JP3337830B2 - Composite image input / output device and printer control device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composite image input / output apparatus capable of arbitrarily adding a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function, a printer format function, and an electronic file function using a digital copying machine, and the composite image input / output apparatus. The present invention relates to a printer control device for controlling print processing of a printer unit constituting the printer unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital copier scanners,
A composite image input / output device capable of performing facsimile communication using a printer unit, or developing code data from a computer into bitmap data using a printer unit of a digital copier and printing out the same has been proposed. I have.

A composite image input / output device of this type has three functions, such as a copying function, a facsimile function, a printer format function, an image electronic file function, and an image memory function.
The apparatus is configured with one or more functions as one unit.

[0004]

[SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The developer (toner) remaining amount detection processing in the printer portion of the composite image output apparatus, when detecting a call is less than a set quantity of the developer remaining amount, the operation panel Controls such as displaying a warning above or prohibiting image output are performed.

However, as conventional post-remaining detection processing, that is, when the remaining amount falls below a set level, a warning is displayed and the image is output as usual, or the image output is forcibly performed. There is a problem that the remaining developer cannot be used effectively because it is only prohibited.

Further, in a printer unit or the like shared by many types of devices, if the above-mentioned prohibition processing alone is performed only when the remaining amount is low, the user will be improperly requested and the output efficiency of the composite input / output device will be reduced. There is also a problem such as a decrease in

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is different in a composite image input / output device and a printer control device for controlling print processing of a printer unit constituting the composite image input / output device. based on a remaining developer amount is detected with the image data transferred from the image data transfer source, in a case where printing of the image data to determine whether feasible, is determined unprintable, printer unit
The source processing function for image data transferred to
Printer interface function, the printer
Send the unprintable status to the designated computer system,
Also, the source processor of the image data transferred to the printer unit
If the function is a facsimile communication processing function,
By storing the image data in the storage device, at the time of processing image data transferred from a different image data transfer source, an optimal recovery process adapted to the image data transfer source is realized, and corresponding to each additional function process. It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite image input / output device and a printer control device that can appropriately and flexibly process image data.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reader unit for reading an original image and outputting image data, and a recording unit fed from a plurality of storage units based on input image data. the digital copying apparatus and a printer unit that prints a visible image on a timber, facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication is connected to the communication line, and by adding a computer interface function for communicating with the given computer system An external device for inputting / outputting image data and performing composite image processing is connected. In a composite image input / output device capable of performing data communication between the external device and the digital copying apparatus, the developer remaining in the printer unit is connected. Detecting means for detecting the amount, and the detecting means used based on image data transferred from the external device to the printer unit. Calculating means for predicting and calculating the consumption of the image material; determining means for comparing the consumption calculated by the calculating means with the remaining amount of the developer detected by the detecting means to determine whether or not the printing is possible; If this if the determination means determines the unprintable, comprising a recovery control means for performing different recovery control for each transfer source processing function of the image data transferred to the printer unit, the recovery
The control means transfers image data to be transferred to the printer unit.
When the original processing function is a computer interface function
If the printer cannot print, set the printer
Image data transmitted to the system and transferred to the printer
If the transfer source processing function is a facsimile communication processing function
In this case, the image data is stored in a storage device .

[0009]

[0010]

[0011] The second invention according to the present invention, the recovery <br/>-controlled means is configured to display the state of storing the image data in the storage device in the operating portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a document image is read.
A reader unit that captures and outputs image data.
Recording material fed from multiple storage units based on image data
Having a printer for printing a visible image thereon
Fax machine connected to a communication line
Facsimile communication processing function to perform
Computer interface that communicates with the computer system
Source function to input and output image data respectively.
Connect an external device that performs composite image processing, and
A copy capable of mutually communicating data with the digital copier.
In the composite image input / output device, the developer remaining in the printer unit is
Detecting means for detecting the amount,
Used based on the image data transferred to the
Calculating means for predicting and calculating the consumption of the developer;
The consumption calculated by the step and detected by the detecting means.
The remaining amount of developer to determine whether printing is possible.
Determining means for determining, and determining that printing is impossible
Of the image data to be transferred to the printer
Recovery system that performs different recovery control for each processing function
Control means, and the recovery control means
The source processing function of the image data transferred to the
If the printer interface function is
Sending a print-disabled state to a predetermined computer system,
The source processing function of the image data transferred to the printer
When a facsimile communication processing function, the image data input from the external device to shrink, consumption at that time of the developer
Predicting the cost and determining that it is ready for printing
In this case, the reduced image data is transferred to the printer unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a printer control device for controlling a printer unit capable of printing an image based on image data from a plurality of image data transfer sources, a remaining amount of developer in the printer unit is detected. Based on the image data transferred from the image data transfer source and the remaining amount of the developer detected by the detection unit, and whether or not to cause the printer unit to print an image based on the image data. And a control unit that performs different control depending on an image data transfer source that is a transfer source of the image data when the determination unit determines that the image data is not to be executed, and the control unit includes: For negative judgment of judgment means
The image data transfer source that transferred the image data
Data, the printer unit disables the printing
Computer to transmit the information to the negative judgment of the judgment means.
The image data transfer source that transferred the image data
In the case of a x-ray machine, the image data is stored in a storage device.
What you save .

[0014]

[0015]

[0016] A fifth invention according to the present invention, the control means is for displaying the state of storing the image data in the storage device in the operating portion. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention,
Print images based on image data from a computer
Printer control device that controls
Detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the developer in the printer unit;
Image data transferred from a computer and the detection means
Based on the remaining amount of developer detected by
Printing of images based on data by the printer unit
Determining means for determining whether or not
If it is determined that there is no printing, the printer
Transmission means for transmitting to the computer
It is.

[0017]

[0018]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a composite image input / output apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input device for converting an original into image data (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit); 2 a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes; An image output device for outputting as a visible image (hereinafter, referred to as a printer unit);
It is an external device electrically connected to and has various functions. The external device 3 includes a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a man-machine interface unit 6 connected to the file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to a computer, and information from the computer as a visible image. An image memory unit 9 for storing information from a formatter unit 8 and a reader unit 1 for temporarily storing information sent from a computer, and a core for controlling each of the above functions 1 to 9. A part 10 and the like are provided.

The function of each of the above-mentioned parts 1 to 9 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

The originals stacked on the original feeder 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto an original platen glass surface 102. When the document is conveyed, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the original is reflected on mirrors 105, 106, 1
07, sequentially pass through a lens 108, and then input to a CCD image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD).

The signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201, and irradiates the photoconductor 202 according to the image signal. The latent image formed on the photosensitive drum (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 the transfer paper stacking unit 205 at the same timing as the development, and the developed toner image is transferred in the transfer unit 206. The transferred image is fixed to the transfer sheet by the fixing unit 207, and then discharged from the sheet discharging unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper output unit 208 is
When the sort function is operating effectively in the sorter 220, it is discharged to each bin. When the sort function is not operating normally in the sorter 220 (during a jam), it is discharged to the uppermost bin of the sorter 220.

Next, a method of outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described.

