JP3780223B2 - Multifunction device, image data transfer method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multifunction machine having a printer function and a scanner function, an image data transfer method, a program, and a storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, functions have been compounded, and multifunction machines having a plurality of functions including a printer function and a scanner function have appeared. In this multifunction device, the printer function is a function for receiving print data transmitted from a host computer connected to the multifunction device and printing the received print data. The scanner function is a function for reading an image on a document and transferring the read image data to a host computer. This printer function and scanner function cannot be operated simultaneously.
[0003]
The case where the printer function starts printing upon receiving a print instruction from the host computer and the scanner function starts the document reading operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the operation of the printer function and the scanner function in the conventional multifunction machine.
[0004]
Here, as shown in FIG. 9A, it is assumed that printing processing is started in the host computer at timing T1. As a result, the print data is transmitted from the host computer to the multifunction peripheral. The multifunction device receives the print data transmitted from the host computer and prints the first page by the printer function during the period of timing T1 to T2.
[0005]
Also, in the multifunction device, as shown in FIG. 9B, it is assumed that reading of the first document is started by the scanner function at timing T3 (= T1). The read image data of the original is transferred to the host computer. Since printing is performed by the printer function between timings T1 and T2, the transfer of the image data is performed after completion of printing by the printer function. Is called. That is, at the same timing T4 as the print end timing T2, reading of the second original is started, and at the same time, transfer of the image data to the host computer is started. Then, the transfer of the image data ends at timing T5.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional multifunction peripheral, the printer function and the scanner function cannot be operated at the same time, so work efficiency is poor.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a multifunction device, a read image data transfer method, a program, and a storage medium that can simultaneously operate a printer function and a scanner function and improve work efficiency.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives print data for each page transmitted from a host computer, reads a printer function for performing printing based on the print data, and reads a document image, and stores the image data in the host computer. In a multifunction peripheral having a scanner function to transfer, a notification means for notifying the operation status of the scanner function to the host computer, and an instruction issued according to the notified operation status from the host computer. Control means for controlling the operation, wherein the control means receives the image data during a period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth page transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of the print data of the (N + 1) th page. The operation of the scanner function so as to transfer to the host computer. Characterized in that the Gosuru.
[0011]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives print data for each line transmitted from a host computer, performs a printing function based on the print data, reads a document image, and reads the image data. In a multifunction device having a scanner function to be transferred to the host computer, a notification means for notifying the operation status of the scanner function to the host computer, and an instruction issued according to the notified operation status from the host computer Control means for controlling the operation of the scanner function, the control means during a period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth line transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of the print data of the (N + 1) th line The scanner function to transfer the image data to the host computer And controlling the operation.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives print data for each page transmitted from a host computer, reads a printer function for performing printing based on the print data, and reads an original image, and stores the image data in the host In a method for transferring image data in a multifunction peripheral having a scanner function to be transferred to a computer, a notification step for notifying the host computer of an operation status of the scanner function, and a notification issued from the host computer according to the operation status notified from the host computer. The image data is transferred to the host computer during the period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth page transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of the print data of the (N + 1) th page. A control process for controlling the operation of the scanner function And it features.
[0015]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives print data for each line transmitted from a host computer, performs a printing function based on the print data, reads a document image, and reads the image data. In a method for transferring image data in a multi-function peripheral having a scanner function to be transferred to the host computer, a notification step of notifying the host computer of an operation status of the scanner function, and a response according to the operation status notified from the host computer Based on the issued instruction, the image data is transferred to the host computer during the period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth line transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of print data of the (N + 1) th line. And a control step for controlling the operation of the scanner function. The features.
[0016]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives print data for each page transmitted from a host computer, reads a printer function for performing printing based on the print data, and reads an original image, and stores the image data in the host A program executed by a multi-function peripheral having a scanner function to be transferred to a computer, a notification step for notifying the host computer of an operation status of the scanner function, and an output according to the operation status notified from the host computer. Based on the received instruction, the image data is transferred to the host computer during the period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth page transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of the print data of the (N + 1) th page. And a control step for controlling the operation of the scanner function. It is characterized in.
