JP2010004575A - Image transmitting apparatus, image transmitting method, and computer readable recording medium with program for making computer implement the method recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability by speedily and easily responding to various image processing requests. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus is provided with a first selection part 601 for selecting a desired one of a plurality of input parts 603, for inputting image data and having different functions respectively; and a second selection part 602 for selecting a desired one of a plurality of output parts 604 for outputting image data and having different functions respectively. An input part 603 selected by the first selection part 601 and an output part 604 selected by the second selection part 602 are then controlled to output image data which have been input by the input part 603, from the output part 604. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image transmission apparatus comprising a plurality of input means (formats) having different functions for inputting image data and a plurality of output means (forms) having different functions for outputting image data, The present invention relates to an image transmission method and a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method is recorded.

  In recent years, with the diversification of image data processing, the processing steps of input image data and output image data have become diversified and complicated, and digital multi-function peripherals combining those processing steps are becoming mainstream of image processing apparatuses. is there. The digital multi-function peripheral is characterized in that many functions can be realized regarding the processing of image data.

  As the functions of the image processing apparatus are improved, it is also important to improve the operability of the image processing apparatus. In such a situation, the image processing in the image processing apparatus can be divided into an image data input function and an image data output function. In general, the input function and the output function are bundled as a series of processes, associated in advance, and the grouping of the associated input function and output function is handled as a predetermined process.

  However, if the input function and the output function are associated with each other in advance and combined, the operation desired by the operator cannot be performed depending on the content of the combination, or the operation becomes complicated and the operability deteriorates. was there.

  Further, if association is assumed for each combination of functions that can be assumed to meet various requirements, a key for designating the function must be provided for each function, and the number of keys increases. Therefore, there is a problem that it may be difficult to find a key corresponding to a desired function from among many keys. In particular, an increase in the number of keys accompanying an increase in the types of input means and output means leads to complicated and complicated operations and further reduces operability.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an image transmission apparatus, an image transmission method, and a method thereof that can quickly and easily respond to various requests for image processing and improve operability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium that records a program to be executed by a computer.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of input units having different functions for inputting image data, and a plurality of output units having different functions for outputting image data. In the image processing apparatus comprising: a first selection unit that selects a desired input unit from the plurality of input units; and a second selection unit that selects a desired output unit from the plurality of output units. And the selection input means selected by the first selection means and the selection output means selected by the second selection means, and the image data input by the selection input means is converted into the selection output means. And a processing control means for outputting in accordance with the above.

  According to the present invention, the input means and the output means can be selected separately, and image processing can be performed by a desired combination of the input means and the output means.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the input condition for setting the image data input condition of the selection input means when the selection input means is selected by the first selection means in the above invention. A first display means for displaying a setting screen is provided.

  According to this invention, it is possible to easily set detailed input conditions for image data by the input means.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, in the above invention, an output condition for setting an output condition of the image data of the selection output unit when the selection output unit is selected by the second selection unit. A second display means for displaying a setting screen is provided.

  According to the present invention, detailed output conditions of image data by the output means can be easily set.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises third display means for displaying a key indicating the input means, which is composed of characters, symbols, pictures, etc. The means selects the input means by pressing or touching a key displayed on the third display means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily add, change, and delete input means by changing the key design on the display screen.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a fourth display means for displaying a key indicating the output means, which is composed of characters, symbols, pictures, etc. The means selects the output means by pressing or touching a key displayed on the fourth display means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily add, change, delete, etc. the output means by changing the key design on the display screen.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, in the above invention, the first selection unit selects a plurality of desired input units, and the processing control unit selects a plurality of selection units selected by the first selection unit. The selection output unit selected by the selection input unit and the second selection unit is controlled, and the image data input by the plurality of selection input units is output by the selection output unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to input a plurality of image data from different input means and output the input data with a single operation.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, in the above invention, the second selection unit selects a plurality of desired output units, and the processing control unit selects the selection input selected by the first selection unit. And a plurality of selection output means selected by the second selection means, and image data input by the selection input means is output by the plurality of selection output means.

  According to the present invention, the data input by the input means can be output by the plurality of output means by a single operation.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, further, in the above-described invention, information relating to a combination of the selection input unit selected by the first selection unit and the selection output unit selected by the second selection unit. It is characterized by comprising storage means for storing.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to set again when the desired combination is used next time.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises third selection means for selecting a desired combination from the information related to the combinations stored by the storage means in the above invention, wherein the processing control means includes the first The selection input unit and the selection output unit selected by the selection unit 3 are controlled, and the image data input by the selection input unit is output or stored by the selection output unit.

  According to the present invention, a desired combination can be easily selected.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the input means is a document reading unit for reading a document image and / or a data storage unit provided in the apparatus main body or an external device connected to the apparatus main body. It is a device for inputting the accumulated data.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the above invention, wherein the output means is an external device connected to an image forming apparatus and / or a data transmission apparatus and / or a data storage unit provided in the apparatus body or an apparatus body. It is a device that outputs and stores data in the device.

  An image processing system according to the present invention includes the image processing apparatus described above and a network to which the image processing apparatus is connected.

  In the image processing system according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the network is the Internet.

  The image processing method according to the present invention includes a first selection step for selecting a desired input step from a plurality of input steps each having a different function for inputting image data, and outputting the image data. A second selection step of selecting a desired output means from a plurality of output steps having different functions, and image data input in the selection input step selected in the first selection step; And a processing step of outputting in a selection output step selected in the selection step.

  According to this invention, an input process and an output process can be selected separately, and image processing can be performed by a desired combination of the input process and the output process.

  The image processing method according to the present invention includes a first selection step for selecting a desired input step from among a plurality of input steps having different functions for inputting image data, and the first selection step. An input condition setting step for setting a condition for inputting image data by the selected selection input step, and a second output unit for selecting desired output means from a plurality of output steps for outputting image data, each having a different function. And a processing step of outputting the image data input by the selection input step based on the input condition set by the input condition setting step by the selection output step selected by the second selection step; , Including.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily set detailed input conditions for image data in the input process.

  The image processing method according to the present invention includes a first selection step for selecting a desired input step from a plurality of input steps each having a different function for inputting image data, and outputting the image data. A second selection step for selecting a desired output means from a plurality of output steps having different functions, and an output condition for setting a condition for outputting the image data by the selection output step selected by the second selection step A setting step; and a processing step of outputting the image data input by the selection input step by the selection output step based on the output condition set by the output condition setting step. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily set detailed output conditions for image data in the output process.

  In the image processing method according to the present invention, in the above invention, the first selection step selects a plurality of desired input steps, and the processing step selects a plurality of selections selected by the first selection step. The image data input in the input process is output in the selection output process selected in the second selection process.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to input a plurality of image data from different input processes and output the input data in one operation.

  In the image processing method according to the present invention, in the above invention, the second selection step selects a plurality of desired output steps, and the processing step is a selection input step selected by the first selection step. The image data input in step (2) is output in a plurality of selection output steps selected in the second selection step.

  According to the present invention, the data input by the input means can be output by the plurality of output means by a single operation.

  The image processing method according to the present invention is the image processing method according to the above-mentioned invention, wherein the selection input step selected by the first selection step and the selection output step selected by the second selection step are further information. A third selection step of selecting a desired combination from the above is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to set again when the desired combination is used next time, and the desired combination can be easily selected.