After the output sheet fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the sheet discharge unit 208, the direction of the sheet is reversed, and a transfer sheet stacking unit for re-feeding the sheet via a conveyance direction switching member (flapper) 209. Conveyed to 210. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above program, but the transfer paper is fed from the transfer paper stacking section (intermediate tray) 210 for refeeding, so that the same output Document images can be output on the front and back sides of paper.

A printer controller 211 has a CP
U211a, ROM211b, RAM211c,
The image forming process is controlled based on a control program stored in the ROM 211b.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing a signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

The image information input to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here and converted into an electric signal. CCD109
From the next amplifiers 110R, 110G,
At 110B, the signal is amplified according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is
The signal is input to the shading circuit 112, where the lamp 1
03 and uneven sensitivity of the CCD 109 are corrected. A signal from the shading circuit 112 is output to a Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 and an external I / F switching circuit 11.
9 is input. The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 calculates the signal from the shading circuit 112 based on the following equation (1) to obtain a Y signal.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B (1) Further, there is a color detection circuit that separates R, G, and B signals 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. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is changed by the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and the magnification in the main scanning direction is changed by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. Further, it is possible to output a plurality of identical images by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 obtains edge emphasis and contour information by emphasizing high frequency components of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. 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. A marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 reads a portion of the document written with a marker pen of a designated color to generate contour information of the marker, and a next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 performs this contour. Perform fattening, masking and trimming from information. Further, patterning is performed by a color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. Patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117
The output signal from is input to the laser driver circuit 118 and is converted into various signals for driving the laser. The signal of the laser driver circuit 118 is input to the printer unit 2, and an image is formed as a visible image.

Next, the external I / F switching circuit 119 for interfacing with an external device will be described.

The external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to the connector 120 when the image information is output from the leader unit 1 to the external device 3. . When the reader unit 1 inputs image information from the external device 3, the external I
The / F switching circuit 119 inputs image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

Each of the above image information is sent to the CPU circuit unit 122.
The area generation circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the image processing from the values set by the CPU circuit unit 122. Also, C
The communication with the external device 3 is performed using the communication function built in the PU circuit unit 122. The sub CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and communicates with the external device 3 using a communication function built in the sub CPU 123.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the printer unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

The signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photoconductor 202 in accordance with the image signal. 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 the transfer paper stacking unit 205 in synchronization with the timing of the latent image, and the developed image is transferred in the transfer unit 206. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207, and then discharged to the outside of the apparatus from the paper discharge unit 208. Paper output unit 2
The transfer paper output from 08 is discharged to each bin when the sort function is working in the sorter 220, or to the uppermost bin of the sorter 220 when the sort function is not working.

Next, a method of outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described. Fixing unit 20
After the output sheet fixed in step 7 is once conveyed to the sheet discharge section 208, the sheet conveyance direction is reversed, and the sheet is conveyed to the re-feeding transfer sheet stacking section 210 via the conveyance direction switching member 209. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above process, but the transfer paper is fed from the transfer paper stacking section 210 for re-feeding, so that the same Two original images can be output.

Hereinafter, the system configuration operation of the external device 3 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

The external device 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 by a cable, and controls signals and controls various functions in a core unit 10 in the external device 3. The external device 3 includes a facsimile unit 4 for performing facsimile transmission / reception, a file unit for converting various types of document information into electrical signals and storing them, a formatter unit 8 for expanding code information from the computer into image information, and an interface between the computer. Computer
It comprises an image memory section 9 for storing information from the interface section 7 and the reader section 1 and for temporarily storing information sent from the computer, and a core section 10 for controlling the above functions.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the core unit 10 of the external device 3 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the core unit 10 shown in FIG.

The connector 1001 of the core unit 10 is connected to the connector 120 of the reader unit 1 by a cable. The connector 1001 contains four types of signals, and the signal 1057 is an 8-bit multi-level video signal. Signal 1
055 is a control signal for controlling the video signal. The signal 1051 communicates with the CPU 122 in the reader unit 1. The signal 1051 and the signal 1052 are
The communication information is transmitted to the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1053.

The signal 1057 is a bidirectional video signal line, and is capable of receiving information from the reader unit 1 by the core unit 10 and outputting information from the core unit 10 to the reader unit 1. The signal 1057 is transmitted to the buffer 101
0, where the bidirectional signal changes to a unidirectional signal 1
058 and a signal 1070. The signal 1058 is
This is an 8-bit multi-level video signal from the reader unit 1 and is input to the LUT 1011 at the next stage. The LUT 1011 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value using a look-up table (LUT).

The output signal 1059 from the LUT 1011 is input to the binarization circuit 1012 or the selector 1013. The binarization circuit 1012 includes a simple binarization function for binarizing the multi-level signal 1059 at a fixed slice level, a binarization function using a variable slice level in which the slice level varies from pixels around the pixel of interest, and It has a binarization function by the error diffusion method. The binarized information is converted into a multi-level signal of “00H” when “0” and “FFH” when “1”, and is input to the selector 1013 at the next stage. The selector 1013 selects a signal from the LUT 1011 or an output signal of the binarization circuit 1012. Selector 10
The output signal 1060 from 13 is input to the selector 1014. The selector 1014 converts output video signals from the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9 into connectors 1005, 1006, 1007, 1 respectively.
Signal 1 input to core unit 10 via 008, 1009
064 and the output signal 1060 of the selector 1013
The selection is made according to an instruction from the PU 1003. Selector 1014
Is output to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016. The rotation circuit 1015 has a function of rotating an input image signal by +90 degrees, -90 degrees, and +180 degrees.

The rotation circuit 1015 converts the information output from the reader unit 1 into a binary signal by the binarization circuit 1012, and stores it as information from the reader unit 1 in the rotation circuit 1015. Next, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates and reads the stored information.
The selector 1016 outputs the output signal 10 of the rotation circuit 1015.
62 and the input signal 1061 of the rotation circuit 1015 are selected, and as the signal 1063, the connector 1005 with the facsimile unit 4 and the connector 100 with the file unit 5 are selected.
6, connector 10 with computer interface unit 7
07, a connector 1008 with the formatter unit 8, a connector 1009 with the image memory unit 9, and a selector 1017
Output to

A signal 1063 is a synchronous 8-bit one-way video bus for transferring image information from the core unit 10 to the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9. The signal 1064 is a synchronous 8-bit one-way video bus for transferring image information from the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9. The above signal 106
The video control circuit 1004 controls the synchronous bus between the signal 3 and the signal 1064.
The control is performed by the output signal 1056 from the control signal No. 4.

The connectors 1005 to 1009 include:
A signal 1054 is connected to each other. Signal 1054
Is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus for exchanging data commands asynchronously. Facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7,
Information transfer between the formatter unit 8, the image memory unit 9, and the core unit 10 can be performed by the two signals 1063, 1064 and the CPU bus 1054.

The signal 1064 from the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9 is supplied to the selector 1014
Is input to the selector 1017. Selector 1016
Inputs a signal 1064 to the next-stage rotation circuit 1015 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.

