JP3669317B2 - Copy system, copy control device, and connection device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a copy system having a copy function and a function of converting an original into digital data, and a copy control device and a connection device for constructing such a copy system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, devices have been developed that can be built with a printer and scanner that can be used alone as a peripheral device of a computer to create a system (hereinafter referred to as a copy system) having the same appearance and function as a dedicated copier. ing. As such a device (hereinafter referred to as a copy control device), a function for filing a document by converting it into digital data (image data) (hereinafter referred to as a document digitizing function) may be added. What can be done is also known.
[0003]
The outline of a conventional copy control apparatus to which a document digitizing function can be added will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0004]
As schematically shown in FIG. 9A, the copy control device 61 described here includes a copy operation unit 61c, and an extension board 61s and an extension board 61p mounted on the scanner 62 and the printer 63, respectively. Thus, this is an apparatus capable of constructing a copy system 60 having an appearance as shown in FIG.
[0005]
The scanner 62 and the printer 63 are devices that can be used as computer peripheral devices even when the expansion board 61s and the expansion board 61p are not attached. The scanner 62 is a device having a SCSI (small computer system interface) interface.
[0006]
The extension board 61s and the extension board 61p are boards that have been developed to enable the construction of a copy system 60 capable of performing high-speed copying. The copy operation unit 61c includes a scanner 62 with the extension board 61s attached thereto, This is a kind of computer for causing a system (that is, the copy system 60) including the printer 63 to which the expansion board 61p is mounted and its own unit to function as a copier.
[0007]
The appearance and hardware configuration of the copy operation unit 61c are as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively.
[0008]
That is, as shown in FIG. 10, on the upper surface of the copy operation unit 61c, a touch screen 71, a numeric keypad 72 including a start button 72s, a numeric keypad, and the like, and a plurality of LEDs are provided. As shown in FIG. 11, the copy operation unit 61c includes, as main components, the touch screen 71 (LCD (liquid crystal display) and contact position sensor) and the like, and LCD control serving as a control circuit thereof. A circuit, an input interface (I / F) and an LED drive circuit, a CPU, a ROM that stores a program that the CPU follows, a RAM that is used as a temporary storage area for various information by the CPU (program), and a copy system 60 The unit includes an EEPROM for storing the copy conditions set by the user and a communication control circuit for performing communication between the printer 63 and the scanner 62.
[0009]
Further, the copy operation unit 61c is a unit in which a network scanning unit 64 for giving a document digitizing function to the copy system 60 can be mounted in the form shown in FIG.
[0010]
The network scanning unit 64 is a unit used by being connected to the scanner 62 and the LAN as shown in FIG. On the upper surface of the network scanning unit 64, as shown in FIG. 12, an LCD 81 and a push button SW unit 82 including a start button 82s, a menu related button 82m, and the like are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the network scanning unit 64 includes, as main components, a SCSI circuit, a network I / F circuit (NW_I / F circuit), a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, an LCD 81, and an LCD control circuit. , A push button SW unit 82 and a unit including an input I / F.
[0011]
The SCSI circuit included in the network scanning unit 64 is an interface circuit for communicating with the scanner 62 (controls the scanner 62), and the NW_I / F circuit connects the network scanning unit 64 to the LAN ( This is an interface circuit for communicating with other devices constituting the LAN.
[0012]
The ROM is a non-volatile memory in which a program for defining the operation procedure of the CPU is recorded, and the RAM is a memory used for temporary storage of various information by the CPU (program). The LCD control circuit is a circuit for displaying various character information on the LCD 81. The input I / F is a circuit that detects the operation content performed on the push button SW unit 82 and notifies the CPU of the detection result (which button was pressed).
[0013]
The EEPROM is a rewritable nonvolatile memory for storing some preset information for each user. Here, the preset information is information that defines the operating conditions of the network scanning unit 64. The preset information includes conditions (original size, original reading resolution, etc.) that cause the scanner 62 to read the original. Information to be specified and information (IP address and folder name) to specify the storage location of the document reading result by the scanner 62 (image data acquired by the network scanning unit 64 from the scanner 62) are included.
