JP2008035129A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing an image memory from being overflowed during storage processing of image data without degrading ease of use by a user. <P>SOLUTION: When an original comprising a plurality of pages is placed on a read section 2 and a start key 5a is depressed and a sort function is selected, and in the case that whether or not the residual capacity of the image memory 8 is less than a prescribed threshold value is discriminated, and the discrimination indicates that the residual capacity is less than the threshold value, a display section 4 informs the user about the possibility of occurrence of the overflow in the image memory 8 in a state of holding original read processing. When an external memory 21 whose residual capacity is the prescribed threshold value or over is loaded to the image processing apparatus and the storage of the image data to the external memory 21 is selected from the user via an operation section 5, the read image data by the plurality of pages are stored to the external memory 21. The image processing apparatus accepts the selection of the print page order of the image data (in the page order at reading or in the reverse page order thereto) from the user via the operation section 5 and prints out the image data according to the accepted page order. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that accumulates acquired image data in an image memory and outputs the accumulated image data, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that notifies a user in advance of the possibility of overflow of the image memory.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a digital copying machine having a sorter function that acquires image data for all pages to be printed out, accumulates it in an internal image memory, reads out image data of an arbitrary page from the image memory, and prints it. In such a copying machine, after accumulation of image data for all pages is completed, the image data of each page is sequentially read out from the image memory, printed out one page at a time, and this is repeated for a set number of copies. Even if the sort bin is not provided, the print sheets can be discharged in a sorted state.

  However, since the capacity of the image memory is finite, if the number of pages to be accumulated increases, the image memory overflows during the accumulation process, and subsequent image data cannot be accumulated, and the user desires This causes a problem that sort jobs cannot be realized.

There has been proposed a device for storing image data in order to solve this problem (Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.). In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the remaining capacity of the image memory is checked at any time during the process of accumulating the acquired image data in the image memory, and if the remaining capacity falls below a predetermined amount, reading at that time is performed. The reading operation is stopped after the middle image data is acquired. Further, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, when the memory becomes full during the process of storing the image data in the image memory, the remaining image data that cannot be stored is stored in an externally attached external memory.
JP-A-7-184017 JP 11-46273 A

