JP3202477B2 - Information processing method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing method and apparatus for inputting page description language (PDL) data from a computer device and developing it into image (bitmap image) data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus which develops PDL data into a bitmap image, has a plurality of external interfaces (I / F), and performs image formation while switching these interfaces. In such an apparatus, when a reset operation is performed from the operation panel in response to the image development operation, all the received data is deleted.

[0003]

In the above conventional example, since all data received from a plurality of I / Fs are erased by a reset operation, there are the following drawbacks.

[0004] PDL code development is performed continuously for input from one I / F. At this time, other I /
If there is an input from F, the expansion processing for the data remains waiting. In this state, if an error occurs in the expansion operation and all the received data is erased by performing the reset operation, the data received by the other I / F that has been waiting is also erased, This was extremely inconvenient for the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example. By erasing data by a reset operation only for data that is currently being developed, it is possible to properly execute data input from a plurality of interface units at the same time. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing method and apparatus capable of performing a reset operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method and apparatus capable of performing a reset operation without erasing other data by setting data to be subjected to the reset operation to data currently being processed. Is to do.

A further object of the present invention is to affect data received via another interface even when a reset operation due to an error or the like is performed while data is being input via a plurality of interfaces. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing method and apparatus which eliminates the problem.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing method according to the present invention comprises the following steps. That is, a step of storing the page description language data input from each of the plurality of connection units, each of which is connected to and communicating with the computer device, in association with the connection unit, and a process for managing the stored data. A step of creating and storing management information; a step of expanding stored page description language data into image data; Invalidating the data from the connection means to which the page description language data has been input.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a plurality of connection units each of which is connected to a computer device to perform communication, and a first storage unit that stores page description language data input from each of the plurality of connection units in association with the connection unit. Second storage means for storing management information for managing the data stored in the first storage means, expansion means for expanding the page description language data into image data, During deployment,
When a reset instruction is input, referring to the management information,
Invalidating means for invalidating data from the connection means to which page description language data to be developed by the developing means is inputted.

[0010]

With the above arrangement, the page description language data input from each of the plurality of connection means, each of which is connected to and communicated with the computer device, is stored in association with the connection means, and the stored data is stored. Create and store management information for management. When the stored page description language data is expanded into image data, when a reset instruction is input, the management unit refers to the management information and invalidates data from the connection unit that has input the page description language data to be expanded. To work.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming system of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a reader unit which reads an original image, converts it into an image signal, and outputs it. Reference numeral 2 denotes a printer unit having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes and outputting image data as visible images on recording paper in accordance with a print command. An external device 3 is electrically connected to the reader unit 1,
It has various functions. The external device 3 includes, as circuits for executing various functions, a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, an external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5, and a computer interface unit for controlling an interface with the computer 12. 7, a formatter unit 8 for converting information from the computer 12 into a visible image, and accumulating information from the reader unit 1;
2, an image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing information sent from the unit 2, and a core unit 10 for controlling the above functions.
It has. 11 is a hard disk, 12 is a workstation (WS), and a personal computer (P
A computer having a function as C), and 13 is a telephone line.

The function of each of the above units will be described below.

[Explanation of Reader Unit 1]
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, originals stacked on an original feeder 101 are sequentially placed on an original platen glass surface 102 one by one.
Conveyed up. When the document is transported, the scanner unit 10
The lamp of No. 3 is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the original placed on the glass surface 102 from below. The reflected light of the illuminated light from the original is passed through mirrors 105, 106 and 107 to the lens 10.
After passing through 8, the image is input to a CCD image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter, referred to as CCD).

Next, image processing in the reader 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The reflected light input to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here and is converted into an electric signal. CCD109
Each of the RGB color information from
At 10R, 110G, and 110B, the signal is amplified according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. A / D converter 1
The output signal from the LED 11 is input to the shading circuit 112, where the light distribution unevenness of the lamp 103 and the CCD 109
Is compensated for. Shading circuit 11
2 from the Y signal / color detection circuit 113 and the external I
/ F switching circuit 119.

The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 converts the signal from the shading circuit 112 into Y = 0.3R + 0.
The Y signal is obtained by the calculation of 6G + 0.1B. Furthermore, Y
The signal generation / color detection circuit 113 has a color detection circuit that separates each signal of R, G, and B into seven colors and outputs a signal for each color. An output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to a scaling / repeat circuit 114. Magnification in the sub-scanning direction is performed according to the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and magnification in the main scanning direction is further performed by a magnification circuit 114. Further, a plurality of identical images can be repeatedly output by the repeat circuit 114. The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 is a scaling / repeat circuit 11
The edge enhancement and the contour information are obtained by enhancing the high frequency components of the signal from No.4. A signal from the contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 is input to a marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and a patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117.

