JP2009038538A - Image processor, image processing method, and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, etc. by which a user easily finds a folder in which a file for performing processing such as printing is included, and a folder for storing image data scanned by the image forming apparatus, etc. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor includes: a loading means 138 for detachably loading an external storage device; an execution means 105 for executing a job using the folder stored in the external storage device loaded to the loading means; and an update means 101 for writing use frequencies of the folder in the external storage means to be updated by associating the use frequencies with the folder used for the job executed by the execution means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program in which an external storage device can be detachably attached.

  In general, in an external storage device such as a USB memory, in order to quickly search for saved files, a plurality of folders are hierarchically created in a folder to save files (image data). File management is performed by a structured file management method.

  Therefore, when reading a file by connecting a USB memory in which the file is managed by a hierarchical file management method to a device such as a personal computer (hereinafter, a personal computer) or an image forming apparatus, the user opens the folder. By repeating the operation a plurality of times, it may be necessary to reach a file to be read, and specify the file to instruct processing execution.

  By the way, the display unit of an image processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus generally has a small display space. Therefore, an external storage device such as a USB memory in which file management is performed by a hierarchical file management method is attached to the image forming apparatus. In order to designate a desired file in the external storage device on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, many work steps are required to display the file, and the operation of the operator or the like is troublesome. There's a problem.

  Further, when image data scanned by the image forming apparatus is stored in a USB memory, it is necessary to find a storage destination folder from a plurality of folders displayed on the operation panel, and the operation is still troublesome. There is also.

In view of this, there is provided a technique for preferentially displaying a file having a history of use in the past when displaying a file stored in an external device via a network (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-80748 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since all files having a usage history are displayed, for example, when there are a large number of files having a usage history, these many files are displayed on the operation panel. Therefore, there is a problem that the user has to find the folder containing the desired file from among the displayed folders, and the operation is still troublesome.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and includes, for example, a folder in which a user wants to save image data and image data to be printed out of folders stored in an attached external storage device. It is an object to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program that can easily find a target folder such as a folder.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) Mounting means for detachably mounting an external storage device, execution means for executing a job using a folder stored in the external storage device mounted on the mounting means, and executed by the execution means An image processing apparatus comprising: an updating unit that writes and updates the number of times the folder is used in an external storage device in association with the folder used for the job to be used.
(2) The image processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the job is a job for saving image data in a folder.
(3) The image processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the job is a job for reading image data stored in a folder.
(4) The image processing apparatus according to item 1, wherein a plurality of use times are provided for each type of job in which the folder is used.
(5) The image processing apparatus according to item 4, wherein the job includes at least a scan job for storing image data in a folder and a print job for printing image data stored in the folder.
(6) A mounting unit for detachably mounting the external storage device in which the number of times the folder is used is written in association with the stored folder, and a folder stored in the external storage device mounted on the mounting unit are displayed. And display control means for controlling the display means so that a folder with a high use count is preferentially displayed based on the use count written in the external storage device. An image processing apparatus.
(7) The image processing apparatus according to (6), wherein the number of times of use is a number of times used for a job for storing image data in a folder.
(8) The image processing apparatus according to (6), wherein the number of times of use is a number of times used for a job for reading image data stored in a folder.
(9) A plurality of the number of times of use is provided for each type of job in which the folder is used, and the display control unit is a folder having a large number of times of use based on the number of times of use corresponding to the type of job to be executed. 7. The image processing apparatus according to item 6 above, wherein the display unit is controlled so that is displayed preferentially.
(10) The image processing apparatus according to item 9, wherein the job types include at least a scan job for storing image data in a folder and a print job for printing image data stored in the folder.
(11) A step of executing a job using a folder stored in an external storage device detachably attached to the attachment means, and use of the folder in association with the folder used for the executed job And a step of updating the number of times written in an external storage device.
(12) a step of displaying on the display means the external storage device detachably attached to the attachment means, the folder of the external storage device in which the number of times of use of the folder is written in association with the stored folder; And a step of controlling the display means so that a folder with a large number of times of use is preferentially displayed based on the number of times of use written in the external storage device. .
(13) A step of executing a job using a folder stored in an external storage device detachably attached to the attachment means, and use of the folder in association with the folder used for the executed job An image processing program for causing a computer of an image processing apparatus to execute the step of writing and updating the number of times in an external storage device.
(14) An external storage device detachably attached to the attachment means, wherein the folder of the external storage device in which the number of times the folder is used is written in association with the stored folder is displayed on the display means; For causing the computer of the image processing apparatus to execute the step of controlling the display means so that a folder with a large number of times of use is preferentially displayed based on the number of times of use written in the external storage device Image processing program.

  According to the invention described in (1) above, when the folder is displayed when the job is executed, the number of times the folder is used is written and updated in the external storage device in association with the folder used for the job to be executed. In addition, referring to the number of times of use of the folder written in the external storage device, for example, it is possible to display in order from the frequently used folder having the highest number of uses, which is convenient for the user to search for the folder. .

  According to the invention described in item (2) above, the number of times used in a job for saving image data in a folder is written to the external storage device.

  According to the invention described in item (3) above, the number of times used in a job for reading image data stored in a folder is written in the external storage device.

  According to the invention described in item (4), a plurality of usage counts are written in the external storage device for each type of job in which the folder is used.

  According to the invention described in item (5) above, at least the number of times of the folder used for the scan job for saving the image data in the folder and the print job for printing the image data saved in the folder is written.

  According to the invention described in the preceding item (6), folders with a large number of uses written in the external storage device are preferentially displayed, for example, displayed in order of the number of uses, so that they are often used. Folders are displayed with priority, which is convenient for the user to search for folders.

