JP2010171720A - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the generation of memory full and mitigate difficulties given to users due to a printing operation accompanied with the prevention, even in a multifunction apparatus with a comparatively small memory capacity. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a communication means to communicate with other apparatus; a reading means that reads images and input them as image data; a first memory means to store the image data input by the reading means; a printing means to print the image data stored by the first memory means; and a control means that, when the image data exceeding the storage capacity of the first memory means is input by the reading means before printing by the printing means, converts accumulated image data stored by the first memory means up to that time and read image data to be input by the reading means thereafter into forwardable forward image data. When the image data exceeds the storage capacity, the forward image data prepared by the control means is sent to an information processor by the communication means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints image data read by a reading unit using a printing unit, and in particular, in the image forming apparatus, the reading apparatus, or software control that operates these apparatuses, a memory overflows. The present invention relates to a technology and a program that enable appropriate recovery processing.

  In general, an image forming apparatus accumulates print data read from a scanner or the like in a memory, and sequentially prints the accumulated data. The print data that has been printed is discarded from the memory, and new print data is stored in the memory. The memory on the image forming apparatus has an upper limit. If the upper limit is exceeded (memory full), printing cannot be performed.

The printing methods that can generate memory full are listed below.
(1) Reverse order printing Prints in the reverse order to the order read by the scanner.
Reading order: 1 → 2 → 3
Printing order: 3 → 2 → 1
(2) Electronic sort The data read by the scanner is output in units of copies.
Reading order: 1 → 2 → 3
Printing order: 1 → 2 → 3 → 1 → 2 → 3 → ・ ・ ・

  For example, a method of interrupting at the generation stage is already known as processing when the memory is full, such as sort copy shown in (2), when all data is accumulated in the memory and collated. In Patent Document 1, as a method of avoiding the occurrence of memory full, if there is not enough memory capacity to store drawing data for all pages on the image forming apparatus side, the pages that can be stored in the memory are collated. A technique is disclosed in which printing is performed, and then the remaining data is accumulated in the memory and collated copying is performed again, that is, the drawing data is printed by dividing the data by the capacity that can be accumulated on the image forming apparatus side. ing.

  However, according to the conventional methods, printing is not performed at all when the memory full generation stage is interrupted. Therefore, the user cannot obtain a desired printed matter, and trouble has to be performed again. Further, when the printing is resumed, the same procedure naturally causes the memory full again, so that the user has to first divide the copy original into a number that can be stored in the memory.

  As a method of avoiding this problem, there is a method of printing drawing data divided for each capacity that can be stored on the print control apparatus side as disclosed in Patent Document 1, but in this method, finally, However, since it is necessary for the user to collate the divided and printed result again, another problem remains that the convenience of the user is not improved.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even in a multi-function peripheral having a relatively small memory capacity, the occurrence of memory full is avoided and the printing operation associated with the avoidance is applied to the user. The purpose is to reduce labor.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention stores a communication unit that communicates with another device, a reading unit that reads an image and inputs the image data, and stores image data input by the reading unit. First storage means, printing means for printing the image data stored in the first storage means, and image data is read by the reading means beyond the storage capacity of the first storage means before printing by the printing means. Control means for converting stored image data stored in the first storage means and read image data input by the reading means into transferable image data that can be transferred when input. And the transfer image data created by the control means is transferred to the information processing apparatus by the communication means when the storage capacity is exceeded. That.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention stores an image forming apparatus, a communication unit that communicates with another apparatus, a reading unit that reads an image and inputs the image data, and a memory that stores the image data input by the reading unit. Means, printing means for printing the image data stored in the storage means, and when image data is input by the reading means beyond the storage capacity of the storage means before printing by the printing means, until then Functioning as control means for converting the stored image data stored in the storage means and subsequently read image data input by the reading means into transferable transfer image data, and when the storage capacity is exceeded, A copy setting file describing the copy setting parameters together with the transfer image data is transferred to the information processing apparatus by the communication means. It said printing means, characterized by printing according to a print request of the transfer image data based on the copy setting parameters from the information processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, even in a multi-function peripheral having a relatively small memory capacity, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a memory full and reduce the user's trouble with respect to a printing operation associated with the avoidance.