  The image processing method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the input step is a document reading step of reading a document image and / or a step of inputting accumulated data.

  The image processing method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the output step is an image forming step and / or a data transmitting step and / or a step of accumulating data.

  In addition, the recording medium according to the present invention records a program that causes a computer to execute the method described above, thereby enabling the program to be machine-readable, thereby enabling the above operation to be realized by the computer. It becomes.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the image data is input, the first selection means for selecting a desired input means from the plurality of input means having different functions, and the image data is output. A second selection means for selecting a desired output means from a plurality of output means each having a different function; a selection input means selected by the first selection means; and a selection means selected by the second selection means And a processing control means for controlling the selection output means and outputting the image data input by the selection input means by the selection output means, so that the input means and the output means can be selected separately. Therefore, it is possible to perform image processing by a desired combination of input means and output means, thereby responding quickly and easily to various requests for image processing. There is an effect that the image processing device capable of improving the sexual is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the selection input means is selected by the first selection means, a first input condition setting screen for setting an input condition of image data of the selection input means is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to easily set detailed input conditions of image data by the input means, thereby quickly and easily responding to various requests for image processing and improving operability. There is an effect that a possible image processing apparatus is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the selection output means is selected by the second selection means, detailed output conditions of image data by the image data output means of the selection output means are easily set. As a result, it is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus that can quickly and easily respond to various requests for image processing and improve operability.

  In addition, according to the present invention, it is further provided with third display means for displaying a key indicating the input means, which is composed of characters, symbols, pictures, etc., and the first selection means is the third selection means. In order to select the input means by pressing or touching the key displayed on the display means, it is possible to easily add, change, or delete the input means by changing the key design on the display screen. In this way, it is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus that can quickly and easily respond to various requests for image processing and improve operability.

  In addition, according to the present invention, there is further provided fourth display means for displaying a key indicating the output means, which is composed of characters, symbols, pictures, etc., and the second selection means is the fourth selection means. In order to select the output means by pressing or touching a key displayed on the display means, it is possible to easily add, change, delete, etc. the output means by changing the key design on the display screen. In this way, it is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus that can quickly and easily respond to various requests for image processing and improve operability.

  According to the invention, the first selection unit selects a plurality of desired input units, and the processing control unit selects the plurality of selection input units selected by the first selection unit and the second selection unit. The selection output means selected by the selection means is controlled so that the image data input by the plurality of selection input means is output by the selection output means. It is possible to input from the means and output the input data. As a result, it is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus that can quickly and easily respond to various requests for image processing and improve operability.

  According to this invention, the second selection means selects a plurality of desired output means, and the processing control means selects the selection input means selected by the first selection means and the second selection. In order to control a plurality of selection output means selected by the means and output the image data input by the selection input means by the plurality of selection output means, the data input by the input means is operated once. Thus, there can be obtained an image processing apparatus capable of responding quickly and easily to various requests for image processing and improving operability.

  Further, according to the present invention, the storage device further stores information related to the combination of the selection input unit selected by the first selection unit and the selection output unit selected by the second selection unit. Therefore, there is no need to re-set the desired combination the next time it is used, so that an image processing apparatus capable of quickly and easily responding to various requests for image processing and improving operability is provided. The effect is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the information processing apparatus further comprises third selection means for selecting a desired combination from information relating to the combination stored by the storage means, and the processing control means is configured to select the third selection. Since the selection input means and the selection output means selected by the means are controlled and the image data input by the selection input means is output by the selection output means, a desired combination can be easily selected, As a result, it is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus that can quickly and easily respond to various requests for image processing and improve operability.

  According to the invention, the input means inputs data stored in a document reading unit for reading a document image and / or a data storage unit provided in the apparatus main body or an external device connected to the apparatus main body. As a result, an image processing apparatus capable of quickly and easily responding to various requests for image processing and improving operability can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, the output means outputs data to an image forming apparatus and / or a data transmission apparatus and / or a data storage unit provided in the apparatus main body or an external apparatus connected to the apparatus main body. As a result, it is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus that can quickly and easily respond to various requests for image processing and improve operability.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the image processing apparatus and a network to which the image processing apparatus is connected are provided, thereby quickly and easily responding to various requests for image processing using the network and improving operability. An image processing system that can be performed is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, the network is the Internet, thereby obtaining an image processing system capable of quickly and easily responding to various requests for image processing using the Internet and improving operability. There is an effect that is.

  According to the present invention, the first selection step for selecting a desired input step from a plurality of input steps having different functions for inputting image data, and the different functions for outputting image data are provided. A second selection step of selecting a desired output means from a plurality of output steps, and image data input by the selection input step selected by the first selection step, by the second selection step. Including a processing step to output by the selected selection output step, the input step and the output step can be selected separately, and image processing by a desired combination of the input step and the output step can be performed, As a result, it is possible to obtain an image processing method that can quickly and easily respond to various requests for image processing and improve operability.

  Further, according to the present invention, the first selection step for selecting a desired input step from a plurality of input steps having different functions for inputting image data and the first selection step are selected. An input condition setting step for setting a condition for inputting image data in the selection input step; a second selection step for selecting a desired output means from a plurality of output steps each having a different function for outputting image data; And a processing step of outputting the image data input by the selection input step based on the input condition set by the input condition setting step by the selection output step selected by the second selection step. Therefore, it is possible to easily set detailed input conditions for image data in the input process, thereby responding quickly and easily to various requests for image processing. An image processing method capable of improving the sexual an effect that can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, the first selection step for selecting a desired input step from a plurality of input steps having different functions for inputting image data, and the different functions for outputting image data are provided. A second selection step for selecting a desired output means from a plurality of output steps, and an output condition setting step for setting a condition for the selection output step selected by the second selection step to output image data; A process step of outputting the image data input in the selection input step in the selection output step based on the output condition set in the output condition setting step, and the details of the image data in the output step Images can be easily set, which can quickly and easily meet various image processing requirements and improve operability. An effect that physical methods are obtained.

  According to the invention, the first selection step selects a plurality of desired input steps, and the processing step is an image input by a plurality of selection input steps selected by the first selection step. Since the data is output by the selection output process selected by the second selection process, a plurality of image data can be input from different input processes and the input data can be output by one operation. As a result, it is possible to obtain an image processing method capable of quickly and easily responding to various requests for image processing and improving operability.

  According to the invention, the second selection step selects a plurality of desired output steps, and the processing step receives the image data input by the selection input step selected by the first selection step. Since the data is output by the plurality of selection output steps selected by the second selection step, the data input by the input means can be output by the plurality of output means by a single operation, respectively. There is an effect that it is possible to obtain an image processing method capable of quickly and easily responding to various requests for processing and improving operability.

  Further, according to the present invention, a desired combination is further selected from information relating to a combination of the selection input process selected by the first selection process and the selection output process selected by the second selection process. Since the third selection step for selecting is provided, it is not necessary to set the desired combination again in the next use, and the desired combination can be easily selected, thereby satisfying various requests for image processing. There is an effect that an image processing method capable of responding quickly and easily and improving operability can be obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, the input step is a document reading step for reading a document image and / or a step for inputting accumulated data, thereby responding quickly and easily to various requests for image processing. There is an effect that an image processing method capable of improving operability is obtained.