The selector 1017 selects the signal 1063 and the signal 1064 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The output signal 1065 of the selector 1017 is input to the pattern matching unit 1018 and the selector 1019. The pattern matching unit 1018 performs pattern matching on the input signal 1065 in advance with a pattern, and outputs a predetermined multi-level signal to the signal line 1066 when the pattern matches. Pattern matching 1018
If no match is found in the pattern matching processing of
19 is output.

The selector 1019 selects a signal signal 1065 and an output signal 1066 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The output signal 1067 of the selector 1019 is the L signal of the next stage.
Input to the UT 1020. The LUT 1020 converts the input signal 1067 according to the characteristics of the printer when outputting image information to the printer unit 2.

The selector 1021 selects the output signal 1068 and the signal 1065 of the LUT 1020 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The output signal of the selector 1021 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 of the next stage. Enlargement circuit 1022
Can set the enlargement magnification independently in the X and Y directions according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The enlargement method is a first-order linear interpolation method. The output signal 1070 of the enlargement circuit 1022 is input to the buffer 1010. The signal 1070 input to the buffer 1010 is
In response to the instruction of 003, it becomes a bidirectional signal 1057, sent to the printer unit 2 via the connector 1001, and printed out.

Hereinafter, the signal flow of the core unit 10 and each unit will be described. [Processing of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Facsimile Unit 4] A case where information is output to the facsimile 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 document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to the document scan command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is transmitted to a connector 1001 of the core unit 10.
Is input to The image information input to the connector 1001 is input to the buffer 1010 through a multi-valued 8-bit signal line 1057. Buffer 1010 is C
The one-way signal 1058 based on the bidirectional signal 1057 is input to the LUT 1011 according to the instruction of the PU 1003. LU
At T1011, the image information from the h reader unit 1 is converted into a desired value using a look-up table (LUT).

For example, the background of a document can be skipped. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011 is input to the next-stage binarization circuit 1012. The binarization circuit 1012 converts the 8-bit multilevel signal 1059 into a binary signal. The binarization circuit 1012 converts the binary signal into “00H” when the signal is “0” and “FFH” when the signal is “1” into two multi-valued signals. The output signal of the binarization circuit 1012 is
The signals are input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016 via the selectors 1013 and 1014.

The output signal 1062 of the rotation circuit 1015 is also input to the selector 1016, and the selector 1016 selects either the signal 1061 or the signal 1062. The selection of the signal is determined by the CPU 1003 communicating with the facsimile unit 4 via the CPU 1054. The output signal 1063 from the selector 1016 is
5 is sent to the facsimile unit 4.

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

The image information from the facsimile unit 4 is transmitted to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1005. The signal 1064 is transmitted between the selector 1014 and the selector 10.
17 is input. When rotating and outputting an image at the time of facsimile reception by the printer unit 2 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates the signal 1064 input to the selector 1014. The output signal 1062 from the rotation circuit 1015 is supplied to the selector 1016 and the selector 10
17 to a pattern matching 1018.

In the case where the image at the time of facsimile reception is directly output to the printer unit 2 according to the instruction of the CPU 1003, the signal 1064 input to the selector 1017 is input to the pattern matching unit 1018.

The pattern matching unit 1018 has a function (smoothing function) for smoothing the jaggedness of an image when receiving a facsimile. The signal subjected to pattern matching is sent to the LUT 1020 via the selector 1019.
Is input to The LUT 1020 can change the table of the LUT 1020 by the CPU 1003 in order to output the image received by facsimile to the printer unit 2 at a desired density.

The output signal 1068 of the LUT 1020 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. The enlargement circuit 1022 has two values (“00H”, “F
FH ”) is subjected to an enlarging process by a first-order linear interpolation method. An 8-bit multi-valued signal having many values from the enlargement circuit 1022 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001. The reader unit 1 inputs this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 119 via the connector 120. External I / F switching circuit 11
9 inputs the signal from the facsimile unit 4 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. Y signal generation / color detection circuit 11
After performing the processing described above, the output signal from
The image is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on an output sheet. [Process of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from File Unit 5] A case where information is output 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 sends out a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. Reader unit 1
And the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and 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 unidirectional signal 1058 by the buffer 1010, and the signal 1058, which is a multivalued 8-bit signal, is converted into a desired signal by the LUT 1011. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011 is connected to the selectors 1013, 1014, 10
16 to the connector 1006.

That is, the data is transferred to the file unit 5 as 8-bit multi-value without using the functions of the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1015. CPU bus 1054 of CPU 1003
When filing of a binarized signal is performed by communication with the file unit 5 via the CPU, the functions of the binarizing circuit 1012 and the rotating circuit 1015 are used. The binarization processing and the rotation processing are the same as those in the case of the facsimile unit 4 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

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

The image information from the file section 5 is transmitted to the connector 1
The signal 1064 is input to the selector 1014 or the selector 1017 via the 006. In the case of 8-bit multi-level filing, the selector 1017 is provided. In the case of binary filing, the selector 1014 or the selector 101 is provided.
7 can be input. In the case of binary filing, the processing is the same as that of the facsimile unit 4, and the description is omitted.

In the case of multi-value filing, the selector 10
The output signal 1065 from 17 is input to the LUT 1020 via the selector 1019. In the LUT 1020, a look-up table is created according to an instruction from the CPU 1003 in accordance with a desired print density. LUT1020
Is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. 8-bit multi-level signal 10 enlarged to a desired enlargement ratio by enlargement circuit 1022
70 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001. The information of the file unit 5 sent to the reader unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on an output sheet, similarly to the operation of the facsimile unit 4 described above. [Process of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Computer Interface Unit 7] The computer interface unit 7
It interfaces with a computer connected to the external device 3. The computer interface unit 7 is an SCS
It has a plurality of interfaces for communicating with I, RS232C, and Centronics. The computer interface unit 7 has three types of interfaces as described above, and information from each interface is transmitted to the connector 10.
01 and the CPU 1003 via the data bus 1053. The CPU 1003 performs various controls based on the transmitted contents. [Process of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Formatter Unit 8] 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. C
When the PU 1003 determines that the data transmitted from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1053 is data relating to the formatter unit 8, the PU 1003 transfers the data to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 1008.
The formatter unit 8 expands the transferred data into a memory as a meaningful image such as a character or a graphic.

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 as a multi-value signal having two values (“00H” and “FFH”) to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1008. The signal 1064 is input to the selectors 1014 and 1017. The selector 1014 and the selector 1017 are controlled by an instruction from the CPU 1003.
Subsequent operations are the same as in the case of the facsimile unit 4, and a description thereof will be omitted. [Process of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Image Memory Unit 9] 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 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the document scanner unit 104 scans 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. Image information input to the connector 1001 is multi-valued 8
The bit is transmitted to the LUT 1011 via the signal line 1057 and the buffer 1010. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011 is supplied to the selectors 1013, 1014, 101
6. Transfer the multivalued image information to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 1009. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9 is transferred to the CPU bus 1054 of the connector 1009.
Is sent to the CPU 1003 via the. CPU 1003
Transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. The computer interface unit 7 transfers the data to a computer (workstation 790 in the present embodiment) using a desired interface among the above three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics).