1 is a configuration diagram of a network system for an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a software configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of a general copy operation | movement. It is a figure for demonstrating the problem at the time of memory full generation | occurrence | production. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the operation | movement process at the time of memory full generation in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart figure which showed the memory full determination process in the embodiment of the present invention. It is the flowchart figure which showed the ftp transfer process of the accumulation image data in the execution form of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the operation | movement process at the time of memory full generation in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic printing process of transfer image data according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic printing process in which copy parameters can be changed according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic printing process in which a transfer destination can be changed according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic printing process in which copy parameters and transfer destinations can be changed according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Next, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Network system configuration>
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a network system 10 on an office floor including an image forming apparatus. In the network system 10 shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 12, an information processing apparatus 14, a server 26, and the like are interconnected by a local area network (LAN) 28 such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The LAN 28 physically connects the image forming apparatus 12, the server 26, the information processing apparatus 14, and the like with the hub 16, and performs mutual communication using a medium access control (MAC) address and an IP address.

  The hub 16 is further connected to a router 18, and the router 18 connects the image forming apparatus 12, the information processing apparatus 14, and the server 26 to a wide area network 20 such as the Internet or a wide area network (WAN). . A POP (Post Office Protocol) server 22 is connected to the wide area network 20, and electronic mail using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) protocol is communicated with the image forming apparatus 12, the information processing apparatus 14, and the server 26. Transmission is possible. The wide area network 20 may be connected to a web server or the like other than that shown in FIG. The POP server 22 may be a mail server provided by an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or the like, and may be implemented as a dedicated mail server installed in the company.

  The image forming apparatus 12 provides complex functions such as facsimile, copying, printer, ARDF (Auto Reverse Document Feeder), direct command from the user or job request of the information processing apparatus 14, public telephone network 24. The facsimile data received from the printer is processed to form an image. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the embodiment of the image forming apparatus 12.

  The image forming apparatus 12 includes various functions for providing functions such as a printer, a copy, and a facsimile. The image forming apparatus 12 allows the ARDF 30 for reading a document and performing optical reading, and various settings for a user. And an operation panel 34 including an LCD panel. The ARDF 30 activates the motor 32 to send the document set on the platen to the scanner 36 for optically reading the document, and drives the irradiation optical system, drive motor, CCD, etc. to convert the document into digital data. .

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
The image forming apparatus 12 includes an MFP controller 38 and a printer engine 52 in charge of image formation. The MFP controller 38 includes a CPU (not shown) that operates an operating system (hereinafter referred to as an OS) such as a UNIX (registered trademark), LINUX (registered trademark), and Windows (registered trademark) 200X server. Further, the MFP controller 38 executes an application program written in a programming language such as C, C ++, JAVA (registered trademark), Perl, or a server program such as Apache or Servlet under the OS described above, and Some functions are also provided.

  Further, the MFP controller 38 includes a storage management unit 40, a communication processing unit 42, and an image conversion unit 44. The storage management unit 40 executes input / output management of an SDRAM (Synchronous DRM) 56. In addition to the SDRAM 56, a storage device such as a hard disk may be used. The communication processing unit 42 receives the ITU-T recommendation T.264 received from the fax modem 58 having a communication rate of about 56 Kbps or 126 Kbps. 6 is decoded using an encoding method such as run-length encoding, MR (Modified Read), or MMR (Modified MR), and digital data for facsimile transmission from the image forming apparatus 12. Code. The communication processing unit 42 also manages data transmission using an IP protocol suite and TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or UDP / IP (User Datagram Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The communication processing unit 42 receives a data transmission request from an application program included in the MFP controller 38, creates an IP packet or a frame, and transmits a network interface card (NIC (Network Internet Card)) 60 to an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN. The data is transmitted to and the incoming data is transmitted to the application program. Note that the communication processing unit 42 supports data connection protocols such as PPP (Point to Point Protocol) and PPPoE (PPP on Ethernet (registered trademark)) in order to execute the above-described processing.

  The image conversion unit 44 converts the data acquired by the image processing apparatus 12 into GIF (Graphic Interchange Format), BMP (Bit MAP), JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group), JPEG2000, TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), PNG (Portable). Network Graphic) or the like, and using the converted image data, PDL (Page Description Language) is created, and the created PDL is passed to the printer engine 52 to form an image. In addition, the MFP controller 38 includes a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 50 and manages setup data when the image forming apparatus 12 is started up, color conversion data used for image formation, and the like. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) control unit 48 is included and manages a bus connection with a USB host (not shown) and the printer engine 52 via a USB connector 62. Note that the USB control unit 48 may support the UWB protocol defined by IEEE 802.15 or the like. The image forming apparatus 12 has a PSU (Power Supply Unit) 54 mounted thereon, and the PSU 54 performs power management of the image forming apparatus 12.