[0014]
The CPU is a control circuit that integrally controls each unit in the network scanning unit 64. The CPU 21 performs the following processing by executing a program stored in the ROM.
[0015]
When the CPU receives information in a predetermined format from a computer on the LAN, the CPU stores (adds) new preset information in the EEPROM in accordance with an instruction from the operator of the computer, or the preset stored in the EEPROM. A process for changing the content of the information is performed.
[0016]
Further, in a normal state, the CPU monitors an operation on the push button SW unit 82 (menu related button 82m), and changes the information displayed on the LCD 81 according to the operation content (which preset information is used). And a process for monitoring the transmission of information (information corresponding to preset information) specifying operating conditions from a computer on the LAN. Then, when the start button 82s is pressed, the CPU causes the scanner 62 to read a document (output image data) under the conditions specified at that time, and image data output from the scanner 62. Is stored in the storage location designated at that time.
[0017]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
If the above-described copy system 60 incorporating the network scanning unit 64 is installed in an office having a LAN environment, documents can be converted into digital data and shared, so that various operations can be performed efficiently. Environment.
[0018]
However, the above-described copy system 60 is a system in which two independent operation panels exist in a so-called operation panel portion (a copy operation unit 61c to which the network scanning unit 64 is attached; see FIG. 12). For this reason, this copy system 60 is a system that is difficult for those who use the copy system 60 for the first time to know how to operate.
[0019]
The copy system 60 is also a system that has a problem that the network scanning unit 64 becomes relatively expensive.
[0020]
The present invention has been made in view of such a current situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a copy system that has good operability when converting an original into digital data and can be manufactured at low cost. is there. Another object of the present invention is to provide a copy control device and a connection device capable of constructing such a copy system.
[0021]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, in the present invention, a copy system including a scanner, a printer, a connection device, and a copy control device is used as the connection device, and a scanner control unit for controlling the scanner and a computer on a computer network A network communication unit for communicating with the computer, a communication unit for communicating with the copy control device via an information transmission medium different from the computer network, and communication using the communication unit from the copy control device. An apparatus including a processing execution unit that executes processing according to the content of the acquired instruction information using the scanner communication unit and the network communication unit is used, and the connection control device is used as the copy control device. A connecting device mounting portion on which the device can be mounted, and before being mounted on the connecting device mounting portion A communication processing unit for communicating with the communication unit of the connection device, an operation unit including a plurality of items that can be operated by an operator, and a condition corresponding to the content of the operation performed on the operation unit And a function for causing the printer to generate a copy of the document set on the scanner, and instruction information having contents corresponding to the contents of the operation performed on the operation unit using the communication processing unit. It is set as the structure using the apparatus provided with the control part which has a function given to the said process execution part.
[0022]
That is, the copy system according to the present invention has a configuration in which the operator can use the connection device and perform copying by operating the operation unit. Therefore, the copy system according to the present invention functions as a system with good operability as compared with the conventional copy system 60 (see FIG. 12). In addition, since parts for interface with the operator are not required for manufacturing the connection device of the copy system, an inexpensive copy system can be obtained according to the present invention.
[0023]
When realizing the copy system of the present invention, in order to facilitate the mounting of the connection device to the copy control device, the connection device mounted on the communication processing unit and the connection device mounting unit in the copy control device. It is desirable to perform infrared communication with the internal communication unit.
[0024]
The copy control device and connection device of the present invention have the same configurations as the copy control device and connection device, respectively, which are components of the copy system of the present invention. Therefore, according to the copy control device and the connection device of the present invention, the copy system of the present invention, in other words, a copy system that can be manufactured at low cost with good operability when converting an original into digital data is constructed. It will be possible.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a copy system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027]
As illustrated, the copy system 10 according to the present embodiment is a system that combines a copy control device 11 (copy operation unit 11c, expansion board 11s, and expansion board 11p), a scanner 12, a printer 13, and a network scanning unit 14. is there.