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

First, image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. When the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 determines that the data transmitted from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1053 is data relating to the image memory unit 9, the CPU 1003 transfers the data to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 1009. Next, the image memory unit 9 transmits the 8-bit multi-level signal 1064 to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017 via the connector 1009. An output signal from the selector 1014 or the selector 1017 is
In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003, similarly to the facsimile unit 4 described above, an image is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on an output sheet.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG.

The facsimile unit 4 is connected to the core unit 10 by a connector 400 and exchanges various signals. The binary information from the core unit 10 is stored in the memories A405 to D408.
In this case, the signal 453 from the connector 400 is input to the memory controller 404, and one or two of the memory A405, the memory B406, the memory C407, and the memory D408 are controlled by the memory controller 404. Are stored in a cascade-connected memory.

The memory controller 404 includes the CPU 41
According to the instruction 2, the 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 the mode for exchanging data with the CODEC bus 463 of the CODEC 411 having an encoding / decoding function. , The contents of the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408
Magnification circuit 403 under the control of MA controller 402
A mode for exchanging data with the bus 454 from the
A mode in which binary video input data is stored in one of the memories A405 to D408 under the control of the timing generation circuit 409, and a mode in which memory contents are read out from any of the memories A405 to D408 and a signal line 452 is provided.
, And has a function of five modes in total, including the mode of outputting to

Each of the memories A405 to D408 has a capacity of 2 Mbytes, and stores an image of A4 size at a resolution of 400 DPI. The timing generation circuit 409 is connected to the connector 400 via a signal line 459, and receives a control signal (HSYNC, HSYNC) from the core unit 10.
EN, VSYNC, VEN).
Generate signals to achieve two functions. One is that the image signals from the core unit 10 are stored in the memories A405 to D4.
08, the function of storing in any one of the memories or the two memories,
8, the image signal is read out from any one of
52.

The dual port memory 410 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via a signal line 461 and the CP of the facsimile unit 4 via a signal line 462.
U412 is connected. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 410. The SCSI controller 413 is a hard disk (HD) connected to the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG.
Interface with It stores data and the like at the time of facsimile transmission and facsimile reception. CODEC4
Numeral 11 reads out image information stored in one of the memories A405 to D408, and reads MH, MR, M
After encoding in the desired method of the MR method, the memory A
405 to the memory D408.

The coded information stored in the memories A405 to D408 is read out, and the MH, MR, M
After decoding in the desired method of the MR method, the memory A
Decoding information, that is, image information is stored in any one of the memories 405 to D408. MODEM414
Is a CODEC 411 or SCSI controller 41
A function of modulating the encoded information from the hard disk (HD) connected to 3 for transmission over a telephone line;
It has a function of demodulating information transmitted from the NCU 415, converting the information into decoded information, and transferring the encoded information to a hard disk (HD) connected to the CODEC 411 or the SCSI controller 413. The NCU 415 is directly connected to a telephone line via a connector 416, and exchanges information with an exchange installed at a telephone office or the like according to a predetermined procedure.

The facsimile transmission processing operation will be described.

The binary signal from the reader unit 1 is transmitted to the connector 4
The signal 453 that is input from 00 and passes through the signal line 453 and reaches the memory controller 404 is stored in the memory A 405 by the memory controller 404. The timing to be stored in the memory A 405 is generated by the timing generation circuit 409 according to the timing signal 459 from the reader unit 1. The CPU 412 is a memory controller 40
Memory A 405 and memory B 406 of Code 4
11 bus lines 463. CODEC411
Reads the image information from the memory A 405 and
Encoding is performed by the method, and the encoded information is written to the memory B 406.

The A4 size image information is stored in CODEC4
When 11 is encoded, the CPU 412 connects the memory C 407 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 encoded information and provides NC
The facsimile information is transmitted on the telephone line via U415.

Next, the facsimile transmission processing operation will be described.

The information sent from the telephone line is NCU
415 and is connected to the facsimile unit 4 in the NCU 415 in a predetermined procedure. The information from NCU 415 is M
The signal enters the ODEM 414 and is demodulated. The CPU 412
Information from the MODEM 414 is stored in the memory C 407 via the PU bus 462. Information of one screen is stored in memory C4
07, the CPU 412 controls the memory controller 404 to connect the data line 457 of the memory C 407 to the bus line 46 of the CODEC 411.
Connect to 3. The CODEC 411 sequentially reads and decodes the encoded information in the memory C407, that is, stores the encoded information in the memory D408 as image information.

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 starts the timing generation circuit 409
, And outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 460 to the memory controller 404. The memory controller 404 reads the image information from the memory D 408 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 409, transmits the image information to the signal line 452, and outputs the image information to the connector 400. The operation up to the output from the connector 400 to the printer unit 2 has been described with reference to the operation of the core unit 10, and thus the details are omitted.

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration and operation of the file section 5 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed configuration of the file section 5 shown in FIG.

The file section 5 is connected to the core section 10 by a connector 500 and exchanges various signals. The multi-level input signal 551 is input to the compression circuit 503, where it is converted from multi-level image information into compression information and output to the memory controller 510. Output signal 552 of compression circuit 503
Is a memory A50 under the control of the memory controller 510.
6 to the memory D509 or cascade-connected two sets of memories. The memory controller 510 responds to an instruction from the CPU 516 to
6-Modes for exchanging data with the memory D509 and the CPU bus 560, and CODEC for encoding / decoding
517, the data exchange mode with the CODEC bus 570, and the contents of the memory A 506 to the memory D 509
A mode in which data is exchanged with the bus 562 from the scaling circuit 511 under the control of the controller 518, and a signal 563 is stored in the memory A under the control of the timing generation circuit 514.
506 to a mode stored in any one of the memories D509;
Mode 5 in which memory contents are read from any of the memories A506 to D509 and output to the signal line 558
It has two functions.

Each of the memories A506 to D509 has a capacity of 2 Mbytes and stores an image corresponding to A4 at a resolution of 400 DPI. Timing generation circuit 514
Are connected to the connector 500 by a signal line 553, and control signals (HSYNC, VSYNC
C, HEN, VEN) and generates signals to achieve the following two functions. One is core 1
A function of storing information from 0 in any one of the memories A506 to D509 or two memories, and secondly, reading out image information from any one of the memories A506 to D509 and a signal line 556 This is the function to transmit to.

The dual port memory 515 is connected to the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via a signal line 554 and the CPU 516 of the file unit 5 via a signal line 560. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 515. SCSI
The controller 519 interfaces with the external storage device 520 connected to the file unit 5 in FIG.
The external storage device 520 according to the present embodiment uses a magneto-optical disk (MO) as a storage medium and stores large-capacity data such as image information.

The CODEC 517 reads out image information stored in one of the memories A 506 to D 509, encodes the image information in a desired format such as MH, MR, or MMR, and then executes one of the memories A 506 to D 509. Is stored as encoded information. Also, memory A
After reading the encoded information stored in the memory 506 to the memory D509 and performing decoding by a desired method of the MH, MR, and MMR, the encoded information, that is, the image information is stored in any of the memory A506 to the memory D509. To be stored.

