JP3210571B2 - Image input device and data processing method of image input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an image input apparatus having a plurality of interfaces for communicating with a plurality of external devices, and a data processing method of the image input apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a conventional image processing system, which is composed of an image input device (scanner), an information processing device (host computer), a printing device (printer) and the like. Corresponding.

FIG. 7A corresponds to a system in which a host computer is mainly used, and FIG.
Compatible with printer-based systems.

The image processing system configured as described above is configured to perform complex data processing by performing unique data processing and data processing in combination.

That is, in order to realize a multi-function image processing system, (1) a copy function,
(2) A print function and (3) a scanner input function can be realized.

[0006]

However, the image processing system shown in FIG. 7A has the following disadvantages.

That is, when the data read by the scanner SC is printed by the printer PR, the data must be passed through the host computer PC. It is necessary to run a program that receives the read data and transfers it to the printer PR. This is very troublesome for a purpose of easily making a copy of a manuscript.

A conventional scanner uses an SCSII / F or RS-232-CI as a connection I / F with an external device.
/ F. Although the SCSII / F has a high data transfer speed, it is not provided as a standard in a general personal computer. Therefore, it is necessary to add an expansion board for connecting to the scanner SC to the host computer PC.

Further, although the RS-232-CI / F is provided as a standard in a general personal computer, its data transfer speed is extremely low, so that the scanner SC is used.
There is a drawback that it takes time to read data from the memory.

Further, since the conventional scanner SC is assumed to be connected to the host computer PC on a one-to-one basis, it cannot be shared by a plurality of host computers or other devices. S
C is very inconvenient to use, and there is a problem on the interface that image processing as a system cannot be performed efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to seventh inventions according to the present invention is to provide a plurality of external devices interposed therebetween. By controlling various data transfer processes depending on the system configuration between external devices or between each external device,
An image input device and an image input device capable of easily and inexpensively constructing a system that realizes effective function processing according to a system configuration status constituted by various external devices recognized based on the image input device. It is to provide a data processing method.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image input apparatus having image reading means for reading a document image, comprising a plurality of connecting means for two-way communication with an external device; Recognizing means for recognizing the system form by judging the type of external device connected to each connecting means, and controlling data transfer with each external device connected to each connecting means based on the recognition result of the recognizing means. Control means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, each external device comprises a plurality of printing devices.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, each external device comprises a plurality of information processing devices.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, each external device comprises an information processing device and a printing device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control means transfers the document image information read by the image reading means to one of the external devices, and after the transfer is completed, transfers the original image information to the other device. Is transferred to an external device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, each external device is constituted by a printing device.

A seventh invention according to the present invention is a data processing method for an image input device provided with an image reading means for reading a document image, and is connected to a plurality of connecting means for two-way communication with an external device. It has a recognition step of recognizing the system form by determining the type of each external device, and a transfer step of performing data transfer with each external device connected to each connection means based on the recognition result.

[0019]

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an image input apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 102 denotes an image input apparatus main body, which optically scans and reads a document placed on a document table 301. A document cover 101 presses a document placed on a document table 301. The document cover 10 (not shown)
1 is a white surface. Further, an automatic document feeder (ADF) or an automatic document circulator (RDF) or the like can be connected by an option (not shown) to automate document feeding. Further, a transparent original reading unit (not shown) is connected so that a film original can be directly read. 205 is an operation panel,
An LCD display unit 302 and a key unit 303 are provided.

Reference numerals 304 and 305 denote external interface connectors to which bidirectional parallel interface cables are attached. A telephone line connector 306 is connected to a telephone line 502 such as a public line.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of the image input apparatus main body shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes an image reading unit which forms a reflected image on an image sensor (not shown) while scanning the optical scanning unit in a predetermined direction, and converts the formed reflected image into an electric signal. 202 is a CPU, MPU
The main control unit configured with the above-described components executes various control programs such as an image processing program and an image output program loaded on the RAM 206 from the ROM 203 or an external storage medium (not shown) to execute image processing, image output processing, and the like.