  The printer engine 52 performs image formation using an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method, and in order to form an image by each image forming method, a photoconductor, a semiconductor laser, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device or an ink container, It includes an inkjet nozzle and the like. The printer engine 52 supports PJL (Printer Job Language) and can execute printing corresponding to a print request from the outside.

  A storage device 56 such as an SDRAM manages a plurality of data sets. Data sets related to the present embodiment managed by the storage device 56 are transmission source registration data (SUC_ADDR: Source_Address) 64, notification destination registration data (ACK_ADDR: Acknowledge_Address) 66, and MIB (Management Information Base) 68.

  The transmission source registration data 64 is data that is set by the user in advance and specifies whether or not to receive notification of received facsimile data. The transmission source registration data 64 is registered in a facsimile number format. The notification destination registration data 66 registers the notification destination address of the user. The notification destination registration data 66 can be registered in various formats. For example, an e-mail address, a MAC address, and an IP address (private address / subnet) for transmitting a notification message as an e-mail using the mailer 46 are used. -The local domain defined by the mask) or the terminal name can be used. When using a MAC address or an IP address as the notification destination registration data 66, it is preferable to mount a correspondence table between the terminal name or user identification value and the MAC address or IP address in order to save the user input. If the network infrastructure is not TCP / IP but NETBIOS (Network Basic Input-Output System) is used, the terminal name is used and the terminal name, IP address, MAC address, etc. are registered in correspondence. The look-up table or the like can be used as the notification destination registration data 66.

  The MIB 68 is a data set for registering network management information, which is configured by using the first MIB specified as RFC (Request for Comment) 1156 or the second MIB specified by RFC 1213, and forms an image to be managed. The state of the device is managed in association with an object identifier (OID: Object Identifier) and its status data.

  The information processing device 14 and the server 26 are information processing devices dedicated to servers, such as personal computers, workstations, blade servers, and thin servers. The information processing apparatus 14 transmits the processing result by the application software to the image forming apparatus 12 via the printer driver, and causes the image forming apparatus 12 to output the processing result. When the server 26 is provided as a printer server, the server 26 receives a print request from the information processing apparatus 14 and instructs a print job to an appropriate image forming apparatus 12.

  FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram of the MFP controller 38 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment. Portal software 381, document management 382, scan 383, fax 384, print 385, and SMU (System Management Unit) 390 are various applications necessary for the multifunction image forming apparatus.

  The portal software 381 sets and deletes application software for each function. The TWAIN driver 386 converts the image data input from the scan 383 into a format that can be used on the PC. The PC-FAX driver 387 converts the image data input / output from the fax 384 into a format that can be used on the PC. The RPCS driver 388 converts the image data into a format that can be output to a printer. The PCL driver 389 converts print data in the PCL (page description language) format into a format that can be output to a printer. The SMU 390 manages AIO device information and stores device information such as the data size of each driver and the RAM / ROM capacity information of FIG. MIB 391 means a device information database. The LSD 392 is an application for registering / changing device settings from a PC via a USB or the like.

<Overview of copy operation>
An operation example of the copy function is shown. Set the document on the flatbed or ARDF unit. Since the ARDF unit is provided with a document reversing mechanism (not shown), the document can be reversed and the back side of the document can be read, and automatic scanning of double-sided documents is supported. From the operation panel, select function settings such as recording paper size, recording paper type, paper feed tray, document type (photo, text), scanning resolution, density, enlargement / reduction, duplex document / duplex printing, consolidation, and sorting. Press the start key. Parameters set from the operation panel are subjected to calculation processing of setting conditions by the MFP controller (38 in FIG. 2), and sent to the scanner unit (36 in FIG. 2) as document reading conditions.

  In the scanner unit, the CCD sensor driving motor or the ARDF document transport motor is driven in accordance with the read reading conditions, and the image data is read from the document according to the copy setting by the CCD sensor. The read image data is sent from the scan unit to the MFP controller, and image processing is performed according to the copy settings set on the operation panel.