[0017]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives print data for each line transmitted from a host computer, performs a printing function based on the print data, reads a document image, and reads the image data. A program executed by a multi-function peripheral having a scanner function to be transferred to the host computer, a notification step for notifying the host computer of an operation status of the scanner function, and a response according to the operation status notified from the host computer The image data is transferred to the host computer during the period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth line transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of the print data of the (N + 1) th line based on the instruction issued. A control step for controlling the operation of the scanner function. And wherein the Rukoto.
[0018]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides claims.11The described program is stored.
[0019]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides claims.12The described program is stored.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an engine unit in the multifunction peripheral of FIG.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 2 is connected to the host computer 1 and receives print data in units of pages transmitted from the host computer 1 and performs printing based on the print data and a document image. And a scanner function for transferring the image data to the host computer 1.
[0023]
The multi function device 2 has a controller 3 for controlling the engine unit 4 and the scanner 8, and the controller 3 includes a control unit 5 having a CPU 7 and a ROM 9 therein, and a RAM 6 constituting a reception buffer for receiving print data. Including. The CPU 7 controls the entire apparatus based on a control program stored in the ROM 9 and individually controls the operations of the engine unit 4 and the scanner 8. Further, the control unit 5 incorporates an interface (not shown) for bidirectional communication with the host computer 1. As this interface, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) is used.
[0024]
Data transmitted from the host computer 1 is received by the control unit 5 and temporarily stored in the RAM 6. Then, in response to a request from the engine unit 4, the control unit 5 reads the print data from the RAM 6 and converts it into video data. This video data is sent to the engine unit 4, and the engine unit 4 performs printing based on the video data. Here, when the print data is compressed, the print data is decompressed by the control unit 5.
[0025]
The scanner 8 reads a document and temporarily stores the image data in a buffer provided therein. Then, the image data stored in the buffer is transferred to the host computer 1 via the control unit 5.
[0026]
  As shown in FIG. 2, the engine unit 4 includes a laser beam printer (LBP), and the laser beam printer print information supplied from the host computer 1.In the newsFollowWriteAn image is formed on recording paper, which is a recording medium. The laser beam printer has a main body 1500, and an operation panel 1501 and a printer control unit 1000 are provided in the main body 1500. On the operation panel 1501, switches for operating the device, LED indicators, and the like are arranged. The printer control unit 1000 controls the entire printer.I do. This printer control unit 1000Print informationIt is converted into a video signal and output to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and performs on / off switching of the laser light 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 in accordance with the input video signal.
[0027]
  The laser beam 1504 is shaken in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, a character pattern electrostatic latent image is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1506 to be visualized as a toner image, and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used for this recording paper.NoIt is done. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the main body 1500, and is taken into the apparatus by the paper feed roller 1509 and the transport rollers 1510 and 1511 and is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506..
[0028]
The control unit 5 of the multifunction machine 2 notifies the operation status of the scanner 8 to the host computer 1 and is transmitted from the host computer 1 based on an instruction issued according to the operation status notified from the host computer 1. Control is performed so that the image data read by the scanner 8 is transferred to the host computer 1 during the period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth page until the start of reception of print data of the (N + 1) th page.
[0029]
This process will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a timing chart of processing in the multifunction machine of FIG.
[0030]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when print processing is started in the host computer 1 (timing T1), the host computer 1 generates print data for the first page (including rasterization and compression processing), Transmission of this print data to the multifunction device 2 is started. The multifunction device 2 receives the print data for the first page transmitted from the host computer 1 and prints the first page based on the print data (period T1 to T2). Here, when the transmission of the print data for the first page is completed, the host computer 1 instructs the multifunction device 2 to start transfer of the image data read by the scanner 8, as will be described later. Start generating print data for
[0031]
When printing of the first page by the multifunction device 2 is completed (timing T2), the host computer 1 starts transmitting print data for the second page. In the multifunction device 2, the second page transmitted from the host computer 1 is started. Print data is received, and the second sheet is printed based on the print data.