[0028]
The scanner 12 and the printer 13 used in the copy system 10 are the same devices as the scanner 62 and the printer 63, respectively. That is, the scanner 12 can be used alone as a peripheral device of a computer to which the expansion board 11s can be attached, and the printer 13 can be used alone as a peripheral device of the computer to which the expansion board 11p can be attached. It is a device. The expansion board 11s and the expansion board 11p are the same as the expansion board 61s and the expansion board 61p, respectively.
[0029]
On the other hand, the copy operation unit 11c and the network scanning unit 14 are respectively connected to the copy operation unit 61c and the network scanning unit 64 so that communication using an IR (infrared) signal is performed between the copy operation unit 11c and the network scanning unit 14. (See FIG. 9A).
[0030]
Specifically, the copy operation unit 11c and the network scanning unit 14 are units having the appearance and hardware configuration shown in FIGS.
[0031]
That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the copy operation unit 11c is the same unit as the copy operation unit 61c in appearance, and the network scanning unit 14 is different from the network scanning unit 64 in appearance. The units are different units (units not provided with the LCD 81 or the push button SW unit 82 for the interface with the operator).
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 3, the copy operation unit 11c includes, as main components, a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, EEPROM 24, communication control circuit 25, IR communication control circuit 26 (so-called infrared transmission / reception module), LCD control. A circuit 27, an input interface circuit (input I / F) 28, an LED drive circuit 29, a touch screen 31, a numeric keypad 32, and a plurality of LEDs 33 are provided. In other words, the copy operation unit 11c is a unit that has been improved by adding the IR communication control circuit 26 to the copy operation unit 61c in terms of hardware.
[0033]
The network scanning unit 14 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, an EEPROM 44, a SCSI circuit 45, a network I / F circuit (NW_I / F circuit) 46, and an IR communication control circuit 47 as main components. In other words, in terms of hardware, the network scanning unit 14 is a unit in which an IR communication control circuit 47 is provided in place of the component group related to the LCD 81 and the button SW unit 82 with respect to the network scanning unit 64. It has become.
[0034]
The network scanning unit 14 and the copy operation unit 11c are configured such that the IR communication control circuit 47 and the IR communication control circuit 26 face each other with the network scanning unit 14 attached to the copy operation unit 11c.
[0035]
In the present embodiment, the network scanning unit 14 corresponds to a connection device. The SCSI circuit 45, NW_I / F circuit 46, and IR communication control circuit 47 in the network scanning unit 14 correspond to a scanner control unit, a network communication unit, and a communication unit, respectively. (Corresponding to the CPU 41) corresponds to the processing execution unit.
[0036]
Further, the copy operation unit 11c or the copy control device 11 corresponds to a copy control device, and a portion where the network scanning unit 14 of the copy operation unit 11c is mounted corresponds to a connection device mounting portion. The IR communication control circuit 26 corresponds to a communication processing unit, and the other part (the part centering on the CPU 21) in the copy operation unit 11c corresponds to a control unit.
[0037]
The copy operation unit 11c and the network scanning unit 14 are configured to perform operations according to procedures shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively.
[0038]
That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the power is turned on, the CPU 21 in the copy operation unit 11c performs startup processing (step S101) for confirming that each unit is operating normally. Execute. Thereafter, the CPU 21 performs a process for displaying the basic operation screen on the touch screen 31 (LCD 35) (step S102).
[0039]
The basic operation screen displayed by the processing of this step is a screen on which the operator can set (change) the number of copies, copy magnification, document type, etc., as shown in FIG. Further, a “scan switch” button 50 is provided on the basic operation screen.
[0040]
The CPU 21 displaying the basic operation screen in step S102 waits (monitors) that a significant operation is performed by the operator in subsequent step S103.
[0041]
If an operation other than pressing the “scan switch” button 50 is performed (step S104: other), the CPU 21 performs a process according to the operation content of the operator in step S105, and then proceeds to step S103. Return.