An operation panel interface (operation panel I / F) 204 processes an output to the operation panel 205 and an input from the operation panel 205. An extension memory interface (extension memory I / F) 207 secures the extension memory 208 as an extension area of the RAM 206 and performs I / O access.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a first external interface (external I / F) configured as a bidirectional parallel I / F, and an external interface connector (external I / F connector) 30
5 so as to be communicable with an external device 500. 1
Reference numeral 05 denotes a second external interface (external I / F) configured as a bidirectional parallel I / F, which communicably connects to an external device 501 via an external interface connector (external I / F connector) 304.

Reference numeral 209 denotes a modem interface (modem I
/ F) connects the modem 210 to the system bus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing system to which the image input device according to the present invention can be applied.
(A) to (c) show a system configuration, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 3, reference numerals 101 and 106 denote host computers such as personal computers (personal computers) and workstations, and reference numerals 103 and 107 denote printers. The feature of the present embodiment is that various functions can be realized according to the connection form of the scanner, the host computer, and the printer.

Next, each function realized by the present embodiment in each of the system forms shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C will be described.

First, after the power is turned on, the main control unit 202 of the scanner 102 checks, via each of the external I / Fs 104 and 105, whether the connected device is a host computer or a printer. This is performed via the external I / Fs 104 and 105 via the scanner body 102.
This can be easily realized by exchanging information with the device connected thereto.
5 may be instructed (details will be described in detail in the flowchart of FIG. 5).

FIG. 4 shows the scanner main body 102 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining the structure of data transferred between devices connected to the printer. FIG. 5A corresponds to data transferred from a host computer to a printer, and FIG. Corresponds to the data.

As shown in this figure, print data DATA1 from the host computer to the printer is composed of a header code 401, data 402, and an end code 403. The data DATA2 read by the scanner main body 102 is the identification code 40 of the PCL5.
4, bitmap data 405 and end code 406.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to sixth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

The first invention is an image input apparatus provided with an image reading means (image reading unit 201) for reading a document image, and a plurality of connecting means (external I / F 104, 105) and a recognizing unit (a main control unit 202 determines whether a type of the external device 500 or 501 connected to each connecting unit is to recognize a system form).
The control program stored in the storage unit 203 or the control program loaded on the RAM 206 from a storage medium (not shown) is executed and recognized), and the external device connected to each connection unit is recognized based on the recognition result of the recognition unit. Control means for controlling data transfer (the main control unit 202
And a control program loaded on the RAM 206 from a storage medium (not shown) is executed by the control unit, and connected to a plurality of external I / Fs 104 and 105 for two-way communication with external devices. When the main control unit 202 recognizes the type of the external device 500 or 501 and recognizes the system form, the main control unit 202 controls data transfer with each external device connected to each of the external I / Fs 104 and 105 based on the recognition result. Thus, it is possible to easily construct an image processing system that performs various image processing functions by interposing the image input apparatus main body 102 between the plurality of external devices 500 and 501.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the type of the external device 500 or 501 connected to each of the external I / Fs 104 and 105 for two-way communication with the external device is recognized as a printing device, based on the recognition result, The main control unit 202 controls each external I / O
F104, 105 connected to each printing device 103, 10
7 and the image input device main body 102
Is connected to a plurality of printing apparatuses 103 and 107, and the read document image information can be transferred to each printing apparatus and printed.

According to the third invention, the type of the external device 500, 501 connected to each of the external I / Fs 104, 105 for bidirectional communication with the external device is an information processing device (host computer 101, 106). After the recognition, the main control unit 202 makes the external I / Fs 104 and 1 based on the recognition result.
05 connected to the host computer 101
And transfers the read document image information to the respective information processing devices by interposing the image input device main body 102 between the host computers (information processing devices) 101 and 106 to transfer the read document image information to the respective information processing devices. It is possible to cause data transferred from an information processing device to be transferred to a partner information processing device in a bridging manner.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the types of external devices connected to a plurality of external I / Fs 104 and 105 for two-way communication with external devices are a printing device 103 and an information processing device (host computer 101). When the external I / Fs 104 and 10 are recognized,
5 to control the data transfer between the printing apparatus 103 and the information processing apparatus (host computer 101), and connect the image input apparatus main body 102 between the printing apparatus 103 and the information processing apparatus (host computer 101). The read image information is transferred to the printing apparatus 103 or the information processing apparatus (host computer 101), and the printing information input from the information processing apparatus (host computer 101) is transferred to the printing apparatus 103 in a bridging manner. To make things possible.

