JP4368165B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile, a copy, a printer, and a scanner.

In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of applications such as a facsimile, a copy, a printer, and a scanner, the scanner and the plotter may be operated simultaneously with different applications. In addition, image data is transferred in various forms such as storage and compression of image data in an external storage device or an internal storage device. In such an image forming apparatus having a plurality of applications, when a plurality of image data are transferred at the same time, if the image data is transferred in order at the requested timing, the hardware of the image bus that transfers the image data it may become exceeded the acceptability amount. Thus, when the hard acceptability of image bus was transfer of image data is exceeded size, there corruption of the image data, deterioration of the transfer speed, or even falling into the communication unable state, vital May cause serious problems.

As a data transfer control device that avoids such a problem, a means for calculating the data transfer amount per unit time used for each data transfer is provided, and when a new data transfer is requested, the data transfer is performed. hard acceptability of image bus before starting is determined whether Exceeding, hard acceptability of image bus when ultra Ell, by waiting the startup of the newly requested data transfer , a device in which the hard acceptability of image bus to perform the transfer of data to not exceed (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-53300

  However, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1, when a plurality of image data are transferred in parallel, the transfer operation can be executed only in the order in which the transfer operation is requested. Therefore, during an image data transfer operation using a certain application, even if an image data transfer operation of a highly urgent application is executed, a highly urgent application is kept waiting until the previously executed application is completed. Will occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, the first object is a hard acceptability of image bus while allowing not exceed, preferentially the urgency of high image transfer operation Is to do.
The second purpose is to allow the user to arbitrarily set the priority order of the image transfer operation.
A third object is to maintain the set priority order of the image transfer operation even when the power is turned off.

The invention of claim 1 is an image input means for inputting image information, an image storage means for storing the image information, an image forming means for forming an image based on the image information, and a transfer means for transferring the image information. In the image forming apparatus, the priority setting means for setting the transfer priority of the image information in the image forming apparatus in advance, and the image information that is already being transferred when the transfer of new image information is requested, When it is determined that the total amount of image information to be newly transferred exceeds the transfer allowable amount of the transfer unit and the transfer allowable amount of the transfer unit, it is set in the priority setting unit. In a new transfer mode, the transfer of image information with a lower priority is suspended, the transfer of image information with a higher priority is executed , and the transfer priority is higher than the transfer mode of image information that is already being transferred. Image of When transfer of information is requested, it is determined whether or not the image information to be newly transferred exceeds the transfer allowable amount when the transfer mode being transferred is changed to the new transfer mode. Suspends the transfer of image information in the transfer mode during the transfer execution and executes the transfer of image information in the new transfer mode. When exceeding, transfer the image information in the transfer mode during the transfer execution an image forming apparatus and control means for controlling the so that to hold the transfer of image information in continuously the new transfer mode.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the priority set in the priority setting means can be changed.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the image forming apparatus further comprises a non-volatile storage unit that stores a priority setting value of the priority setting unit. is there.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image input means for inputting image information, image storage means for storing the image information, image forming means for forming an image based on the image information, and transfer means for transferring image information. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus, the step of presetting the transfer priority of image information in the image forming apparatus, and an image that is already being transferred when new image information transfer is requested A step of determining whether or not a total of information and newly transferred image information exceeds a transfer allowable amount of the transfer means, and when it is determined that the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means is exceeded, set in the priority setting means A new transfer mode that suspends transfer of lower-priority image information, transfers image information with higher priority , and has a higher transfer priority than the transfer mode of image information that is already being transferred. In When transfer of image information is requested, it is determined whether or not the image information to be newly transferred exceeds the transfer allowable amount when the transfer mode being transferred is replaced with the new transfer mode. When the transfer of the image information in the transfer mode under execution of the transfer is suspended and the transfer of the image information in the new transfer mode is executed. an image forming method characterized by comprising the step of controlling the so that to hold the transfer of image information transfer the new transfer mode to continue.
The invention of claim 5 is an image input means for inputting image information, an image storage means for storing the image information, an image forming means for forming an image based on the image information, and a transfer means for transferring the image information. A procedure for presetting image information transfer priority in the image forming apparatus to the computer of the image forming apparatus, and when new image information transfer is requested, image information that is already being transferred A procedure for determining whether or not the total amount of image information to be transferred exceeds the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means; the priority set in the priority setting means when it is determined that the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means is exceeded Image information in a new transfer mode that suspends transfer of low-quality image information, executes transfer of high-priority image information , and has a higher transfer priority than the transfer mode of image information that is already being transferred of When transmission is requested, it is determined whether the image information to be newly transferred when the transfer mode being transferred is replaced with the new transfer mode exceeds the transfer allowable amount. The transfer of the image information in the transfer mode being executed is suspended, the transfer of the image information in the new transfer mode is executed, and if it exceeds, the transfer of the image information in the transfer mode in the transfer is continued. is a program for executing the steps of controlling the so that to hold the transfer of image information in the new transfer mode to.