[0042]
In step S105, the CPU 21 performs various processes. For example, when an operation is performed on the touch screen 31 (a button different from the “scan switch” button 50 shown on the touch screen 31 is pressed), the CPU 21 displays the touch screen 31 on the touch screen 31 in step S105. Processing for changing the contents of the screen, processing for displaying another type of screen on the touch screen 31, processing for redisplaying the basic operation screen on the touch screen 31, and the like are performed. If the start button 72s is pressed, the CPU 21 transmits a command for starting the copy process to the scanner 12 and the printer 13 in step S105, and then touches a screen indicating the progress of the copy process. Performs processing to be displayed on the screen.
[0043]
On the other hand, when the “scan switch” button 50 is pressed (step S104: the scan switch button is pressed), the CPU 21 displays the connected device checking screen on the touch screen 31 and uses the IR communication control circuit 26 to perform networking. It is investigated whether or not the scanning unit 14 is attached (step S106). Here, the connected device confirmation screen notifies the operator that the network scanning unit 14 (in the figure, “scanning box”) is being investigated as shown in FIG. It is a screen to do. The investigation in step S106 is performed by requesting the network scanning unit 14 to output predetermined information (in this embodiment, unit ID that is identification information of the network scanning unit 14).
[0044]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 41 in the network scanning unit 14 normally receives various requests from the computer on the LAN by the NW_I / F circuit 46 in step S201. And that various requests from the copy operation unit 11c are received by the IR communication control circuit 47 (waiting).
[0045]
Then, the CPU 41 receives an output request for some information (such as a unit ID which is identification information of the network scanning unit 14 or preset information stored in the EEPROM 45) transmitted by the computer or the copy operation unit 11c on the LAN. In the case (step S202; information request), the requested information is returned to the request source using the NW_I / F circuit 46 or the IR communication control circuit 47 (step S203).
[0046]
In step S106 (FIG. 4), it is investigated whether or not the process of step S203 is performed within a predetermined time.
[0047]
In addition, CPU41 which finished the process of step S203 returns to step S201, and waits for reception of various requests again. When the CPU 41 receives a request to add or change preset information transmitted by a computer on the LAN (step S202; reception of addition / change request), the CPU 41 changes the contents of the EEPROM 45 according to the received request. After performing preset information addition / change processing (step S204), the process returns to step S201. The remaining processing will be described later. Returning to FIG. 4, the description of the operation of the CPU 21 in the copy operation unit 11c will be continued.
[0048]
When it is not possible to confirm that the network scanning unit 14 is attached (step S107; NO), the CPU 21 displays an error message notification process for displaying a screen for notifying the operator on the touch screen 31 (step S107). S108) is executed. Then, the CPU 21 ends the error message notification process when a predetermined operation is performed, and displays the basic operation screen on the touch screen 31 again in step S102.
[0049]
On the other hand, if it can be confirmed that the network scanning unit 14 is attached (step S107; YES), the CPU 21 uses the IR communication control circuit 26 to store preset information stored in the EEPROM 45 in the network scanning unit 14. The group is read out and stored in the RAM 23, and a scan basic operation screen for allowing the operator to set the contents of the digitizing process to be executed is displayed on the touch screen 31 using the preset information group (step S31). S109).
[0050]
FIG. 8 shows an example of a scan basic operation screen displayed on the touch screen 31. As shown in the figure, the basic scan operation screen has three areas respectively showing the document size, resolution, and mode set at the present time, and 3 to be operated by the operator when changing the document size, resolution, and mode. And a paper feed button to be pressed by the operator when the paper feeder is switched from the document table to the ADF (automatic paper feeder) or from the ADF to the document table. Further, the scan basic operation screen also includes a “copy switching” button 51 to be pressed by the operator when displaying the basic operation screen, a user selection button 52 for allowing the operator to select preset information, and a preset button 53. ing. Note that the paper feed button is a button in which the currently selected paper feeder (“document table” in the figure) is displayed, and the user selection button 52 is the user's currently selected user's button. The name (in the figure, “WATSON”) is a button shown inside. The preset button 53 is a button in which the name of preset information currently selected (“Color_A4_400” in the figure) is displayed.