In the fifth invention, the main control unit 20
2 transfers the document image information read by the image reading unit 201 to the external device 500, and after transferring the document image information, transfers the document image information to the external device 501. Original image information can be efficiently transferred.

In the sixth aspect, the main control unit 20
2 transfers the document image information read by the image reading unit 201 to the printing apparatus 103, and after transferring the document image information to the printing apparatus 107, transfers the document image information to each printing apparatus constituting the system. Can be efficiently transferred.

Hereinafter, a data processing method of the image input apparatus will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the data processing method of the image input apparatus according to the present invention.
Incidentally, (1) to (19) show each step.

First, the main control unit 202 outputs a connection destination confirmation request command to the outside through the external I / F (port) 104 (1).

Next, it is determined whether the external I / F (port) 104 has a reply status within a predetermined time (2), (16). If it is determined that there is no status response, step (19) is performed. If it is determined that a status response has been received, it is determined whether the response destination is a host computer (personal computer) (3). If NO, it is determined whether the response destination is a printer (4). ,
If NO, the process proceeds to step (19) and later, and if YES, a connection destination confirmation request command is output to the external (port) I / F 105 (5).

Next, it is determined whether or not a status input has been made to the external I / F (port) 105 until a predetermined time has elapsed (6), (10). )), If it is determined that there is a status input, the external I / F (port)
It is determined whether the connection destination of 105 is a host computer (personal computer) or a printer (7), (8). If it is determined that the connection destination is a host computer (personal computer), the process proceeds to step (15). The program jumps to the program for the system form shown in FIG.

The procedure for confirming the connection destination is actually performed in accordance with the plug and play specification defined in IEEE 1284. That is, if the external device connected to the scanner is a host computer, a command for confirming the connection destination is first sent from the host computer immediately after the power is turned on in accordance with the above standard. Then, it is known that the external device connected to the scanner is a host computer. If a printer is connected to the scanner, immediately after the power is turned on, the printer does not make an inquiry as in the case of the host computer. Conversely, when an inquiry is made from the scanner, a response status corresponding to the inquiry is returned from the printer, so that when this is received, it is known that the printer is connected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (8) that the connection destination is a printer, the process jumps to the program for the system form shown in FIG. 3C (9).

On the other hand, in steps (7) and (8), the external I
If it is determined that the connection destination of the / F (port) 105 is neither a printer nor a host computer (PC),
Proceed to step (19) and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the response destination is the host computer (personal computer), a connection destination confirmation request command is output to the external I / F (port) 105 (11). Next, it is determined whether there is a status input to the external I / F (port) 105 within a predetermined time (12), (17). If it is determined that there is no status input, the process proceeds to step (19) and thereafter.
If it is determined that there is a status input, the external I
It is determined whether the connection destination of the / F (port) 105 is a host computer (personal computer) or a printer (1).
3), (14), when it is determined that the host computer (personal computer) is used, the program jumps to the program for the system form shown in FIG. 3B (18).

On the other hand, in step (14), the external I / F
If it is determined that the connection destination of the (port) 105 is a printer, the process jumps to the program for the system form shown in FIG. 3A (15).

On the other hand, if it is determined in steps (13) and (14) that the connection destination of the external I / F (port) 105 is neither a printer nor a host computer (personal computer), the connection destination is confirmed on the operation panel 205. A message to the effect is displayed, and an instruction from the operator is awaited (19).