Effects corresponding to claims 1, 4, and 5: When the priority of image information transfer is set in the priority setting means in advance and new image information transfer is requested, the image information that is already being transferred and the new information If the total of the image information transferred to the transfer means exceeds the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means, and if it is determined that it exceeds the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means, the priority set in the priority setting means The transfer of the low-level image information is suspended, the transfer of the high-priority image information is executed , and the transfer of the image information in the new transfer mode is higher than the transfer mode of the image information that is already being transferred. When transfer is requested, it is determined whether the image information to be newly transferred when the transfer mode during transfer is replaced with the new transfer mode exceeds the transfer allowable amount. Image information in transfer mode during transfer The image information is transferred in the new transfer mode with the transmission suspended, and when it exceeds, the image information in the new transfer mode is continued by transferring the image information in the transfer mode being transferred. transfer since the so that to hold the, hard acceptability of the transfer means while allowing not exceed, for a high degree of urgency image transfer operation can be performed preferentially, thus improving the user experience .
Effect corresponding to claim 2: Since the priority set in the priority setting means can be arbitrarily changed by the user according to the usage frequency and preference, the image forming apparatus is used in accordance with the actual usage of the user. be able to.
Effect corresponding to claim 3: Since the priority setting value set in the priority setting means is stored in the non-volatile storage means, the priority order of the set image transfer operation is maintained even when the power is shut off. There is no need to repeat the priority setting every time the power is turned off and on.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention, and shows an example applied to a digital copying machine. A digital copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a copying machine main body 2, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 3, a finisher 4 with a stapler and a shift tray (not shown), a double-sided reverse discharge unit 5, an extended sheet feeding tray 6, It is composed of a capacity paper feed tray 7 and a 1-bin paper discharge tray 8. The copying machine main body 2 includes a scanner unit, a writing unit, a photosensitive unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, a paper feeding unit, and the like (not shown). The digital copying machine 1 has applications corresponding to a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function, and print requests and scan requests from a personal computer 10 connected via a network 9 and a telephone line 11. It is possible to receive a print request from the facsimile machine 12 and form an image according to the request.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the digital copying machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital copying machine 1 is controlled by a controller 13, and an operation panel control unit 14, a plotter control unit 15, a scanner control unit 16, and an external storage device 17 are connected to the controller 13. The scanner control unit 16 is connected to an ADF control unit 18 that controls the automatic document feeder 3 (FIG. 1), and the plotter control unit 15 is connected to a finisher control unit 19 that controls the finisher 4 (FIG. 1). ing. The scanner control unit 16 includes an image processing control unit (not shown).

  The controller 13 is a computer of the digital copying machine 1, and includes a ROM 20, a CPU 21, a memory 23 having a frame memory 22, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 24, and an HDD 25. The ROM 20 contains a system program for the digital copying machine 1 and stores various data necessary for the CPU 21 to execute the system program. The memory 23 is used as a program execution memory for the CPU 21, and image data is stored in the frame memory 22. A large amount of image data is stored in the HDD 25. The ASIC 24 for processing image data is connected to the operation panel control unit 14 via the bus 26, connected to the personal computers 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B via the network 9, and connected to the facsimile 12 via the telephone line 11. Further, the ASIC 24 can exchange image data and command data with the scanner control unit 16 and the plotter control unit 15 via the memory 23. Transfer of image data from the scanner controller 16 to the frame memory 22 (hereinafter referred to as scan mode), transfer of image data from the frame memory 22 to the plotter controller 15 (hereinafter referred to as print mode), and external storage from the frame memory 22 The image data is transferred to the apparatus 17 (hereinafter referred to as an external storage mode) using the same image bus 27 in hardware, and the command data is also transferred via the image bus 27.

When multiple transfer mode is executed in parallel, in order to transfer the normal image data, the data transfer amount per unit time of the image bus 27 the allowable value (image bus occupancy) as not exceed Must be controlled. In the embodiment of the present invention, the above three transfer modes of the scan mode, the print mode, and the external storage mode are targets for managing the transfer priority of image data. FIG. 3 shows the transfer states of the two transfer modes of the scan mode and the print mode, and FIG. 4 shows the total image bus occupancy ratio when the image data transfer of the scan mode and the print mode of FIG. 3 is executed simultaneously. It is explanatory drawing shown. As shown in FIG. 4, in order to enable the transfer of command data via the image bus 27, the total of the image data occupancy in the scan mode and the print mode is 10% occupancy for command data transfer. Is added to calculate. In FIG. 4, since the total of the image bus occupancy rates in the scan mode and the print mode is 100% or less, normal image data can be transferred.

FIG. 5 shows the transfer states of the two transfer modes, the scan mode and the print mode, which have a larger transfer amount than FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 shows the case where the image data transfer in the scan mode and the print mode of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the total image bus occupation rate. As shown in FIG. 6, the sum of the image bus occupation rate of the scan mode and print mode, carried out when 100% would exceeded, mixed image data, overwriting, etc. occurs leak, transfer of normal image data I can't.

FIG. 7 is another example showing the transfer states of the two transfer modes of the scan mode and the print mode. FIG. 8 shows the transfer of the image data in the scan mode and the print mode of FIG. FIG. When you perform a scan mode and print mode at the same time, since the sum of the image bus occupancy it would exceed 100%, by waiting for a transfer request of the image data of the print mode requested later in FIG. 8, the image data The occurrence of problems such as mixing, overwriting and leakage is prevented in advance, and normal image data transfer is performed. However, in this method, since the transfer order of the requested image data cannot be changed, the transfer request for the requested image data is kept waiting until the transfer of the previously requested image data is completed. Become.

Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the priority of transfer processing for each transfer mode for transferring image data is set in advance as shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, in the embodiment of the present invention, the scan mode is the highest in priority 1 as the priority of image transfer in the initial state in three transfer modes of scan mode, print mode, and external accumulation mode. Next, the print mode priority is set to 2, and the external storage mode having the lowest priority is set to priority 3. Since the image bus occupancy shown in Table 1 varies depending on conditions such as the application to be used, the resolution, and the number of gradations, it varies within the range of Table 1 even in the same transfer mode.
FIG. 9 shows the transfer states of the three transfer modes of the scan mode, the print mode, and the external storage mode. FIG. 10 shows the transfer of the three image data of the scan mode, the print mode, and the external storage mode of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the case where it performs according to a priority. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, when an image data transfer request in the print mode is made where image data has been transferred in the scan mode and the external storage mode in advance, these three transfer modes are set. since the image bus occupancy by running at the same time resulting in exceed 100%, we have kept you waiting the execution of the transfer operation of the lower priority external storage mode, by executing the transfer operation of the high-priority print mode preferentially, While maintaining a normal transfer state of the image bus, it is possible to preferentially transfer an image in a transfer mode with a high priority.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing image transfer processing. As shown in FIG. 11, when a transfer request for new image data is issued from an application corresponding to a facsimile, a copy, a printer, or a scanner (S101, YES), if there is no transfer mode currently being executed (S102, NO) ), Transfer of the image data in the newly requested transfer mode is executed (S109). If there is a transfer mode currently being executed (S102, YES), the image bus occupancy of the transfer mode in which a new image data transfer request has been received, the image bus occupancy of all currently executing transfer modes, and the command The total image bus occupancy rate is calculated by summing up the image bus occupancy rates of 10% for exchanging data (S103).

Unless give a total image 100% bus occupancy super (S104, NO), it executes a new transfer of image data of a transfer mode requested (S109). If the total image bus occupancy Jer ultra the 100% (S104, YES), according to the priority of image transfer in Table 1, compares the priorities between transfer mode priority than new transfer mode that has been requested If the transfer mode requested is the lowest priority (S105, NO), it is determined whether or not the transfer mode being executed is the current transfer mode (S105). The transfer operation is suspended (S107).

If the transfer mode being executed has a lower priority than the newly requested transfer mode (S105, YES), the transfer mode with the lower priority and the newly requested transfer mode are switched. total image bus occupation rate is determined whether Exceeding the 100% (S106), it is judged that the total image bus occupancy exceed not a 100% (S106, nO), the transfer of the lower priority transfer mode The operation is waited (S108), and the transfer of the image data in the newly requested transfer mode is executed (S109). If determined total image bus occupation rate when replaced lower priority transfer mode and a new transfer mode that has been requested is a Exceeding the 100% (S106, YES), the new transfer mode that has been requested The transfer operation is suspended (S107), and the transfer operation in the transfer mode with a low priority is continued.

  FIG. 12 shows a setting screen for setting the transfer priority for each transfer mode. By setting the transfer priority for each transfer mode in advance on the screen 30 shown in FIG. 1, the transfer priority is controlled according to the priority set on this screen 30 instead of the default priority in Table 1. It becomes possible. As shown in FIG. 12, on the screen 30, selection buttons 31A, 31B, 31C for setting transfer priority 1 (highest priority), and selection buttons 32A, 32B for setting priority 2 are shown. , 32C, and selection buttons 33A, 33B, 33C for setting priority 3 (lowest priority) are arranged. The selection buttons 31A, 32A, and 33A are selection buttons for selecting a scan mode, the selection buttons 31B, 32B, and 33B are selection buttons for selecting a print mode, and the selection buttons 31C, 32C, and 33C are A selection button for selecting an external storage mode. The operator can freely select a transfer mode from priority 1 to priority 3 according to the urgency of the work, and when the selection is completed, the operator can exit the priority setting screen by pressing the end button 34. When it is desired to return to the initial priority, the default priority shown in Table 1 can be restored by pressing the reset button 35. If the priority set on the screen 30 in FIG. 12 is stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile RAM (for example, NVRAM), the previously set priority is maintained even when the power is repeatedly turned off and on. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat the priority selection procedure.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. A series of processing procedures for image information transfer according to the present invention, that is, a procedure for presetting the priority of image information transfer in the image forming apparatus, a new A procedure for determining whether the total of image information that is already being transferred and newly transferred image information exceeds the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means when transfer of image information is requested, and the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means A program for executing a procedure for holding the transfer of the set low-priority image information and executing the transfer of the high-priority image information when it is determined that This is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, MO, HDD, etc., and is read by the computer of the image forming apparatus. It can be.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital copying machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the digital copying machine. FIG. 3 shows transfer states in two transfer modes: a scan mode and a print mode. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the total image bus occupancy when the image data transfer in the scan mode and the print mode in FIG. 3 is executed in parallel. FIG. 5 shows transfer states in two transfer modes, ie, a scan mode and a print mode, which have a larger transfer amount than that in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the total image bus occupancy when the image data transfer in the scan mode and the print mode in FIG. 5 is executed in parallel. FIG. 7 is another example showing transfer states in two transfer modes, a scan mode and a print mode. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the image data in the scan mode and the print mode in FIG. 7 are transferred by performing exclusive control. FIG. 9 shows transfer states in three transfer modes: a scan mode, a print mode, and an external storage mode. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the transfer of the three image data of the scan mode, the print mode, and the external storage mode of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing image transfer processing. FIG. 12 shows a setting screen for setting the transfer priority for each transfer mode.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital copier, 13 ... Controller, 15 ... Plotter control part, 16 ... Scanner control part, 17 ... External storage device, 20 ... ROM, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... Frame memory, 23 ... Memory, 24 ... ASIC, 25 ... HDD, 27 ... Image bus.