The following copy modes are examples.
(1) Normal copy The image data of one page of the original is scanned with the set copy parameters, and the image is laid out according to the center standard of the recording paper size to be printed without performing special processing of the image.
(2) Aggregated copy The image data for two pages is scanned with the set copy parameters, and the image is reduced and rotated so that it can be printed on one page of recording paper to be printed, and laid out in one page.
(3) Poster copy (only flatbed function)
Once the document is pre-scanned, the image size is detected. The detected image is divided into four areas, scanned with copy parameters set for each area, and each scanned image is enlarged and laid out over the entire recording paper size to be printed.
(4) Repeat copy (function only for flat bet)
Once the document is pre-scanned, the image size is detected. The number of detected images arranged vertically and horizontally in the recording paper size to be printed is calculated, the detected area image is scanned with the set copy parameters, and repeatedly arranged in the printing target recording paper size and laid out.
(5) Automatic scaling (function for flatbed only)
Once the document is pre-scanned, the image size is detected. The image of the detected area is scanned with the set copy parameters, the image size is enlarged / reduced so that the image just fits in the recording paper size to be printed, and laid out to the recording paper size to be printed.
(6) Mirror copy The image data of one page of the original is scanned with the set copy parameters, the scanned image is reversed (mirror image), and laid out with the center reference of the recording paper size to be printed.

The image laid out by the MFP controller in the above-described copy mode and created as image data in one page unit is sent as TIFF format data to the printer engine unit via USB communication in accordance with the USB 2.0 standard. Are stored in the image memory for printing.
The image data stored in the image memory is sequentially converted into print data for one scan of the print head of the printer engine unit, and is printed on recording paper by ejecting ink from the print head (in the case of an ink jet storage system). ).

Next, a basic operation for storing image data read in units of pages as described above, printing the data for convenience, and printing will be specifically described. First, in order to make the features of the present invention easy to understand, basic printing functions provided in a conventional image forming apparatus will be described with reference to reverse order printing and sort printing. FIG. 4A shows an example of reading images of pages 1 to 4, FIG. 4B shows an example of reverse order printing, and FIG. 4C shows an example of two sorts of printing.
(Reverse printing)
Printing is performed in the reverse order of the read page order.
(Sort printing)
Print the scanned image in copies.

  Problems of the basic operation performed in the conventional image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 5A, reading is performed from the first page, and the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus (memory full) occurs on the third page, so that all image data cannot be stored. Assume that the situation is reached. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when all the data to be printed cannot be saved in the memory, the copy itself is canceled and nothing can be output. Even in the sort printing in FIG. 5C, it is impossible to print all pages.

<First embodiment>
In order to deal with such a problem, in the present invention, as the first embodiment, when the memory is full, the memory accumulated image data is processed as the scanner read data, and the scan toftp function of the image processing apparatus is used. , Ftp is sent to the server.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when reading from the first page and memory full occurs on the third page, the copy processing from the third page is first interrupted and switched to scanner processing. . Next, the stored image up to the second page is compressed and converted into a file format (for example, JPEG) that can be sent by ftp. Next, the image data of the third page and thereafter are read, and compressed and stored as continuous data of the converted image file (accumulated image up to the second page). Then, after accumulating the image data whose file format has been converted, the image data is transmitted to a server whose address is designated in advance using the scan toftp function. Note that the scan toftp function is a general function in an image forming apparatus equipped with a scanner function and a NIC.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a memory full determination flow. First, in response to a copy start command from an input key on a predetermined operation panel, image reading is started (701). The image data read by the scanner is sequentially stored in the memory, and the capacity of the read image data is compared with the remaining memory on the printer (702). If the amount of image data is large, the memory is full and the process proceeds to (1). Conversely, when the image data capacity is small, the image data is transferred to the printer because the memory is not full (703). The printer stores the image data in the storage unit. If the reading object still remains, scanning is resumed (704). If no reading object remains, printing is executed and the process is terminated (705).

  Next, a processing example (the first embodiment) when the memory full occurs (when the process proceeds to (1) in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. After the memory full occurs, the image reading operation by the scanner is stopped (801). At this time, the image data remaining in the memory is retained. Next, the fact that the memory is full is displayed on the LCD on the operation panel (802). Then, the copy setting is switched to the scanner reading function (803). Subsequently, the image data stored in the memory is converted into a file format (JPEG, PDF, etc.) that can be transmitted by ftp (804). Next, document accumulation by the scanner is resumed, and the read data is accumulated in the memory as continuation data of the converted data (805). Next, after the document accumulation is completed, a copy data transfer address recorded in the apparatus is searched (806). Then, the stored data is ftp transmitted to the server designated as the copy data transfer address (807).

<Second embodiment>
Further, in the present invention, as a second embodiment corresponding to the above-described problem (problem in which nothing can be output at present), as shown in FIG. 9, it has been transferred to the server when the memory is full. Image data is reversely printed or sorted using a printer function from the server.