  According to the invention described in item (7), the folders are displayed in the order of the number of times the image data is used for the job to be stored in the folder.

  According to the invention described in item (8), the folders are displayed in the order of the number of times used for a job for reading image data stored in the folder.

  According to the invention described in item (9) above, a folder with a large number of times of use is preferentially displayed based on the number of times of use corresponding to the type of job to be executed.

  According to the invention described in item (10) above, at least based on the number of times of use in a scan job for saving image data in a folder and a print job for printing image data saved in a folder, the number of times of use is large. Folders are displayed in order.

  According to the invention described in the above item (11), when a folder is displayed at the time of execution of a job, it is often used, for example, with a large number of times of use with reference to the number of times of use of the folder written in the external storage device. Operations such as displaying in order from the folder become possible, which is convenient for the user to search for the folder.

  According to the invention described in item (12) above, a folder with a large number of times of use is preferentially displayed based on the number of times of use written in the external storage device. It will be displayed, which is convenient for the user to search for a folder.

  According to the invention described in (13) above, the process of executing a job using a folder stored in an external storage device, the number of times the folder is used in association with the folder used for the job to be executed. Processing for writing and updating in the external storage device can be executed by the computer of the image processing apparatus.

  According to the invention described in item (14) above, the process of displaying on the display means the folder of the external storage device in which the number of times the folder has been used is written in association with the stored folder, and is written in the external storage device Based on the number of times of use, it is possible to cause the computer of the image processing apparatus to execute processing for controlling the display means so that a folder with a large number of times of use is displayed preferentially.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus conveys documents one by one onto the platen glass 18 by an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 500, reads an image of the document conveyed on the platen glass 18, Based on the read image data, the laser beam scanning optical system 60 is driven to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 71, and the electrostatic latent image is developed.

The image forming apparatus includes a reading system 10 that reads a document image and converts it into image data, an image data processing unit 20 that processes image data transmitted from the reading system 10, a memory unit unit 30, and a memory unit unit 30. Formed on the photoconductive drum 71, a print processing unit 40 that drives the optical system 60 based on the print data that is transmitted, an optical system 60 that irradiates the photoconductive drum 71 with a laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 62, and the photoconductive drum 71. An image forming system 70 for developing and transferring the electrostatic latent image, a sheet conveying system 80, and an openable / closable ADF 500 having a function of conveying a document and reversing the front and back in the case of a double-sided document. . The sensor SE7 detects opening / closing of the ADF 500. A sensor SE6 detects that the document is set on the ADF 500.
The reading system IR, the image data processing unit 20, and the memory unit 30 constitute a reading device IR. The print processing unit 40, the optical system 60, the image forming system 70, and the sheet conveying system 80 constitute a printer device PRT.

  The reading system 10 includes an exposure lamp 11 and a mirror 12, a second and third mirrors 13a and 13b, a condensing lens 14, a CCD array, and the like that are assembled to a scanner 19 that moves below the platen glass 18. And a scan motor M2 and the like.

  Image data is input to the memory unit 30 via the image data processing unit 20 or the external interface 31.

  The print processing unit 40 drives the optical system 60 line by line in the main scanning direction based on the print data.

  The optical system 60 includes a semiconductor laser 62 that is modulated (on / off) by the print processing unit 40, a polygon mirror 65 that deflects and scans the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 62, and distortion of the deflected laser beam. It comprises an fθ lens 69 for correcting aberrations and the like, and mirrors 67a and 67b for guiding the laser beam to the photosensitive drum.

  In the image forming system 70, a charging charger 72, a developing device 73, a transfer charger 75, and a residual toner cleaner 76 are arranged around a photosensitive drum 71 that is rotated in the direction of an arrow. . Since the image forming process by the image forming system 70 is well known, the description thereof is omitted.

  The sheet conveyance system 80 includes two automatic sheet feeding cassettes in which sheets are stacked and accommodated, rollers 82a and 82b for feeding sheets one by one, a sheet conveyance path 83, a timing roller 84, a conveyance belt 85, The toner fixing unit 86, the discharge roller 87, and the discharge tray 88 are included. The sheet conveying system 80 and the photosensitive drum 71 are driven by the main motor M1. In addition, a sheet detection sensor is installed at a key point of the sheet conveyance path. In addition, the sheet conveyance system 80 is provided with a manual sheet feeding port 89 that feeds paper manually by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has a total of three paper feed ports, two paper feed cassettes and one manual paper feed port.

  The ADF 500 includes a document tray 501, a pickup roller 502, a separation roller 503, a separation pad 504, a register roller 505, a conveyance belt 506, a reverse roller 507, and a discharge tray 508. Documents placed on the tray 501 are conveyed one by one from the bottom layer onto the platen glass 18. The conveyed document is stopped on the platen glass 18 and the image data is read by the reading system 10. After the reading is completed, the document is rotated around the reverse roller 507 once and returned to the platen glass 18. Therefore, the conveyance belt 506 can be rotated forward and backward. Further, the size of the original is detected by the sensor SE5 immediately before being fed into the platen glass 18.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an insertion portion 138 for detachably mounting a USB memory as an example of an external storage device on the upper side surface portion. The external storage device is not limited to a USB memory, and a memory card or other portable storage device can be used.

  Next, the operation panel 90 provided in the image forming apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation panel 90.

  The operation panel 90 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 91, a numeric keypad 92, a clear key 93 for returning a set numerical value to an initial value, an interrupt key 94 for executing interrupt copy, and a copy start key 95.