  According to the invention, the output step is an image forming step and / or a data transmission step and / or a step of accumulating data, thereby responding quickly and easily to various requests for image processing, There is an effect that an image processing method capable of improving operability can be obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, recording a program that causes a computer to execute the method described above makes the program machine-readable, thereby enabling the above operation to be realized by a computer. There is an effect that a medium can be obtained.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration | structure of the image processing system containing the image processing apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment; 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a document reading device (unit) of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus (unit) of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a facsimile control device (unit) of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally illustrating the configuration of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display contents displayed on a display screen of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of display contents displayed on the display screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of display contents displayed on the display screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing contents corresponding to the operation instructions illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of display contents displayed on the display screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing contents corresponding to the operation instruction illustrated in FIG. 12 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of display contents displayed on the display screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing contents corresponding to the operation instruction illustrated in FIG. 14 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of display contents displayed on the display screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of processing corresponding to the operation instruction shown in FIG. 16 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of display contents displayed on the display screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of processing corresponding to the operation instruction shown in FIG. 18 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; 3 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processing procedures of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; 6 is a flowchart showing another procedure of a series of processes of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display contents displayed on a display screen of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment; 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of display contents displayed on the display screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of display contents displayed on the display screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing contents corresponding to the operation instructions illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 24 of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment; 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processing procedures of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram functionally illustrating the configuration of an operation unit of an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display contents displayed on a part of an operation unit and a display screen of an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a part of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment and display contents displayed on a display screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a part of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment and display contents displayed on a display screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing contents corresponding to an operation instruction (copy function) of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing contents corresponding to another operation instruction (facsimile function) of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing contents corresponding to another operation instruction (scanner function) of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing contents corresponding to an operation instruction (printer function) of an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment; 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processing procedures of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another procedure of a series of processes of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which a program that causes a computer to execute the method are recorded (refer to the accompanying drawings) Embodiments 1 to 3 will be described in detail.

[Embodiment 1]
(System configuration of image processing system)
First, the system configuration of an image processing system including an image processing apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of an image processing system including an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In the image processing system of FIG. 1, 100 is an image processing apparatus, 101 is a LAN, 102 is a personal computer (PC), 103 is a scanner, 104 is a printer, 105 Is a hard disk (HD). Also, 110 is a telephone line, 111 is a facsimile machine, 120 is a network (Internet), 130 is a removable recording medium represented by CD-R and DVD, and its reading / writing. Device.

  Here, the digital multi-function peripheral that is the image processing apparatus 100 includes a document reading (scanner) function, an image formation (printer) function, and a large-capacity data storage unit in the apparatus main body, and a PC 102, The scanner 103, the printer 104, and the HD 105 are connected.

  In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral that is the image processing apparatus 100 can be connected to another facsimile apparatus 111 via the telephone line 110, and can transmit / receive image data to / from the other facsimile apparatus 111 via the telephone line 110. Further, it can be connected to a network 120 represented by the Internet, can receive image data from the network 120, and can transmit image data to the network 120.

  Further, the digital multi-function peripheral which is the image processing apparatus 100 can be connected to a CD-R and a DVD, can process image data stored in the CD-R and DVD, and can process the image data on the CD-R. It can also be stored on a DVD.

(Hardware configuration of image processing device)
Next, a hardware configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral that is the image processing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, 201 is a processing control unit, 202 is a document reading device (unit), 203 is an image forming device (unit), 204 is a facsimile control device (unit), and 205. Is a network I / F, 206 is a data storage unit, and the image processing apparatus 100 includes the above-described components. Reference numeral 207 denotes an external storage device connected to the image processing apparatus.

  The processing control unit 201 includes an input unit 603 and an output unit so that the output unit 604 selected by the second selection unit 602 outputs the image data input by the input unit 603 selected by the first selection unit 601 described later. 604 is controlled. Examples of the input unit 603 include a document reading device 202, a data storage unit 206, an external storage device 207, a facsimile control device (unit) 204, a network I / F 205, and the like. Examples of the output unit 604 include an image forming device (unit) 203, a data storage unit 206, an external storage device 207, a facsimile control device (unit) 204, a network I / F 205, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the document reading device (unit) 202 of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Processing performed by the document reading device (unit) 202 includes the following.

For example,
(1) Document reflected light reading process by optical system,
(2) Conversion processing into an electric signal in a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).
(3) Digitization processing by A / D converter,
(4) Shading correction processing (processing for correcting illuminance distribution unevenness of the light source),
(5) Scanner γ correction processing (processing for correcting the density characteristics of the reading system),
Etc.

  The document reading device (unit) 202 includes a reading unit 301 and a sensor board unit 302. A reading unit 301 that optically reads an original is composed of a lamp, a mirror, and a lens (not shown), and condenses reflected light of lamp irradiation on the original on a light receiving element by the mirror and lens.

  A light receiving element, for example, a CCD is mounted on the sensor board unit 302, and image data converted into an electrical signal in the CCD is converted into a digital signal and then output (transmitted) from the sensor board unit 302. The image data output (transmitted) from the sensor board unit 302 is sent to the processing control unit. Further, the sensor board unit 302 corrects signal deterioration (referred to as scanner system signal deterioration) that accompanies quantization into an optical system and a digital signal.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus (unit) 203 of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The processes performed by the image forming apparatus (unit) 203 include the following.

For example,
(1) Edge smoothing process (jaggy correction process),
(2) Correction processing for dot rearrangement,
(3) Image signal pulse control processing,
Etc.

  The image forming apparatus (unit) 203 includes a video / data control unit 401 and an image forming unit (engine) 402. The video data control unit 401 performs additional processing on the input image data according to the characteristics of the image forming unit 402.

  That is, dot rearrangement processing by edge smoothing processing is performed on the signal that has been changed to area gradation, image signal pulse control for dot formation is performed, and image data subjected to the above processing is generated. Output to the image unit 402. In the image forming unit 402, the image data output from the video / data control unit 401 is input, and a reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper based on the image data.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the facsimile control apparatus (unit) 204 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the block diagram of FIG. 5, the facsimile control unit 204 includes a facsimile transmission / reception unit 501 and an external I / F 502. Here, the facsimile transmission / reception unit 501 converts the image data into a communication format and transmits it to the external line. Also, the facsimile transmission / reception unit 501 converts the data from the outside back to the image data and outputs the image data via the external I / F 502 and the (parallel) bus 510. Recording is performed by the forming apparatus (unit) 203.

  The facsimile transmission / reception unit 501 includes a facsimile image processing unit 503, an image memory 504, a memory control unit 505, a data control unit 506, an image compression / decompression unit 507, a modem 508, and a network control device 509. Among these, regarding the facsimile image processing, the binary smoothing processing for the received image is performed by the video data control unit 401. The image memory 504 has an output buffer function.

  In the facsimile transmission / reception unit 501 configured as described above, when starting transmission of image data, the data control unit 506 instructs the memory control unit 505 to sequentially read out the image data accumulated from the image memory 504. . The read image data is restored to the original signal by the facsimile image processing unit 503, subjected to density conversion processing and scaling processing, and added to the data control unit 506.

  The image data added to the data control unit 506 is code-compressed by the image compression / decompression unit 507, modulated by the modem 508, and then sent to the destination via the network control device 509. Then, the image information for which transmission has been completed is deleted from the image memory 504.

  At the time of reception, the received image is temporarily stored in the image memory 504. If the received image can be recorded and output at that time, the received image is recorded and output when reception of one image is completed. Also, when a call is started during the copying operation and reception starts, the image memory 504 is accumulated in the image memory 504 until the usage rate of the image memory 504 reaches a predetermined value, for example, 80%, and the usage rate of the image memory 504 is increased to 80%. When it reaches, the writing operation (copy output operation) being executed at that time is forcibly interrupted, and the received image is read from the image memory 504 and recorded and output.

  At this time, the received image read from the image memory 504 is deleted from the image memory 504, the writing operation that was interrupted when the usage rate of the image memory 504 has decreased to a predetermined value, for example, 10%, is resumed, and the writing operation is resumed. When all the operations are completed, the remaining received images are recorded and output. In addition, various parameters for the writing operation at the time of interruption are internally saved so that the writing operation can be resumed after being interrupted, and the parameters are internally restored at the time of resumption.

(Configuration of operation unit of image processing apparatus)
Next, the configuration of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram functionally illustrating the configuration of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the block diagram of FIG. 6, the operation unit of the image processing apparatus 100 includes a selection unit 600 and a display unit 610. Further, the selection unit 600 includes a first selection unit 601 and a second selection unit 602. The display unit 610 includes a first display unit 611, a second display unit 612, a third display unit 613, and a fourth display unit 614.

  The input unit 603 includes a plurality of input units (input unit A, input unit B...) That input image data and have different functions. Similarly, the output unit 604 includes a plurality of output units (output unit A, output unit B,...) That output image data and have different functions.

  The first selection unit 601 selects a desired input unit from the plurality of input units 603. And the 1st display part 611 controls the display screen (for example, display screen 701 shown in FIG. 7) mentioned later, and when the input part 603 is selected by the 1st selection part, the selected input part 603 is selected. Displays an input condition setting screen for setting input conditions for the image data. The contents of the input condition setting screen displayed on the first display unit 611 will be described later.

  In addition, the second selection unit 602 selects a desired output unit from the plurality of output units 604. Then, the second display unit 612 controls the display screen, and when the output unit 604 is selected by the second selection unit, the output condition setting that sets the output condition of the image data of the selected output unit 604 Display the screen. The contents of the output condition setting screen displayed on the second display unit 612 will also be described later.

  The third display unit 613 controls the display screen to display a key (for example, using a touch panel or the like) indicating each input unit 603 composed of characters, symbols, pictures, and the like. The first selection unit 601 may select the input unit 603 by pressing or touching a key displayed on the third display unit 613. The contents of the display screen displayed on the third display unit 613 will be described later.

  Similarly to the third display unit 613, the fourth display unit 614 controls the display screen to display a key indicating each output unit 604 composed of characters, symbols, pictures, and the like. Then, the second selection unit 602 may select the output unit 603 by pressing or touching a key displayed on the fourth display unit 614. The contents of the display screen displayed on the fourth display unit 614 will also be described later.

  The selection unit 600 and the display unit 610 are configured such that the CPU executes command processing according to commands described in a program recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and a flexible disk (not shown). Implement the functions of each part.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the appearance of the operation unit 700 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, the operation unit 700 includes a touch panel type display screen 701 that displays an operation state and a message at the center. The display screen 701 includes touch panel keys that can be key-input by touching the panel surface and a display LCD. The touch panel key detection circuit and the coordinate detection method can be realized by using a known technique, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  A setting key group 702 is arranged at a position on the left side of the display screen 701. Details of the setting key group 702 will be described later. Further, a numeric keypad / # key (enter key) 703 is arranged at a position on the right side of the display screen 701. On the right side, a start key 704 for instructing the start of processing and a clear / stop key 705 for canceling the input numerical value and for interrupting or canceling the processing are arranged.

  A reset / preheat key 706, an interrupt key 707, and a test copy key 708 are arranged below the ten key / # key 703 and below the interrupt key 707, respectively. The trial copy is for confirming the finish of the first partial copy when copying a plurality of copies. A program key 709 is arranged on the left side of the reset / preheat key 706. Furthermore, on the upper side of the setting key group 702, an initial setting / counter key 710 for changing an initial setting value and an operation condition in accordance with a use condition is arranged.

(Contents of display screen)
8 to 10 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of display contents displayed on the display screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of the basic display (initial screen or menu screen) of the display screen. This basic display can also be displayed by pressing a “menu” key 2801 of a setting key group 702 described later. In FIG. 8, 801 is an area for selecting an input format (input format selection area), and 802 is an area for selecting an output format (output format selection area).

  Further, the arrow 800 indicates that the flow of image data, that is, the image data is subjected to input processing at the input unit (input format) and then output processing at the output unit (output format). The input format and output format can be intuitively recognized, and an operator's erroneous operation can be effectively prevented.

  In the input format selection area 801, input formats that can be input as the input unit 603 are displayed. Specifically, a “document reading” key 811 for selecting the document reading apparatus (unit) 202 as an input format (input unit 603), and a “main body accumulated data” key 812 for selecting the data storage unit 206, Then, an “external storage data” key 813 for selecting the external storage device 207 is displayed. The operator can easily select a desired input format by pressing or touching an area where each key is displayed.

  Similarly, an output format that can be input as the output unit 604 is displayed in the output format selection area 802. Specifically, a “print” key 821 for selecting the image forming apparatus (unit) 203 as an output format (output unit 604) and a “send via telephone line” for selecting the facsimile control apparatus (unit) 204. A key 822, a “send via network” key 823 for selecting the network I / F 205, a “store data in main body” key 824 for selecting the data storage unit 206, and an external storage device 207 An “external data accumulation” key 825 is displayed.

  FIG. 9 shows a state in which the “original reading” key 811 is selected as the input format and the “print” key 821 is selected as the output format. In order to easily recognize the selected input format, the display form of the selected key may be changed. In FIG. 9, the display areas of the “original reading” key 811 and the “print” key 821 are displayed in reverse. However, if the display form is for use by the operator, the display area is displayed in reverse. Not exclusively. For example, in the case of a color display device, the display color may be changed, or the display may be blinked in order to be clearly recognized by the operator.

  When the selection of the input format and the output format is completed, an “execute” key 901 is displayed at the lower center of the display screen 701 as shown in FIG. The operator can change the selection of the input format and the output format before the “execute” key 901 is pressed (contacted). That is, the operator can easily change the key by pressing (contacting) the key to be changed. When changed, the display form of the changed key is changed (highlighted), and the display form of the key selected before the change is returned to the original state.

  By detecting that the “execute” key 901 has been pressed, the display screen is switched to change to the content shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the input condition setting area 1001 is displayed in the area where the input format selection area 801 is displayed, and the output condition setting area 1002 is displayed in the area where the output format selection area 802 and the “execute” key 901 are displayed. , Display each.

  The input condition setting area 1001 is for setting image data input conditions in the selected input format (input unit 603). Therefore, the displayed contents differ depending on the selected input format. The output condition setting area 1002 is used to set image data output conditions in the selected output format (input unit 604). Therefore, the displayed contents differ depending on the selected output format. An input condition setting area 1001 shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to the “original reading” key 811, and an output condition setting area 1002 corresponds to the “print” key 821.

  The input condition setting area 1001 includes a “document type” key 1011 for setting the document type, a “density adjustment” key 1012 for adjusting the reading density of the document, and a special document feed when necessary. A “special document feed” key 1013 for setting is displayed. By pressing (contacting) each key, another setting screen for further setting is displayed. These setting screens are not shown.

  A tag (“document reading”) 1010 displaying the selected input format is displayed below the input condition setting area 1001. Thereby, it is possible to easily recognize the input format that the operator is trying to set the input condition.

  The output condition setting area 1002 includes a tray selection key 1021 to 1023 for selecting a recording paper size, a “magnification” key 1024 for setting a magnification (enlargement / reduction) process, and a plurality of sheets. An “edit” key 1025 for setting editing when printing such as copying a document on a single sheet, a “double-sided” key 1026 for setting double-sided printing processing, and a printed record A “post processing” key 1027 for setting post processing such as paper punching or stapling is displayed.

  Similarly to the input condition setting area 1001, a tag (“print”) 1020 displaying the selected output format is displayed below the output condition setting area 1002. Thereby, it is possible to easily recognize the input format that the operator is trying to set the output condition.

  After the selection of the input format and the output format, the setting of the input condition, and the setting of the output condition as described above, after waiting for the start key 704 shown in FIG. Start image processing.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the contents of processing corresponding to the operation instructions shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 8 to 10, since the selected input format is “original reading”, the input reading unit 603 reads the original with the image reading device (unit) 202, and the processing control unit 201 processes the read image data. To do. Since the output format is “print”, the image data is printed by the image forming apparatus (unit) 203 as the output unit 604.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of another example of display content displayed on the display screen 701 of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the basic display shown in FIG. 8, when the “original reading” key 811 is selected as the input format and the “send via telephone line” key 822 is selected as the output format, the display screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. Here, the input condition setting area has the same contents as the input condition setting area 1001 shown in FIG.

  A tag (“document reading”) 1010 displaying the selected input format is displayed below the input condition setting area 1001. Thereby, it is possible to easily recognize the input format that the operator is trying to set the input condition.

  On the other hand, unlike the output condition setting area 1002 shown in FIG. 10, the output condition setting area 1201 has display contents for setting conditions for transmission via a telephone line. The main purpose of this is to set conditions necessary for facsimile transmission, such as setting of the other party. Specifically, it includes a destination input field 1202, a “destination” key 1203, an “extended transmission” key 1204, and a “transmission assistance” key 1205.

  Further, below the “destination” key 1203, the “extended transmission” key 1204, and the “transmission assist” key 1205, a display area for displaying contents for setting further conditions by pressing the keys 1203 to 1205. It is. In FIG. 12, since the “destination” key 1203 is selected, a content 1206 for setting a destination is displayed. It can be seen that the content (name) indicating the destination registered in advance is displayed as each key.

  The operator selects a desired destination (“Aoyama head office”, “Omori office”, “Toda office”, “Shin Yokohama office”, “Ginza office”, “Gotemba factory”) from the displayed contents. . As described above, since the area where each destination is displayed is a key, the selection method can be performed by pressing (contacting) the key. When a large number of destinations cannot be displayed, a next page key (not shown) is displayed, and another destination can be displayed on the next page by pressing (contacting) the key.

  When a destination is selected, the destination name or destination facsimile number is displayed in the destination input field 1202. Alternatively, the destination facsimile number may be entered directly into the destination input field 1202 using the numeric keypad 703 shown in FIG. This is effective when information about the destination is not registered in advance.

  The “extended transmission” key 1204 is used to set an extended function at the time of transmission such as time designation. The “transmission assistance” key 1205 is used to set an auxiliary function at the time of transmission such as automatic reduction.

  Further, a tag (“send via telephone line”) 1210 displaying the selected output format is displayed below the output condition setting area 1201. Thereby, the operator can easily recognize the output format for which the output condition is to be set.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of processing contents corresponding to the operation instructions shown in FIG. 12 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, since the input format selected in FIG. 12 is “document reading”, the input unit 603 reads the document by the image reading device (unit) 202, and the read image data is processed by the processing control unit. Processing is performed at 201. Since the output format is “send via telephone line”, the facsimile control apparatus (unit) 204 sends the image data by facsimile as the output unit 604.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of another example of display content displayed on the display screen 701 of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the basic display shown in FIG. 8, when the “original reading” key 811 is selected as the input format and the “send via network” key 823 is selected as the output format, the display screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. Here, the input condition setting area has the same contents as the input condition setting area 1001 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, the output condition setting area 1401 is different from the output condition setting area 1002 shown in FIG. 10 and the output condition setting area 1201 shown in FIG. 12, and display contents for setting conditions for transmission on the network. It has become. The main purpose of this is to set conditions necessary for network (Internet) transmission, such as setting of the mail address of the other party. Specifically, it includes a destination mail address input field 1402, a “destination” key 1403, a “sender” key 1404, and a “title” key 1405.

  The lower side of the “destination” key 1403, the “sender” key 1404, and the “title” key 1405 is a display area for displaying contents for setting further conditions by pressing the keys 1403 to 1405. is there. In FIG. 14, since the “destination” key 1403 is selected, a content 1406 for setting a destination mail address is displayed. It can be seen that the content (name) indicating the destination (individual) registered in advance is displayed as each key. Each key corresponds to the address of the destination (individual).

  The operator selects a desired personal name (“Hashimoto”, “Ishida”, “Hoshimura”, “Yano”, “Takatsu”, “Morikawa”) from the displayed contents. As described above, since the area where the personal name is displayed is a key, the selection method can be performed by pressing (contacting) the key. When a large number of destinations cannot be displayed, a next page key (not shown) is displayed, and another destination can be displayed on the next page by pressing (contacting) the key.

  When the destination mail address is selected, the selected personal name or the destination mail address is displayed in the destination input field 1402. Alternatively, the personal e-mail address may be directly entered in the destination input field 1202 using the numeric keypad 703 shown in FIG. This is effective when information about the destination mail address is not registered in advance.

  Further, a tag (“transmit via network”) 1410 displaying the selected output format is displayed below the output condition setting area 1401. Thereby, the operator can easily recognize the output format for which the output condition is to be set.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of processing contents corresponding to the operation instruction illustrated in FIG. 14 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, since the input format selected in FIG. 14 is “original reading”, the input unit 603 reads the original by the image reading device (unit) 202, and the read image data is processed by the processing control unit. Processing is performed at 201. Since the output format is “send via network”, the output unit 604 transmits the image data to the network 120 via the network I / F 205. Image data is transmitted to a predetermined mail address via the network 120.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of another example of display content displayed on the display screen 701 of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the basic display shown in FIG. 8, when the “original reading” key 811 is selected as the input format and the “store data in main body” key 824 is selected as the output format, the display screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. Here, the input condition setting area has the same contents as the input condition setting area 1001 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, the output condition setting area 1601 is different from the output condition setting area 1002 shown in FIG. 10, the output condition setting area 1201 shown in FIG. 12, and the output condition setting area 1401 shown in FIG. The display contents are used to set conditions for storing (accumulating) data in the data storage unit 206. The main purpose of this is to set conditions necessary for storing image data. Specifically, a “magnification” key 1602, an “edit” key 1603, a “document name” key 1604, a “registrant” key 1605, and a “password” provided below the keys. Key 1606.

  The “scaling” key 1602 is used when scaling (enlarging or reducing) processing is performed when storing image data. The “edit” key 1603 is also used to perform editing necessary for storing image data. A “document name” key 1604, a “registrant” key 1605, and a “password” key 1606 are used to register information necessary for searching stored image data. Further, by setting a password by using a password setting screen (not shown) using the “password” key 1606, it is possible to prevent the contents of the stored image data from being viewed by anyone other than the registrant.

  Also, a tag (“data accumulation in main body”) 1610 displaying the selected output format is displayed below the output condition setting area 1601. Thereby, the operator can easily recognize the output format for which the output condition is to be set.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of processing contents corresponding to the operation instructions shown in FIG. 16 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 16, since the selected input format is “original reading”, the original is read by the image reading apparatus (unit) 202 as the input unit 603, and the read image data is processed by the processing control unit 201. Since the output format is “data storage in the main body”, the data storage unit 206 stores the image data in association with predetermined search data as the output unit 604.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of another example of display contents displayed on the display screen 701 of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the basic display shown in FIG. 8, when the “main body accumulated data” key 812 is selected as the input format and the “print” key 821 is selected as the output format, the display screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed.

  The input condition setting area 1801 is used to set search conditions when searching for desired image data to be subjected to image processing from the image data stored in the data storage unit 206. Specifically, the document name and the registrant name are specified for the image data. In the input condition setting area 1801, the stored image data displays “document name”, “registrant”, and “registration date” as file keys 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815,. To do.

  An operator specifies image data to be subjected to image processing by pressing (contacting) a file key corresponding to desired image data from among the displayed file keys. When the number of stored image data is large and cannot be displayed all at once, a next page key (not shown) is displayed, and by pressing (contacting) the key, another destination can be displayed on the next page. it can.

  Further, a tag (“main body accumulated data”) 1810 displaying the selected input format is displayed below the input condition setting area 1801. Thereby, it is possible to easily recognize the input format that the operator is trying to set the input condition.

  The output condition setting area has the same contents as the output condition setting area 1002 shown in FIG. After the selection of the input format and the output format, the setting of the input condition, and the setting of the output condition as described above, after waiting for the start key 704 shown in FIG. Start image processing.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of processing contents corresponding to the operation instructions shown in FIG. 18 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 18, since the selected input format is “main body accumulated data”, a document is read by the data storage unit 206 as the input unit 603, and the read image data is processed by the processing control unit 201. Since the output format is “print”, the image data is printed by the image forming apparatus (unit) 203 as the output unit 604.

(Processing procedure of image processing apparatus)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a series of processing procedures performed by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 20, first, it is determined whether or not an input format / output format has been selected (step S2001), waits for selection, and if selected (Yes in step S2001), then selects It is determined whether or not the input format / output format has been changed (step S2002).

  If there is a change in step S2002 (Yes in step S2002), the input format / output format is changed in accordance with the change instruction (step S2003), and the process returns to step S2002. On the other hand, if there is no change in Step S2002 (No in Step S2002), it is next determined whether or not the execution key 901 has been pressed (contacted) (Step S2003). If the execution key 901 is not pressed (contacted) (No at Step S2004), the process proceeds to Step S2002.

  On the other hand, when the execution key 901 is pressed (contacted) in step S2004 (Yes in step S2004), an input condition setting screen / output condition setting screen is displayed (step S2005). Here, it is determined whether or not the input condition / output condition has been set (step S2006). After being set, if it is set (Yes in step S2006), the process proceeds to step S2007.

  In step S2007, it is determined whether the input format is “main body accumulated data” or “external accumulated data”. Here, if the input format is not “main body accumulated data” or “external accumulated data” (No in step S2007), then whether or not the reading document is set at a predetermined position of the document reading device (unit) 202 is determined. Is determined (step S2008). If the original is set after waiting for the original to be set (Yes in step S2008), the set original is read (step S2009). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2012.

  On the other hand, when the input format is “main body stored data” or “external stored data” in step S2007 (Yes in step S2007), it is determined whether or not desired image data is selected from the stored image data. (Step S2010). Here, after the image data is selected, if the image data is selected (Yes at Step S2010), the selected image data is read (Step S2011), and then the process proceeds to Step S2012.

  In step S2012, image data input in each input format is processed as it is or without being subjected to predetermined processing, and then output processing is performed in the selected output format. As a result, the series of processes is completed.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating another procedure of a series of processes performed by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 21 shows a processing procedure when there is a facsimile reception or data reception from a network. In the flowchart of FIG. 21, it is first determined whether or not a facsimile is received (step S2101). (Step S2102). Thus, once the facsimile reception image is stored, the output format of the facsimile reception image can be selected thereafter. Therefore, it is possible to improve the utility value of the received facsimile image as compared with the case where it is simply output to the recording paper.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an output format has been selected (step S2103). If an output format has been selected (Yes in step S2103), step S2012 shown in FIG. 20 (or the second embodiment shown in FIG. 26) is selected. Step S2615).

  On the other hand, if there is no facsimile reception in step S2101 (No in step S2101), it is determined whether there is image data from the network 120 (step S2104). If there is no image data from the network 120 (No at step S2104), the process returns to step S2101 to enter a standby state for facsimile reception or data reception from the network. In this state, an input format / output format selection instruction shown in FIG. 20 can be issued.

  On the other hand, if there is image data from the network 120 in step S2104 (Yes in step S2104), it is determined whether an output format is selected (step S2105). If an output format is selected (Yes in step S2105). ) Receives the image data (step S2106), and proceeds to step S2012 shown in FIG. 20 (or step S2615 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 26).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operator can separately select the input format and the output format of the image data. Therefore, the desired image processing can be easily selected and executed for the image processing. be able to.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the input format and the output format are selected one by one. However, as in the second embodiment described below, a plurality of input formats and output formats are selected. You may make it select at a time. The system configuration of the image processing system including the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus, the configuration of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, and the appearance of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus are described in the first embodiment. Since this is the same, the description thereof is omitted.

(Contents of display screen)
22 to 24 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of display contents displayed on the display screen 701 of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a display screen similar to that of FIG. 9 of the first embodiment, but differs from FIG. 9 in that not only the “print” key 821 but also the “send via telephone line” key 822 is selected as the output format. This is the point. Accordingly, it can be seen that not only the “print” key 821 but also the “send via telephone line” key 822 are highlighted.

  In this state, it is detected that the “execute” key 901 has been pressed, and the display screen 701 is changed to the contents shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, the input condition setting area 1001 is displayed in the area where the input format selection area 801 is displayed, and the output condition setting area 1002 is displayed in the area where the output format selection area 802 and the “execute” key 901 are displayed. , Display each.