  The memory full determination flow is the same as that of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. As a second embodiment, a processing example when a memory full has occurred (when proceeding to (1) in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. After the memory full occurs, the image reading operation by the scanner is stopped (1001). The image data remaining in the memory is retained. Next, the fact that the memory is full is displayed on the LCD on the operation panel (1002). Subsequently, the copy setting is switched to the scanner reading function (1003). Then, the image data stored in the memory is converted into a file format (JPEG, PDF, etc.) that can be sent by ftp (1004). Next, document accumulation by the scanner is resumed, and the read data is accumulated in the memory as continuation data of the converted data (1005). Next, after the document accumulation is completed, a copy data transfer address recorded in the apparatus is searched (1006). Up to this point, the process is the same as in the first embodiment.

  After searching for the copy data transfer address, a copy setting file in which the copy setting parameters (reverse printing, sort printing, number of copies, resolution) are described in the TEXT format is created (1007). Then, the stored data and the copy setting file are ftp transmitted to the server designated as the copy data transfer address (1008). Then, the server that has received the transmission file analyzes the copy setting file using the application dedicated to the image forming apparatus, and sets the printer driver as a print parameter (1009). Note that the image forming apparatus application is an application that automatically prints image data transferred to the server during copying, for example, using the printer driver function of the image forming apparatus installed in the server. . Then, the application for the image forming apparatus in the server uses the printing function of the printer driver to transmit the image file transferred by ftp as print information to the image forming apparatus for printing (1010).

<Third embodiment>
Further, in the present invention, in addition to the second embodiment corresponding to the above-described problem (problem in which nothing can be output at present), in order to improve convenience for the user, the second embodiment is implemented as a third embodiment. During the implementation of the example, the copy parameters are displayed on the LCD of the image forming apparatus, allowing the copy parameters to be changed.

  The memory full determination flow is the same as that of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. As a second embodiment, a processing example in the case where memory full occurs (in the case of proceeding to (1) in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. Steps 1101 to 1106 in FIG. 11 are the same as steps 1001 to 1006 in FIG. That is, the process is the same as that in the second embodiment until the copy data transfer address is searched.

  In the third embodiment, after retrieving the copy data transfer address, the copy parameter is displayed again on the LCD of the image forming apparatus (1107). This prompts the user to determine whether the displayed copy parameter setting value is correct (1108). If it is correct (1108, NO), an OK button (copy printing start button) is pressed (1110). On the other hand, if it is not correct (YES in 1108), the copy parameter setting value is corrected by panel input (1109), and then the OK button (copy print start button) is pressed (1110).

  Steps 1111 to 1114 after the OK button (copy printing start button) is pressed are the same as steps 1007 to 1010 in the second embodiment.

<Fourth embodiment>
Further, in the present invention, in addition to the second embodiment corresponding to the above-described problem (problem in which nothing can be output at present), in order to improve the convenience of the user, the second embodiment is implemented as the fourth embodiment. During the implementation of the example, the address of the server to which the image is transmitted is displayed on the LCD of the image forming apparatus, and the server to which this image is transmitted can be changed.

  The memory full determination flow is the same as that of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. As a second embodiment, a processing example when a memory full has occurred (when proceeding to (1) in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. Steps 1201 to 1206 in FIG. 12 are the same as steps 1001 to 1006 in FIG. That is, the process is the same as that in the second embodiment until the copy data transfer address is searched.

  In the fourth embodiment, after retrieving the copy data transfer address, the copy data transfer address is displayed again on the LCD of the image forming apparatus (1207). This prompts the user to determine whether or not to change the displayed copy data transfer address (1208). When no change is made (1208, NO), an OK button (copy printing start button) is pressed (1210). On the other hand, when the change is to be made (1208, YES), after the copy transfer address is changed by the panel input (1209), the OK button (copy print start button) is pressed (1210).

  Steps 1211 to 1214 after the OK button (copy printing start button) is pressed are the same as steps 1007 to 1010 in the second embodiment.

<Fifth embodiment>
Further, in the present invention, in addition to the second embodiment corresponding to the above-described problem (problem in which nothing can be output at present), in order to improve the convenience of the user, the second embodiment is implemented as the fifth embodiment. During execution of the example, the address of the server to which the image is transmitted and the set value of the copy parameter are displayed on the LCD of the image forming apparatus, and the change of the server to be transmitted and the set value of the copy parameter can be changed. Enables storage of image data on the server.

  The memory full determination flow is the same as that of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. As a second embodiment, a processing example in the case where memory full has occurred (when proceeding to (1) in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. Steps 1301 to 1306 in FIG. 13 are the same as steps 1001 to 1006 in FIG. That is, the process is the same as that in the second embodiment until the copy data transfer address is searched.