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus comprising: an image input unit that inputs image information; an image storage unit that stores the image information; an image formation unit that forms an image based on the image information; and a transfer unit that transfers image information. ,
Priority setting means for presetting the transfer priority of image information in the image forming apparatus, and the total of the image information that is already transferred and the image information that is newly transferred when transfer of new image information is requested Means for determining whether or not the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means exceeds the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means, and when it is determined that the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means is exceeded, the low priority image information set in the priority setting means There is a request to transfer image information in a new transfer mode that puts the transfer on hold, transfers image information with a high priority, and has a higher transfer priority than the transfer mode of image information that is already being transferred. When the transfer mode being transferred is changed to the new transfer mode, it is determined whether or not the image information to be newly transferred exceeds the transfer allowable amount. Images in transfer mode Information transfer is suspended and image information transfer is executed in the new transfer mode. If the information is exceeded, image information transfer in the transfer mode being executed is continued and the new transfer mode is used. image forming apparatus and control means for controlling the so that to hold the transfer of image information.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority set in the priority setting unit can be changed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An image forming apparatus comprising: a non-volatile storage unit that stores a priority setting value of the priority setting unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image input unit that inputs image information; an image storage unit that stores the image information; an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image information; and a transfer unit that transfers image information. An image forming method,
A step of presetting the transfer priority of the image information in the image forming apparatus, and when the transfer of new image information is requested, the total of the image information already transferred and the newly transferred image information is the transfer means Determining whether or not the transfer allowable amount is exceeded, when it is determined that the transfer allowable amount of the transfer means is exceeded, the transfer of the low-priority image information set in the priority setting means is suspended, When transfer of image information is requested in a new transfer mode in which transfer of image information with high priority is executed and transfer priority is higher than the transfer mode of image information that is already being transferred. When the transfer mode being transferred is replaced with the new transfer mode, it is determined whether the image information to be newly transferred exceeds the allowable transfer amount. If not, the image in the transfer mode being transferred is determined. Keep information transferred Then, transfer the image information in the new transfer mode, and if it exceeds, transfer the image information in the transfer mode being executed and continue transferring the image information in the new transfer mode. image forming method characterized by comprising the step of controlling the so that to hold. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image input unit that inputs image information; an image storage unit that stores the image information; an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image information; and a transfer unit that transfers image information. On the computer,
Procedure for presetting the transfer priority of image information in the image forming apparatus, and when transfer of new image information is requested, the total of the image information already transferred and the newly transferred image information is the transfer means. A procedure for determining whether or not the transfer allowable amount is exceeded, and when it is determined that the transfer allowable amount of the transfer unit is exceeded, the transfer of the low priority image information set in the priority setting unit is suspended, When transfer of image information is requested in a new transfer mode in which transfer of image information with high priority is executed and transfer priority is higher than the transfer mode of image information that is already being transferred. When the transfer mode being transferred is replaced with the new transfer mode, it is determined whether the image information to be newly transferred exceeds the allowable transfer amount. If not, the image in the transfer mode being transferred is determined. Keep information transferred Then, transfer the image information in the new transfer mode, and if it exceeds, transfer the image information in the transfer mode being executed and continue transferring the image information in the new transfer mode. program for executing a procedure for controlling the so that to hold.

Images