  However, in FIG. 23, the difference from the output condition area 1001 shown in FIG. 10 is that a tag (“transmission via telephone line”) 1210 is displayed at the same time. Then, when it is detected that the display area of the tag 1210 is pressed (contacted), an output condition setting area 1202 is displayed as shown in FIG. In addition, in the state shown in FIG. 24, it can be detected that the display area of the tag 1020 is pressed (contacted), and the state shown in FIG. 23 can be restored.

  In this way, the operator can easily change (switch) the display contents of the output condition setting area by pressing (contacting) the display area of the tags 1020 and 1210. The input condition setting area 1001 and the output condition setting areas 1002 and 1201 are the same as the contents described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of processing contents corresponding to the operation instructions shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 25, since the selected input format is “document reading”, the image reading device (unit) 202 reads the document as the input unit 603, and the read image data is processed by the processing control unit 201. Since the output format is “print”, the image data is printed by the image forming apparatus (unit) 203 as the output unit 604. Further, since the output format is “send via telephone line”, the facsimile control apparatus (unit) 204 also performs facsimile transmission of image data as the output unit 604.

  In the above example, only a plurality of output formats are selected, but a plurality of input formats may be selected. A plurality of input formats and output formats may be selected. Since there are a plurality, the number is not limited to two, and three or more may be selected.

(Processing procedure of image processing apparatus)
FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a series of processing procedures of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 26, first, it is determined whether or not an input format / output format has been selected (step S2601), waits for selection, and if selected (Yes in step S2601), then all It is determined whether or not selection of the input format / output format has been completed (step S2602). Specifically, the operator presses the “execute” key 901 when selection of all input formats and output formats is completed. By detecting the pressing, it is determined whether or not selection of all input formats / output formats has been completed.

  In step S2602, when all selections are not completed (No in step S2602), the process proceeds to step S2601. On the other hand, if all selections are completed in step S2602 (Yes in step S2602), it is determined whether or not the selected input format / output format has been changed (step S2603).

  If there is a change in step S2603 (Yes in step S2603), the input format / output format is changed in accordance with the change instruction (step S2604), and the process returns to step S2603. On the other hand, if there is no change in Step S2603 (No in Step S2603), it is next determined whether or not the execution key 901 has been pressed (contacted) (Step S2605). If the execution key 901 is not pressed (contacted) (No at step S2605), the process proceeds to step S2603.

  On the other hand, if the execution key 901 is pressed (contacted) in step S2605 (Yes in step S2605), an input condition setting screen / output condition setting screen is displayed (step S2606). Here, input conditions / output conditions are set, and it is determined whether or not all the settings are completed (step S2607). When all the settings are completed after waiting for the settings (Yes in step S2607). The process proceeds to step S2608.

  In step S2608, it is determined whether the input format is “main body accumulated data” or “external accumulated data”. If the input format is not “main body accumulated data” or “external accumulated data” (No in step S2608), whether or not the reading document is set at a predetermined position of the document reading device (unit) 202 is checked next. Is determined (step S2609). If the original is set after waiting for the original to be set (step S2609 affirmative), the set original is read (step S2610). Then, control goes to a step S2613.

  On the other hand, if the input format is “main body accumulated data” or “external accumulated data” in step S2608 (Yes in step S2608), it is determined whether or not desired image data has been selected from the accumulated image data. (Step S2611). Here, after the image data is selected, if the image data is selected (Yes at step S2611), the selected image data is read (step S2612), and then the process proceeds to step S2613.

  In step S2613, it is determined whether all input processes using the selected input format have been completed. Here, if all of them have not been completed (No at Step S2613), the process proceeds to Step S2608. The steps from step S2608 to step S2613 are repeated until all the steps are completed.

  In step S2613, when all the processes are completed (Yes in step S2613), the image data input in each input format is processed as it is or without performing a predetermined process, and then the output process is performed in the selected output format. Perform (step S2614). Then, it is determined whether or not all the output processes using the selected output format have been completed (step S2615).

  In step S2615, when all the processes have not been completed (No in step S2615), the process proceeds to step S2614. The steps S2614 and S2615 are repeated until all steps are completed. In step S2615, when all the output processes are completed (Yes in step S2615), the series of processes is thereby terminated.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to input a plurality of image data from different input units 603 and output the input data with a single operation. In addition, data input by the input unit 603 can be output by the plurality of output units 604, respectively, with a single operation.

[Embodiment 3]
In the first or second embodiment, the input format and the output format are selected by separate operations. However, as in the third embodiment described below, a plurality of input formats and outputs are selected. A combination of formats may be determined in advance, and an input format and an output format may be selected by a single operation by designating the combination. The system configuration of the image processing system including the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus, and the appearance of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus are the same as those in the first or second embodiment. Description is omitted.

(Configuration of operation unit of image processing apparatus)
FIG. 27 is a block diagram functionally illustrating the configuration of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. 27 differs from the configuration of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in that a combination information storage unit 2701 and a third selection unit 2702 are further added. Note that the same components as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The combination information storage unit 2701 stores information related to the combination of the input unit 603 selected by the first selection unit 601 and the output unit 604 selected by the second selection unit. The combination information storage unit 2701 realizes its function by a recording medium such as a RAM and a hard disk (not shown) and a read / write device that reads and writes the storage medium.

  The selection unit 600 further includes a third selection unit 2702, and the third selection unit 2702 selects a desired combination from the information regarding the combinations stored in the combination information storage unit 2701. At that time, the processing control unit 201 shown in FIG. 2 controls the input unit 603 and the output unit 604 selected by the third selection unit 2702, and the image data input by the input unit 603 is output by the output unit 604. Output. A specific selection method using the third selection unit 2702 will be described later.

(Contents of display screen)
FIGS. 28 to 30 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of display contents displayed on a part of the operation unit and the display screen 701 of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. 28 to 30, a setting key group 702 is provided on the left side of the display screen 701. The setting key group 702 includes a “menu” key 2801, a “copy” key 2802, a “facsimile” key 2803, a “scanner” key 2804, a “user setting 1” key 2805, a “user setting 2” key 2806, and a “printer”. ”Key 2807 is provided.

  Although not shown (described in FIG. 7), an LED is provided in the vicinity (for example, the left side) of each key 2801 to 2807, and the LED corresponding to the key is turned on when each key is selected. You may do it. As a result, the operator can easily know which key has been selected. Further, the same effect can be obtained if the LED is provided on the key top instead of being provided near the key.

  Furthermore, instead of using the LED, the configuration may be such that the operator can easily recognize that the key has been selected by changing the state of the key top by another method. Hereinafter, the same configuration can be used in FIGS. 29 and 30.

  These setting key groups 702 are provided separately from the display screen 701. As a result, it is possible to more easily and efficiently select the combination of the input format and the output format. Therefore, all or part of the setting key group 702 may be displayed on the display screen 701 in a touch panel manner.

  When it is detected that the “menu” key 2801 has been pressed, a basic screen similar to FIG. 8 is displayed on the display screen 701 as shown in FIG. When the “copy” key 2802 is pressed, the state shown in FIG. 29 is obtained. That is, in the “copy” key 2802, a “document reading” key 811 as an input format and a “print” key 821 as an output format are registered in advance, and the input format is determined according to the registered combination. -The output format is selected.

  Thereafter, the contents are the same as those described in the first or second embodiment. That is, in FIG. 29, it is detected that the “execute” key 901 has been pressed, and an input condition setting area 1001 and an output condition setting area 1002 are displayed on the display screen 701 as shown in FIG. If the “copy” key 2802 is pressed, the display screen shown in FIG. 30 may be displayed directly without displaying FIG.

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of processing contents corresponding to an operation instruction (copy function) of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 31, since the selected input format is “original reading”, an original is read by the image reading apparatus (unit) 202 as the input unit 603, and the read image data is processed by the processing control unit 201. Since the output format is “print”, the image data is printed by the image forming apparatus (unit) 203 as the output unit 604. Thereby, a copy function can be realized.

  Next, processing when the “facsimile” key 2803 is pressed will be described. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of processing contents corresponding to another operation instruction (facsimile function) of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In this case, since the selected input format is “original reading”, an original is read by the image reading apparatus (unit) 202 as the input unit 603, and the read image data is processed by the processing control unit 201.

  Since the output format is “send via telephone line”, the facsimile control apparatus (unit) 204 transmits the image data by facsimile as the output unit 604. Thereby, a facsimile function can be realized.

  Next, processing when the “scanner” key 2804 is pressed will be described. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of processing contents corresponding to another operation instruction (scanner function) of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In this case, since the selected input format is “original reading”, an original is read by the image reading apparatus (unit) 202 as the input unit 603, and the read image data is processed by the processing control unit 201.

  As the output format, either “data storage in the main body” or “data storage outside” can be selected, and correspondingly, image data is stored (accumulated) by the data storage unit 206 or the external storage device 107. ) Thereby, a scanner function can be realized.

  Next, processing when the “printer” key 2804 is pressed will be described. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of processing contents corresponding to an operation instruction (printer function) of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 34, as an input format, it is possible to select a case of receiving from the network and a case of receiving an input from “main body stored data” or “external stored data”. In step S <b> 603, image data is input from the network I / F 205, the data storage unit 206, and the external storage device 207.

  The input image data is processed by the processing control unit 201. Further, since the output format is “print”, the image data is printed by the image forming apparatus (unit) 203 as the output unit 604. Thereby, a printer function can be realized.

(Processing procedure of image processing apparatus)
Next, a procedure for registering a combination of input format and output format will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a series of processing steps of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 35, first, it is determined whether or not an input format / output format has been selected (step S3501), waits for selection, and if selected (Yes in step S3501), then all It is determined whether or not selection of the input format / output format has been completed (step S3502). Specifically, the operator presses the “execute” key 901 when selection of all input formats and output formats is completed. By detecting the pressing, it is determined whether or not selection of all input formats / output formats has been completed.

  If all the selections are not completed in step S3502 (No in step S3502), the process proceeds to step S3501. On the other hand, if all selections are completed in step S3502 (Yes in step S3502), it is determined whether or not the selected input format / output format has been changed (step S3503).

  If there is a change in step S3503 (Yes in step S3503), the input format / output format is changed in accordance with the change instruction (step S3504), and the process returns to step S3503. On the other hand, if there is no change in step S3503 (No in step S3503), whether or not a setting key (“user setting 1” 2805 or “user setting 2” 2806) is designated from the setting key group 702 is checked next. Is determined (step S3505). If the setting key is not designated (No at step S3505), the process proceeds to step S3503.

  On the other hand, if a setting key is designated in step S3505 (Yes in step S3505), it is next determined whether another combination has already been registered in the designated setting key (step S3506). Here, if not registered (No in step S3506), the process proceeds to step S3509.

  In step S3506, if already registered (step S3506 affirmative), a dialog not shown is displayed to notify the operator that registration has already been performed and to newly register information related to the already registered combination. It waits for an instruction whether information can be overwritten (step S3507). If overwriting is not OK (No at step S3507), the process proceeds to step S3505 and the setting key is designated again.

  In the case of overwriting OK in step S3507 (Yes in step S3507), the registered data is deleted (step S3508), and then a setting key registration process is performed (step S3509). Then, all the processes are finished. Further, when the setting key group 702 is a touch panel system, the name of the key can be registered and the name can be displayed.

  Next, combination selection processing by the third selection unit 2702 will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart of another procedure of a series of processes performed by the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 36, first, it is determined whether or not the setting key has been pressed (step S3601). Here, after the setting key is pressed, if it is pressed (Yes at step S3601), the combination information stored in correspondence with the pressed setting key is searched from the combination information storage unit 2701. (Step S3602).

  Next, based on the retrieved result, an input format is specified (step S3603), and an output format is specified (step S3604). Then, the specified input / output format is displayed as shown in FIG. 29 (step S3605). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2002 shown in FIG. 20 (or step S2603 shown in FIG. 26). When the condition input screen shown in FIG. 30 or the like is displayed directly when the setting key is pressed, the process may move from step S3604 to step S2005 or step S2606.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, since frequently used combinations can be stored and registered as setting keys, the input format and the output format can be selected by a single operation.

  As described above, the image transmission apparatus according to the present invention is an image transmission apparatus that transmits simultaneously to destinations of different transmission means based on the same image data, and a registration means that registers a combination of an arbitrary destination and transmission means It is characterized by having. The image transmission method according to the present invention is an image transmission method for simultaneously transmitting to different transmission means destinations based on the same image data, and includes a registration step of registering a combination of an arbitrary destination and transmission means. It is characterized by that.

  The image processing method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program can be distributed via the recording medium and a network such as the Internet.

100 Image processing apparatus 101 LAN
102 Personal computer (PC)
103 Scanner 104 Printer 105 Hard Disk (HD)
110 Telephone line 111 Fax machine 120 Network (Internet)
130 CD-R, DVD
201 Processing Control Unit 202 Document Reading Device (Unit)
203 Image forming apparatus (unit)
204 Facsimile control device (unit)
205 Network I / F
206 Data storage unit 207 External storage device 301 Reading unit 302 Sensor board unit 401 Video data control unit 402 Image forming unit (engine)
501 Facsimile transceiver unit 502 External I / F
503 Facsimile image processing unit 504 Image memory 505 Memory control unit 506 Data control unit 507 Image compression / decompression unit 508 Modem 509 Network control device 510 (Parallel) bus 600 Selection unit 601 First selection unit 602 Second selection unit 603 Input unit 604 Output Unit 610 Display unit 611 First display unit 612 Second display unit 613 Third display unit 614 Fourth display unit 700 Operation unit 701 Display screen 702 Setting key group 703 Numeric keypad / # key (Enter key)
704 Start key 801 Input format selection area 802 Output format selection area 901 “Execute” key 1001 Input condition setting area 1002, 1201, 1401, 1601 Output condition setting area 1010, 1020, 1210, 1410, 1610, 1810 Tab 2801 “Menu” Key 2802 “Copy” key 2803 “Facsimile” key 2804 “Scanner” key 2805 “User setting 1” key 2806 “User setting 2” key 2807 “Printer” key

Claims (3)

An image transmission apparatus that transmits simultaneously to destinations of different transmission means based on the same image data,
An image transmission apparatus comprising registration means for registering a combination of an arbitrary destination and transmission means. An image transmission method for simultaneously transmitting to different destinations based on the same image data,
An image transmission method comprising a registration step of registering a combination of an arbitrary destination and transmission means.   A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 2.

Images