converted. That is, in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, when “NO” is determined in S3, or when “YES” is determined in S5, the processing operation is performed without performing the processing operations in S8 to S10. The process may be advanced to S11.

  In this embodiment, the case where the predetermined file format is the XPS format has been described, but other file formats may be used. For example, the predetermined file format may be a specific format such as a JPG format or a text format. However, in these cases, it is necessary to install application software for opening image data of a predetermined file format in the multifunction device 1.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has been described as an example of the multifunction machine 1 capable of executing a facsimile receiving process and an Internet facsimile receiving process together with a print process. Is not limited to this as long as it can execute at least one of facsimile reception processing and Internet facsimile reception processing and print processing, and may be, for example, a facsimile machine or an Internet facsimile machine.

  The present invention is applicable to, for example, an image forming apparatus configured to execute at least one of facsimile reception processing and Internet facsimile reception processing and print processing.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the principal part of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed in a multifunction peripheral when image data reception processing is started. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed in a multifunction peripheral when image data reception processing is started.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image forming device)
7 Control part 7a Receiving part 7b Determination part (determination means)
7c Print execution unit 7d Image conversion unit (image conversion means)
7e Area setting section (setting means)
7f Storage processing unit (storage processing means)
8 ROM
9 RAM
9a First storage area 9b Second storage area 12 Recording section 13 Operation section 14 Display section 17 USB I / F (writing means, connection determination means)
18 LAN I / F (Transfer means)
21 USB memory (recording medium)
25 Client PC (client terminal device)

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus configured to execute at least one of facsimile reception processing and Internet facsimile reception processing and print processing,
Determination means for determining whether or not the print processing can be normally performed on the image data received by the reception processing;
An image conversion means for converting the image data received by the reception processing into a predetermined file format set in advance when the determination means determines that the print processing cannot be normally performed;
An image forming apparatus comprising: storage processing means for performing processing for storing the image data converted into the predetermined file format by the image conversion means in a first storage area. A writing unit configured to be detachable from the recording medium and configured to be able to write data to the recording medium;
Connection determining means for determining whether or not the recording medium is attached to the writing means,
The storage processing means records the image data converted into the predetermined file format by the writing means when the connection determining means determines that the recording medium is attached to the writing means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus performs a process of storing in a medium. A writing unit configured to be detachable from the recording medium and configured to be able to write data to the recording medium;
Connection determining means for determining whether or not the recording medium is attached to the writing means;
Setting means for receiving an operation input from the outside, and setting a storage destination of the image data converted into the predetermined file format based on the received operation input;
The storage processing means is an image converted into the predetermined file format based on the setting by the setting means when it is determined by the connection determining means that the recording medium is mounted on the writing means. 2. The process for storing data in the first storage area or the process for storing the image data converted into the predetermined file format in the recording medium by the writing unit. The image forming apparatus described.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording medium is a USB memory.   The storage processing unit stores the image data received by the reception process in a second storage area when the determination unit determines that the print process can be normally performed. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 4.   The determination unit determines whether or not the print process can be normally performed every predetermined time from the start to the end of the print process for the image data received by the reception process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image data received by the reception process is image data composed of a plurality of pages,
The image converting unit cannot perform the printing process normally when the determining unit determines that the printing process cannot be normally performed after the printing process for the received image data is started. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image data after the page being printed is converted into the predetermined file format at the time determined by the determination unit. A transfer means connected to the client terminal device so as to be communicable and configured to transfer data to the client terminal device;
The storage processing means performs processing for storing the image data converted into the predetermined file format in the client terminal device by the transfer means at a predetermined timing. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined file format is a file format that does not require specific application software and can be processed by an operating system.   The image conversion means performs conversion when it is determined by the determination means that the printing process cannot be normally performed, and a state in which the printing process cannot be normally performed corresponds to a predetermined printer error. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images