The operation of accumulating file information in the external storage device 520 will be described below.

The 8-bit multi-level image signal from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 500, passes through the signal line 551, and is input to the compression circuit 503. The signal on the signal line 551 is input to the compression circuit 503, where it is converted into a compressed signal 552. The compression signal 552 is input to the memory controller 510. Memory controller 51
0 generates a timing signal 559 in the timing generation circuit 514 based on the signal 553 from the core unit 10 and stores the compressed signal 552 in the memory A 506 according to this signal. The CPU 516 connects the memory A 506 and the memory B 507 of the memory controller 510 to the bus line 570 of the CODEC 517. The CODEC 517 reads the compressed information from the memory A 506, performs encoding by the MR method, and writes the encoded information to the memory B 507. When the CODEC 517 finishes encoding, the CPU
516 is the memory B 507 of the memory controller 510
Is connected to the CPU bus 560. The CPU 516 sequentially reads the encoded information from the memory B507,
Transfer to SI controller 519. The SCSI controller 519 stores the encoded information in the external storage device 520.
To memorize.

Next, a processing operation for extracting information from the external storage device 520 and outputting it to the printer unit 2 will be described.

Upon receiving the information search / print command, the CPU 516 receives the encoded information from the external storage device 520 via the SCSI controller 519, and transfers the encoded information to the memory C508. At this time, the memory controller 510 switches the CPU bus 560 to the bus 5 of the memory C 508 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 516.
Connect to 66. When the transfer of the encoded information to the memory C 508 is completed, the CPU 516
10 by controlling the memory C508 and the memory D
509 is connected to the bus 570 of the CODEC 517. C
The ODEC 517 reads the encoded information from the memory C 508, sequentially encodes the information, and transfers the encoded information to the memory D 509.

When a magnification such as enlargement / reduction is required for output to the printer unit 2, the memory D509 is connected to the magnification circuit 5
11 bus 562 and the DMA controller 518
Is scaled under the control of. CPU5
16 is a core unit 1 via a dual port memory 515.
The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 1003 to make settings for printing out an image from the memory D509 to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10. When the setting is completed, the CPU 51
6 starts the timing generation circuit 514 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the timing signal 559 to the memory controller 510. Memory controller 510
Is synchronized with a signal from the timing generation circuit 514,
The decoding information is read from the memory D509 and transmitted to the signal line 556. The signal line 556 is connected to the extension circuit 50.
4 and the information is expanded here. The output signal 555 of the expansion circuit 504 is transmitted to the core unit 10 via the connector 500.
Output to Operations up to output from the connector 500 to the printer unit 2 have been described in the processing of the core unit 10 and will not be described.

Hereinafter, the configuration and display processing operation of the computer interface unit 7 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the computer interface unit 7 shown in FIG.
Hereinafter, an example of a process of receiving image information from the file unit 5 and displaying the image information on the display will be described.

Connector A700 and Connector B701
Is a connector for a SCSI interface. The connector C702 is a Centronics interface connector. The connector D703 is an RS232C interface connector. The connector E707 is a connector for connecting to the core unit 10.

The SCSI interface has two connectors (connector A 700 and connector B 701). When devices having a plurality of SCSI interfaces are connected, cascade connection is performed using the connectors A 700 and B 701. When the external device 3 and the computer are connected on a one-to-one basis, the connector A700 and the computer are connected by a cable, the connector B701 is connected to a terminator, or the connector B701 is connected to the computer by a cable, and the connector A700 is connected to the connector A700. Connect a terminator. Connector A700 or Connector B70
1 is input to the signal line 751 via the signal line 751.
The data is input to the CSI interface A 704 or the SCSI interface B 708. The SCSI interface A 704 or the SCSI interface B 708
After performing the procedure according to the CSI protocol, the data is output to the connector F707 via the signal line 754.

The connector E707 is connected to the CPU of the core unit 10.
The CPU 1 of the core unit 10 is connected to the bus 1054
Reference numeral 003 denotes a SCSI interface connector (connector A700, connector B70) from the CPU bus 1054.
The information input in 1) is received. CPU of core unit 10
When the data from 1003 is output to the SCSI interface connectors (connector A 700, connector B 701), the procedure is reversed.

The Centronics interface is connected to the connector C 702 and input to the Centronics interface 705 via the signal line 752. The Centronics interface 705 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and outputs the data to the connector E707 via the signal line 754. Connector E707
Is the CPU bus 1054 of the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10
And the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10
Information received from the CPU bus 1054 to the Centronics interface connector (connector C702) is received.

The RS232C interface is connected to the connector D703, and the RS232C interface is connected via a signal line 753 to the RS232C interface.
32C interface 706. RS232
The C interface 706 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and outputs the data to the connector E707 via the signal line 754. The connector E707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 10, and the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10
S232C interface connector (connector D70
CPU 1 of the core unit 10 that receives the information input in 3)
When the data from 003 is output to the RS232C interface connector (connector D703), the procedure is reversed.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the formatter unit 8 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed configuration of the formatter unit 8 shown in FIG.

The above-described computer interface unit 7
Are determined by the core unit 10, and if the data is related to the formatter unit 8, the CP of the core unit 10
The U 1003 transfers data from the computer to the dual port memory 803 via the connector 1008 of the core unit 10 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8.
The CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8 receives the code data transmitted from the computer 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 A 806 or the memory B 807 via the memory controller 808. Each of the memory A 806 and the memory B 807 has a memory capacity of 1 Mbyte, and one memory (the memory A 806 and the memory B 807) has three memories.
A resolution of 00 DPI can support up to an A4 paper size. In the case of supporting up to A3 paper at a resolution of 300 DPI, the memory A 806 and the memory B 807 are connected in cascade to develop image data.

The memory control is performed by the memory controller 808 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 809.
When the rotation of characters, figures, and the like is required when developing the image data, the rotation circuit 8 is used by using the memory 805.
After rotating at 04, memory A806 or memory B8
07. Memory A 806 or memory B 807
When the development of the image data is completed,
Controls the memory controller 808 and the memory A 80
6 and the data bus line 859 of the memory B 807 are connected to the output line 851 of the memory controller 808. Next, the CPU 809 controls the CPU of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 803.
1003 and communicate with memory A 806 or memory B
The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 that sets the mode for outputting image information from the 807
A print output mode is set in the CPU 122 by using a communication function built in the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 through the CPU 02.

When the print mode is set, the core unit 1
The CPU 1003 of “0” starts the timing generation circuit 802 via the connector 1008 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8. The timing generation circuit 802
The memory controller 80 according to a signal from the core unit 10
8, a timing signal for reading image information from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 is generated. Memory A
Image information from the memory 806 or the memory B 807 is input to the memory controller 808 via the data bus 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. From the core unit 10 to the printer unit 2
Are described in the core section 10 and will not be described.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the image memory unit 9 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows the image memory unit 9 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of FIG.