Marker area judgment / contour generation circuit 116
Reads a portion of the document written with a marker pen of a specified color to generate outline information of a marker, and the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 thickens this outline information. Perform masking and trimming. Further, patterning is performed by a color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to a laser driver circuit 118 and converts various processed signals into signals for driving a laser. The output signal of the laser driver 118 is input to the printer 2 and forms an image as a visible image.

Next, an external I / F for performing I / F with the external device 3
The / F switching circuit 119 will be described. External I / F
When outputting image information from the reader unit 1 to the external device 3, the switching circuit 119 transmits the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to the connector 1.
20. When the reader unit 1 inputs image information from the external device 3, the external I / F switching circuit 11
Reference numeral 9 outputs the image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

Each of the above-described image processing is performed in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 122, and the area signal generation circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the above-described image processing from values set by the CPU 122. CPU 122
The communication with the external device 3 is performed using the communication function built in the. The sub CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and performs communication with the external device 3 using a communication function built in the sub CPU 123.

[Explanation of Printer Unit 2] In FIG. 2, a signal output from a laser driver 118 is converted into an optical signal by an exposure control unit 201 and scans on a photosensitive member 202. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking unit 204 or 205 in synchronization with the formation of the latent image, and the developed image is transferred onto the recording paper in the transfer unit 206. After the transferred image is fixed on the transfer sheet by the fixing unit 207, the image is discharged from the sheet discharging unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper discharge unit 208 is discharged to each bin when the sorter function is working in the sorter 220, or to the uppermost bin of the sorter when the sorter function is not working.

[Explanation of the external device 3] The external device 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 by a cable, and the core unit 10 in the external device 3 is connected.
Control of signals and control of each function. The external device 3 includes a facsimile unit 4 for transmitting and receiving a facsimile, a file unit 5 for converting various types of document information into electric signals and storing them, a formatter unit 8 for expanding code information from the computer 12 into image information, and a computer 12. And an image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing information from a reader unit of the computer interface unit 7 and the reader unit of the computer interface unit 1 for temporarily storing information sent from the computer, and controlling the above functions. It has a core 10.

Hereinafter, the function of each section will be described in detail.

[Description of Core Unit 10] Next, the configuration of the core unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Connector 1 of core part 10
001 is connected to the connector 120 of the reader unit 1 via a cable. The connector 1001 includes signal lines for transmitting four types of signals.
Contains an 8-bit multilevel video signal. Signal line 10
Reference numeral 55 denotes a signal line for a control signal for controlling a video signal. The signal line 1051 transmits a signal for communicating with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1, and the signal line 1052 transmits a signal for communicating with the sub CPU 123 of the reader unit 1. The signals on the signal lines 1051 and 1052 are the communication IC1
002, the communication protocol is processed, and the CPU bus 1053
The communication information is transmitted to the CPU 1003 via the.

A signal line 1057 transmits a bidirectional video signal. The core unit 10 receives information from the reader unit 1 via the signal line 1057, and outputs information from the core unit 10 to the reader unit 1. It is possible to Signal line 1
Reference numeral 057 is connected to a buffer 1010, where signal lines 1058 and 105 for transmitting a unidirectional signal from a bidirectional signal.
70.

The signal line 1058 transmits an 8-bit multi-level video signal from the reader unit 1 and is input to an LUT (lookup table) 1011 at the next stage. LUT1011
Then, the image information from the reader unit 1 is converted into a desired value by referring to the table. An output signal line 1059 from the LUT 1011 is connected to the binarization circuit 1012 or the selector 1013.
Is input to The binarization circuit 1012 includes a signal line 1
A simple binarization function for binarizing a 059 multilevel signal at a fixed slice level, a binarization function using a variable slice level in which the slice level varies according to the value of a pixel around a target pixel, and an error diffusion method Has a binarizing function. The information binarized by the binarization circuit 1012 is converted into a multilevel signal of "00H" when "0" and "FFH" when "1", and is input to the selector 1013 of the next stage. Here, "H" represents a hexadecimal number.

The selector 1013 receives a signal from the LUT 1011 or an output signal of the binarization circuit 1012 and selects one of them. An output signal line 1060 from the selector 1013 is input to the selector 1014. The selector 1014 includes a fax unit 4, a file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7, a formatter unit 8,
Output video signals from the image memory unit 9 are respectively
Connectors 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1
The CPU 1003 selects one of the signal of the signal line 1064 input to the core unit 10 via the 009 and the signal of the output signal line 1060 of the selector 1013.