  In Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, it is possible to prevent the overflow of the image memory during the image data accumulation process, but there are problems as described below, and it is configured to be always convenient for the user. Not. In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the image memory becomes full, the image data capturing / output process is stopped at that time, and an insufficient sorting result that does not conform to the user's will. Can only be obtained. In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, image data to be sorted is divided and stored in two memories, which makes the handling of the image data troublesome for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing an overflow of an image memory during an image data accumulation process without deteriorating user convenience. To do.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention acquires image data for a plurality of pages, stores the acquired image data in an image memory, and receives an instruction to acquire the image data in the image processing apparatus that outputs the stored image data. Means for determining whether or not the remaining capacity of the image memory is less than a threshold value, and if the remaining capacity is less than the threshold value, the possibility of occurrence of overflow of the image memory due to acquisition of the image data is notified An informing means is provided.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when receiving an instruction to acquire a plurality of pages, it is determined whether or not the remaining capacity of the image memory is less than a threshold value. In the state where the acquisition process is suspended, the possibility of occurrence of overflow of the image memory is notified. Therefore, since the possibility of overflow is informed to the user in advance, the image data acquisition process is not interrupted in the middle or the image data is not divided and stored in a plurality of memories as in the conventional example. The occurrence of overflow of the image memory is prevented.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes means for determining whether or not an external memory is mounted when the notification means notifies, and when the external memory is mounted, the acquired image data Is stored in the external memory.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is determined whether or not an external memory is attached, and when the external memory is attached, the acquired image data is stored in the external memory. Therefore, when there is a possibility of overflow of the image memory that it owns, the acquired image data is stored in the external memory that is externally attached. Therefore, the image data is divided and stored in a plurality of memories. And no overflow of the image memory occurs.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes means for determining whether or not the remaining capacity of the external memory is greater than or equal to a threshold when the external memory is attached. The processed image data is stored in the external memory.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the remaining capacity of the attached external memory is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and if it is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the acquired image data is stored in the external memory. . Therefore, all the image data is reliably stored in one external memory without causing an overflow in the external memory.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for receiving a selection as to whether or not to store image data in the external memory when the remaining capacity of the external memory is greater than or equal to a threshold, and accepts the selection to be stored. After that, the acquired image data is stored in the external memory.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the selection of whether or not to store image data in the external memory is accepted, and after the selection of storage is accepted, the acquired image data is accumulated in the external memory. Therefore, in accordance with the user's selection, it is determined whether or not to store the image data in the external memory, so that it is possible to perform a storage process in accordance with the user's intention.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes means for receiving selection relating to the output page order of the image data when the notification means notifies, and outputs the image data in the page order corresponding to the received selection. It is characterized by that.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the selection regarding the output page order of the image data (acquired page order or reverse page order) is accepted, and the image data is received in the page order according to the accepted selection. Output. Therefore, when there is a possibility of image memory overflow, it is possible to perform output processing in page order according to the user's intention.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that when the selection of the same output page order as the acquisition page order of the image data is received, the image data is sequentially output in the order of acquisition.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when selection of the output page order that is the same as the acquisition page order of the image data is received, the image data is sequentially output in the order of acquisition. Therefore, the overflow of the image memory is surely prevented.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when an instruction for acquiring a plurality of pages is received, if the remaining capacity of the image memory is less than the threshold, an overflow of the image memory occurs in a state where the image data acquisition process is suspended. Since the possibility of overflow is notified to the user in advance, the image data acquisition process is interrupted in the middle, or the image data is divided and stored in multiple memories. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the overflow of the image memory.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the acquired image data is stored in the external memory, so even a large amount of page image data is not divided and stored in a plurality of memories. The occurrence of overflow can be prevented.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the remaining capacity of the mounted external memory is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the acquired image data is stored in the external memory. Image data can be reliably stored in one external memory.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, since the acquired image data is stored in the external memory after the selection to store the image data in the external memory is received from the user, there is a possibility of overflow of the image memory. In this case, after the user confirms, the image data is accumulated in the external memory, so that the accumulation process according to the user's intention can be performed.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the image data is output in the page order according to the selection related to the output page order of the image data. Therefore, when there is a possibility of overflow of the image memory, the user's intention is It is possible to perform output processing in the order of the pages along.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the selection of the output page order that is the same as the acquisition page order of the image data is accepted, the image data is sequentially output in the order of acquisition, so that overflow of the image memory is surely prevented. be able to.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction peripheral (facsimile multifunction peripheral) as an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In addition to the original scanner function, facsimile function, and copy function, the multi-function device 20 has a function for receiving e-mail from an external device such as a PC via a network, and a printer function for printing out input image data. This is a multifunctional facsimile machine.

  The MFP 20 includes a control unit 1, a reading unit 2, a recording unit 3, a display unit 4, an operation unit 5, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 6, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 7, an image memory 8, a codec 9, and an audio output. Unit 10, a modem 11, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 12, an interface unit 13, a memory controller 14, and the like.

  Specifically, the control unit 1 is configured by an MPU (Microprocessor Unit), and is connected to the above-described hardware units of the multi-function device 20 via the bus 15. Various software functions are executed in accordance with the stored control program.

  The reading unit 2 reads an image of a document with an optical system using, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and outputs the read image data. The recording unit 3 is an electrophotographic printer, and includes image data of a document read by the reading unit 2, image data received via a public line L1 by facsimile communication, a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and the like. The image corresponding to the image data sent from the external device via the communication line L2 is printed out on paper.

  The display unit 4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, and displays an operation state of the multi-function device 20, a screen for prompting an operation input to the user, or a screen for issuing a warning to the user. To do. As will be described later, the display unit 4 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user that there is a possibility of overflow when the remaining capacity of the image memory 8 is less than the first threshold.

  The operation unit 5 includes character keys, numeric keys, abbreviated dial keys, one-touch dial keys, various function keys, and the like necessary for operating the multifunction machine 20. The operation unit 5 includes, as function keys, a start key 5a that receives an instruction to start reading / printing processing by the reading unit 2, a sort setting key 5b that receives setting of a sort function, and the like. The operation unit 5 functions as a unit that receives a selection as to whether or not to store image data in the external memory 21 and a unit that receives a selection related to the output page order of the image data. In addition, it is also possible to substitute a part or all of the various keys of the operation unit 5 by using the display unit 4 as a touch panel system.

  The ROM 6 stores various software control programs necessary for the operation of the multifunction machine 20. The RAM 7 stores temporary data generated when the software is executed. In addition, the RAM 7 stores a first threshold value and a second threshold value that are criteria for determining the possibility of overflow.