The image memory unit 9 is connected to the core unit 10 via a connector 900 and exchanges various signals. The multi-level input signal 954 is stored in the memory 904 under the control of the memory controller 905. Memory controller 9
05 is stored in the memory 904 and C
There are three functions: a mode in which data is exchanged with the PU bus 957, a mode in which the signal 954 is stored in the memory 904 under the control of the timing generation circuit 902, and a mode in which the memory contents are read out from the memory 904 and output to the signal line 955. Have.

The memory 904 has a capacity of 32 Mbytes and stores an image corresponding to A3 with a resolution of 400 DPI and 256 gradations. The timing generation circuit 902 is connected to the connector 900 via a signal line 952, and receives control signals (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC) from the core unit 10.
C, VEN) and generates signals to achieve the following two functions. One is a function of storing information from the core unit 10 in the memory 904, and the other is a function of transmitting image information from the memory 904 to the signal line 955. The dual port memory 903 is connected to the signal line 9
The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 and the CPU 906 of the image memory unit 9 are connected via a signal line 957 and 53, respectively. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 903.

The operation of storing image information in the image memory unit 9 and transferring the stored information to a computer will be described below.

An 8-bit multi-level image signal from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 900 and is input to the memory controller 905 via the signal line 954. The memory controller 905 uses a signal 952 from the core unit 10 to generate a timing signal 956 in the timing generation circuit 902.
And the signal 954 is stored in the memory 904 according to the signal.
To memorize. The CPU 906 includes a memory controller 90
5 is connected to the CPU bus 957.

The CPU 906 sequentially reads out image information from the memory 904 and transfers it to the dual port memory 903. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 reads the image information of the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9 via the signal line 953 and the connector 900, and transfers this information to the computer interface unit 7. The process of transferring information from the computer interface unit 7 to the computer has been described in detail, and will not be described.

Next, the operation of outputting the image information sent from the computer to the printer unit 2 will be described.

The image information sent from the computer is sent to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is a CPU
The image information is transferred to the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9 via the bus 1054 and the connector 1009. At this time, the CPU 9006 controls the memory controller 905 and connects the CPU bus 957 to the memory 9.
04 bus. The CPU 906 transfers image information from the dual port memory 903 to the memory 904 via the memory controller 905. Memory 904
When the image information has been transferred to the CPU 906, the CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 to connect the data line of the memory 904 to the signal 955. The CPU 906 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 903 and makes settings for printing an image from the memory 904 through the core unit 10 to the printer unit 2. When the setting is completed, C
The PU 906 activates the timing generation circuit 902 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 956 to the memory controller 905. The memory controller 905 reads image information from the memory 904 in synchronization with a signal from the timing generation circuit 902, transmits the image information to the signal line 955, and outputs the signal to the connector 900. Until output from the connector 900 to the printer unit 2, the core unit 1
The output from 0 to the output of the printer unit 2 has been described in the core unit 10 and will not be described.

Hereinafter, the recovery processing operation of the printer unit 2 and the external device 3 when the remaining amount of the developer is low will be described with reference to FIG. [First Recovery Processing] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a first data communication processing configuration between the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 and the external device 3 shown in FIG. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in this figure, the file unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, and the formatter unit 8 correspond to the corresponding connectors 1005 to 100, respectively.
The external device 3 and the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 are connected to each other through the CPU 8 to transmit image data and control signals to a communication IC.
An image forming unit including a reader unit 1, a printer unit 2, and the like, and a communication IC 12-1 are controlled through 1002.

The CPU 122 on the image forming unit side performs overall control of the image forming unit, and the sub CPU 123 controls the display on the display unit 12-2 of the operation unit,
Is also configured to be able to communicate with the CPU 1003.

The printer unit 2 performs printing based on a control command from the CPU 122. Toner remaining detector 12
-3 detects the remaining amount of toner in two stages, and detects the detected data via the communication ICs 1002 and 12-1 in the CPU 1003.
Transfer to

In this embodiment, the remaining toner detector 12
-3 corresponds to a step of determining whether or not the remaining amount of toner is below a predetermined printable limit. Is a limit that distinguishes the amount that can be performed from the amount that needs to be compared with the black pixel density of the image data described later.

The second step of detecting corresponds to a step of determining whether the remaining amount of toner is below a predetermined minimum remaining toner amount limit. Means the minimum amount of toner required to perform the operation.

The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 determines whether printing is possible based on the detection data received from the image forming unit, calculates the black pixel density of the image data, compares the detection result with the calculation result, and determines that printing is possible. If so, the image data is transferred to the image forming unit and printed by the printer unit 2.

On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is not possible, the CPU 1003 performs a different recovery process to be described later so as to perform an appropriate recovery according to the external device that is performing the process. In particular, when the print request destination is the computer interface unit 7, the sender is notified by a message to that effect.

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

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data, a printer for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of storage units based on input image data. the digital copying apparatus having a section 2, facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication is connected to the communication line (by the processing of the facsimile unit 4), and a computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system (computer interface unit added 7 handle by) of, and input and output image data respectively connecting the external device 3 for performing complex image processing, the external device 3 and the digital copying apparatus and is mutually communicate data (communication IC1002, 12-1) in the composite image input / output apparatus, Detecting means for detecting the remaining amount (toner remaining amount detector 12-3) and calculating means for predicting and calculating the consumption of the developer used based on image data transferred from the external device to the printer unit (CPU 1003
Determining means (by the functional processing of the CPU 1003) which compares the consumption calculated by the calculating means with the remaining amount of the developer detected by the detecting means to determine whether or not printing is possible. ) And recovery control means (by the function processing of the CPU 1003) for performing different recovery control for each transfer source processing function of the image data transferred to the printer when the determination means determines that printing is impossible. Is compared with the remaining amount of developer detected by the remaining toner amount detector 12-3, and when it is determined that printing is not possible, a transfer source processing function of image data transferred to the printer unit 2. A different recovery control (according to the procedure shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 15) is performed for each processing to execute each processing function requested to the printer unit. It makes it possible to perform individual and appropriate recovery processing for the print request of the image data with.

[0123] Especially, when the source processing function of the image data transferred to the printer unit 2 is a computer interface function, the recovery control means (CPU 100
3) transmits the print disabled state of the printer unit 2 to a predetermined computer system, and notifies the user of the print disabled state of the printer unit 2.

[0124] When the source processing function of the image data transferred to the printer unit 2 is a facsimile communication processing function, the (by CPU 1003) recovery control means to store the image data in the storage device, The received image data is managed without being lost until the printer unit is ready for printing, and the saved image data can be printed.