  Further, the liquid crystal touch panel 91 displays a copy key, a scan key print key, and the like, which are keys for selecting how to use the image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG.

  When the copy key is pressed, by using the liquid crystal touch panel 91 and the numeric keypad 92 and setting the desired copy mode and then pressing the copy start key 95, the prepared document is read and a copy can be obtained. .

  When the scan key is pressed, the read document is stored in a display file format such as PDF or TIFF in a USB memory connected to a USB host controller described later. That is, a scan job is executed.

  Further, when the print key is pressed, files such as PDF and TIFF stored in the USB memory are similarly read and printed. That is, a print job is executed.

  If the USB memory is not attached, these functions cannot be used even if the scan key or the print key is pressed.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  3 and 4 are block diagrams showing the overall configuration of the control unit provided in the image forming apparatus 1. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the control unit is composed mainly of six CPUs 101 to 105, 107 and 108, and each of the CPUs 101 to 105, 107 and 108 has ROMs 111 to 115 and 117 storing necessary programs, respectively. And 118, and RAMs 121 to 125, 127, and 128, which are work areas at the time of program execution.

  The CPU 101 performs control related to input of signals from various operation keys of the operation panel 90 (shown below) and display on the liquid crystal touch panel 91.

  The CPU 102 controls each part of the image data processing unit 20. The CPU 103 performs drive control of the reading system 10.

  The CPU 104 controls the print processing unit 40, the optical system 60, the image forming system 70, and the sheet conveying system 80. A detection signal from a sheet detection sensor provided in each part is input to the CPU 104 via an I / O.

  The CPU 105 performs control for overall timing adjustment and operation mode setting of the control unit.

  The CPU 106 is included in the memory unit 30 and controls the memory unit 30 to perform necessary processing on the image data transferred from the image data processing unit 20 to generate print data. Then, the generated print data is transferred to the print processing unit 40.

  The CPU 107 controls the ADF 500, and is connected to the CPUs 101, 102, and 105 via serial I / O. The CPU 105 gives instructions for feeding, conveying, and discharging the original.

  The image data processing unit 20 includes an A / D converter, a shading correction unit, and a known image correction unit that performs image quality correction such as MTP correction and γ correction, scaling, and image editing.

  Next, a part for processing the USB memory will be described.

  The CPU 108 performs control related to USB. When a USB memory is connected to the I / O (insertion unit) 138, the CPU 108 detects that the USB memory is connected to the I / O 138. Then, initialization is performed as Mass Storage, connection with the USB memory is performed, and read / write processing is performed on the USB memory in accordance with a request from the CPU 105. These processes are executed by a program stored in the ROM 128, and a RAM necessary for executing the program is prepared in the RAM 118.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the memory unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the memory unit 30.

  The memory unit unit 30 is controlled by the CPU 106. The memory unit 30 includes a binarization processing unit 302 that creates binary data, an image memory 304, a RAM 126 that creates a code management table MT, and a compressor 311 and an expander 312 that can operate independently. A code processing unit 305, a code memory 306 having a multi-port, a rotation processing unit 307, a multi-value processing unit 308, and the like.

  The image data D2 for one page transferred from the image data processing unit 20 is first written into the image memory 304. The image data is compressed by the compressor 311 and written into the code memory 306. The image data written in the code memory 306 is read by an instruction from the CPU 106, decompressed by the decompressor 312, and then written in the image memory 304.

  The image data written in the image memory 304 is transferred to the print processing unit 40 as print data, and printing is performed on the photosensitive drum 71 by driving the optical system 60. A rotation processing unit 307 is built in the memory unit 30 and rotates print data as necessary.

  The code memory 306 is managed by a code management table MT stored in the RAM 126.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the code management table MT, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the code memory 306.

  As shown in the figure, the code memory is divided into memory areas of 32 kbyte units. Considering that simultaneous control of writing (when reading an original) and reading (when printing) is possible, code data for each original image is stored in each area.

  The code management table MT stores various types of information necessary for compression / decompression processing. The code memory 306 is dynamically managed based on the stored information.

  In FIG. 7, one document image is divided into two areas and stored. That is, the document image with the image ID 1 is stored in the code memory areas 01 and 02. The fact that the document image with the image ID 1 is stored in the areas 01 and 02 is managed by the area number and the image ID number stored in the management table MT.

  In the code management table MT, “previous concatenation” is a column indicating which region of image data the image data stored in the region continues from. Specifically, when the numerical value of the previous connection is “01”, it indicates that the image data of the area is a continuation from the area “01”. If the previous connection is “FF”, it means that the area stores the beginning of the image.

  Similarly, “post-link” indicates the number of the area following the area. Specifically, when the post-link is “02”, it indicates that the continuation of the image data of the area is stored in the area “02”. When the rear connection is “FF”, it indicates that the area stores the last data of the image data.

  In this way, even when one piece of image data is divided and stored in many areas, the divided pieces of image data can be easily joined by using the information of the front connection and the rear connection.

  When the CPU 106 reads out image data from the image memory 304 and compresses the image data, the CPU 106 controls the compressor 311 while creating information in the code management table MT. As a result, the image data is written into the code memory 306. The CPU 106 performs control opposite to writing when reading image data from the code memory 306.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a job management table (IST table) stored in the RAM 125. The IST table includes a copy mode set in one job, an image ID number corresponding to the job, a document reading time in the job, and a paper attribute S selected by the automatic paper selection function (APS). Is a table that stores them in association with each other.

  Here, one job means one copy operation accepted by the image forming apparatus. A job number (IST number) is assigned to each job. In the present embodiment, the address of the panel table PT is stored as a copy mode in the job management table. As shown in FIG. 9, the panel table PT is a table that stores a copy mode (enlargement rate, number of prints, etc.) and the registration time of the job corresponding to the address.

  FIG. 8 shows a job management table with IST number = 1. The job management table is configured so that document information corresponding to the job can be acquired from the first image ID registered in the job management table. The document with the image ID = 0 is A4Y in the example shown in the figure, and the subsequent document is the document with the image ID = 1 shown in the “post-link” column.

  Also, since “previous link” with image ID = 0 is “FF”, it can be seen that the document with image ID = 0 is the first document in the job. If this job management table is sequentially followed in the “post-link” column, ten originals with image ID = 0 to image ID = 10 can be obtained. Then, it can be seen that the document with the image ID = 10 is the last document because the “back link” is “FF”.

  Image information can be acquired from the image ID corresponding to the specific IST thus obtained and the code management table.

  The document reading time stored for each job is the time required to read the image data of the document in one job, and is the time actually measured by a timer.

  10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating a basic operation sequence of the image forming apparatus. The following description focuses on the flow of request commands (Q), reports (A), or data exchanged between the CPUs 101 to 106. In the figure, unimportant request commands or reports are omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the read / write operation. First, a memory preparation request is output from the CPU 105 managing the entire sequence to the CPU 106. In response to this, the CPU 106 sets a mode for binarization processing (for example, error dispersion method, threshold value for background elimination, etc.) to the internal hardware, and starts a writing area to the image memory 304. Address and XY length information are set.

  When these settings are completed and the preparation is completed, the CPU 106 issues a memory preparation completion report to the CPU 105. In response to this, the CPU 105 issues a reading request to the CPU 106 and the CPU 102, and further issues a scanning request from the CPU 102 to the CPU 103, thereby starting scanning.

  When the scanner 19 reaches the image area of the document by scanning, read data (image data D2) is output to the memory unit 30 in the image processing mode set by the CPU. When reading by scanning is completed, a reading completion report is issued from CPU 106 and CPU 102 to CPU 105, respectively.

  Thereafter, the CPU 105 issues a compression request to the CPU 106, and upon receiving this request, the CPU 106 reads the read address from the image memory 304, the XY length information, the write address to the code memory 306, and the mode of the compressor 305 (for example, the MH method). ) And the like are set and the compressor 311 is activated. Thus, compression processing is performed, and code data is stored in the code memory 306.

  When the compression process is completed, a compression completion report is issued from the CPU 106 to the CPU 105.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image data read / print operation sequence.

  In the reading operation, image data is read from the image memory 304 and output to the printer device PRT, whereby the image is printed on paper.

  First, a decompression request is issued from the CPU 105 to the CPU 106. In response to this, the CPU 106 sets the read address from the code memory 306, the data amount, the write address to the image memory 304, the XY length information, the mode of the decompressor 312 (for example, MH system), and the like, and sends it to the decompressor 312. Start up. As a result, expansion processing is performed, and image data is written into the image memory 304.

  When the decompression process ends, a decompression completion report is issued from the CPU 106 to the CPU 105. Next, a memory preparation request for reading image data from the image memory 304 is issued from the CPU 105 to the CPU 106. In response to this, the CPU 106 sets, for internal hardware, settings for circuit processing for outputting the image data D3 from the image memory 304 to the print processing unit 40, the start address of the readout area of the image memory 304, and XY. Set the length information.

  When these settings are completed and the preparation is completed, the CPU 106 issues a memory preparation completion report to the CPU 105. In response to this, a print request is issued from the CPU 105 to the CPU 106 and the CPU 104, a paper feed report is sent from the CPU 104 to the CPU 106 to notify the sheet conveyance state, and the image data D3 read from the image memory 304 is then transferred to the printer device. The data is output to the PRT and printed.

  When printing is completed, the CPU 106 and CPU 104 issue a print completion report and an ejection completion report to the CPU 105. In response to this, the CPU 105 outputs a memory clear request or the like to the CPU 106 in relation to the operation mode.

  An operation sequence for printing a file stored in the USB memory and outputting the scanned document to the USB memory will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 (read / store operation to the USB memory).

  First, the case of outputting a scanned document to a USB memory will be described with reference to FIG.

  Similar to FIG. 11, the already scanned and compressed image is decompressed, converted into a PDF or TIFF format, and stored as a file in the USB memory.

  As in the case of reading / printing, one page of image data is prepared by transmitting an expansion request and a memory preparation request from the CPU 105 to the CPU 106. By transmitting a file output request from the CPU 105 to the CPU 106, the file is converted into a format for storing in the USB memory. The CPU 106 performs the instructed format conversion, and upon completion, executes a converted data write request (FWRITE) to the CPU 108 and outputs USB memory data.

  By repeating this for each page, the read document data is output to the USB memory.

  Next, a case where a file stored in the USB memory is printed will be described with reference to FIG. 13 (read / print operation from the USB memory).

  When the CPU 105 transmits a file input request to the CPU 106, the CPU 106 executes a data read request (FREAD) to the CPU 108, and when the image data for one page is obtained, the file input A is transmitted to the CPU 105. The CPU 105 transmits a compression request to the CPU 106, the CPU 106 compresses the data, and transmits a compression completion report to the CPU 105.

  This is repeated to the end of the file, and writing of the PDF and TIFF files stored in the USB memory as compressed data is completed in the same manner as in the read / write sequence shown in FIG. This compressed data can be printed as shown by the read / print operation shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of each CPU will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In the following description, first, main routines executed by the CPUs 101 to 108 will be described in order, and then subroutines in each CPU will be described.

  First, the operation of the CPU 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the CPU 101.

  After the initial setting is performed (step S11), the internal timer is started to start monitoring so that the routine time becomes constant. (Step S12). An input control process is performed on the operation panel 90 (step S13), and a display control process is performed (step S14). The input control process will be described later in detail.

  Next, other processing is performed (step S15), and it is determined whether or not the internal timer has expired (step S16).

  If not completed (NO in step S16), the process waits until the process is completed. On the other hand, when the process is completed (YES in step S16), the process returns to step S12. Note that communication with the other CPUs 102 to 107 is performed by interrupt processing.

  Next, the operation of the CPU 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the main routine of the CPU 102.

  Initialization is performed (step S21), and an internal timer is started to start monitoring so that the routine time becomes constant. (Step S22).

  An image data input process is performed (step S23), a position alignment process for adjusting a time difference due to the positional deviation of the CCD 16 is performed (step S24), an image process (step S25), and an output process (step S26). Finally, other processes are performed (step S27).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the internal timer has ended (step S28). If the internal timer has not ended (NO in step S28), the process waits until it ends.

  On the other hand, when the process is completed (YES in step S28), the process returns to step S22.

  Note that communication with other CPUs 101 and CPUs 103 to 107 is performed by the interrupt process.

  Next, the operation of the CPU 103 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the main routine of the CPU 103.

Initial settings are made (step S31), the internal timer is started and the routine time
Start monitoring so that is constant. (Step S32).

    Next, scanning control for controlling the reading system 10 is performed (step S33), it is determined whether or not the internal timer has expired (step S34), and if it has not expired (NO in step S34), Wait for it to finish. On the other hand, when the process is completed (YES in step S34), the process returns to step S32.

    When an interrupt due to a motor pulse generated in synchronization with the rotation of the scan motor M2 occurs, the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 is executed.

    The time of the interruption interval by the motor pulse is measured (step S35), and energization to the motor is turned on / off (motor drive) (step S36).

    Next, the number of pulses of the motor is counted (step S37). Note that communication is performed with the CPU 102 by interrupt processing.

    Next, the operation of the CPU 104 when controlling the printer device PRT will be described with reference to FIG.

    FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the main routine of the CPU 104.

    Initial setting is performed (step S41), and an internal timer is started to start monitoring so that the routine time becomes constant (step S42).

    Control of the image forming system 70 (step S43), control of the transport system 80 (step S44), control of the print processing unit 40 (step S45), and other control (step S46) are performed, and the internal timer is ended. Is determined (step S47).

    If not completed (NO in step S47), the process waits until the process is completed (NO in step S47). On the other hand, when the process is completed (YES in step S47), the process returns to step S42.

  Note that communication is performed with another CPU 105 by interrupt processing.

    Next, the operation of the CPU 105 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 105 sets start and stop commands and operation modes for other CPUs and controls the overall operation of the copying machine.

    FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the main routine of the CPU 105.

    Initial setting is performed (step S51), and an internal timer is started to start monitoring so that the routine time becomes constant (step S52).

    Next, the CPU 105 analyzes the contents after checking the data input through the interrupt communication (step S53), and performs the mode setting process when the operation mode is changed according to the contents (step S53). Step S54).

    Next, command setting processing is performed (step S55), output data setting (step S56), and other setting processing (step S57) are performed, respectively, to determine whether or not the internal timer has expired. Performed (step S58).

    If not completed (NO in step S58), the process waits until the process is completed. On the other hand, when the process is completed (YES in step S58), the process returns to step S52.

    Next, the operation of the CPU 106 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the CPU 106 controls the memory unit 30.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the main routine of the CPU 106.

  Initialization is performed (step S61), reception processing from another CPU is performed (step S62), and transmission processing to another CPU is performed (step S63).

  Next, writing control to the image memory (step S64), format conversion (step S65), compression control (step S66), and decompression control (step S67) are executed.

  Read control from the image memory (step S68) and other processes are performed (step S69), and the process returns to step S62.

Next, the operation of the CPU 107 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, CPU107 is AD
Control F500.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the main routine of the CPU 107.

  Initial setting is performed (step S71), and an internal timer is started to start monitoring so that the routine time becomes constant (step S72).

  A document feed process is performed to correct the skew feeding and to control the conveyance to the conveyance belt 506 (step S73), and the conveyance amount by the conveyance belt 506 is set (step S74).

  A document conveyance process for controlling the positioning of the document to a predetermined reading position by the conveyance belt 506 and the conveyance to the reversing roller 507 is performed (step S75), and the document reaching the reversing roller 507 is discharged as it is or a conveyance belt. A document reversal and discharge process is performed to control whether the sheet is conveyed again to 506 (step S76).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the internal timer has ended (step S77). If the internal timer has not ended (NO in step S77), the process waits until it ends. On the other hand, when the process is completed (YES in step S77), the process returns to step S72.

  Next, the operation of the CPU 108 which is a USB host controller will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a flowchart of operations performed by the CPU 108.

  Initial setting is performed (step S81), and an internal timer is started to start monitoring so that the routine time becomes constant (step S82).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the USB memory has already been connected (step S83). If not connected (NO in step S83), it is determined whether or not the USB memory is connected (step S84).

  If not connected (NO in step S84), it is determined whether or not the internal timer has expired (step S85).

  If not completed (NO in step S85), the process returns to step S84. On the other hand, if it has been completed (YES in step S85), the process returns to step S82.

  If a USB memory is connected in step S84 (YES in step S84), a USB memory connection process is performed (step S86), and the process returns to step S82.

  If the USB has already been connected in step S83 (YES in step S83), it is determined whether or not there is a write request from another CPU (step S87).

  If there is no request (NO in step S87), the process proceeds to step S89. On the other hand, if there is a request (YES in step S87), a writing process is performed (step S88), and the process proceeds to step S89.

  In step S89, it is determined whether or not a read request for data from the connected USB memory is made from another CPU. If there is a read request (YES in step S89), a read process is performed ( Step S90) and return to Step S82. On the other hand, if there is no read request (NO in step S89), the process returns to step S82.

  Next, the input control processing of the CPU 101 in step S13 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. In particular, the folder designation when using the scan function (scan job) to the USB memory and the print function (print job) of the file stored in the USB memory will be described.

  It is determined whether any of the copy key, scan key, or print key is pressed on the standby screen 91 displayed on the operation panel 90 shown in FIG.

  When the copy key is pressed (“copy” in step S101), a copy display data set process is performed (step S102), and the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG. Since this process is not related to the present invention, further explanation is omitted.

  If the pressed key is a scan key (“scan” in step S101), a display data set process for scanning is performed (step S103), and the process returns to step S14 shown in FIG. The scan display data set process will be described in detail later.

  If the pressed key is a print key ("print" in step S101), a print display data set process is performed (step S104), and the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG. The print display data set process will be described in detail later.

  On the other hand, if the pressed key is not one of the above keys (NO in step S101), the processing on the standby screen 91 has already been completed, and the scan set screen 96 displayed on the operation panel 90 thereafter (FIG. 25). Or the scan folder designation screen 97 (shown in FIG. 27), the print set screen 98 (shown in FIG. 29), or the print folder designation screen 99 (shown in FIG. 30). Therefore, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is a folder display key or a folder designation key (step S105).

  The folder display key is a key for displaying a folder. The scan folder display key 370 for displaying a folder at the time of scanning shown in FIG. 25 and the print folder display key 400 for displaying a folder at the time of printing shown in FIG. There is. On the other hand, the folder designation key is a key for specifically designating a folder, and includes a scan folder designation key 380 shown in FIG. 27 and a print folder designation key 401 shown in FIG.

  If it is the folder display key or the folder designation key (YES in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the key is not the folder display key or the folder designation key (NO in step S105), the pressed key is the “display all” key 381 displayed on the scan folder designation screen 97 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the “display all” key 402 is displayed on the designation screen 99 (step S109). If the pressed key is any “display all” key (YES in step S109). Since all the folders stored in the connected USB memory are instructed to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S106.

  On the other hand, if the pressed key is not any “display all” key (NO in step S109), it is determined whether or not it is the “OK” key 382 displayed on the scan folder designation screen 97 shown in FIG. Step S110).

  If the “OK” key is pressed (YES in step S110), the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, it is determined whether the scan screen or the print screen is displayed on the operation panel 90. If the scan screen is displayed ("scan" in step S106), the display for scanning is performed. Data set processing is performed (step S107), and the process returns to the display control processing shown in step S14 of FIG. On the other hand, if the print screen is displayed ("print" in step S106), the display data set process for printing is performed (step S108), and the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the “OK” key is not pressed in step S110 (NO in step S110), it is determined whether or not the start button 95 is pressed (step S111).

  If the start button 95 is pressed (YES in step S111), a start process is performed (step S112), and the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the start button 95 is not pressed (NO in step S111), the other input process instructed is performed (step S113), and the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG.

  Next, the scan display data set processing in step S103 and step S107 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 23 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The pressed key is determined (step S130), and if the pressed key is a scan key on the standby screen 90 shown in FIG. 2 (“scan” in step S130), the scan resolution and the like are set. To do so, it is determined whether or not the attribute setting screen 96 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the operation panel 90 (step S131). If not displayed (NO in step S131), the screen is displayed. After the display data for setting is set (step S133), the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is displayed (YES in step S131), an input of file format designation, resolution designation from the user, and a folder display instruction by pressing the scan folder display key 370 are accepted (step S132), and return is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the display control process shown in step S14 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that. The attribute setting screen 96 displays a file format designation field 350, a resolution designation field 360, a scan folder display key 370, and the like. Also, by default, the TIFF format is set as the file format, and 200 dpi is set as the resolution.

  If the input key is a folder display key or a folder designation key in step S130 ("folder display or designation" in step S130), which of the scan folder display key 370, scan folder designation key 380, or other key has been pressed It is determined whether or not the scan folder display key 370 is pressed to confirm the above.

  When the scan folder display key 370 is pressed (YES in step S134), the CPU 108 that is the USB host controller is requested to read the km.txt file from the connected USB memory (step S135), and then read. The display data is set as display data (step S136), the output folder is set next (step S137), and the process returns to step S14 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The km.txt file is stored in the root folder of the USB memory, and the file name stores the folder name, the number of times used in the scan job, and the number of times used in the print job, as shown in FIG. Has been.

  For example, in FIG. 26, during scanning, the scan1 folder is used 10 times, the scan2 folder is used 3 times, and the print2 folder is used once, and the scan1 that is used most frequently in the scan job is output in step S137. Set as If the km.txt file does not exist or the folder used in the scan job does not exist, the root folder is set as the output folder.

  In the case of the display data set in step S136, as shown in the scan folder designation screen 97 in FIG. 27, the head of the scan1 folder as the output folder is displayed as a black square, and the head of the other folders is a white square. Set to be displayed.

  Thus, the user can easily know which folder is set as the output folder.

  If the scan folder display key 370 is not pressed in step S134 (NO in step S134), it is determined whether or not any of the scan folder specification keys 380 is pressed on the scan folder specification screen 97. (Step S138).