The signal selected by the selector 1014 is output to the signal line 1061 and input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016. Rotating circuit 1015
Represents the input image signal at +90 degrees, -90 degrees, +180
It has a function to rotate every time. This rotation circuit 1015
Means that the information output from the reader unit 1 is a binarization circuit 101
After being converted into a binary signal by 2, it is stored in the rotation circuit 1015. Next, in response to an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates and reads the stored information.

The selector 1016 selects one of the output signal of the rotation circuit 1015 and the input signal of the rotation circuit 1015, and outputs the selected signal to the signal line 1063. This signal line 1
Reference numeral 063 denotes a connector 1005 for the fax unit 4, a connector 1006 for the file unit 5, a connector 1007 for the computer interface unit, a connector 1008 for the formatter unit 8, a connector 1009 for the image memory unit 9, and a selector 1017. Is done. The signal line 1063 is a synchronous 8-bit one-way video bus for transferring image information from the core unit 10 to the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9. It is. The signal line 1064 is a synchronous 8-bit one-way video bus for transferring image information from the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9.

The video control circuit 10 controls the synchronous bus for these signal lines 1063 and 1064.
04, and these buses are controlled by an output signal line 1056 from the video control circuit 1004. The connectors 1005 to 1009 include the CPU 10
03 are connected to each other. The signal line 1054 is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus, and exchanges asynchronous data commands via the signal line 1054. Fax part 4, file part 5,
The transfer of information between the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, the image memory unit 9 and the core unit 10 is performed by the two signal lines 1063 and 1064 and the C
This is performed by the PU bus 1054.

The signal line 1064 from the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9 is connected to the selector 101.
4 and input to the selector 1017. Selector 10
Reference numeral 16 denotes a signal line 1064 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.
Is input to the rotation circuit 1015 at the next stage.

The selector 1017 selects one of the signal lines 1063 and 1064 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. Output signal line 10 of selector 1017
65 is a pattern matching 1018 and selector 101
9, 1021. Pattern matching 1
In step 018, the signal on the signal line 1065 is subjected to pattern matching with a predetermined pattern, and when the pattern matches, a predetermined multi-level signal is output to the signal line 1066. On the other hand, if they do not match in the pattern matching, the signal on the signal line 1065 is directly used as the signal line 1066.
Output to

The selector 1019 selects one of the signal lines 1065 and 1066 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. Output signal line 10 of selector 1019
67 is input to the LUT 1020 at the next stage. LUT1
020, when outputting image information to the printer unit 2, converts the signal on the signal line 1067 according to the characteristics of the printer unit. The selector 1021 is connected to the output signal line 1068 of the LUT 1020 and the signal line 1 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.
065 signal is selected.

The output signal of the selector 1021 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 at the next stage. The enlargement circuit 1022 includes a CP
In accordance with an instruction from U1003, the magnification can be set independently in the X and Y directions. This enlargement method is a first-order linear interpolation method. The output signal line 1070 of the enlargement circuit 1022 is input to the buffer 1010. The signal on the signal line 1070 input to the buffer 1010 is converted into a bidirectional signal line 1057 by an instruction from the CPU 1003.
Of the printer unit 2 via the connector 1001.
To be printed out.

The flow of signals in the core unit and each unit will be described below.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Fax Unit 4] Next, a case where information is output to the fax unit 4 will be described. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002, and issues a scan command for scanning and reading a document. The reader unit 1 scans and reads the document by the scanner unit 104 according to the scan command, and outputs the read image information to the connector 120. Reader unit 1 and external device 3
Are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 1001 is input to the buffer 1010 through a multi-valued 8-bit signal line 1057. The buffer circuit 1010 inputs the signal on the bidirectional signal line 1057 to the LUT 1011 via the signal line 1058 as a one-way signal in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003.

The LUT 1011 converts image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value using a look-up table. By this conversion, for example, processing such as skipping the background of the document can be performed. Output signal line 1 of LUT 1011
059 is input to the next-stage binarization circuit 1012. 2
The binarization circuit 1012 converts the signal on the 8-bit multi-level signal line 1059 into a binarized signal. The binarization circuit 1012 is
The signal is converted into two multi-valued signals such as "00H" when the coded signal is "0" and "FFH" when it is "1". The output signal of the binarization circuit 1012 is
013, the rotation circuit 1015 via the selector 1014
Alternatively, it is input to the selector 1016. Rotating circuit 1015
Is also input to the selector 1016,
The selector 1016 is connected to the signal line 1061 or the signal line 1062
Select one of The selection of this signal line is performed by the CPU 1
003 is determined by communicating with the fax unit 4 via the CPU bus 1054. The signal on the output signal line 1063 from the selector 1016 is sent to the fax unit 4 via the connector 1005.