  In the fifth embodiment, after searching for the copy data transfer address, the copy data transfer address is displayed again on the LCD of the image forming apparatus (1307). This prompts the user to determine whether or not to change the displayed copy data transfer address (1308). If no change is made (1308, NO), an OK button (next step start button) is pressed (1310). On the other hand, when the change is made (1308, YES), after the copy transfer address is changed by the panel input (1309), the OK button (next step start button) is pressed (1310).

  After the OK button (next step start button) is pressed, the copy parameters are displayed again on the LCD of the image forming apparatus (1311). This prompts the user to determine whether the displayed copy parameter setting value is correct (1312). If it is correct (NO in 1312), the OK button (copy printing start button) is pressed (1314). On the other hand, if it is not correct (1312, YES), the copy parameter setting value is corrected by the panel input (1313), and then the OK button (copy printing start button) is pressed (1314).

  Steps 1315 to 1318 after the OK button (copy printing start button) is pressed are the same as steps 1007 to 1010 in the second embodiment.

  After the image is printed in step 1318, the folder for storing the copy image on the server is searched (1319). The image file is saved in the searched folder (1320). The user can arbitrarily set the number and name of the folder for storing images, and the copy image file can be stored in the folder set by the user.

  In the fifth embodiment, as described above, even if copy parameter change selection is performed after copy data transfer address change selection, copy data transfer address change selection is performed after copy parameter change selection. It may be called. Alternatively, the copy data transfer address change selection and the copy parameter change selection may be performed simultaneously.

<Sixth embodiment>
Further, in the present invention, in addition to the fifth embodiment corresponding to the above-described problem (problem in which nothing can be output at present), in order to improve the convenience of the user, During execution of the example, a folder for storing images can be set by the panel of the image forming apparatus.

  Specifically, after the copy setting file is created in the fifth embodiment (1315 in FIG. 13), the sender information is information that identifies the sender in the sender information stored in the image forming apparatus in advance. The sender's name, nickname, and the like are displayed on the panel of the image forming apparatus to prompt selection of sender information. Then, the selected sender information is added to the copy setting file. Thereafter, steps 1316 to 1318 of the fifth embodiment are performed. The sender information includes information on the image storage folder set by the sender in addition to the name of the sender and the like, and the image storage folder set by the sender during the execution of step 1319. Search for. Thereafter, the image data is stored in the image storage folder set by the sender during the execution of step 1320.

<Seventh embodiment>
Further, in the present invention, in addition to the fifth embodiment corresponding to the above problem (the problem that nothing can be output at present), in order to improve user convenience, the fifth embodiment is implemented as a seventh embodiment. During implementation of the example, it is possible to set a folder for storing images based on personal information read from an IC card.

  Specifically, a known IC card system is incorporated in the image forming apparatus, a copy setting file is created in the fifth embodiment (1315 in FIG. 13), and then the user's IC that performs copying in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus reads the personal information on the card. Then, based on the read personal information, sender information stored in advance in the image forming apparatus is selected. Then, the selected sender information is added to the copy setting file. Thereafter, steps 1316 to 1318 of the fifth embodiment are performed. The sender information includes information on the image storage folder set by the sender in addition to the name of the sender and the like, and the image storage folder set by the sender during the execution of step 1319. Search for. Thereafter, during the execution of step 1320, the image data is stored in the image storage folder set by the sender.

<Eighth embodiment>
Further, in the present invention, in addition to the fifth embodiment corresponding to the above-described problem (problem in which nothing can be output at present), in order to improve user convenience, the fifth embodiment is implemented as an eighth embodiment. During implementation of the example, based on the personal information read from the IC card or the sender information selected by the panel operation of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to select whether or not to save the image after the copy is completed, and save When the image data is stored, it is possible to set a folder for storing images according to the personal information or the sender information.