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the seventh invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

The seventh invention is a data processing method for an image input device provided with an image reading means (image reading unit 201) for reading a document image, and comprises a plurality of connecting means (external means) for bidirectional communication with an external device. A recognition step of determining the type of each external device connected to the I / Fs 104 and 105 and recognizing the system form (steps (1) to (8) in FIG. 5,
(10) to (14), (16), (17)) and a transfer step of performing data transfer with each external device connected to each connection means based on the recognition result (step (9) in FIG. 5). ,
(15), (18)) to easily construct an image processing system that performs various image processing functions by interposing the image input apparatus main body 102 between a plurality of external devices 500 and 501. And

In the above processing, if it is specified that the connection form of the system is one of (a) to (c) in FIG. 3, the image input apparatus main body 102 performs the following (1) to ( The state transits to a state in which the function processing of 3) can be executed.

If it is determined based on the above processing that the system is of the system form shown in FIG. 3A, the function (1) for determining data sent from the host computer to the printer and sending the data to the printer is possible. It becomes a state. That is, when data is transmitted from the host computer 101 to the printer 103, the host computer 101 uses a language supported by the printer 103, for example, a Laser
The data to be sent to the printer 103 is configured according to the language system “PCL5” supported by Jet3 (product name).

Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, data DATA1 including data 402 addressed to the printer 103 at the beginning and end of codes 401 and 403 indicating data addressed to the printer before and after the data are generated. . Then, the data DATA1 is output from the host computer 101 and first transmitted to the image input apparatus main body 102. The image input apparatus main body 102 inputs the data DATA1 through the external I / F 104, and recognizes that a header code 401 indicating data destined for the printer 103 is provided at the head of the data DATA1.
From the next data 402, the data input through the external I / F 104 is sent to the external I / F 105 as it is until the end code 403 is recognized, and then sent to the printer 103. As a result, the data output from the host computer 101 to be sent to the printer 103 is sent to the printer 103 and printing is performed.

Also, based on the above processing, FIG.
If it is determined that this is the system form, the function (2) for printing the data read from the scanner is enabled.

The printing of the data read from the image input apparatus main body 102 has already been realized by a digital copying machine.

The difference between the present embodiment and the digital copying machine is that the printer shown in FIG.
For a printer designed to print data based on the printer language PCL5 sent from the host computer, such as rJet3 (product name), the data read from the image input device main body 102 is
The point is that they are sent without the intervention of a host computer and are directly printed by a printer.

In this embodiment, this is called “copy mode”.
The instruction to start the copy mode may be sent from the host computer 101 as a command through the external I / F 104, or may be issued from a switch instruction from the operation panel 205.

When the copy mode is instructed, the main control unit 202 activates the image reading unit 201 to scan and read the original on the original platen 301.
Is converted to binary digital bitmap data. Then
The main control unit 202 stores the read bitmap data in the RAM 206. Next, the main control unit 202
At the beginning and end of the read bitmap data, a code of PCL5 as shown in FIG. 4B, that is, a code 404 indicating that the following data is binary data, and an end of data The data is read with the code 406 shown, and sent to the printer 103 through the external I / F 105. The printer 103 interprets this and stores the bitmap data 40 read by the image input apparatus main body 102.
5 is printed as a bit image.

If the connected printer is a printer that supports the language PCL5e that supports data compression, such as LaserJet4 (trade name) of HP, the bitmap data 4 to be sent to the printer 103
05 may be sent in a compression format supported by the PCL 5e. Further, it goes without saying that all the compression formats supported by this language can be compressed only by software without using special hardware.

Further, when it is determined based on the above processing that the system is in the system form shown in FIG. 3A, a function (3) for sending data read from the scanner to the host computer is enabled. .