[0032]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, it is assumed that in the multi-function device 2, the start switch of the operation panel 1501 is pressed and reading of a document by the scanner 8 is started. Here, the reading start timing T4 is the same as the timing T1 which is the same as the printing start. When document reading is started, the first document is read, and image data read from this document is temporarily stored in a buffer inside the scanner 8. The image data stored in this buffer is transferred to the host computer 1 via the control unit 5. The transfer of the image data is started based on the transfer instruction from the host computer 1 described above, and during the period in which the host computer 1 is not transmitting the print data, that is, during the rasterization or the print data compression process. Is performed (period T5 to T7).
[0033]
In the multifunction device 2, when the reading of the first document is completed, the reading of the second document is started (timing T6; T5 <T6 <T7). When the transfer of image data from the multifunction device 2 to the host computer 1 is completed (timing T7), the print data for the second page is transmitted from the host computer 2, and the multifunction device 2 receives the print data for the second page. Is started. When the transmission of the print data for the second page is completed, the host computer 1 instructs the multifunction device 2 to transfer the second image data read by the scanner 8, and responds to this instruction to the multifunction device. 2 transfers the second image data to the host computer 1 (period T8 to T9).
[0034]
Here, a procedure from reading a document by the scanner 8 to transferring the image data in the multifunction machine 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure from reading a document by the scanner 8 to transferring the image data in the multifunction machine 2.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 4, the multifunction device 2 first waits for an input of a scan start instruction from the user via the operation panel 1501 in step S <b> 1. Here, it is assumed that printing is performed by the host computer 1 when a scan start instruction is given. In step S2, at the same time as reading the original with the scanner, a request to start transfer of the image data read by the scanner 8 is issued to the host computer 1. When the host computer 1 receives the image data transfer start request, the host computer 1 performs a period during which print data and commands are not communicated (a period during rasterization or print data compression processing) of the image data read by the scanner 8. Assign to the transfer period. Actually, it is determined how many bytes of image data can be transferred before the next print data is transferred, and an instruction including the number of bytes of image data that can be transferred is sent to the multifunction device 2.
[0036]
Next, in step S3, a transfer start instruction issued from the host computer 1 in response to the transfer start request is waited. When this transfer start instruction is received, in step S4, transferable bytes included in the received transfer start instruction are received. The image data within the number is transferred to the host computer 1. In step S5, it is determined whether or not the transfer of the image data for one page to the host computer 1 has been completed. If the transfer of one page of image data to the host computer 1 has not been completed, the process returns to step S3 to transfer the remaining image data.
[0037]
If it is determined in step S5 that the transfer of image data for one page has been completed, the host computer 1 is notified in step S6 that the transfer of image data for one page has been completed. In step S7, it is determined whether or not there is a next read original. If there is a next read original, the process returns to step S1. When there is no next read original, this process is terminated.
[0038]
As described above, in this embodiment, during the period from the transmission of the print data of the Nth page to the start of transmission of the print data of the (N + 1) th page, that is, the rasterization of the print data of the (N + 1) th page and the print data compression process are performed. Since the image data read by the scanner 8 is transferred to the host computer 1 during the printing period, the scanner 8 can be used simultaneously even during printing, and the working efficiency can be improved. That is, the working time can be shortened. In addition, the user can use the scanner 8 without being aware of the state of the multifunction device 2.
[0039]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a timing chart of processing of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a procedure from reading a document to transfer of image data by the scanner 8 of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows. The present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, and a description of the configuration is omitted.
[0040]
In the present embodiment, image data read by the scanner 8 is transferred to the host computer 1 during the period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth line transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of print data of the (N + 1) th line. To do.