[0051]
After the scan basic operation screen is displayed on the touch screen 31, the CPU 21 waits (monitors) the operation of the numeric keypad 32 (mainly the start button 32s) and the touch screen 31 by the operator ( Step S110) is started.
[0052]
The operation monitored by the CPU 21 in step S110 includes pressing of the “copy switching” button 51, pressing of the start button 32s, and other operations (buttons other than the “copy switching” button 51 displayed on the touch screen 31). Press).
[0053]
If the performed operation is another operation (step S111: other), the CPU 21 changes the display content of the touch screen 31 according to the operation content of the operator (stores conditions specified by the operator). And a process of displaying on the scan basic operation screen) is performed in step S112. Thereafter, the CPU 21 returns to step S110 and again waits for any operation performed by the operator.
[0054]
When the “copy switch” button 51 is pressed (step S111: copy switch button pressed), the CPU 21 returns to step S102 and displays the basic operation screen on the touch screen 31.
[0055]
When the start button 32s is pressed (step S110, step S111: start button pressed), the CPU 21 uses the IR communication control circuit 26 to set the network scanning unit 14 at that time. A processing start request including information indicating operating conditions is transmitted (step S113). Thereafter, the CPU 21 displays on the touch screen 31 a scanning screen for notifying the operator of the progress of the document digitization process, and then information indicating the progress of the document digitization process is transmitted from the network scanning unit 14. In response to the information, the in-scan screen display process (step S114), which is a process for updating the contents of the in-scan screen according to the information, is started.
[0056]
On the other hand, when the CPU 41 in the network scanning unit 14 receives the process start request transmitted by the process of step S113 (FIG. 5: step S202; process start request received), the contents (operations) indicated by the process start request The document digitizing process (step S205) is executed. That is, in step S205, the CPU 41 uses the SCSI circuit 45, the NW_I / F circuit 46, and the like to operate the scanner 12 under the conditions specified in the received process start request, and as a result. The image data output by the scanner 12 is stored in the storage location specified by the processing start request. In step S205, the CPU 41 also periodically transmits information indicating the progress of the digitizing process to the copy operation unit 11c (CPU 21).
[0057]
When the document digitization process is completed, the CPU 41 notifies the copy operation unit 11c of the completion of the document digitization process using the IR communication control circuit 47 (step S206). After that, the CPU 41 returns to step S201 and waits for reception of various requests.
[0058]
On the other hand, the CPU 21 in the copy operation unit 11c notified of the completion of the digitizing process from the network scanning unit 14 (CPU 41) ends the screen display process during scanning (step S114 in FIG. 4). Then, the CPU 21 displays the basic operation screen on the touch screen 31 again in step S102.
[0059]
Although not shown in the flowchart, the network scanning unit 14 (CPU 41) receives information indicating the contents of the digitizing process to be executed (scanner operation conditions) from a computer (scanner driver) on the LAN. When the request including the information to be displayed and the information to store the image data is transmitted, the information is notified to the copy operation unit 11c. Receiving this information, the CPU 21 in the copy operation unit 11c performs substantially the same processing as the processing from step S109. Specifically, the CPU 21 displays a screen similar to the basic scan operation screen (the content of which cannot be changed) on the touch screen 31, and then waits for the start button 32s to be pressed. Then, when the start button 32s is pressed, the CPU 21 starts processing from step S113, and the CPU 41 (network scanning unit 14) that has received the processing start request executes the processing of steps S205 and S206 described above. .
[0060]
As described above, the copy system 10 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the operator can use both the copy function and the document digitizing function by operating the touch screen 31 and the numeric keypad 32 (start button 32s). Has been. Therefore, it can be said that the copy system 10 is a system with better operability than the conventional copy system 60.
[0061]
The copy system 10 (copy operation unit 11c and network scanning unit 14) is a system that requires fewer parts than the copy system 60 (copy operation unit 61c and network scanning unit 64). Specifically, although two components (IR communication control circuits 26 and 47) are added to the copy system 10, the LCD 81 and the push button SW unit 82 related component group are unnecessary. The number of parts required for manufacturing is smaller than the copy system 60 by the difference between the two. As apparent from the fact that the IR communication control circuits 26 and 47 are used in various devices, the copy system 10 (particularly, the network scanning unit 14) is a copy system 60. It is also a system that can be manufactured at a lower cost.