[0125] The second invention, the (by CPU 1003) recovery control means displays the state of storing the image data in the storage device in the operation unit, a state in which the image data of the unprinted state is stored It is possible to notify the user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a document image is read and
Reader unit 1 that outputs data to input image data
Image on recording material fed from multiple storage units
Digital copying machine having printer unit 2 for printing an image
Connected to a communication line for facsimile communication
Facsimile communication processing function (processing of facsimile unit 4)
Communication with a given computer system)
Computer interface function (computer in
Interface unit 7) to add image data
An external device 3 for inputting / outputting and performing composite image processing
And the external device 3 and the digital copying machine
Mutual data communication possible (communication ICs 1002 and 12-1
In a composite image input / output device that
Detecting means (toner remaining) for detecting the remaining amount of developer in the printer unit 2
Quantity detector 12-3) and the printer from the external device.
Said current used based on the image data transferred to the
A calculating means (CPU 1003) for predicting and calculating the consumption of the imaging agent
Calculated by the calculating means.
The consumption amount and the remaining amount of the developer detected by the detection unit are calculated.
Judging means for comparing and judging whether or not printing is possible
(According to the function processing of the CPU 1003),
Is transferred to the printer when it is determined that printing is not possible
Different recovery control for each image data transfer source processing function
Recovery control means (function processing of CPU 1003)
And the recovery control means includes a pre-
The transfer function of the image data transferred to the
If the printer interface function is
To the specified computer system when the printer cannot print
Source processor for image data transferred to the printer unit
If performance is a facsimile communication processing function, and shrink the image data input from the external device, then the developer
Predicts the amount of paper consumed and determines that it is ready for printing.
Then, the reduced image data is transferred to the printer unit, and even if the printer unit determines that printing is not possible, printing can be performed as quickly as possible with the remaining amount of the developer.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the first recovery processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.

First, image data to be printed out is received by the computer interface unit 7 shown in FIG. 10 (1). Next, the CPU 1003 determines the limit of the remaining amount of toner of the printer unit 2 detected by the remaining toner amount detector 12-3 in two stages. First, in step (2), it is determined whether the remaining amount of toner is sufficient. It is determined whether the remaining amount is smaller than the first limit. If the remaining amount of toner is sufficient, it is not necessary to limit the printing in accordance with the number of black pixels of the image data. Proceeding to (9), the image data received by the printer unit 2 is printed, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the remaining amount of toner is below the first limit, it is determined whether the remaining amount of toner is below the second limit which determines whether printing is possible or not. (3) If NO, it is determined that printing is not possible, and the computer interface unit 7
Through (7), a message is transmitted to the terminal of the caller (8), and the process ends without executing the print process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the value is not below the limit, the CPU 1003 calculates the black pixel density of the image data received by the computer interface unit 7 (4), and The black pixel density is compared with the remaining amount of toner (5), and it is determined whether printing is possible based on a predetermined threshold value (6). If YES, the process proceeds to step (9). If it is determined that it is impossible, the message is transmitted to the terminal of the sender through the computer interface unit (7) (8), and the process is terminated without executing the print process. [Second Recovery Processing] FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining a second data communication processing configuration between the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 and the external device 3 shown in FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, a selector 13-1 switches the transfer of input image data to either the image forming unit or the memory 13-2 based on an instruction from the CPU 1003.

The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 determines whether printing is possible based on the detection data received from the image forming unit, calculates the black pixel density of the image data, compares the detection result with the calculation result, and determines that printing is possible. If so, the image data is transferred to the image forming unit and printed by the printer unit 2.

On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is not possible, the CPU 1003 performs a different recovery process, which will be described later, so as to perform an appropriate recovery according to the external device that is performing the process. In particular, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that printing is not possible, the path of the image data is switched to the memory 13-2 by the selector 13-1 and stored in the memory 13-2, and the communication ICs 1002 and 12-
1 and communicates with the sub CPU 123 through the display unit 1 that the image data has been stored in the memory 13-2.
A message is displayed in 2-2.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the second recovery processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.

First, when the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG. 10 receives facsimile data (1), the CPU 100
3 is the printer unit 2 detected by the toner remaining amount detector 12-3
In order to determine the limit of the remaining amount of toner in two steps, first, in step (2), it is determined whether or not the first limit is determined to determine whether the remaining amount of toner is sufficient or the remaining amount is small. If the remaining amount of toner is sufficient, it is not necessary to limit the printing in accordance with the number of black pixels of the image data.
The image data received by the printer unit 2 is printed, and the process ends.

[0136] On the other hand, when the toner remaining amount is below the first limit is determined in step (2), whether the amount of remaining toner is printable, is below the second limit determines not Rukado Is determined (3), and in the case of NO, it is determined that printing is not possible, and the sub CPU 123 notifies the display unit 12-2 of the operation unit by a message that printing is not possible (8), and the process ends.

[0137] On the other hand, in step (3), when it is determined that not below the limit, CPU 1003 is off
The facsimile unit 4 calculates the black pixel density of the received image data (4), compares the calculated black pixel density with the remaining amount of toner (5), and prints based on a predetermined threshold. (6) If YES, proceed to step (9), if NO, determine that printing is not possible and select received facsimile data from selector 13-
1 to switch the transfer path to the memory 13-2 side
Save the re 13-2 (7), a message that it has stored the received data in the main memory (information relating to the image data which is currently stored (destination ID, reception date and time, communicating the received number of sheets) IC1002, Sub CPU through 12-1
The display unit 12-2 communicates with the display unit 123 (8), and the process ends without executing the print process. [Third Recovery Processing] FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining a third data communication processing configuration between the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 and the external device 3 shown in FIG. FIG.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 12-4 denotes a reduction means, and CP
The print data obtained by reducing the image data received by the control command from U122 by digital processing is output to the printer unit 2.

More specifically, the CPU 1003 calculates the black pixel density when the image data is reduced to an arbitrary size, determines whether printing is possible, or not according to a control procedure described later. After performing the reduction process through the means 12-4, the printer unit 2 prints based on the reduced print data, and if it is determined that printing is not possible, data transfer is not performed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the third recovery processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, when the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG. 10 receives facsimile data (1), the CPU 100
3 is the printer unit 2 detected by the toner remaining amount detector 12-3
In order to determine the limit of the remaining amount of toner in two steps, first, in step (2), it is determined whether or not the first limit is determined to determine whether the remaining amount of toner is sufficient or the remaining amount is small. If the remaining amount of toner is sufficient, it is not necessary to restrict the printing in accordance with the number of black pixels of the image data. Therefore, the process directly proceeds to step (10), where the image data received by the printer unit 2 is printed. The process ends.

[0142] On the other hand, when the toner remaining amount is below the first limit is determined in step (2), whether the amount of remaining toner is printable, is below the second limit determines not Rukado (3), and if it is lower, it is determined that printing is not possible, and the received facsimile data is not transferred to the image forming unit (8), and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the value is not below the limit, the CPU 1003 calculates the black pixel density of the image data received by the computer interface unit 7 (4). The density of the black pixel is compared with the remaining amount of toner (5), and it is determined whether or not equal-size printing is possible based on a predetermined threshold value (6). If YES, proceed to step (10); For example, the CPU 1003 reduces the image data, calculates the black pixel density at that time and determines whether or not printing is possible (7). If YES, transfers the received facsimile data to the reduction means 12-4, and performs digital processing. The facsimile data is reduced (9) and output to the printer unit 2 for printing (10).