Next, a case where information is received from the fax unit 4 will be described.

The image information from the fax unit 4 is transmitted to the connector 1
005 to the signal line 1064. Signal line 1
064 is input to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017. If the image at the time of fax reception is rotated and output to the printer unit 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates the signal on the signal line 1064 input to the selector 1014. Rotating circuit 101
5 are supplied to the selector 1016 and the selector 1016.
17 to a pattern matching 1018.

When the image at the time of fax reception is output as it is to the printer unit 2 according to the instruction of the CPU 1003, the signal of the signal line 1064 input to the selector 1017 is selected and input to the pattern matching circuit 1018. The pattern matching circuit 1018 has a function of smoothing the backlash of an image when a fax is received.
The signal subjected to pattern matching in this way is supplied to selector 1
019 to the LUT 1020. LUT1
020, the table of the LUT 1020 can be changed by the CPU 1003 in order to output a fax-received image to the printer unit 2 at a desired density. LUT10
The output signal of 20 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the selector 1021.

The expansion circuit 1022 has two values (00H,
FFH) is expanded by a linear interpolation method of the first order. The 8-bit multilevel signal output from the enlargement circuit 1022 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001. Reader unit 1
Inputs this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 119 via the connector 120. External I / F switching circuit 1
19 inputs the signal from the fax unit 4 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113
After the above-described processing is performed, the output signal is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on output paper.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of File Unit 5] Next, the case of outputting to the file unit 5 will be described.

The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002, and issues a document scanning instruction to the reader unit 1. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 1001 is
The signal is output to the one-way signal line 1058 by the buffer 1010. The multi-valued 8-bit signal on the signal line 1058 is L
The signal is converted by the UT 1011 into a desired signal. LU
The output signal of T1011 is supplied to the connector 1006 via the selector 1013, the selector 1014, and the selector 1016.
Is input to That is, without using the functions of the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1015, the data is transferred to the file unit 5 as 8-bit multivalued data. CPU bus 10 of CPU 1003
When filing the binarized signal by communication with the file unit 5 via the, the functions of the binarizing circuit 1012 and the rotating circuit 1015 are used. Since the binarization processing and the rotation processing are the same as those in the case of the above-described fax, the description will be omitted.

Next, a case where information from the file section 5 is received will be described.

The image information from the file section 5 is transmitted to the connector 1
06 as a signal on the signal line 1064 via the selector 10
14 or the selector 1017. Here, in the case of 8-bit multi-valued filing, the selector
For value filing, the selector 1014 or 1
017 can be entered. In the case of binary filing, the processing is the same as that for exchanging data with the fax unit described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of multi-level filing, a signal on the output signal line 1065 from the selector 1017 is input to the LUT 1020 via the selector 1019. LUT1
In step 020, the CPU is adjusted according to the desired print density.
A look-up table is created according to the instruction of 1003. The output signal from the LUT 1020 is supplied to the selector 102
1 to the enlargement circuit 1022. The 8-bit multi-level signal enlarged to a desired enlargement ratio by the enlargement circuit 1022 is supplied to the buffer 1010 and the connector 1
001 to the reader unit 1. The information of the file unit sent to the reader unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 in the same manner as the data exchange with the fax unit 4 described above.
An image is formed on an output sheet.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Computer Interface Unit 7] The computer interface unit 7 interfaces with a computer connected to the external device 3. The computer interface includes SCSI, RS232C, Centronics, and the like. The computer interface unit 7 has, for example, these three types of interfaces, and information from each interface is transmitted to the connector 1.
007 and the data bus 1054 to the CPU 1003. The CPU 1003 performs various controls based on the transmitted contents.

[Core unit 1 based on information of formatter unit 8]
Operation 0] The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 7 into image data. When the CPU 1003 determines that the data transmitted from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1054 is data relating to the formatter unit, the CPU 1003 transfers the data to the formatter unit via the connector 1008. The formatter unit 8 develops a visible image in a memory based on the transferred data.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter unit 8 and forming an image on an output sheet will be described.

The image information from the formatter unit 8 is transmitted to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1008 by two values (00
H, FFH). The signal on the signal line 1064 is supplied to the selector 1014
17 is input. The selectors 1014 and 1017 are controlled by an instruction from the CPU 103. The subsequent operation is the same as the operation of the facsimile unit 4 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information in Image Memory Unit 9] Next, a case where information is output to the image memory unit 9 will be described.