  If none has been pressed (NO in step S138), the other key has been pressed, so other processing is executed according to the pressed key (step S141), and the process returns to the display shown in step S14 of FIG. Proceed to the control process.

  On the other hand, when one of the scan folder designation keys 380 is pressed (YES in step S138), display data is set (step S139), and a folder corresponding to the pressed key is set as an output folder (step S139). In step S140, the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 in FIG.

  When the “display all” button 381 shown in FIG. 27 is pressed in step S130 (“display all” in step S130), all folder information is read (step S142), and the read folder information and the like are read. Display data is set (step S143), and the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG.

  If the “OK” button 382 is pressed in step S130 (“OK” in step S130), display data is set (step S145), and the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG.

  Next, the display data set processing for printing in step S104 and step S108 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The pressed key is determined (step S150). If the pressed key is displayed on the standby screen 90 shown in FIG. 2 and is a print key (“print” in step S150), the folder display shown in FIG. 29 is displayed. It is determined whether or not the screen 98 is displayed on the operation panel 90 (step S151). If the screen 98 is not displayed (NO in step S151), the display data for displaying the screen is set. After (step S152), the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG. Note that a print folder display key 400 and the like are displayed on the folder display screen 98.

  On the other hand, if it is displayed (YES in step S151), the user presses the print folder display key 400 to accept a folder display instruction (step S152), and returns to step S14 in the flowchart shown in FIG. The display control process shown in FIG.

  If the key pressed in step S150 relates to the display or designation of a folder (“folder display or designation” in step S150), it is determined whether or not the print folder display key 400 shown in FIG. 29 has been pressed. Performed (step S154).

  When the print folder display key 400 is pressed (YES in step S154), the CPU 108 that is the USB host controller is requested to read the km.txt file from the connected USB memory (step S155). Display data such as data is set (step S156), then an input folder is set (step S157), and the process returns to step S14 shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The km.txt file is as shown in FIG. The scan2 folder is used once for a print job, the print1 folder is used 15 times for a print job, and the print2 folder is used 5 times for a print job. In this case, the print1 folder that is used most frequently in the print job is set as the input folder. If there is no km.txt file or there is no folder used for scanning, the root folder is set as the input folder.

  Further, at the time of the display data set in step S156, as shown in the print folder designation screen 99 in FIG. 30, the top of the print1 folder as the input folder is displayed with a black square, and the top of the other folders is a white square. Set to be displayed.

  Thereby, the user can easily know which folder is set as the input folder.

  If the print folder display key 400 is not pressed in step S154 (NO in step S154), it is determined whether any of the print folder specification keys 401 is pressed on the print folder specification screen 98 shown in FIG. Performed (step S158).

  If the key is not pressed (NO in step S158), the other key is pressed, and other processing is executed in accordance with the pressed key (step S161). The process returns to the display shown in step S14 of FIG. Proceed to the control process.

  On the other hand, when any one of the print folder designation keys 401 is pressed (YES in step S158), display data is set to display the designated folder (step S159), and an output folder is set (step S159). In step S160, the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 in FIG.

  When the “display all” button 381 shown in FIG. 30 is pressed in step S150 (“display all” in step S150), all folder information is read (step S162), and the read folder information and the like are read. Display data is set (step S163), and the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG.

  Next, the start process of step S112 in FIG. 23 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the set mode is determined (step S170) and the copy mode is set
(“Copy” in step S170), the process proceeds to step S175. On the other hand, in the scan or print mode (“scan / print” in step S170), the km.txt file is read from the connected USB memory (step S171). In the case of scan, the folder set as the output folder The content is updated by increasing the number of scans used by 1 by one, and in the case of printing, the content is updated by increasing the number of times the print is used for the folder set in the input folder by one (step S172). The updated contents are written in the km.txt file in the USB memory (step S173), and the process proceeds to step S175.

In step S175, a start request is made to the CPU 105 (step S154), and the process returns to the display control process shown in step S14 of FIG.

  Thus, each time the start key is pressed, the number of times the folder specified as the output folder or the input folder is used increases. Frequently used folders are automatically specified as the output folder or input folder and are displayed preferentially at the top, so the next time you use scan or print, the folder you use frequently without performing complicated processing You can save scanned files or print files in frequently used folders.

  Next, the command setting process in step S55 of FIG. 19 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The set mode is determined (step S511), and if the copy mode is set (“copy” in step S511), a command is set so that the original is scanned and written to the read memory by the read / write operation. (Step S512), a command is set so that the original image read by the read / print operation is read from the memory and printed (Step S513), and the process returns to Step S56 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

If the scan mode is set (“scan” in step S511), a command is set so that the document is scanned and written into the read memory by the read / write operation (step S514), and the read / store operation to the USB memory is performed. Settings are made (step S515), and the process returns to step S56 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the print mode is set (“print” in step S511), the file read from the USB memory is written by the read / write operation from the USB memory (step S516). At this time, the input folder of the USB memory is set to the input folder set in the print display data set process of FIG.

Next, in the same manner as in the case of copying, a command is set so that an image written in the memory is read from the memory by a read / print operation and printed (step S517), and the process returns to the step shown in FIG. Proceed to S56.
(Embodiment 2)
Next, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the first embodiment, the selection of the output folder in the case of scanning and the input folder in the case of printing is accepted from the user. However, in the second embodiment, the USB memory is connected without performing the selection of scanning or printing from the standby screen. Then, it automatically shifts to a function setting screen that has been used many times in the past, thereby reducing operator operations.

  This process is performed by the CPU 101, and its main routine is shown in FIG.