[0041]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when print processing is started in the host computer 1 (timing T11), the host computer 1 generates print data (including rasterization and compression processing), and the first line Transmission of print data to the multifunction device 2 is started. The multifunction device 2 receives the first line of print data transmitted from the host computer 1 and prints the first line based on this print data (period T11 to T12). Here, when the transmission of the print data for the first line is completed, the host computer 1 instructs the multifunction device 2 to start transferring the image data read by the scanner 8 as will be described later.
[0042]
When printing of the first line by the multifunction device 2 is completed (timing T12), the host computer 1 starts transmitting print data of the second line. In the multifunction device 2, the second line transmitted from the host computer 1 is started. Print data is received, and the second line is printed based on the print data.
[0043]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, it is assumed that in the multi-function device 2, the start switch of the operation panel 1501 is pressed and reading of a document by the scanner 8 is started. Here, the reading start timing T14 is the same as the timing T11 which is the same as the printing process start. When document reading is started, the first line on the document is read, and the image data of the first line read from the document is temporarily stored in a buffer inside the scanner 8. The image data stored in this buffer is transferred to the host computer 1 via the control unit 5. The transfer of the image data is started based on the transfer instruction from the host computer 1 described above, and the second line from the period when the host computer 1 is not transmitting the print data, that is, after the end of the transmission of the first line of print data. This is performed during the period until the start of print data transmission (period T15 to T17).
[0044]
In the multifunction device 2, when the reading of the first line on the document is completed, reading of the next second line is started (timing T16; T15 <T16 <T17). When the transfer of the image data from the multifunction device 2 to the host computer 1 is completed (timing T17), the second line print data is transmitted from the host computer 1, and the multifunction device 2 receives the second line print data. Is started. When the transmission of the print data is completed, the host computer 1 instructs the multifunction device 2 to transfer the image data of the second line read by the scanner 8, and in response to this instruction, the multifunction device 2 The image data of the second line is transferred to the host computer 1 (period T18 to T20).
[0045]
When reading of the second line on the document is completed, reading of the third line is started (timing T19; T18 <T19 <T20).
[0046]
Here, a procedure from reading a document by the scanner 8 to transferring the image data in the multifunction device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 6, the multifunction device 2 first waits for an input of a scan start instruction from the user via the operation panel 1501 in step S <b> 11. Here, it is assumed that printing processing is performed by the host computer 1 at the time of scan start instruction. In step S12, at the same time as reading the original with the scanner 8, a request to start transfer of the image data read by the scanner 8 is issued to the host computer 1. When the host computer 1 receives the image data transfer start request, the host computer 1 refers to the period from the end of transmission of N line print data to the start of transmission of N + 1 line print data, the transfer period of image data read by the scanner 8. Assign to. Actually, a period from the end of transmission of N lines of print data to the start of transmission of N + 1 lines of print data is defined as a transfer period of image data for one line.
[0048]
Next, in step S13, a transfer start instruction issued from the host computer 1 in response to the transfer start request is waited. When this transfer start instruction is received, one line of image data is transferred to the host computer 1 in step S14. To do. In step S15, it is determined whether or not the transfer of the image data for one page to the host computer 1 has been completed. If the transfer of one page of image data to the host computer 1 has not been completed, the process returns to step S13 to transfer the remaining image data.
[0049]
If it is determined in step S15 that the transfer of image data for one page has been completed, the host computer 1 is notified in step S16 that the transfer of image data for one page has been completed. In step S17, it is determined whether or not there is a next read original. If there is a next read original, the process returns to step S11. When there is no next read original, this process is terminated.
[0050]
As described above, in this embodiment, image data for one line read by the scanner 8 is transmitted from the transmission of the Nth line of print data to the start of transmission of the N + 1th line of print data. Therefore, the scanner 8 can be used at the same time even during printing, and work efficiency can be improved.
[0051]
In each embodiment, the case where the engine unit 4 is configured by a laser beam printer has been described. However, an ink jet printer or another printer type printer may be applied to the engine unit 4.