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an input / output port on the host computer side is used for transmitting data to the printer, and is used in the standard IEEE standard.
A parallel port defined in E1284 is assumed.
Of course, the external I / F 10 of the image input device main body 102
4, the external I / F 105 is also a parallel port conforming to IEEE1284, and the port of the printer is also IEEE1284.
IEEE1 which is a 284 compliant parallel port
A 284-compliant parallel port is capable of two-way communication, and a conventional scanner device uses an SCSII / F or RS-23.
The data read by the image input apparatus main body 102 can be sent to the host computer 101 through the IEEE1284 compliant parallel port in the same manner as sending data to the host computer through 2-CI / F.

Since the method itself is the same as the relationship between the conventional scanner and the host computer, the description is omitted here.

On the other hand, based on the above processing, FIG.
When it is determined that the system mode is the system mode, the following functions (1) and (2) are realized.

(1) Read Data Transfer Function The data (data DATA2 shown in FIG. 4) read by the document reading unit 201 of the image input apparatus main body 102 is transferred to the host computer 101 or the host computer 10
Send to 6. Which host computer is to be sent may be sent to the host computer previously instructed by the command (through the I / F) or the host computer may be selected on the operation panel 205. Note that the function of transmitting data is a function realized by a conventional scanner, and a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, data DATA2
May be transferred to both the host computers 101 and 106, that is, a dual transfer process may be performed.

(2) Host computer data transfer function The host computer 101 to the host computer 10
6 through the scanner 102. Alternatively, from the host computer 106 to the host computer 101
To send the data through the scanner 102.

This corresponds to the host computer 101 (10
From 6), the data to be sent to the host computer 106 (101) is implemented by sending the data according to the data structure shown in FIG. That is, the main control unit 202 of the image input apparatus main body 102 receives the input data DA
By looking at the TA1 code 401 and outputting the subsequent data 402 as it is from the other port, bidirectional data transfer processing between each host computer becomes possible.

On the other hand, based on the above processing, FIG.
If it is determined that this is the system form, the following functions are realized.

That is, the data read by the image input apparatus main body 102 is transferred to the printer 103 or the printer 107.
Send to and print. This function is the same as the copy function in the system form of FIG.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the case where the number of the external I / Fs of the image input apparatus main body 102 is two is shown, the number of the equipments may be three or more, and it goes without saying that the number is basically the same ( Only the number of combinations of functions realized in the first embodiment is increased).

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the external I / F of the image input apparatus main body 102 is a bidirectional parallel port, it goes without saying that this may be a bidirectional serial port.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the system configuration is as shown in FIG. 3C, the data read by the image input apparatus main body 102 is sent to one of the printers. The data read by the image input apparatus main body 102 to the other printer may be transferred to the other printer without waiting for the end of printing by one printer.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to the present invention, and is a storage capable of supplying the processing program shown in FIG. This corresponds to a case where the processing program is supplied by a medium, for example, a floppy disk. Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the case where the processing program is stored in the ROM 203 has been described, but the external I / F is connected to the rewritable nonvolatile memory.
A processing program stored in a floppy disk set in an external storage device of a host computer connected to the host computer 104, 105, or the like is read out, and the read processing program is supplied to a rewritable nonvolatile memory to execute the processing program. In some cases, it can be configured.

Further, although not specifically shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc., is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Further, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

Further, the functions shown in FIG. 5 in the present embodiment may be executed by the present system by a program installed from the outside. And in that case,
The present invention is also applicable to a case where a group of information including a program is supplied to the present system from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and the eighth invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the type of each of the external devices 500 and 501 connected to a plurality of connection means (external I / Fs 104 and 105) for bidirectional communication with the external device is determined to recognize the system form. (Steps (1) to (8), (10) to (14), (16), (1) in FIG.
7)) and a transfer step (steps (9), (15), (18) in FIG. 5) for performing data transfer with each external device connected to each connection means based on the recognition result. A personal computer, a workstation, etc., which controls the system by a predetermined OS, can store the program as a readable program in a storage medium (floppy disk, etc.) and supply the storage medium to the computer to execute the process. I do.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0088]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, when the type of the external device connected to the plurality of connection units for bidirectional communication with the external device is determined and the recognition unit recognizes the system form, the control unit determines each system based on the recognition result. It is possible to easily construct an image processing system that performs various image processing functions by controlling the data transfer with each external device connected to the connection means and intervening the image input device between a plurality of external devices. I do.