Specifically, a known IC card system is incorporated in the image forming apparatus, a copy setting file is created in the fifth embodiment (1315 in FIG. 13), and then the user's IC that performs copying in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus reads the personal information on the card. Then, based on the read personal information, it is selected whether to save the copied image after printing. Alternatively, it is selected whether or not to save the copied image after printing is completed by an image panel operation.
This selection of whether to save is added to the copy setting file. Next, the sender information stored in advance in the image forming apparatus is selected by the personal information read from the IC card or the panel operation of the image forming apparatus. Then, the selected sender information is added to the copy setting file. Thereafter, steps 1316 to 1318 of the fifth embodiment are performed. Thereafter, if it is selected that the image is not to be stored in the above selection regarding image storage, steps 1319 and 1320 are not performed, and the image data is deleted and the process is terminated. If saving is selected, an image saving folder included in the sender information is searched during the execution of step 1319. Thereafter, during the execution of step 1320, the image data is stored in the image storage folder set by the sender.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as a first example in a case where memory full occurs before printing and printing itself is canceled and nothing can be output, the memory accumulation data and the subsequent scan data are used as an image. The file is transferred to the server via ftp. With this configuration, scan data can be stored without interruption, and according to the present embodiment, it is possible to solve the memory full problem and reduce the trouble of dividing a plurality of originals and accumulating scan data. It becomes possible.

  Also, in this embodiment, as a second embodiment in the case where memory full occurs before printing and printing itself is canceled and nothing can be output, the image file transferred to the server by the ftp transfer is automatically sent to the image forming apparatus. It is sent as print data. With this configuration, the target printed matter can be obtained without being limited by the memory size of the printing apparatus, and a copy output can be automatically obtained. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the memory full is solved, and It is possible to output a printed material that has been automatically collated and sorted (equivalent to a large copier) from the stored original.

  Further, in this embodiment, as a third embodiment in the case where memory full occurs before printing and printing itself is canceled and nothing can be output, when printing image data transferred to the server by ftp is executed. The copy setting parameters are displayed on the LCD display of the image output apparatus, and the input value can be changed. With this configuration, input errors in copy parameters are prevented, and according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce unnecessary copy output by failing to copy.

Further, in the present embodiment, as a fourth embodiment in the case where memory full occurs before printing and printing itself is canceled and nothing can be output, the selection of the server that transmits the image is selected from the panel setting of the image forming apparatus. Like to do. By configuring in this way,
Since the transmission image data can be collectively managed by being transmitted to the server, user convenience is improved.
It becomes possible.

  Also, in this embodiment, as a fifth example in the case where a memory full occurs before printing and the printing itself is canceled and nothing can be output, a file transferred to the server by ftp transfer is stored in the server (eg, : Copy transfer image) folder is created and saved. With this configuration, the scanned copy image can be saved on the PC and re-outputted. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the same image is copied and output again, it is necessary to read the document again. Therefore, convenience for the user can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the image data transmitted in the fifth embodiment is stored in the server as a sixth embodiment in the case where memory full occurs before printing and printing itself is canceled and nothing can be output. In this case, the sender information is set from the panel setting of the image forming apparatus, and is added as information to the TEXT file (setting value file) transferred by ftp. With this configuration, when the ftp transfer to the server is performed, the sender information is added to identify the folder to be saved on the destination server. According to this embodiment, for each sender, By separating the storage folder, confidentiality of the transmission image data is improved, management of confidential information is facilitated, and user convenience can be improved.

  Further, in this embodiment, as a seventh example in the case where a memory full occurs before printing and the printing itself is canceled and nothing can be output, the sender information set in the fifth example is set as an IC card. Is automatically recognized. With this configuration, the sender can be automatically identified by the IC card, and the erroneous operation of specifying the storage destination of the image data can be prevented. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the operation is simplified and the erroneous operation is prevented. Therefore, convenience for the user can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the print control is executed on the image data transmitted in the fifth embodiment as an eighth embodiment in the case where memory full occurs before printing and the printing itself is canceled and nothing can be output. After that, information on whether or not to perform the saving process in the folder is set from the panel setting of the image forming apparatus, and is added as information to the TEXT file (setting value file) transferred by ftp. With this configuration, when the FTP transfer is performed to the server, the file processing information after the end of the copy printing is added, and the file processing after the printing can be automatically performed. By setting the storage / deletion of the file, the confidentiality of the reliable image data is improved, the confidential information can be easily managed, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment implements specific means using actual hardware. That is, a computer (CPU) reads out and executes a program from a predetermined recording medium, thereby performing processing such as the above-described memory full determination, scanner function switching, and ftp transfer of stored image data.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The above program is a file in an installable or executable format, and is a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, nonvolatile memory. It may be configured to be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a card. Further, the program may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium or loaded and executed through the communication circuit realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. And the storage medium which memorize | stored the program code comprises this invention.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. is there.