[0062]
<Deformation>
The copy system 10 can perform various modifications. For example, the copy system 10 may be modified so that communication between the copy operation unit 11c and the network scanning unit 14 is performed by an electrical signal via a cable / connector. However, in this case, when the network scanning unit 14 is added, it is necessary to connect the network scanning unit 14 to the copy operation unit 11c. desirable.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a copy system that has good operability when converting an original into digital data and can be manufactured at low cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copy system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a copy operation unit and a network scanning unit constituting the copy system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a copy operation unit and a network scanning unit according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a CPU in the copy operation unit.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a CPU in the network scanning unit.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a basic operation screen displayed on the touch screen of the copy operation unit.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a connected device checking screen displayed on the touch screen of the copy operation unit.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a basic scan operation screen displayed on the touch screen of the copy operation unit.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional copy system to which an original digitizing function can be added.
FIG. 10 is an external view of a copy operation unit used in a conventional copy system.
FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of a conventional copy operation unit.
FIG. 12 is an external view of a conventional copy operation unit with a network scanning unit attached.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a conventional copy system in which a network scanning unit is incorporated.
FIG. 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of a conventional network scanning unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 60 Copy system
11, 61 Copy control device
11c, 61c Copy operation unit
11s, 11p, 61s, 61p expansion board
12, 62 Scanner
13, 63 Printer
14, 64 Network scanning unit

Claims (4)

A copy system including a scanner, a printer, a connection device, and a copy control device,
The connecting device is
A scanner control unit for controlling the scanner;
A network communication unit for communicating with a computer on a computer network;
A communication unit for communicating with the copy control apparatus via an information transmission medium different from the computer network;
A processing execution unit that executes processing according to the content of the instruction information acquired from the copy control apparatus by communication using the communication unit using the scanner communication unit and the network communication unit;
The copy control device
A connection device mounting portion to which the connection device can be mounted; and
A communication processing unit for performing communication with the communication unit of the connection device mounted on the connection device mounting unit;
An operation unit including a plurality of items that can be operated by the operator;
A function for causing the printer to generate a copy of the document set on the scanner under conditions according to the content of the operation performed on the operation unit, and a content corresponding to the content of the operation performed on the operation unit. And a control unit having a function of giving instruction information to the processing execution unit in the connection device using the communication processing unit. 2. The copy system according to claim 1, wherein infrared communication is performed between a communication processing unit in the copy control device and the communication unit in the connection device mounted on the connection device mounting unit. . A copy control device for causing a scanner and a printer to perform a copy process,
A scanner control unit for controlling the scanner, a network communication unit for communicating with a computer on a computer network, and a communication unit for communicating with the copy control apparatus via an information transmission medium different from the computer network And a connection device including a processing execution unit that executes processing according to the content of the instruction information acquired from the copy control device through communication using the communication unit, using the scanner communication unit and the network communication unit A connecting device mounting portion that can be mounted,
A communication processing unit for communicating with the communication unit of the connection device mounted on the connection device mounting unit;
An operation unit including a plurality of items that can be operated by the operator;
A function for causing the printer to generate a copy of the document set on the scanner under conditions according to the content of the operation performed on the operation unit, and a content corresponding to the content of the operation performed on the operation unit. A copy control apparatus comprising: a control unit having a function of giving instruction information to the process execution unit in the connection device using the communication processing unit. A connection device mounted on a copy control device for causing a scanner and a printer to perform copy processing,
A scanner control unit for controlling the scanner;
A network communication unit for communicating with a computer on a computer network;
A communication unit for communicating with the copy control apparatus via an information transmission medium different from the computer network;
A processing execution unit that executes processing according to the content of the instruction information acquired from the copy control apparatus by communication using the communication unit, using the scanner communication unit and the network communication unit. Connecting device to be used.

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