  The image memory 8 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores image data obtained by reading an image of a document, image data received from an external device such as another facsimile machine, and the like. The codec 9 compresses image data to be transmitted according to a predetermined compression method, and decompresses received image data according to a predetermined compression method.

  The audio output unit 10 includes an audio generator, a speaker, and the like, and outputs audio that prompts the user to input an operation or audio that issues a warning to the user. As will be described later, the audio output unit 10 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user that there is a possibility of overflow when the remaining capacity of the image memory 8 is less than the first threshold.

  The modem 11 is connected to the bus 15 and is composed of a facsimile modem capable of facsimile communication. Similarly, the modem 11 is directly connected to the NCU 12 connected to the bus 15. The NCU 12 is hardware that performs operations for closing and opening the public line L1 with a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and connects the modem 11 to the PSTN as necessary.

  The interface unit 13 is connected to an external device (not shown) such as a PC or other multi-function device via a communication line L2 such as a LAN or the Internet. Exchange information such as.

  The memory controller 14 controls writing / reading of image data in an external memory 21 formed of a compact flash (registered trademark) or the like externally attached to the multifunction device 20. The external memory 21 can be attached to and detached from the multifunction device 20 according to the user's intention. When the external memory 21 is attached to the multifunction device 20, image data obtained by reading an image of a document is used as needed. These are stored in the external memory 21.

  Note that the control unit 1 determines whether the remaining capacity of the image memory 8 is less than the first threshold by performing an operation process described later, and the remaining capacity of the external memory 21 is less than the second threshold. It functions as a means for determining whether or not the external memory 21 is mounted.

  In the multifunction device 20 of the present invention having the above-described configuration, when a plurality of pages of documents are placed on the reading unit 2, the start key 5a is pressed, and the sort function is selected, the image memory 8 It is determined whether or not the remaining capacity of the image memory 8 is less than the first threshold value. If the remaining capacity is less than the first threshold value, the display unit 4 indicates the possibility of the overflow of the image memory 8 in a state where the document reading process is suspended. And / or alert | reports by the audio | voice output part 10. FIG.

  In the first embodiment, at the time of this notification, it is determined whether or not the external memory 21 is attached. If the external memory 21 is attached, whether the remaining capacity of the external memory 21 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. If the user selects the accumulation of the image data in the external memory 21 via the operation unit 5 or not, the read image data for a plurality of pages is stored in the external memory 21. To accumulate.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure in the first embodiment of the multifunction machine 20 of the present invention. The controller 1 determines whether or not the start key 5a has been pressed (step S1). When not pressed (S1: NO), the control unit 1 continues monitoring whether or not the start key 5a is pressed. When the start key 5a is pressed (S1: YES), the control unit 1 determines whether or not the sort function is selected according to whether or not the sort setting key 5b is pressed (step S2). When the sort function is not selected (S2: NO), there is no possibility that the image memory 8 overflows, so that a normal non-sort operation (image data read by the reading unit 2) is performed without performing special notification to the user. Are sequentially stored in the image memory 8 and printing processing is executed in the reading page order) (step S11).

  When the sort function is selected (S2: YES), the control unit 1 checks the remaining capacity of the image memory 8 (step S3) and determines whether the remaining capacity is less than the first threshold (step S3). Step S4). If it is not less than the first threshold value (S4: NO), there is no possibility of the image memory 8 overflowing, so that the normal sort operation (all image data read by the reading unit 2) is performed without special notification to the user. Are stored in the image memory 8 and the printing process is executed in the reverse order of the read page order (step S12).

  When the remaining capacity of the image memory 8 is less than the first threshold (S4: YES), the control unit 1 displays a warning message “Image memory may overflow” on the display unit 4 (step S5). .

  Next, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the external memory 21 is attached (step S6). When the external memory 21 is attached (S6: YES), the control unit 1 determines whether or not the remaining capacity of the external memory 21 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (step S7). When it is equal to or greater than the second threshold (S7: YES), the control unit 1 displays an inquiry message “Do you want to store in the external memory” on the display unit 4 (step S8), and the storage in the external memory 21 is the user? It is determined whether or not it has been selected (step S9).

  If storage in the external memory 21 is selected (S9: YES), a sort operation using the external memory (all image data read by the reading unit 2 is stored in the external memory 21 and then reverse to the reading page order). Print processing) is executed (step S10).