  When the storage capacity is exceeded, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention ftp-transfers a copy setting file describing a copy setting parameter together with the transfer image data to the information processing apparatus by the communication unit, and the printing unit The printing may be performed in response to a print request for the transfer image data based on the copy setting parameter from the information processing apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes an operation input unit that receives an operation content input from a user and displays the operation content and the device status, and the copy setting parameter can be changed by the operation input unit. It may be made to be.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes an operation input unit that receives an operation content input from a user and displays the operation content and the device state. The operation input unit allows the transfer image data and the copy to be displayed. It may be possible to select the information processing apparatus to which the setting file is ftp transferred by the communication means.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the operation input unit can select the information processing apparatus for transferring the transfer image data and the copy setting file by ftp transfer by the communication unit, and printing by the printing unit. After completion, the transfer image data may be stored in a data storage area on the information processing apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a second storage unit that stores user information, the user information is selected by the operation input unit, and the copy is performed by the operation input unit according to the user information. It is possible to change setting parameters, select the information processing apparatus to transfer the stored image data, the read image data, and the copy setting file by ftp, and select the data storage area on the information processing apparatus. You may do it.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an IC card reading unit that reads personal information held in the IC card, and any of the personal information read from the IC card by the IC card reading unit and the operation input unit. The user information may be selected by either of them.

  Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention selects, based on the user information, whether to save the transfer image data in the data storage area on the information processing apparatus after the printing by the printing unit is completed, and the transfer When storing the image data, the data storage area on the information processing apparatus for storing the transfer image data may be selected.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Network system 12 Image forming apparatus 14 Information processing apparatus 16 Hub 18 Router 20 Wide area network 22 POP server 24 Public telephone network 26 Server 28 Local area network 30 ARDF
34 Operation panel 36 Scanner
38 MFP Controller
40 Storage Management Unit 42 Communication Processing Unit 44 Image Conversion Unit 46 Mailer 48 USB Control Unit 52 Printer Engine
54 PSU
56 SDRAM
58 FAX MODEM
60 Network interface card (NIC)
62 USB connector

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-170631

Claims (9)

Communication means for communicating with other devices;
Reading means for reading an image and inputting it as image data;
First storage means for storing image data input by the reading means;
Printing means for printing the image data stored in the first storage means;
When image data is input by the reading unit exceeding the storage capacity of the first storage unit before printing by the printing unit, the accumulated image data stored by the first storage unit until then and the Control means for converting read image data inputted by the reading means into transferable image data that can be transferred,
An image forming apparatus, wherein when the storage capacity is exceeded, the transfer image data created by the control means is transferred to an information processing apparatus by the communication means. When the storage capacity is exceeded, the transfer setting data including the transfer image data and the copy setting file describing the copy setting parameters are ftp transferred to the information processing apparatus by the communication means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit performs printing in response to a print request for the transfer image data based on the copy setting parameter from the information processing apparatus. In addition to receiving input of the operation content from the user, the operation input means for displaying the operation content and the device state,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the copy setting parameter can be changed by the operation input unit. In addition to receiving input of the operation content from the user, the operation input means for displaying the operation content and the device state,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation input unit can select the information processing apparatus that ftp-transfers the transfer image data and the copy setting file by the communication unit. The operation input means can select the information processing apparatus to ftp transfer the transfer image data and the copy setting file by the communication means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein after the printing by the printing unit is finished, the transfer image data is stored in a data storage area on the information processing apparatus. Second storage means for storing user information;
The user information is selected by the operation input means,
According to the user information,
Change of the copy setting parameter by the operation input means;
Selection of the information processing apparatus to ftp-transfer the stored image data, the read image data, and the copy setting file;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the data storage area on the information processing apparatus can be selected. IC card reading means for reading personal information held in the IC card,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the user information is selected by one of personal information read from the IC card by the IC card reading unit and the operation input unit. According to the user information,
Selecting whether to save the transfer image data in the data storage area on the information processing apparatus after printing by the printing unit;
When storing the transfer image data, selecting the data storage area on the information processing apparatus to store the transfer image data;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The image forming apparatus
Communication means for communicating with other devices;
Reading means for reading an image and inputting it as image data;
Storage means for storing image data input by the reading means;
Printing means for printing the image data stored by the storage means;
When image data is input by the reading unit exceeding the storage capacity of the storage unit before printing by the printing unit, the stored image data stored by the storage unit up to that point and then input by the reading unit Function as a control means for converting the read image data to be transferred transferable image data,
When the storage capacity is exceeded, together with the transfer image data, a copy setting file describing a copy setting parameter is transferred to the information processing apparatus by the communication means,
The program according to claim 1, wherein the printing means performs printing in response to a print request for the transfer image data based on the copy setting parameter from the information processing apparatus.

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