[0052]
The configuration of the ink jet printer applied to the engine unit 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of an inkjet printer (IJRA) applicable to the engine unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the inkjet printer of FIG.
[0053]
The ink jet printer applied to the engine unit 4 has a carriage HC as shown in FIG. The carriage HC engages with the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005, and the lead screw 5005 rotates via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with the forward / reverse rotation of the driving motor 5013. As a result, the carriage HC is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An ink jet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. Further, a paper pressing plate 5002 is provided, and the paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the moving direction of the carriage HC.
[0054]
The carriage HC is provided with a lever 5006 for detecting that the carriage HC is in the home position. When the carriage HC is in the home position, the lever 5006 is detected by the photocouplers 5007 and 5008. The detection of the lever 5006 by the photocouplers 5007 and 5008 functions as home position detection means for detecting that the carriage HC is at the home position and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013.
[0055]
The front surface of the recording head of the ink jet cartridge IJC is covered with a cap member 5022, and the cap member 5022 is supported by a member 5016. Further, suction recovery to the recording head of the ink jet cartridge IJC is performed by the suction means 5015 through the opening 5023 in the cap. A cleaning blade 5017 that can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019 is provided. The cleaning blade 5017 and the member 5019 are supported by a main body support plate 5018. Further, a lever 5012 for starting suction for suction recovery is provided. The lever 5012 moves as the cam 5020 engaged with the carriage HC moves, and a driving force is transmitted from the drive motor 5013 to the cam 5020 via a known transmission means such as a clutch.
[0056]
These capping, cleaning, and absorption recovery are configured such that when the carriage HC enters the home position side region, a desired process can be performed at the corresponding position by the action of the lead screw 5005. The configuration is not limited as long as a desired operation can be performed at a known timing.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 8, the control configuration of the ink jet printer includes an interface 1700 for inputting a recording signal (print data), an MPU 1701, a ROM 1702 for storing host print information, etc. A DRAM 1703 for storing signals and recording data supplied to the recording head 1708, and a gate array (GA) 1704 for controlling supply of output data to the recording head 1708. The gate array 1704 also performs data transfer control among the interface 1700, MPU 1701, and DRAM 1703.
[0058]
Further, a head driver 1705 for driving the recording head 1708, a motor driver 1707 for driving a carrier motor 1710 for conveying the recording head 1708, and a motor driver 1706 for driving a conveying motor 1709 for conveying recording paper are provided. Each driver 1705, 1706, and 1707 controls the corresponding recording head 1708, conveyance motor 1709, and carrier motor 1710 based on an instruction from the MPU 1701.
[0059]
In the ink jet printer configured as described above, when a recording signal (print data) is input from the host computer 1 to be described later via the interface 1700, the recording signal is output between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701. Is converted to Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head 1708 is driven in accordance with the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.
[0060]
In the present invention, a storage medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, A ROM or the like can be used.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the operation status of the scanner function is notified to the host computer, and the Nth page transmitted from the host computer based on the instruction issued according to the operation status notified from the host computer. Since the image data is controlled to be transferred to the host computer during the period from the end of receiving the print data to the start of receiving the print data of the (N + 1) th page, the printer function and the scanner function can be operated simultaneously. Work efficiency can be improved.
[0062]
In addition, the present invention notifies the host computer of the operation status of the scanner function, and finishes reception of the print data of the Nth line transmitted from the host computer based on an instruction issued according to the operation status notified from the host computer. Since the image data is controlled to be transferred to the host computer during the period from the start until the reception of the print data for the (N + 1) th line, the printer function and the scanner function can be operated at the same time, thereby improving the work efficiency. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an engine unit in the multifunction machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a timing chart of processing in the multifunction machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure from reading of an original by the scanner 8 to transfer of image data in the multifunction machine 2;
FIG. 5 is a timing chart of processing of the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure from reading a document with the scanner 8 of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present invention to transferring the image data thereof.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an inkjet printer (IJRA) applicable to the engine unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention.