The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002, and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 scans the original with the scanner unit 104 according to this instruction,
The image information is output to the connector 120. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 1001 is converted into a multi-valued 8-bit signal on the signal line 1057 by the buffer 101.
0 to the LUT 1011. LUT1011
Output signals of the selectors 1013, 1014, and 1016
The image data is transferred to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 1009 as multi-valued image information. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9 in this manner is stored in the C
The data is sent to the CPU 1003 via the PU bus 1054.
The CPU 1003 transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. Computer interface unit 7
Are the three types of interfaces described above (SCSI, RS
232C, Centronics) using the desired interface.

Next, a case where information from the image memory unit 9 is received will be described.

First, the computer interface unit 7
Image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 10 via the. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 includes a computer
When it is determined that the data transmitted from the interface unit 7 via the CPU bus 1054 is data relating to the image memory unit 9, the data is transferred to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 1009. Next, the image memory unit 9
Are connected to a selector 1014 and a selector 1014 via a signal line 1064.
17 is transmitted. Selector 1014 or selector 10
The output signal from the CPU 17 is in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003.
Similarly to the above-described fax, an image is output to the printer 2 and an image is formed on output paper.

[Description of Fax Unit 4] Next, the fax unit 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The fax unit 4 is connected to the core unit 10 by a connector 400 and exchanges various signals. Core part 1
When binary information from 0 is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408, a signal from the connector 40 is input to the memory controller 404 via the signal line 453, and the memory A is controlled under the control of the memory controller 404.
405, memory B406, memory C407, memory D4
08 or two cascade-connected memories.

The memory controller 404 is a CPU
According to the instruction of 2, a mode for exchanging data with the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408 and the CPU bus 462, and a mode for exchanging data with the CODEC bus 463 of the CODEC 411 having an encoding / decoding function. , The memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408, and
3, a mode in which data is exchanged with the bus 454 from the memory 405, a mode in which binary video input data 454 is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408 under the control of the timing generation circuit 409, and a mode in which It has five functions of a mode in which the memory contents are read out from any one and output to the signal line 452.

Each of the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408 has a memory capacity of 2 Mbytes, and stores an image corresponding to A4 at a resolution of 400 dpi. The timing generation circuit 409 is connected to the connector 400 via a signal line 459, and receives control signals (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, VE) from the core unit 10.
N) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions.

The first function is to store the image signal from the core unit 10 in any one of the memories A405 to D408 or two memories, and the second function is to store the image signal from the memory A405 to the memory D408. Any one of D408
This is a function of transmitting the data to the readout signal line 452.

The dual port memory 410 is connected to the signal line 4
61, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 and the signal line 46
2, the CPU 412 of the fax unit 4 is connected. Each CPU has a dual port memory 410
Exchange commands via.

The SCSI controller 413 interfaces with the hard disk 11 connected to the fax unit 4 in FIG. Stores data at the time of fax transmission and fax reception. The CODEC 411 reads out image information stored in any of the memories A405 to D408, encodes the image information in a desired format of the MH, MR, and MMR, and then encodes it in any of the memories A405 to D408. Store as information.
Also, after the encoded information stored in the memories A405 to D408 is read out and decoded by a desired method of the MH, MR, and MMR systems, the decoded information, that is, the image is stored in one of the memories A405 to D408. Store as information.

MODEM (modem) 414 is a CODE
A function for modulating the encoded information from the hard disk 11 connected to the C 411 or the SCSI controller 413 for transmission on the telephone line; a function for demodulating the information sent from the NCU 415 to convert the information into encoded information;
The encoding information is transferred to the hard disk 11 connected to the DEC 411 or the SCSI controller 413. The NCU 415 is connected to a telephone line in a straight line, and exchanges information with an exchange installed at a telephone office or the like according to a predetermined procedure.

An embodiment of fax transmission will be described.

The binary image signal from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 400 and reaches the memory controller 404 through the signal line 453. The signal on the signal line 453 is stored in the memory A 405 by the memory controller 404. The timing stored in the memory A 405 is generated by the timing generation circuit 409 based on the timing signal of the signal line 459 from the reader unit 1. CPU 412
Connects the memory A 405 and the memory B 406 of the memory controller 404 to the bus line 463 of the CODEC 411. The CODEC 411 reads the image information from the memory A 405, encodes the image information by the MR method, and writes the encoded information to the memory B 406.

The image information of A4 size is stored in CODEC4
When 11 is encoded, the CPU 412 connects the memory B 406 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus 462. The CPU 412 stores the encoded information in the memory B4.
06 and sequentially transferred to the MODEM 414.
MODEM 414 modulates the coded information and modulates the NCU
To send fax information over the telephone line.

Next, an embodiment of fax reception will be described.