  When the external memory 21 is not attached (S6: NO), when the remaining capacity of the external memory 21 is not equal to or greater than the second threshold (S7: NO), or when accumulation in the external memory 21 is not selected by the user (S9: NO), a normal sort operation (print processing in the reverse order of the read page order after all image data read by the reading unit 2 is stored in the image memory 8) is executed (step S13).

  In the embodiment described above, image data is stored in the external memory 21 in response to a user's selection instruction for storage in the external memory 21, but unlike this, the remaining capacity of the external memory 21 is the second threshold value. In the above case, the image data may be automatically stored in the external memory 21 without accepting a selection from the user.

  In the second embodiment, when the possibility of overflow of the image memory 8 is notified, the selection of the print page order of the image data (the page order of the read document or the reverse page order) is selected. The image data is received from the user via the operation unit 5 and the image data is printed out according to the received page order.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure in the second embodiment of the multifunction machine 20 of the present invention. The controller 1 determines whether or not the start key 5a has been pressed (step S21). When not pressed (S21: NO), the control unit 1 continues to monitor whether or not the start key 5a is pressed. When the start key 5a is pressed (S21: YES), the control unit 1 determines whether or not the sort function is selected according to whether or not the sort setting key 5b is pressed (step S22). When the sort function is not selected (S22: NO), there is no possibility of the image memory 8 overflowing, so that a normal non-sort operation (image data read by the reading unit 2) is performed without performing special notification to the user. Are sequentially stored in the image memory 8 and the printing process is executed in the reading page order) (step S29).

  When the sort function is selected (S22: YES), the control unit 1 checks the remaining capacity of the image memory 8 (step S23) and determines whether the remaining capacity is less than the first threshold (step S23). Step S24). If it is not less than the first threshold value (S24: NO), there is no possibility of the image memory 8 overflowing, so that the normal sort operation (all image data read by the reading unit 2) is performed without special notification to the user. Are stored in the image memory 8 and the printing process is executed in the reverse order of the read page order (step S30).

  When the remaining capacity of the image memory 8 is less than the first threshold (S24: YES), the control unit 1 displays a warning message “Image memory may overflow” on the display unit 4 (step S25). .

  Next, the control unit 1 displays an inquiry message “Do you want to print in reading order?” On the display unit 4 (step S26), and determines whether or not the user has selected printing in reading order (step S27). ).

  If printing in the reading order is selected (S27: YES), a non-sorting operation (image data read by the reading unit 2 is sequentially stored in the image memory 8 and printing processing is performed in the reading page order) is executed (Step S27). S28). On the other hand, if printing in the reading order is not selected (S27: NO), that is, if the user's intention is the sorting process, the sorting operation (reading after storing all the image data read by the reading unit 2 in the image memory 8) Print processing is executed in the reverse order of the page order (step S31).

  In the above-described example, the display unit 4 displays the possibility of the image memory 8 overflowing. However, unlike this, the fact is output from the voice output unit 10 as a voice message. May be.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure in the first embodiment of the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) according to the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure in the second embodiment of the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Reading part 3 Recording part 4 Display part 5 Operation part 5a Start key 5b Sort setting key 6 ROM
7 RAM
8 Image memory 10 Audio output unit 14 Memory controller 21 External memory

Claims (6)

  In an image processing apparatus that acquires image data for a plurality of pages, stores the acquired image data in an image memory, and outputs the stored image data, when the image data acquisition instruction is received, the remaining capacity of the image memory Characterized by comprising: means for determining whether or not is less than a threshold; and notification means for notifying the possibility of overflow of the image memory accompanying acquisition of the image data when the value is less than the threshold. An image processing apparatus.   Means for determining whether or not an external memory is attached when the informing means informs, and stores the acquired image data in the external memory when the external memory is attached; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   In the case where an external memory is attached, a means for determining whether or not the remaining capacity of the external memory is equal to or greater than a threshold value is stored, and when the external memory is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the acquired image data is stored in the external memory. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to do so.   When the remaining capacity of the external memory is greater than or equal to a threshold value, there is provided means for accepting a selection as to whether or not to accumulate image data in the external memory. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing apparatus is stored in an external memory.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for receiving selection relating to the output page order of the image data when the notification means notifies, and outputting the image data in the page order corresponding to the received selection. The image processing apparatus described.   6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the selection of the output page order that is the same as the acquisition page order of the image data is received, the image data is sequentially output in the order of acquisition.

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