8 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the ink jet printer of FIG. 7. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing operations of a printer function and a scanner function in a conventional multifunction machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Host computer
2 MFP
3 Controller
4 Engine part
5 Control unit
6 RAM
7 CPU
8 Scanner
9 ROM

Claims (14)

In a multifunction device having a printer function for receiving page-unit print data transmitted from a host computer, reading a document image based on the print data, and reading a document image, and transferring the image data to the host computer.
Notification means for notifying the host computer of the operation status of the scanner function;
Control means for controlling the operation of the scanner function based on an instruction issued according to the notified operation status from the host computer,
The control unit transfers the image data to the host computer during a period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth page transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of print data of the (N + 1) th page. A multifunction machine that controls the operation of a scanner function. The multifunction device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies transfer request information requesting transfer of the image data to the host computer as an operation status of the scanner function . The instruction issued from the host computer includes the amount of data that can be transferred, the control unit of the image data, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that to transmit the following data amount of data that can be the transfer A multifunction device according to any one of the above. 2. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the printer function includes means including an ink jet printer or a laser beam printer. In a multifunction device having a printer function for receiving print data for each line transmitted from a host computer, printing based on the print data, and a scanner function for reading a document image and transferring the image data to the host computer ,
Notification means for notifying the host computer of the operation status of the scanner function;
Control means for controlling the operation of the scanner function based on an instruction issued according to the notified operation status from the host computer,
The control means transfers the image data to the host computer during a period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth line transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of print data of the (N + 1) th line. A multifunction machine that controls the operation of a scanner function. 6. The multifunction device according to claim 5 , wherein the notifying unit notifies transfer request information requesting transfer of the image data to the host computer as an operation status of the scanner function . 3. The instruction issued from the host computer includes a transferable data amount, and the control means transmits data of the image data that is equal to or less than the transferable data amount. A multifunction device according to any one of the above. 5. The multifunction device according to claim 4, wherein the printer function includes means including an ink jet printer or a laser beam printer. Image data in a multi-function peripheral having a printer function that receives print data in units of pages transmitted from a host computer, reads a document image based on the print data, and transfers the image data to the host computer In the transfer method of
A notification step of notifying the operation status of the scanner function to the host computer;
A period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth page transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of the print data of the (N + 1) th page based on an instruction issued according to the notified operation status from the host computer A control step of controlling operation of the scanner function so as to transfer the image data to the host computer
A method of transferring image data, comprising: In a multifunction device having a printer function for receiving print data for each line transmitted from a host computer, printing based on the print data, and a scanner function for reading a document image and transferring the image data to the host computer image In the data transfer method,
A notification step of notifying the operation status of the scanner function to the host computer;
  A period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth line transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of the print data of the (N + 1) th line based on an instruction issued according to the notified operation status from the host computer A control step of controlling operation of the scanner function so as to transfer the image data to the host computer
A method of transferring image data, comprising: It is executed by a multifunction device having a printer function for receiving page-by-page print data transmitted from a host computer, a printer function for printing based on the print data, and a scanner function for reading a document image and transferring the image data to the host computer A program,
A notification step of notifying the operation status of the scanner function to the host computer;
A period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth page transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of the print data of the (N + 1) th page based on an instruction issued according to the notified operation status from the host computer A control step for controlling operation of the scanner function to transfer the image data to the host computer during
The program characterized by having. A multifunction device having a printer function for receiving print data for each line transmitted from the host computer, printing based on the print data, and a scanner function for reading a document image and transferring the image data to the host computer A program to be executed,
A notification step of notifying the operation status of the scanner function to the host computer;
A period from the end of reception of the print data of the Nth line transmitted from the host computer to the start of reception of the print data of the (N + 1) th line based on an instruction issued according to the notified operation status from the host computer A control step for controlling operation of the scanner function to transfer the image data to the host computer during
The program characterized by having. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 11. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 12 .

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