The information sent from the telephone line is NCU
The NCU 415 connects to a telephone line according to a predetermined procedure. Information from NCU 415 is MODEM4
14 and demodulated. The CPU 412 is a CPU bus 4
62, the information from the MODEM 414 is stored in the memory C4.
07. Thus, the information of one screen is stored in the memory C40.
7, the CPU 412 controls the memory controller 404 to connect the data line 457 of the memory C 407 to the line 463 of the CODEC 411. The CODEC 411 sequentially reads and decodes the encoded information in the memory C 407, decodes it, that is, expands it into image information, and stores it in the memory D 408.

The CPU 412 has a dual port memory 4
And communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 through the memory unit 10 through the core unit 10 via the memory unit D408.
To print out the image. When the setting is completed, the CPU 412 activates the timing generation circuit 409 and outputs a predetermined timing signal to the memory controller 404 via the signal line 460. The memory controller 404 reads image information from the memory D 408, transmits the image information to the signal line 452, and outputs the image information to the connector 400 in synchronization with a signal from the timing generation circuit 409. The description up to the output from the connector 400 to the printer unit 3 is omitted because it has been described in the core unit 10.

[Description of Computer Interface Unit 7] Next, the computer interface unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

The connectors 700 and 701 are S
Connector for CSI interface. The connector 702 is a connector for a Centronics interface. The connector 703 is an RS232C interface connector. The connector 707 is connected to the core 10
This is a connector for connecting to

Information input from the connector 700 or the connector 701 is transmitted to the SCSI I /
/ F704 or SCSI I / F708. SCSI I / F 704 or SCSI I / F
After performing a procedure according to the SCSI protocol, the data 708 is output to the connector 707 via the signal line 754. The connector 707 is connected to the CPU bus 1 of the core unit 10.
054, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10
Receives the information input to the SCSI I / F connector (connector 700, connector 701) from the CPU bus 1054. Data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is transferred to a SCSI connector (connector 700, connector 7).
01) is performed in the reverse procedure.

The Centronics interface is connected to the connector C 702, and is input to the Centronics I / F 705 via the signal line 752. The Centronics I / F 705 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and connects the connector E70 via the signal line 754.
7 is output. The connector 707 is a CPU of the core unit 10
The CPU 1 of the core unit 10 is connected to the bus 1054
003 is sent from the CPU bus 1054 to the Centronics I
The information input to the / F connector (connector 702) is received.

The RS232C interface is connected to the connector 703, and the received signal is transmitted through the signal line 753 to the R
It is input to S232C I / F 706. RS232C
The I / F 706 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and the connector 70 via the signal line 754.
7 is output. The connector 707 is a CPU of the core unit 10
The CPU 1 of the core unit 10 is connected to the bus 1054
003 is transmitted from the CPU bus 1054 to the RS232C · I
The information input to the / F connector (connector 703) is received. When outputting data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 to the RS232C / I / F connector (connector 703), the procedure is performed in the reverse order to the above.

[Description of Formatter Unit 8] Next, the formatter unit 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

The data from the computer interface unit 7 described above is determined by the core unit 10, and if the data is related to the formatter unit 8,
0 of the CPU 1003 is a connector 1008 of the core unit 10.
And transfers data from the computer to the dual port memory 803 via the connector 800 of the formatter unit 9. The CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8 receives the code data transmitted from the computer 12 via the dual port memory 803. The CPU 809 sequentially develops the code data into image data, and transfers the image data to the memory 806 or 807 via the memory controller 808.

The memory 806 and the memory 807 each store 1M
It has a memory capacity of one byte and one memory (memory 80
6 or memory 807) with A4 resolution at 300 dpi
Paper size. In the case of supporting up to A3 paper at a resolution of 300 dpi, the memory 806 and the memory 807 are cascaded to develop image data. The above memory control is performed by the memory controller 808 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 809.
In addition, when the rotation of characters or figures is required at the time of expanding the image data, the rotation is performed by the rotation circuit 804.
The data is transferred to the memory 806 or the memory 807.

Thus, the memory 806 or the memory 807
When the development of the image data is completed, the CPU 809 controls the memory controller 808 to connect the data bus line 858 of the memory 806 or the data bus line 859 of the memory 807 to the output line 855 of the memory controller 808. Next, the CPU 809 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 803, and sets a mode for outputting image information from the memory 806 or the memory 807.

The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10
CPU 12 of the reader unit 1 via the communication circuit 1002
2 is set to the print output mode by the CPU 122 using the communication function built in the CPU 2. CPU 100 of core unit 10
3 starts the timing generation circuit 802 via the connector 1008 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8.

