JP2008307705A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a user's convenience in such a way that it becomes possible to start again the job by inserting it again even when the user erroneously pulls out an external memory such as a USB memory and a memory card while the user executes a job. <P>SOLUTION: When the external memory is pulled out during executing the job, re-insertion is urged, and when the re-insertion is not performed even when a definite time passes, the job is finished with errors. When the re-insertion is performed within the definite time, if a file on executing the job exists in the external memory, the job is started again. In addition, on every function, continuation and discontinuation of the job are provided, and for example, when transmission is performed by FAX, the job is immediately finished with errors, and when the transmission is performed by printing and network, the job can be started again. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output apparatus, and particularly relates to file printing from an external memory and file transmission.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been provided an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a removable external memory such as a USB memory or a memory card, and has a function of specifying and printing a file stored in advance in the memory.

  According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-1118090, when a memory card for which the previous automatic printing has been interrupted is detected, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit and a confirmation operation to the operation unit causes the control unit to be non-volatile. According to the print history information stored in the memory, there has been proposed one that resumes automatic printing from the middle of the previously canceled automatic printing.

As an example of the above, Patent Document 1 below can be cited.
JP 2000-1118090 A

  In the prior art, if a memory card is accidentally removed during printing, the job is canceled. When the memory card is reinserted, a confirmation operation is required.

  Recently, along with the reduction in cost and memory saving, it is required to read the document stored in the external memory in units of pages at the time of printing operation. When the operation starts, it is determined that all the originals in the file have been read, and the USB memory or memory card may be pulled out. Further, there is a demand for network transmission such as e-mail and FTP transmission and FAX transmission by reading a file stored in advance in the external memory, and it is necessary to provide an appropriate job operation for this external memory extraction.

  In the present invention, even if a user accidentally removes an external memory such as a USB memory or a memory card during job execution, the job can be resumed by reinsertion, and for each function, The purpose is to improve user convenience by continuing or discontinuing JOB.

  Provided are a print control method and a printer apparatus that appropriately execute a specified automatic print operation and reliably obtain a print.

According to a first aspect of the present invention,
An external memory insertion / extraction detecting means for detecting insertion / removal of the removable external memory;
File data stored in advance from the external memory, and file acquisition means for acquiring the information;
A file selection means for displaying the file information obtained from the file acquisition means and for selecting a file to be printed;
A file print designation means for designating a print mode for the file selected by the file selection means;
A file print instruction means for instructing the selected file to be printed in a designated print mode;
File printing means for acquiring data of the file by the file acquisition means for the specified file by the file print instruction means, and performing printing;
File search means for searching whether the selected file is stored in an external memory;
If the external memory is removed by the external memory insertion / extraction detection means while the specified file is being printed by the file printing means, the printing is stopped, the external memory is reinserted, and a predetermined time is If it has elapsed, printing is terminated. When the external memory is reinserted within a predetermined time, the file search control unit restarts printing if the same file as the file being printed exists by the file search unit, and terminates printing if it does not exist When,
Is provided.

The second invention according to the present invention is:
In the file printing means, file data is acquired for each page and printed.

A third aspect of the invention relates to
An external memory insertion / extraction detecting means for detecting insertion / removal of the removable external memory;
File data stored in advance from the external memory, and file acquisition means for acquiring the information;
Displaying the file information obtained from the file acquisition means, and a file selection means for selecting a file to be transmitted;
A file transmission destination designating unit for designating a destination of a transmission destination for the file selected by the file selection unit;
A file transmission instruction means for instructing the selected file to be transmitted at a designated destination;
File transmission means for acquiring and transmitting file data by the file acquisition means for the file instructed by the file transmission instruction means;
File search means for searching whether the selected file is stored in an external memory;
If the external memory is removed by the external memory insertion / extraction detection means while the designated file is being transmitted by the file transmission means, the transmission is terminated in the case of FAX transmission. At the time of transmission by the network, the transmission is stopped, the reinsertion of the external memory is notified, and the transmission is terminated when a predetermined time has elapsed. When the external memory is reinserted within a certain time, if the same file as the file being transmitted exists by the file search means, the network transmission is resumed, and if it does not exist, the file transmission is terminated. Control means;
Is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention,
In the file transmission means, file data is acquired for each page and transmitted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,
In the file search means, a search is performed because the file search unit stores the file name and the number of file pages in the external memory.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, if the external memory is removed while printing a file designated in advance with respect to the file stored in the external memory, the printing is stopped and the reinsertion of the external memory is notified. At the same time, if a certain time has elapsed, the printing is terminated. When the external memory is reinserted within a certain period of time, printing can be resumed if the same file as the file being printed exists, and printing can be terminated if it does not exist.

  According to the second invention, it is possible to acquire the data of the file stored in the external memory for each page and perform printing.