  After performing the initial setting (step S611), the CPU 101 starts an internal timer. (Step S612). Next, after the USB memory monitoring process (step S613) is performed, the input control process for the operation panel 90 is performed (step S614), and then the display control process is performed (step S615).

  Thereafter, other processing is performed (step S616), and it is determined whether or not the internal timer has expired (step S617). If not completed (NO in step S617), the process waits until the process is completed. On the other hand, when the process is completed (YES in step S617), the process returns to step S612.

Next, the USB memory monitoring process in step S613 in FIG. 33 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Inquiry to the CPU 108 as to whether or not a new USB memory connection has been completed
To determine whether or not a new USB memory is connected (step S701).

If not connected (NO in step S701), the process returns to step S14 in FIG. On the other hand, when connected (YES in step S701), the Km.txt file is read out (step S702), and the folder registered in the Km.txt file that has the highest number of uses is determined. Thus, input key setting is automatically performed (step S703), and it is determined whether the setting is for scanning or printing (step S704).

  If it is for scanning (“scan” in step S704), the display data for scanning including the setting of the corresponding folder as the input folder or output folder is set (step S705), and the process returns to step S614 shown in FIG. move on.

  On the other hand, if it is for printing (“print” in step S704), display data for printing including setting of the corresponding folder as an input folder or output folder is set (step S706), and the process returns to the step shown in FIG. The process proceeds to S614.

  By setting the display data for scanning or the display data for printing in this way, the screen in which folders are displayed in the order of the number of times used in the scan job or print job as shown in FIG. 27 or FIG. However, it is displayed directly without requiring a user operation using the standby screen of FIG. Therefore, the operability can be further improved.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the information stored in the km.txt file stored in the connected USB memory is used to display the information in the USB memory displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. You can prioritize those that use folders frequently. This makes it convenient for the user to search for a folder because a frequently used folder is automatically selected and displayed without the operator performing complicated operations for folder designation.

  In the above embodiment, the km.txt file is updated by increasing the number of times the corresponding folder is used in the update process of step S172 of FIG. 31, but the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. In the output folder set process in S140 and the input folder set process in step S160 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Also, in this case, in the update process of step S172 in FIG. 31, the folder usage count is increased by two or more instead of one, so that the folder actually used by pressing the start key rather than the folder just specified. It is also possible to increase the weighting for and increase the priority order from the next time.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is an example of the standby screen displayed on the operation panel. FIG. 3 is a flock diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a block diagram following FIG. 3. 3 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a memory unit section 30. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the code | symbol management table. It is the figure which showed an example of the code memory. It is the figure which showed an example of the job management table. It is the figure which showed the content of the panel table. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of read / write operations of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of read / print operations of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the sequence of the operation | movement at the time of a scan. It is a figure which shows the sequence of the operation | movement at the time of printing. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of CPU101. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of CPU102. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of CPU103. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption routine of CPU131. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of CPU104. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of CPU105. 3 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a CPU 106. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of CPU107. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of CPU108. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an input control process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display data set process for a scan. It is the figure which showed an example of the scan set screen. It is the figure which showed an example of the km.txt file. It is the figure which showed an example of the scan folder designation | designated screen. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display data set process for printing. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print set screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print folder designation screen. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a start process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating command setting processing. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a USB memory monitoring process.

Explanation of symbols

101-107 ... CPU
111-118 ROM
121-128 ... RAM
138 ... Insertion slot for USB memo (I / O)

Claims (14)

A mounting means for detachably mounting the external storage device;
Execution means for executing a job using a folder stored in an external storage device attached to the attachment means;
Updating means for writing and updating the number of times the folder is used in an external storage device in association with the folder used for the job executed by the execution means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job is a job for storing image data in a folder.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job is a job for reading image data stored in a folder.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of use times are provided for each type of job in which a folder is used.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the job includes at least a scan job for storing image data in a folder and a print job for printing image data stored in the folder. A mounting means for detachably mounting an external storage device in which the number of times the folder is used is written in association with the stored folder;
Display means for displaying a folder stored in an external storage device attached to the attachment means;
Display control means for controlling the display means so that a folder with a large number of times of use is preferentially displayed based on the number of times of use written in the external storage device;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the number of times of use is a number of times used for a job for storing image data in a folder.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the number of uses is a number of times used for a job of reading image data stored in a folder. The number of times of use is provided for each type of job in which a folder is used,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit based on a use count corresponding to a type of job to be executed.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the job types include at least a scan job for storing image data in a folder and a print job for printing image data stored in the folder. Executing a job using a folder stored in an external storage device detachably mounted on the mounting means;
Associating with the folder used for the job to be executed and writing and updating the number of times the folder is used in an external storage device;
An image processing method comprising: A step of displaying on the display means the external storage device detachably attached to the attachment means, wherein the folder of the external storage device in which the number of times the folder is used is written in association with the stored folder;
Controlling the display means so that a folder with a large number of times of use is preferentially displayed based on the number of times of use written in the external storage device;
An image processing method comprising: Executing a job using a folder stored in an external storage device detachably mounted on the mounting means;
Associating with the folder used for the job to be executed and writing and updating the number of times the folder is used in an external storage device;
Is an image processing program for causing a computer of the image processing apparatus to execute the program. A step of displaying on the display means the external storage device detachably attached to the attachment means, wherein the folder of the external storage device in which the number of times the folder is used is written in association with the stored folder;
Controlling the display means so that a folder with a large number of times of use is preferentially displayed based on the number of times of use written in the external storage device;
Is an image processing program for causing a computer of the image processing apparatus to execute the program.

Images