According to the second aspect, when the type of the external device connected to the plurality of connection units for bidirectional communication with the external device is recognized as the printing device, the control unit determines the type of the external device based on the recognition result. Controls data transfer with each printing device connected to each connection means, connects the image input device with a plurality of printing devices, transfers the read document image information to each printing device and prints it It is possible to make.

According to the third aspect, when the type of the external device connected to the plurality of connecting units for bidirectional communication with the external device is recognized as the information processing device, the control unit is controlled based on the recognition result. Controls data transfer with each information processing device connected to each connection means, intervenes and connects the image input device to the plurality of information processing devices, and reads the read document image information to each information processing device. In addition to the transfer, the data transferred from each information processing apparatus can be transferred to the other information processing apparatus in a bridging manner.

According to the fourth aspect, when the type of the external device connected to the plurality of connecting means for bidirectional communication with the external device is recognized as the printing device and the information processing device, the type of the external device is determined based on the recognition result. The control means controls data transfer between the printing apparatus and the information processing apparatus connected to each connection means, and connects the image input apparatus between the printing apparatus and the information processing apparatus to read the document image information read. In addition to transferring to a printing device or an information processing device, print information input from the information processing device can be transferred to the printing device in a bridging manner.

According to the fifth aspect, the control means transfers the original image information read by the image reading means to one external device, and after transferring the original image information, transfers the original image information to the other external device. Thus, it is possible to efficiently transfer the document image information to each external device constituting the system.

According to the sixth aspect, the control means transfers the document image information read by the image reading means to one printing device, and after transferring the document image information, transfers the document image information to the other printing device. Thus, it is possible to efficiently transfer the document image information to each of the printing devices constituting the system.

According to the seventh aspect, the type of each external device connected to the plurality of connecting means for bidirectional communication with the external device is determined to recognize the system form, and each type is recognized based on the recognition result. It is possible to easily construct an image processing system that performs various image processing functions by performing data transfer with each external device connected to the connection means and connecting the image input device with a plurality of external devices.

[0095]

Therefore, it is possible to easily realize a system that realizes effective function processing according to the system configuration status composed of various external devices recognized based on the image input device.
In addition, there is an effect that it can be constructed at a low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image input apparatus main body illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing system to which the image input device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of data transferred between devices connected to the scanner main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a data processing method of the image input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional image processing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 201 Image reading unit 202 Main control unit 203 ROM 205 Operation panel 206 RAM 208 Additional memory 304 External I / F connector 305 External I / F connector 500 External device 501 External device

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-8-186679 (JP, A) JP-A-9-8990 (JP, A) Microsoft Corporation "Windows 95 Resource Kit Vol. 1" 1st edition (1995) ASCII, pages 603 to 613, 794 to 795 (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 G06F 3/09-3/12 G06F 13/38-13/42

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image input apparatus comprising image reading means for reading a document image, comprising: a plurality of connection means for bidirectional communication with an external device; and a type of the external device connected to each connection means. Image input means for recognizing a system form by the control means, and control means for controlling data transfer with each external device connected to each connection means based on the recognition result of the recognition means. apparatus. 2. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein each external device comprises a plurality of printing devices. 3. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein each external device comprises a plurality of information processing devices. 4. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein each external device comprises an information processing device and a printing device. 5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the document image information read by the image reading device is provided to one of the external devices.
To the other external device after completing the transfer.
2. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the image data is transferred to a device. 6. The image input device according to claim 5, wherein each external device is constituted by a printing device. 7. A data processing method for an image input device having an image reading means for reading a document image, comprising determining a type of an external device connected to a plurality of connecting devices for two-way communication with the external device. A data processing method for an image input device, comprising: a recognition step of recognizing a system form; and a transfer step of performing data transfer with each external device connected to each connection unit based on the recognition result. .