  According to the third invention, when the external memory is removed during transmission of a file designated in advance with respect to the file stored in the external memory, the transmission is terminated at the time of FAX transmission. At the time of transmission by the network, the transmission is stopped, the reinsertion of the external memory is notified, and the transmission is terminated when a predetermined time has elapsed. When the external memory is reinserted within a certain time, if there is a file that is the same as the file that is being transmitted, the network transmission is resumed, and if it does not exist, the transmission can be terminated.

  According to the fourth invention, it is possible to acquire and transmit file data stored in the external memory for each page.

  According to the fifth invention, it is possible to perform a search because the file name and the number of file pages are stored in the external memory.

  Next, details of the present invention will be described in accordance with the description of the embodiments.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1000 includes a scanner unit 1003 that is an image input device, a printer unit 1004 that is an image output device, a controller unit 1001, an operation unit 1002 that is a user interface, and a removable external memory. The scanner unit 1003, the printer unit 1004, the operation unit 1002, and the external memory 1005 are each connected to a Controller Unit 1001, and the Controller Unit 1001 is connected to a network transmission means such as a LAN 1400 and a public line 1500. From the public line 1500, transmission by G3 or G4 fax including color image transmission is possible.

  Further, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC) 1300 is connected to the LAN 1400, and can send and receive files and e-mails using FTP and SMB protocols. Also, other image forming apparatuses 1100 and 1200 can be connected. The image forming apparatuses 1100 and 1200 have scanner units 1103 and 1203, printer units 1104 and 1204, and operation units 1102 and 1202, respectively, which are connected to the Controller Units 1100 and 1200.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The Controller Unit 1001 is connected to a color scanner 1003 that is an image input device and a color printer 1004 that is an image output device. In addition, it is a controller for inputting / outputting image information and device information by connecting to a LAN 1400 or a public line (WAN) 1500. The CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. The RAM 2003 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 2001, and is also an image memory for storing image data. A ROM 2002 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program and software. The external memory I / F 2004 is an interface unit with a removable external memory. An operation unit I / F 2005 is an interface unit with an operation unit (UI) 1002 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 1002 to the operation unit 1002. Also, it plays a role of transmitting information input from the operation unit 1002 by the system user to the CPU 2001. Network 2007 connects to LAN 1400 and inputs and outputs information. RTC (Real Time Clock) 2006 is a clock circuit for obtaining time. A Modem 2050 is connected to the public line 1500 and inputs / outputs image information. Binary image rotation 2052 and binary image compression / decompression 2053 are used to change the direction of the image before transmitting the binary image with Modem 2050, or to convert it to a predetermined resolution or a resolution suitable for the other party's ability. belongs to. Compression and decompression support JBIG, MMR, MR, and MH. DMAC2009 is a DMA controller, and reads an image stored in RAM2003 without going through CPU2001. Then, the image is transferred to ImageBusI / F2011, or the image from the image bus is written in RAM 2003 without going through CPU 2001.

  The above devices are connected to the system bus 2008.

  ImageBus 2011 is an interface for controlling high-speed image input / output via the image bus 2010. The compressor 2012 is a compressor for JPEG compression in units of 32 pixels × 32 pixels before sending an image to the image bus 2010. The decompressor 2013 is a decompressor for decompressing an image sent via the image bus 2010.

  The raster image processor (RIP) 2018 receives the PDL code from the host computer via Network 2007, and the CPU 2001 stores it in the RAM 2002 through the system bus 2008. The CPU 2001 converts the PDL into an intermediate code, inputs it again to the RIP 2018 via the system bus 2008, and develops it into a bitmap image (multi-value).

  The scanner image processing 2014 performs various appropriate image processing (for example, correction, processing, editing) on the color image and black-and-white image from the scanner 2015 and outputs (multi-value). Similarly, the printer image processing 2016 performs binary multi-value conversion in decompression 2013 at the time of printing for performing various types of image processing (for example, correction, processing, editing) on the printer 2017. Value output is possible. The image conversion unit 2030 has various image conversion functions used when converting an image on the RAM and returning it to the RAM 2030 again. The rotator 2019 can rotate an image of 32 pixels × 32 pixels unit by a specified angle, and supports binary and multi-value input / output. The magnification changer 2020 has a function (for example, from 25% to 400%) for converting the resolution of an image (for example, 600 dpi to 200 dpi) or changing the magnification. Before scaling, the image of 32x32 pixels is rearranged into an image of 32 lines. The color space conversion 2021 converts, for example, a YUV image on the memory into an Lab image by matrix calculation and LUT, and stores it on the memory by matrix operation and LUT. In addition, this color space conversion has a 3 × 8 matrix operation and a one-dimensional LUT, and can perform well-known background removal and show-through prevention. The converted image is output in multiple values. The binary multi-value conversion 2022 converts a 1-bit binary image into multi-value 8 bits and 256 gradations. On the other hand, the multi-level binary conversion 2022 converts, for example, an 8-bit, 256-gradation image on the memory into 1-bit, 2-gradation by a technique such as error diffusion processing, and stores it on the memory. The composition has a function of synthesizing two multi-valued image images on the memory into one multi-valued image. For example, a company logo can be easily attached to a document image by combining the image of the company logo in the memory with the document image. The thinning 2024 is a unit that performs resolution conversion by thinning out pixels of a multilevel image, and can output 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 multilevel images. By using it together with the variable magnification 2020, a wider range of enlargement and reduction can be performed. The move 2025 can be output by adding a margin part to the input binary image or multi-valued image or deleting the margin part. Rotation 2019, scaling 2020, color space conversion 2021, binary multi-value 2022, composition 2023, thinning 2024, movement 2025, multi-value binary 2026 can be linked and operated, for example, on memory In the case of image rotation and resolution conversion of a multi-value image, both processes can be linked without using a memory.

  FIG. 3 shows an image format according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In compression 2012, raster format images are rearranged as packets of 32 × 32 pixel units as shown in FIG. 3, and JPEG compression is performed in packet units. At the same time, information such as an ID indicating the position of the packet, a color space, a Q table ID, and a data length is added to the packet as a header. Binary data (image area flag) indicating characters and photographs is also compressed in the same manner and attached after JPEG. FIG. 4 shows packet data. In decompression 2013, JPEG is expanded based on this header information and rearranged into a raster image. By making such a packet image, only the image inside the packet is rotated when rotating the image, and by changing the position of the packet ID, it can be partially rotated by decompression and compression, so it is very efficient. . All images flowing through ImageBus2010 are packet images.

  In the case of FAX transmission, binary image rotation 2052, binary image compression / decompression 2053, or the like, if a raster image is required, conversion from a packet image to a raster image is performed by software.

  FIG. 5 shows a detailed description of the scanner image processing 2014 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The RGB area 8-bit luminance signal input from the scanner 1003 is set by the image area enable generation unit 2501 so that a necessary portion of the original image area is sent to the subsequent image processing based on an instruction from the user. Here, it is set to read an extra image so that the input image is 32 × 32 pixels. After that, a standard RGB color signal that does not depend on the CCD filter color is converted by the masking 2502. In the filter 2503, for example, a 9 × 9 matrix is used, and an image is blurred or sharpened. A histogram 2504 is a processing unit that samples image signal data in an input image, and is used to determine the background level of the input image. In this module, RGB data in a rectangular area surrounded by the specified start and end points in the main and sub-scan directions is sampled at a constant pitch in the main and sub-scan directions to create a histogram. . This histogram is read when background skipping or show-through prevention is specified, and the background of the original is estimated from the histogram, and is stored and managed in the memory together with the image as the background skipping level. Used for processing. In gamma 2505, processing is performed so that the density of the entire image is increased or decreased. For example, it is a part that converts the color space of the input image into an arbitrary color space or performs correction processing relating to the color of the input system. The 2506 image shift has a shift function within 32x32 pixels for both main scan and sub scan, and the direction of the input image is shifted and the padding position changes by the shift. Can be specified.

  In order to determine whether the document is color or black and white, the image signal before scaling is converted into Lab by color space conversion 2506. Of these, a and b represent color signal components, and a 1-bit determination signal is output from the comparator 2507 as a chromatic color if it is equal to or higher than a predetermined level in the comparator 2507 and otherwise as an achromatic color. The counter 2508 measures the output from the comparator 2007. The character / photo determination 2510 is a function for extracting a character edge from an image and separating the image into a character and a photo. As an output, a character photograph determination signal is obtained. This signal (image area signal) is also stored in the memory or HD together with the image and used during printing. 2511 is a binarizer that generates a signal called ND signal from each 8-bit RGB signal (ND = (R + 2G + B) / 4) and binarizes it with a fixed or variable slice level threshold. Reference numeral 2512 denotes a counter that counts pixels of the binarized signal. By comparing the count value with a predetermined value set in advance in 2513, the blank page determination result can be held.

  FIG. 6 shows a detailed description of the printer image processing 2016 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In 2601, the background color of the image data is skipped and unnecessary background fogging is removed. For example, the background removal is performed by a 3 × 8 matrix operation or a one-dimensional LUT. Reference numeral 2602 denotes a monochrome generation unit that converts color image data, for example, RGB data, to Gray single color when color image data is converted to monochrome data and printed as a single color. For example, it is composed of a 1 × 3 matrix operation that multiplies RGB by an arbitrary constant to obtain a Gray signal. An output color correction unit 2603 performs color correction in accordance with the characteristics of the printer unit that outputs image data. For example, it includes processing by 4 × 8 matrix calculation or direct mapping. A filter processing unit 2604 arbitrarily corrects the spatial frequency of the image data, and includes, for example, a process of performing a 9 × 9 matrix operation. Reference numeral 2605 denotes a process for performing gamma correction in accordance with the characteristics of the printer unit to be output, and is usually composed of one-dimensional LUT. A processing unit 2606 performs arbitrary halftone processing in accordance with the number of gradations of the printer unit to be output. A halftone processing unit performs arbitrary screen processing such as binarization and binarization and error diffusion processing. It is. Each process can be switched by a character / photo determination signal (not shown). The inter-drum delay memory 2607 is a memory for superimposing CMYK images by shifting the CMYK print timing by the distance between the drums in a color printer having CMYK drums. A color printer with 4 drums for each CMYK color can be delayed to align the image.

  FIG. 7 shows an image input / output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A scanner unit 1003 that is an image input device illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown), thereby converting the image into raster image data into an electrical signal. The manuscript paper is set on the tray 2702 of the manuscript feeder 2701, and when the device user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 2006, the controller CPU2001 gives an instruction to the scanner 1003, and manuscript paper is fed one by one from the tray 2702 of the feeder 2701. Feeds and reads the original image.

  The printer unit 1004, which is an image output device, is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array. There is an ink jet method for printing an image directly on paper, but any method may be used. The start of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the controller CPU2001. The printer unit 1004 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has paper cassettes 2703, 2704, and 2705 corresponding thereto. A paper discharge tray 2706 is a paper discharge tray that receives the printed paper.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration of the operation unit 1002 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The LCD display unit 2801 has a touch panel sheet 2802 affixed on the LCD, displays a system operation screen and soft keys, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU 2001 when the displayed keys are pressed. A start key 2804 is used when starting a document image reading operation. There is a green and red two-color LED 2804 at the center of the start key 2803, and the color indicates whether the start key 2803 is ready for use. A stop key 2805 functions to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 2806 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 2807 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  FIG. 9 is an initial screen in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is also a standard screen that is returned after setting each image forming function.

  3101 performs screen switching for performing copy settings. A screen 3102 switches a screen for setting to send a scanned image by fax or e-mail. 3103 performs screen switching for printing or transmitting an image stored in advance in the external memory.

  Reference numeral 3104 denotes a window for displaying settings at the time of image reading set in 3105. In 3105, resolution, density, and the like at the time of image reading are set. In 3106, a timer setting at the time of timer transmission, a setting for printing on a printer, and the like are performed. 3107 displays the transmission destination designated by 3108. 3109 displays detailed information of one destination displayed on 3107. 3110 deletes one destination displayed in 3107.

  FIG. 10 is a pop-up window according to the embodiment of the present invention displayed when 3105 is pressed.

  In 3201, a read original size is selected and input from a pop-up, and the set read size is displayed in 3202. 3203 is for selecting a document reading mode, and when pressed, three types of color / black / automatic (ACS) can be selected. The color mode can be selected in the same way for copying. If the measurement result of the counter 2509 is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined as a black and white document, and if it is larger, it is determined as a color document. If it is color, a color image is displayed. If it is black, a black and white image is displayed. Accumulate the result of determining whether it is color or black and white. 3204 is a selection input from a pop-up for designating the resolution of reading. Reference numeral 3205 denotes a slider for adjusting the reading density of the original, and can be adjusted in nine steps. 3206 is for automatically determining the density when reading an image with a background such as a newspaper. The same setting can be made for the 3206 in copying.

  FIG. 11 shows a screen according to the embodiment of the present invention when the copy tab 3101 is pressed.

  3301 indicates whether or not copying is possible, and the number of copies set at the same time is also displayed. 3302 has a function equivalent to that of 3206, and is a button for selecting whether to automatically remove the background. 3303 is a slider having a function equivalent to that of 3205 and capable of nine-level density adjustment. In 3304, the type of the original is selected, and text / photo / map, text, photographic paper photo, and printed photo can be selected. Reference numeral 3305 denotes an application mode button which can set a reduced layout (a function for reducing and printing a plurality of documents on one sheet), a color balance (CMYK color fine adjustment), and the like. Reference numeral 3306 denotes a button for performing settings related to various finishings, and shift sort, staple sort, and group sort can be set. Reference numeral 3307 denotes a button for performing settings relating to duplex reading and duplex printing.

  FIG. 12 shows a screen according to the embodiment of the present invention when the tab 3103 of the media card is pressed.

  Reference numeral 3401 denotes each folder logically divided in the external memory, and displays the folder name. The total capacity of the files used in the folder is displayed beside the folder.

  FIG. 13 shows a screen according to the embodiment of the present invention when 3401 is pressed.

  3501 and 3502 indicate documents stored in the folder. A document is composed of a plurality of pages. 3501 is a document or image stored in advance, and displays its icon, file name, and file capacity. By depressing the icon, it is indicated in reverse video that the file has been selected. The selection is canceled by pressing the icon again.

  3502 is a button for selecting all the files in the folder. one more again. Deselect all files by pressing the button. Reference numeral 3503 denotes a button for displaying a preview of the files in the folder. Reference numeral 3504 denotes a button for printing the selected file. Reference numeral 3505 denotes a button for transmitting the selected file. Reference numeral 3509 denotes a button for displaying detailed information of the selected document. In addition to the file name, information such as resolution, document size, recording paper size / type, and number of copies can be viewed.

  FIG. 14 shows a software configuration diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  4010 is a UI control unit that controls the display operation unit, receives a command from the UI control unit, and performs a copy operation, a transmission operation, a copy application unit 4020 that performs transmission and printing from the media card screen, a transmission application unit 4021, and a memory There is an application section 4022.

  Also, there is a PDL application unit 4023 that receives PDL print data from the network application 4120 and inputs a PDL print job.

  Reference numeral 4030 denotes a common interface part for absorbing the equipment-dependent part of the equipment control part, and 4040 denotes a job manager that organizes job information received from the common interface and transmits the job information to a lower-level document processing unit.

  The document processing unit is a scan manager 4050 and a print manager 4090 for a local copy. For a remote copy transmission job or a transmission job, a scan manager 4050 and a file store manager 4100 are used. If the received job is a remote copy job, the file read manager 4060 and the print manager 4090 are used. For PDL printing such as LIPS, the PDL manager 4070 and the print manager 4090 are used.

  The synchronization between the document managers and the image processing request to the image manager 4110 that performs various image processing are made through the sync manager 4080. The image manager 4110 performs image processing during scanning and printing and storage of image files.

  First, local copy software processing will be described.

  A copy setting is transmitted from the UI control unit 4010 together with a copy instruction to the copy application unit 4020 according to a user instruction. The copy application unit 4020 transmits information from the UI control unit 4010 to the job manager 4040 that performs device control via the common interface 4030. The job manager 4040 transmits job information to the scan manager 4050 and the print manager 4090. The scan manager 4050 issues a scan request to the scanner 1003 via a device I / F (not shown) (the device I / F is a serial I / F connecting the controller 1001 and the scanner 1003 and the controller 1001 and the printer 1004). At the same time, an image processing request for scanning is sent to the image manager 4110 via the sync manager 4080. The image manager 4110 performs settings of the scanner image processing unit 2014 in accordance with an instruction from the scan manager 4050. When the setting is completed, a scan preparation completion is notified via the sync manager 4080. Thereafter, the scan manager 4050 instructs the scanner 2070 to scan. The completion of scan image transfer is transmitted to the image manager 4110 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown). Upon receiving the scan completion from the image manager 4110, the sync manager 4080 notifies the scan completion to the scan manager 4050 and the print manager 4090. At the same time, the sync manager 4080 instructs the image manager 4110 to file the compressed image stored in the RAM 2003. The image manager 4110 stores the image (including the character / photo determination signal) in the memory in the RAM 2003 according to the instruction. As the accompanying information of the image, a color determination / monochrome determination result, a background skip level for performing background skip, a scanned image as the image input source, and a color space RGB are also stored in an unillustrated SRAM. When the storage in the RAM 2003 is completed and the scan completion from the scanner 1003 is received, the scan manager 4050 is notified of the completion of file formation via the sync manager 4080. The scan manager 4050 returns an end notification to the job manager 4040, and the job manager 4040 returns it to the copy application unit 4020 via the common interface 4030. The print manager 4090 issues a print request to the printer 1004 via the device I / F when an image is stored in the memory. At the same time, a print image processing request is sent to the sync manager 4080. When the sync manager 4080 receives a request from the print manager 4090, it requests the image manager 4110 for image processing settings. The image manager 4110 sets the printer image processing unit 2016 according to the accompanying information of the image, and notifies the print manager 4090 that the print preparation is complete via the sync manager 4080. The print manager 4090 issues a print instruction to the printer. The completion of print image transfer is transmitted to the image manager 4110 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown). In response to the completion of printing from the image manager 4110, the sync manager 4080 notifies the print manager 4090 of the completion of printing. In response to the completion of paper discharge from the printer unit, the print manager 4090 returns an end notification to the job manager 4040, and the job manager 4040 returns to the copy application unit 4020 via the common interface 4030. The copy application unit 4020 notifies the UI control unit of the end of the job when scanning and printing are completed.

  Next, in the case of a remote copy scan job or transmission job, the store manager 4100 receives a request from the job manager 4040 instead of the print manager 4090. When the scan image has been stored in the RAM 2003, a storage completion notification is received from the sync manager 4080, and it is sent via the common interface 4030 to the copy application unit 4020 for remote copying, and to the transmission application unit 4021 for transmission jobs. Notice. After this notification, the copy application unit 4020 and the transmission application 4021 request the network application 4420 to transmit the file stored in the RAM 2003. The network application 4420 that has received the request transmits the file. The network application 4420 receives setting information related to copying from the copy application unit 4020 at the start of the job, and notifies the remote device. In the case of remote copy, the network application 4420 performs transmission using a device-specific communication protocol. For transmission jobs, standard file transfer protocols such as FTP and SMB are used.

  In the case of fax transmission, after the file is stored, the transmission application 4021 instructs the FAX manager 4041 to transmit via the common interface 4030 and the job manager 4040. The fax manager 4041 negotiates with the other device via Modem2050, requests the image manager 4110 to perform the necessary image processing (color-> black and white conversion, multi-value binary conversion, rotation, scaling), and converts using Modem. Send a later image. When there is a printer at the transmission destination, the transmission application issues a print instruction as a print job via the common interface 4000. The operation at that time is the same as that of the remote copy print job described below.

  When receiving a FAX, the FAX manager receives an image using Modem and stores it in the RAM 2003 as an image file. When the memory application 4021 is notified after the storage, the received print command is issued from the memory application 4021 to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030.

  In the case of a remote copy print job, the network application 4420 saves the image from the transmission side in the RAM 2003 and issues the job to the copy application unit 4020. The copy application unit 4020 submits a print job to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030. Unlike local copy, the file read manager 4060 receives a request from the job manager 4040 instead of the scan manager 4050. A request for expanding the received image from the RAM 2003 to the memory is made to the image manager 4110 via the sync manager 4080. The image manager 4110 expands the image in the memory. When the image manager 4110 completes the expansion, the image manager 4110 notifies the file read manager 4060 and the print manager 4090 of the end of the expansion via the sync manager 4080. When an image is stored in the memory, the print manager 4090 selects a paper feed stage designated by the job manager or a stage having the paper size for the printer 1004 via the device I / F, and issues a print request. In the case of automatic paper, the paper feed stage is determined from the image size and a print request is issued. At the same time, a print image processing request is sent to the sync manager 4080. Upon receiving a request from the print manager 4090, the sync manager 4080 requests the image manager 4110 to set print image processing. (At this time, for example, if the optimum size paper runs out and rotation is necessary, a separate rotation instruction is also requested. If there is a rotation instruction, the image manager uses the image rotation 2019 to rotate the image.) The image manager 4110 The printer image processing unit 2016 is set, and the print manager 4090 is notified of the print preparation completion via the sync manager 4080. The print manager 4090 issues a print instruction to the printer. The completion of print image transfer is transmitted to the image manager 4110 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown). Upon receiving the print completion from the image manager 4110, the sync manager 4080 notifies the file read manager 4060 and the print manager 4090 of the print completion. The file read manager 4060 returns an end notification to the job manager 4040. The print manager 4090 receives the completion of paper discharge from the printer unit, and returns an end notification to the job manager 4040. The job manager 4040 returns an end notification to the copy application unit 4020 via the common interface 4030. The copy application unit 4020 notifies the UI control unit of the end of the job when scanning and printing are completed.

  In the case of a PDL data development storage job, a request from the host PC that has input the PDL print is transmitted to the PDL application 4023 via the network application 4120. The PDL application instructs the job manager 4040 to execute a PDL data expansion storage job via the common interface 4030. At this time, the PDL manager 4070 and the store manager 4100 receive a request from the job manager 4040. The image input portion after the RIP of the image is completed is the same as the scan job described above. The image on the memory (including the character / photo determination signal) is stored in the RAM 2003. Color / monochrome information is stored in an SRAM (not shown) as image accompanying information, and a PDL image, color space CMYK or RGB is also stored as an image input source. When the PDL image is stored in the RAM 2003, a storage completion notification is received from the sync manager 4080 and notified to the PDL application 4023 via the common interface 4030. After this notification, the PDL application 4023 notifies the network application 4420 of the completion of storing the RAM 2003, and this information is transmitted to the host PC that has entered the PDL print. In the case of a PDL print job, the image developed on the memory is printed by the PDL manager 4070 and the print manager.

  To print an image stored in the PDL format, a stored document instructed to be printed by the UI is issued as a print job to the memory application. The memory application unit 4022 submits a print job to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030. Unlike local copy, the file read manager 4060 receives a request from the job manager 4040 instead of the scan manager 4050. A request for expanding the image instructed to be printed from the RAM 2003 to the memory is made to the image manager 4110 via the sync manager 4080. The subsequent operation is the same as the operation described in the remote copy print job, and is therefore omitted.

  In the case of transmission or printing from the media card screen, first, file information stored in the external memory 1005 is acquired via the external memory I / F 2004. Next, the user selects a file designated in advance, and in response to the instruction, the UI control unit 4010 transmits the file to the transmission application unit 4021. In the case of the print instruction, the user transmits to the PDL application unit 4020. Then, the job manager 4040 is instructed to send and print from the memory application 4021 via the common interface 4030. The subsequent operations are the same as the operations described in the transmission job, fax transmission, and PDL printing, and are therefore omitted.

  Next, a text printing flow and a transmission flow from the memory card which is the central part of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the button of the media card 3103 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed, this processing is started. In S4101, it is determined whether or not the external memory s1005 is inserted into the apparatus and a memory card is inserted by the external memory I / F 2004. If no memory card is inserted, the flow shifts to s4102. In S4102, the user is informed that no memory card has been inserted, and the process ends. If a memory card is inserted, the process proceeds to s4104. Also, in this process, when a memory card is inserted, it is determined in s4103 whether or not a job from the memory card has already been executed. If the job has already been executed, the process proceeds to s4118 and s4137 described later. If JOB is not executed, the process proceeds to s4104.

  In S4104, the memory card file information stored in advance in the external memory s1005 is acquired via the external memory I / F 2004. Then, the process proceeds to s4105. In S4105, folder information created in advance is displayed as shown in FIG. When the user designates a folder, the process proceeds to s4106. In S4106, file information stored in advance in a folder designated by the user is displayed as shown in FIG. Then, the user designates a file. At this time, when the detailed information button s3506 is pressed, it is possible to refer to file information such as the file format, creator, and document size. When an edit button 3507 is pressed, the file name and creator can be temporarily edited. Here, it goes without saying that the edited content may be changed with respect to the file stored in the memory card.

  When the file is specified, the process proceeds to s4107. In S4107, it is determined whether or not the print button 3504 has been operated. When the print button 3504 is pressed, the process proceeds to s4108. Otherwise, the process proceeds to s4120, and it is determined whether or not the send button 3505 is pressed. If the send button 3505 is pressed, the flow shifts to s4121. Otherwise, the process returns to s4107 and waits until the user presses the print 3504 and send 3505 buttons.

  In S4108, print designation at the time of printing is performed. Here, the user specifies the size and type of paper, the number of copies, and whether or not the color mode is selected. When the designation is made, the flow shifts to s4109 to wait for the start key to be pressed. When the start key is pressed, the process proceeds to s4110. In S4110, one page of the original of the specified file is acquired from the memory card. Then, the process proceeds to s4111. In s4111, one page of the acquired document is printed. Then, control goes to s4112. In s4112, it is determined whether there is a next page. If there is a next page, the process proceeds to s4114. Otherwise, the process proceeds to s4113. In S4113, it is determined whether there is a next file. If the next file exists, the process proceeds to s4114. Otherwise, it is determined that printing is finished, and this process is finished.

  In S4114, it is determined whether or not there is a memory card to confirm that the memory card has not been removed during printing. If there is a memory card, return to s4110 and repeat until printing is completed. If the memory card has been removed, the flow shifts to s4115 to notify the stop of the job and the reinsertion of the memory card. Then, the process proceeds to s4116. In S4116, it is determined whether or not a preset timeout time has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the printing is terminated and the present process is terminated. If not, the process moves to s4117 to determine whether the memory card is reinserted. If not inserted, the process returns to s4116 and waits until it is inserted. When a memory card is inserted, the process proceeds to s4118. In S4118, it is searched whether or not the file being executed exists in the memory card. If there is a match, return to s4110 and repeat until printing is complete. If there is no match, it is determined that a different memory card has been inserted, printing is terminated, and this process is terminated.

  Next, a transmission flow when the transmission button is pressed in s4120 will be described. When the send button is pressed, the process proceeds to s4121. In S4121, the destination of the transmission destination is designated. When the destination is specified, the process proceeds to s4122. In S4122, it is determined whether or not the start key for the transmission job has been pressed. When not pressed, wait until the start key is pressed. When it is pressed, the flow shifts to s4124. In S4123, as in s4110, one page of the original of the specified file is acquired from the memory card. When the acquisition ends, the process proceeds to s4124. In S4124, it is determined whether or not it is FAX transmission. When sending a fax, a call is made to the destination fax. Then, control goes to s4125. If it is not a FAX, it is determined that the transmission is network transmission such as e-mail or FTP transmission, the process proceeds to s4126, the network is connected, and the process proceeds to s4126.

  In S4126, one page of the original of the specified file acquired in s4123 is transmitted to the destination, and the process proceeds to s4127. In S4127, it is determined whether there is a next page. If there is, the process proceeds to s4132, and if not, the process proceeds to s4128. In S4128, it is determined whether there is a next file. If there is, the process proceeds to s4132. If not, it is determined that the transmission is completed, and the process proceeds to s4129. In S4129, it is determined whether or not FAX transmission is performed. In the case of FAX transmission, the process proceeds to s4130, the line is released, and this process ends. If it is not FAX transmission, the process proceeds to s4131, where the network is released, and this process ends.

  In S4132, the presence / absence of a memory card is determined. If there is a memory card, return to s4123 and repeat until the end of transmission. If there is no memory card, it is determined that the memory card has been removed during transmission, and the flow shifts to s4133. In s4133, it is determined whether or not the FAX transmission. In the case of FAX transmission, if the line is still captured, communication costs are incurred, so the process proceeds to s4130 and the line is released. Then, the transmission is terminated and the present process is terminated.

  If it is not FAX transmission, the flow shifts to s4134. In S4134, as in s4115, the stop of the job and the reinsertion of the memory card are notified to the user. Then, control goes to s4135. In S4135, it is determined whether a preset timeout period has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to s4131, where the network is released, the transmission is terminated, and this process is terminated. If the timeout time has not elapsed, the flow shifts to s4136 to determine whether or not the memory card has been reinserted. If not, return to s4135 and wait until reinserted. If reinsertion has been made, the process moves to s4137. In S4137, the file being transmitted is searched from the memory card. Then, the process proceeds to s4138, where it is determined whether there is a file that matches the file that is being transmitted. If there is a file that matches, the process returns to s4123 and is repeated until there are no more files to be transmitted. If there is no match, it is determined that a different memory card has been reinserted, the process proceeds to s4139, the network is released, the transmission is terminated, and the present process is terminated.

  The above embodiment may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and an apparatus (for example, a device constituted by a single device) , Copying machines, facsimile machines, etc.).

  Also, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the above embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program code stored in the storage medium. The above embodiment is achieved by reading.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code is an example of the above embodiment.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be considered.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by this processing.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, This includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the image format concerning embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the format of the packet data concerning embodiment of this invention 1 is a block diagram of scanner image processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of printer image processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external view of an input / output device of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external view of an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The initial screen of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention Pop-up window when the read button of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is pressed Copy screen of operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention Media card screen of operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention Media card designation screen of operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention Software configuration diagram showing a software configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention FIG. 2 is a flowchart of printing / transmission from a memory card according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1000 Image forming device
1001 Controller Unit
1002 Operation unit
1003 scanner
1004 printer
1005 External memory

Claims (5)

An external memory insertion / extraction detecting means for detecting insertion / removal of the removable external memory;
File data stored in advance from the external memory, and file acquisition means for acquiring the information;
A file selection means for displaying the file information obtained from the file acquisition means and for selecting a file to be printed;
A file print designation means for designating a print mode for the file selected by the file selection means;
A file print instruction means for instructing the selected file to be printed in a designated print mode;
File printing means for obtaining data of the file by the file acquisition means for the designated file by the file print instruction means, and performing printing;
File search means for searching whether the selected file is stored in an external memory;
If the external memory is removed by the external memory insertion / extraction detection means while the specified file is being printed by the file printing means, the printing is stopped, the external memory is reinserted, and a predetermined time is If it has elapsed, the printing is finished, and when the external memory is reinserted within a certain time, if the same file as the file being printed exists by the file search means, the printing is resumed, and there is If not, file printing control means for ending printing,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file printing unit acquires file data for each page and performs printing. An external memory insertion / extraction detecting means for detecting insertion / removal of the removable external memory;
File data stored in advance from the external memory, and file acquisition means for acquiring the information;
Displaying the file information obtained from the file acquisition means, and a file selection means for selecting a file to be transmitted;
A file transmission destination designating unit for designating a destination of a transmission destination for the file selected by the file selection unit;
A file transmission instruction means for instructing the selected file to be transmitted at a designated destination;
File transmission means for acquiring and transmitting file data by the file acquisition means for the file instructed by the file transmission instruction means;
File search means for searching whether the selected file is stored in an external memory;
When the external memory is removed by the external memory insertion / extraction detection means during transmission of the specified file by the file transmission means, the transmission is terminated at the time of FAX transmission, and at the time of transmission by the network Stops transmission, informs re-insertion of external memory, terminates transmission when a fixed time has elapsed, and executes transmission by the file search means when external memory is re-inserted within a fixed time A file transmission control means for resuming network transmission if the same file as the file in the file exists,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the file transmission unit acquires file data for each page and transmits the file data. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file search unit performs a search because the file is stored in an external memory based on a file name and the number of file pages.

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