The timing generation circuit 802 includes the core unit 10
A timing signal for reading image information from the memory 806 or the memory 807 is generated in the memory controller 808 according to the signal from the memory controller 808. Image information from the memory 806 or the memory 807 is input to the memory controller 808 via the signal line 858. Output image information from the memory controller 808 is transferred to the core unit 10 via the signal line 851 and the connector 800. The output from the core unit 10 to the printer unit 2 is omitted because it has been described in the core unit 10.

Next, the main part of this embodiment, the plural I
The reset operation processing when PDL code data is simultaneously received from / F will be described below. In addition,
In the following description, Centronics I / F 705 and RS2
It is assumed that PDL data from the host computer 12 is received via the 32C I / F 706.

The core unit CPU 1003 manages the reception buffer 2004 provided in the RAM 709 by dividing it into fixed-length blocks (FIG. 8A). Therefore, the block management table 2003 as shown in FIG.
F type storage unit 2001, management table 200 for each I / F
2 are provided on the same memory 709 to manage them. Active I / F type storage unit 20 shown in FIG.
01 stores which I / F is currently processing data received, and "0" indicates a state where there is no active interface, that is, an idle state. “1” indicates that the Centronics interface is active, and “2” indicates that the RS232C interface is active.

Each I / F (centro or RS23) is stored in the I / F management table 2002 shown in FIG.
2C) and the link information (head block number) to the head block is stored. Further, the reception buffer / block management table 2003 shown in FIG. 8D stores whether or not each block of the reception buffer 2004 is in use and, when in use, link information to the next block. . That is, for each block, "00" is stored if the block is unused, and "0FFH" is stored for the last block. If a subsequent block exists, the next block number is stored. ing. These data tables are created when print data is received via the interface.

Now, data sent from the computer 12 connected to the Centronics I / F 705 is received by the core CPU 1003 and received by the reception buffer 2.
004 is temporarily stored. Core unit CPU 1003
Notifies the number of data stored in the reception buffer 2004 to the CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8 via the dual port memory 803. At this time, the core C
The PU 1003 stores “1” indicating that data is being received from the Centronics interface in the active I / F type storage unit 2001 for identifying the I / F that is currently inputting the data under development processing. Is stored.
When its own PDL code buffer becomes empty, the formatter unit 8
Issues an L data transfer request. This enables the core CP
Upon receiving the transfer request from the formatter unit 8, the U 1003 sequentially transfers the data stored in the reception buffer 2004 to the formatter unit 8 via the dual port memory 803. The formatter unit 8 expands the received data into image data, and outputs the image data to the printer unit 2 when one page has been expanded.

The same processing is performed on the data sent from the computer connected to the RS232CI / F706, but the data is stored in the reception buffer 2004 separately from the data received from the Centronics I / F705. .

Next, the operation when data is simultaneously received from these two I / Fs will be described.

Now, it is assumed that data is sent from the computer 12 connected to the Centronics I / F 705, and that data input from the RS232CI / F 706 is detected during the processing. At this time, the core CPU
The 1003 refers to the active I / F type storage unit 2001 and recognizes that data input from the Centronics I / F 705 is currently being processed. This allows RS
Only the data input from the H.232CI / F 706 is stored in the reception buffer 2004, and the processing is not performed, and the data processing wait state is set. When the formatter unit 8 notifies the core unit CPU 1003 that the series of expansion processes has been completed and the core unit CPU 1003 has completed the expansion process,
Receives the expansion end notification from the formatter unit 8 and sets the contents of the active I / F type storage unit 2001 to (idle state “0”). After that, the core CPU 10
In step 03, the reception buffer 2004 is searched to determine whether there is data waiting to be processed. If there is data waiting to be processed, the processing is started. In this case, RS232CI /
Since the data input from F706 is in the processing waiting state, the same processing is performed hereinafter with the contents of the active I / F type storage unit 2001 set to (2 indicating RS232C).

Next, processing for a reset operation will be described.

When an error occurs during the data expansion processing in the formatter section 8, the formatter section 8 stops the expansion processing and automatically enters the offline state. Further, when the user wants to interrupt the expansion processing, the processing of the formatter unit 8 can be interrupted by executing an offline operation on the operation panel 124. When the user cancels the printing of the transferred data in such an offline suspended state, the user performs a reset operation from the operation unit 124. The reset instruction from the operation unit 125 is sent to the core unit CPU 1003, and is notified to the formatter unit 8 via the dual port memory 803. When receiving the reset instruction, the formatter unit 8 discards the image data and code data held at that time. Further, the formatter unit 8 issues an I / F reset request to the core unit CPU 1003 in order to erase data remaining in the reception buffer 2004.

Thus, the core unit CPU 1003 refers to the contents of the active I / F type storage unit 2001, traces the block management table 2003 from the head block number of the corresponding I / F management table 2002, and stores each block management information. ("00" indicating unused). And when the processing is completed up to the last block,
The total data reception amount of the I / F management table 2002 is set to “0”, and the content of the active I / F type storage unit 2001 is set to (idle “0”).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing this reset processing. This processing is executed by the CPU 1003, and a control program for executing this processing is executed by the CPU 1003.
3 is stored in the program memory.

As described above, the process shown in FIG. 9 is started by executing a reset operation from the operation unit 124 when the user cancels the printing of the transferred data in the offline suspension state. First, in step S1, a reset instruction is output to the formatter unit 8. Thus, the formatter unit 8 discards the image data and code data held at that time.
Further, the formatter unit 8 deletes data remaining in the reception buffer 2004 by using the core unit CPU 1003.
Issue an I / F reset request.

When this reset request is received, step S
From step 2, the process proceeds to step S3, and the interface active at that time is checked. This is performed by referring to the active interface storage unit 2001 shown in FIG. When the active interface is found, the process proceeds to step S4, all the block management information of the interface is set to unused (00), and further, in step S5, the total data amount and the head block number of the corresponding block are reset to "0". . As a result, the data corresponding to the interface that was active at that time has been reset. Then, the process proceeds to step S6, in which there is no active interface, that is, the content of the active / I / F type storage unit 2001 is set to idle (0).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, while receiving data from the Centronics I / F 705 and performing processing, the data is received from the RS232 CI / F 706, and the data is further transmitted from the Centronics I / F. Even if a reset operation is performed while receiving the data of the above, only the data received from the Centronics I / F 705 which was active at that time is deleted,
RS232CI / F70 for which data processing was awaited
6 is saved without being reset.

In this embodiment, Centronics and RS232C have been described as examples of I / F.
Also, the combination with other I / Fs can be easily realized according to the above embodiment.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. The present invention is also applicable to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a system or an apparatus with a program for implementing the present invention.

[0099]

As described above, according to the present invention, the reset operation can be performed without erasing other data by setting the data to be subjected to the reset operation to the data currently being processed.

According to the present invention, even if a reset operation is performed due to an error or the like while data is being input through a plurality of interfaces, data received via another interface is not affected. Therefore, operability is improved.

[0101]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a structural view for explaining an outline of a reader unit and a printer unit in the image forming system of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image processing unit of a reader unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit and a connection with each unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a fax unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer interface unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a formatter unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data structure managed by a core unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a reset process executed by a core unit according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 3 External device 4 Fax part 7 Computer interface part 8 Formatter part 10 Core part 12 Computer 124 Operation part 1003 CPU of a core part

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/12

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A description from a different input source in a page description language
Information processing that can input multiple print data and store
And a plurality of print data each described in a page description language.
Buffer means for storing each print data in an identifiable manner, and a plurality of print data stored in the buffer means .
Management means for managing each of the plurality of print data in accordance with management information ; developing means for analyzing each of the plurality of print data to develop the image data; and data being developed by the developing means in response to a reset instruction
When deletion is executed, the
Print data and image data, and
Referring to the corresponding print data in the buffer means,
And a reset control unit for invalidating the data. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management information includes at least an input source of print data currently being developed and a total data reception amount for each stored print data. . 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the buffer means stores a plurality of print data.
Divided into blocks and saved so that each block can be identified
And the management unit includes the print data included in the management information.
Data is used to identify the block in which the data is stored.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data is managed based on the print data . 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reset instruction is generated when the developing unit detects an error when the developing unit expands the image data. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit operated by an operator to input the reset instruction. 6. A description from a different input source in a page description language
Information processing that can input multiple print data and store
An information processing method in a processing device, comprising: a plurality of print data each described in a page description language.
Storing each of the plurality of print data in the buffer so as to be identifiable.
A management step of managing each of the plurality of print data according to management information, a development step of analyzing each of the plurality of print data and developing the image data, and a data being developed in the development step by a reset instruction.
When deletion of data is executed,
Discard the print data and image data and refer to the management information.
The corresponding print data in the buffer
An information processing method characterized in that it comprises a reset control step to effect a. 7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the management information includes at least an input source of the print data currently being developed and a total data reception amount for each stored print data. . 8. The buffer according to claim 1, wherein the buffer stores print data in a plurality of buffers.
It is divided into locks and stored so as to be identifiable for each block, and in the management step, the printing
Information to identify the block where data is stored
7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the print data is managed based on the print data . 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the reset instruction is transmitted to the developing step.
When developing to image data to be extracted,
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step is performed by issuing the command.
An information processing method according to claim 1. 10. The method according to claim 10 , wherein said reset is performed by an operator.
Further comprising a step of inputting a cut instruction.
The information processing method according to claim 6.