[0144]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, when the determination unit compares the consumption calculated by the calculation unit with the remaining amount of the developer detected by the detection unit and determines that printing is not possible, the recovery control unit transfers the printing to the printer unit. It is intended to perform the transfer source processing function different recovery control for each of the image data to be a purine
The source processing function of the image data transferred to the
If it is a computer interface function,
To the specified computer system when the printer cannot print
Source of the image data to be transferred to the printer unit.
If the processing function is a facsimile communication processing function,
Since the image data is stored in the storage device, the printer unit
Can be notified to the user of the unprintable state of
The printer is ready to print the received image data
Manage the stored image data without losing it.
Printing can be performed, and individual and appropriate recovery processing can be performed for a print request of image data accompanying execution of each processing function requested to the printer unit.

[0145]

[0146]

[0147] According to the second invention, the recovery control means so displays the state of storing the image data in the storage device in the operation unit, a state in which the image data of the unprinted state is stored in the user Can be notified.

According to the third aspect , when the determining means determines that printing is impossible by comparing the consumption amount calculated by the calculating means with the remaining amount of developer detected by the detecting means,
The recovery control means controls the image data transferred to the printer unit.
The data transfer source processing function is a computer interface machine.
If the function is enabled, the printer
Sent to the computer system and transferred to the printer
The image data transfer source processing function is a facsimile communication processor
Image data input from an external device
And shrink, and prediction calculation consumption at that time of the developer, printing
If it is determined that the image data is
Since transferring data to the printer unit, it is determined not printed by the printer unit can print as quickly as possible in the developer remaining amount.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in a printer control apparatus for controlling a printer unit capable of printing an image based on image data from a plurality of image data transfer sources, the image data transferred from the image data transfer source is detected. When it is determined whether or not the printing of an image based on the image data is to be executed by the printer unit based on the determined remaining amount of the developer, if it is determined that the image data is not to be executed, the image that is the transfer source of the image data is determined. It performs different control depending on the data transfer source
Yes, image data transferred with negative image data
If the transfer source is a computer, the printer unit
To the computer, and
The computer recognizes that the printer is
The image data for the negative judgment.
The image data transfer source that transferred the data
If it is a device, save the image data in a storage device
Without loss of the received image data.
After the developer is supplied to the printer, the stored image data
Data can be printed out immediately , and when processing of image data transferred from a different image data transfer source, if a developer shortage occurs in the printer unit, an optimal recovery process adapted to the image data transfer source is performed. Is realized, and image data can be appropriately and flexibly processed in correspondence with each additional function processing. According to the fifth invention, the control means, so to display the state of storing the image data in the storage peripherals on the operation unit, it is possible to clearly indicate its location to the user. According to the sixth aspect, the image data from the computer is
A printer that controls a printer that can print images based on
In the computer control device.
Based on the detected image data and the detected remaining amount of developer.
Printing of images based on the image data of
When it is determined whether or not to execute, it is determined that
If the status of the printer unit is not printable,
Data, so that the printer cannot print
There is an effect that the computer can recognize and indicate to the user .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a composite image input / output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing a signal processing configuration of a leader unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a core unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a facsimile unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a file unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a computer interface unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a formatter unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image memory unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a first data communication processing configuration between the reader unit and the printer unit illustrated in FIG. 1 and an external device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first recovery processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a second data communication processing configuration between the reader unit and the printer unit illustrated in FIG. 1 and an external device.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second recovery processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a third data communication processing configuration between the reader unit and the printer unit illustrated in FIG. 1 and an external device.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third recovery processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Printer Unit 201 Exposure Control Unit 202 Photosensitive Drum 203 Developing Unit 204 Transferred Paper Loading Unit 205 Transferred Paper Loading Unit 206 Transfer Unit 207 Fixing Unit 208 Discharge Unit 209 Transport Direction Switching Member 210 Transfer Paper Loading Unit for Refeeding 211 Printer controller

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A digital device comprising: a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data; and a printer unit for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of storage units based on the input image data. the copying apparatus, facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication is connected to the communication line, and by adding a computer interface function for communicating with a given computer system, perform complex image processing to input image data, respectively A composite image input / output device that connects an external device and allows the external device and the digital copying apparatus to perform data communication with each other; a detection unit configured to detect a remaining amount of a developer in the printer unit; Calculating means for predicting and calculating the consumption amount of the developer used based on the image data transferred to the unit, A determining unit that compares the consumption amount calculated by the calculating unit with the remaining amount of the developer detected by the detecting unit to determine whether or not printing is possible; Recovery control means for performing different recovery control for each transfer function of the image data transferred to the printer unit , wherein the recovery control means
The image data transfer source processing function is
If the printer function is enabled, the printer
Sent to the computer system and transferred to the printer unit.
The source processing function of the image data to be transferred is
The image data in a storage device
A composite image input / output device. Wherein said recovery control means, the composite image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the displaying the state of storing the image data in the storage device in the operating portion. 3. An original image is read and image data is output.
Reader unit, based on input image data,
A process for printing a visible image on the recording material fed from the storage
Communication with a digital copying machine having a printer unit
Facsimile connected to the line and performing facsimile communication
Communication processing function, and the communication with a predetermined computer system
Computer interface function to add
External device that inputs and outputs data and performs composite image processing
Connected to the external device and the digital copying machine.
Is a composite image input / output device that allows
Te, a detecting means for detecting the developer remaining amount of the printer unit, the image data transferred from the external device to the printer unit
Calculation of the consumption of the developer used based on the data
Calculating means, and the consumption calculated by the calculating means and the detecting means.
Ready to print by comparing the remaining amount of developer detected
Determining means for determining whether or not printing is not possible;
Different resources for each source processing function of image data transferred to
Recovery control means for performing coverage control , wherein the recovery control means is capable of controlling an image transferred to the printer unit.
The image data transfer source processing function is
If the printer function is enabled, the printer
Sent to the computer system and transferred to the printer unit.
The source processing function of the image data to be transferred is
If a management function, the image data input from the external device to shrink, and prediction calculation consumption at that time of the developer,
Reduced image when it is determined that printing is possible
Double if the image input-output device you and transferring the data to the printer unit. 4. A printer control device for controlling a printer unit capable of printing an image based on image data from a plurality of image data transfer sources, a detecting unit for detecting a remaining amount of a developer in the printer unit, Determining means for determining, based on the image data transferred from the transfer source and the remaining amount of the developer detected by the detecting means, whether or not to execute printing of an image based on the image data by a printer unit; Control means for performing different control depending on the image data transfer source that is the transfer source of the image data when the determination means determines that the determination is not to be performed , wherein the control means relates to a negative determination of the determination means Image
Image data transfer source is a computer that has been transferred over data
In this case, the computer disables printing of the printer unit.
Image data relating to the negative determination of the determination means.
The image data transfer source that transferred the data
Wherein the image data is stored in a storage device. Wherein said control means, a printer control device according to claim 4, wherein the displaying the state of storing the image data in the storage device in the operating portion. 6. Based on image data from computer
Printer control device that controls the printer unit that can print images
In place Detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the developer in the printer unit; Image data transferred from the computer and the detection
Based on the remaining amount of developer detected by the
Image printing based on image data is executed by the printer unit.
Determining means for determining whether or not to cause If the determination unit determines that the execution is not performed,
Sending a print disabled state of the printer to the computer.
Means of communication, A printer control device comprising: