JP4404076B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus in which an external storage medium can be mounted and image data obtained by reading a document can be stored in the external storage medium.

  As an image processing apparatus, a scanner function for reading an original to acquire image data, a copying function for recording image data relating to the read original on a recording sheet, and a facsimile for transmitting / receiving image data to / from another apparatus by facsimile communication A digital multi-function peripheral (hereinafter referred to as MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) equipped with a plurality of functions such as a printer function for recording image data acquired from an external device via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) on recording paper. Is popularized. By using the scanner function of the MFP, a user can easily acquire a document recorded on a recording sheet or a handwritten document as digital image data, and the acquired image data is used using a PC (personal computer) or the like. Can be easily edited or processed.

  On the other hand, portable and large-capacity external storage media have become widespread with the increase in capacity and price of flash memory and the miniaturization of hard disks. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, which is one of the external storage media, includes a flash memory and a USB interface, and can be used as long as the device includes a USB connection port. High attention has been paid.

  In recent years, some MFPs are also provided with a USB connection port and have a function of storing image data relating to a document read by a scanner function, image data received by a facsimile function, and the like in a USB memory. Accordingly, even when the MFP and the PC are not connected to the same network, the image data can be stored in the USB memory and read by the PC, and the image data can be easily edited or processed.

In Patent Literature 1, when image data is stored in a plurality of memory boxes provided in a memory in the apparatus, the memory box is configured to automatically store the data in a plurality of memory boxes designated in advance. There has been proposed a communication terminal device with a bulletin board function that can be used in various ways.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-17848

  The above-described MFP is often installed in an office or the like and used by a plurality of users. When it is desired to store image data of a document read by the scanner function in a USB memory owned by each of a plurality of users, in a conventional MFP, the image data stored in one USB memory is stored in another USB memory on a PC or the like. Or copy one document several times and store it in each USB memory. These operations are very troublesome for the user, and improvement measures have been desired.

  The communication terminal device with a bulletin board function described in Patent Document 1 automatically stores image data in a plurality of memory boxes in a memory provided in the device, and is not an improvement measure for the above-described problem. Absent. This is because the bulletin board function-equipped communication terminal device has a configuration in which information such as the storage destination of image data is set in advance and image data is automatically stored based on this setting. This is because it is rarely attached to the device at all times, and is likely to be attached to the apparatus only when image data is stored.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to sequentially store image data obtained by reading one original in a plurality of external storage media that are sequentially mounted. An image processing apparatus capable of sequentially storing image data obtained by reading a document once in a plurality of external storage media even when only one external storage medium can be mounted is provided. There is to do.
Also, a configuration in which the number of stored image data is received from the user, and the storage of the image data in the external storage medium that has been detected to be mounted and the output of a message that prompts replacement of the external storage medium are repeatedly performed according to the received number of storage Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that is unlikely to cause an erroneous operation by a user when image data is sequentially stored in a plurality of external storage media.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a mounting unit in which an external storage medium can be attached and detached, a document reading unit that reads a document to acquire image data, and the image data acquired by the document reading unit is mounted in the mounting unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: a storage control unit that stores data in a stored external storage medium; a reception unit that receives a storage number of image data relating to one document read by the document reading unit; and an external storage medium by the storage control unit Output means for outputting a message for prompting replacement of the external storage medium when the storage of the image data in the storage is completed, and detection means for detecting attachment of the external storage medium to the attachment section, wherein the reception means Depending on the number of received memories, detection by the detection means, storage of image data by the storage control means, and output of a message by the output means are repeated. By performed, the storage control unit, is the image data in accordance with a document original reading means has read, respectively so as to be stored in sequentially loaded plurality of external storage medium to the mounting portion It is characterized by that.

In the present invention, when image data is stored in a plurality of external storage media, the external storage media are sequentially attached to the image processing apparatus, and the image data read to the external storage media that are sequentially attached are read. Store sequentially. As a result, even if the device has a small number of external storage media that can be mounted, it is possible to store image data in an external storage medium that is equal to or greater than the number of mountings by reading a document once.
In addition, the number of stored external storage media that stores the image data of the read original is accepted as a storage number. The image data is stored in the external storage medium that is detected to be mounted, and a message that prompts the user to replace the external storage medium is output after the storage is completed, and the user mounts the external storage medium on the image processing apparatus by replacement in accordance with the message. To detect. By sequentially repeating storage, message output, and detection of attachment according to the number of received memories, the user can easily store image data in a plurality of external storage media by sequentially attaching external storage media. It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from occurring due to the exchange of the external storage medium.

In the case of the present invention, when storing image data in a plurality of external storage media, the external storage media are sequentially attached to the image processing apparatus, and the image data read to the external storage media that are sequentially attached are read. By sequentially storing the image data, it is possible to sequentially store the image data obtained by reading the document once in a plurality of external storage media even in a device having a small number of external storage media that can be mounted. The convenience of the image processing apparatus can be improved.
Further, the number of external storage media that stores the scanned image data of the original is accepted as the number of storages, the storage of the image data in the external storage medium that has been detected to be mounted, and the output of a message that prompts the user to replace the external storage medium Is configured to be repeated according to the number of received memories, so that the user can easily store the image data by sequentially mounting the external storage medium, and an erroneous operation occurs when the external storage medium is replaced. Therefore, the operability of the image processing apparatus can be improved.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. In the present embodiment, an MFP will be described as an example of the image processing apparatus. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a network including an MFP according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving data via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), a copy function for copying a document, and image data given via a LAN (Local Area Network). The MFP is provided with a plurality of functions such as a printer function for recording the image on a recording medium such as printing paper and a scanner function for reading image data to acquire image data. The MFP 1 is connected to a plurality of PCs (personal computers) 2, 2... Via the LAN. The MFP 1 can receive data from the PCs 2, 2,. The image data of the read original can be transmitted to the PCs 2, 2,. The MFP 1 is connected to the external MFP 3 and the facsimile apparatus 4 through the PSTN, and can transmit and receive image data using audio signals to and from these apparatuses.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The MFP 1 includes a control unit 10 configured by a CPU, an MPU, or the like. The control unit 10 is connected to the ROM 11, RAM 12, NCU (Network Control Unit) 13, modem 14, document reading unit 15, image memory 16, image forming unit 17, operation unit 18, operation panel 19, and LAN via the bus 10a. A LAN interface 20 for connection and an HDD (hard disk drive) 21 are connected.

  The MFP 1 can be mounted with two USB memories 5 and two SD (Secure Digital) memory cards 6 which are external storage media. The USB memory 5 is attached to the attachment port 22a provided in the MFP 1, and the control unit 10 and other parts of the MFP 1 are attached to the attachment port 22a via the USB interface 22 connected to the bus 10a. Data can be transmitted to and received from the USB memory 5. Similarly, the SD memory card 6 is attached to the attachment port 23a provided in the MFP 1, and the control unit 10 and other parts of the MFP 1 are connected via the SD memory card interface 23 connected to the bus 10a. Data can be transmitted / received to / from the SD memory card 6 attached to the attachment port 23a.

  The control unit 10 reads out and executes a program stored in advance in the ROM 11 to control the operation of each hardware unit in the MFP 1 and realize various software functions. The ROM 11 stores various software control programs necessary for the operation of the MFP 1 in advance, and is configured by a nonvolatile memory element such as a mask ROM, an EEPROM, or a flash memory. The RAM 12 stores temporary data generated when the control unit 10 performs control processing or arithmetic processing of each unit, and is configured by a rewritable memory element such as SRAM, DRAM, or flash memory. .

  The NCU 13 is hardware that performs operations for closing and opening a line with the PSTN, and has an interface circuit between the PSTN and the modem 14. The modem 14 is hardware for performing facsimile communication with another MFP 3 or the facsimile apparatus 4 through the PSTN. When transmitting data by facsimile communication, the modem 14 reads image data obtained by reading a document. When data is received after being converted into an analog audio signal and transmitted, the analog audio signal received via the PSTN is converted into digital image data.

  The MFP 1 includes an original reading unit 15 that reads an original when using a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and the like, and an image that forms an image on a recording medium when using the copy function, the facsimile function, a printer function, and the like. And a forming portion 17. The document reading unit 15 reads a document with an optical system using, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and stores image data acquired by reading the document in the image memory 16. Although not shown, the document reading unit 15 has an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and can automatically read a plurality of pages of a document.

  The image memory 16 temporarily stores image data received by facsimile communication via the modem 14 and the NCU 13 and image data read by the document reading unit 15, and has a large capacity such as a DRAM or a flash memory. It is composed of memory elements. The image forming unit 17 is, for example, an electrophotographic printer device, which reads out image data from the image memory 16 and converts an image based on the image data into A3 portrait, B4 portrait, A4 portrait, B5 landscape, A5 landscape, and the like. An optimum size is selected from recording media such as recording paper of each size, and is recorded as a hard copy.

  The operation panel 19 has a so-called touch panel configuration that includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display and a touch sensor that detects contact with the display unit. The display unit of the operation panel 19 includes an operation state of the MFP 1, a selection menu for the user to select an operation of the MFP 1, a setting menu for the user to set setting values related to the operation, and information for notifying the user Etc. are displayed. When a selection menu, a setting menu, or the like is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 19, the touch sensor detects this when the user touches the display unit, so that menu selection or operation setting can be performed. It is. The operation panel 19 performs various displays on the display unit according to instructions from the control unit 10 and gives detection results by the touch sensor to the control unit 10. The operation unit 18 includes a plurality of keys, buttons, switches, and the like for performing operations having contents different from those performed by the operation panel 19. For example, a start key for instructing the start of document reading, A stop key for instructing the interruption of processing, a numeric keypad for inputting a numerical value, an abbreviated dial key, various function keys, and the like.

  The LAN interface 20 has a connector for connecting a so-called LAN cable, and is connected to a LAN such as an in-house LAN or a home LAN via the LAN cable connected to the connector, and between the PCs 2, 2,. In this case, data is transmitted and received. The MFP 1 also includes an HDD 21 having a large storage capacity. The MFP 1 receives image data received from the outside by facsimile communication, image data read from a document by the document reading unit 15, and images received from the PCs 2, 2,. Data is appropriately stored in the HDD 21 so that various processes can be performed in parallel.

  Two USB interfaces 22 provided in the MFP 1 are hardware for enabling data transmission / reception between the USB memory 5 attached to the attachment port 22a and each part of the MFP 1 connected via the bus 10a. It is. Specifically, data transmission / reception via the bus 10a is performed by parallel communication, and the USB memory 5 is an external storage medium that transmits / receives data by serial communication. And serial-parallel conversion. Further, it has a function of detecting that the USB memory 5 is attached to the attachment port 22a and notifying the control unit 10 of it. Similarly, the two SD memory card interfaces 23 provided in the MFP 1 also perform parallel-serial conversion and serial-serial conversion in order to enable transmission / reception of data to / from the SD memory card 6 that transmits / receives data by serial communication. Parallel conversion is performed. Further, it has a function of detecting that the SD memory card 6 is inserted into the mounting port 23a and notifying the control unit 10 of it.

  The copy function of the MFP 1 is realized by reading an original by the original reading unit 15 to acquire image data, and forming an image based on the acquired image data on a recording medium by the image forming unit 17. The facsimile function gives image data obtained by reading a document by the document reading unit 15 to the modem 14, and transmits the image data to the external MFP 3 or the facsimile apparatus 4 through the PSTN by the modem 14 and the NCU 13. The image data received from the external MFP 3 or the facsimile apparatus 4 is supplied from the modem 14 to the image forming unit 17 and the image forming unit 17 forms an image on a recording medium. The printer function is realized by applying image data received from the PCs 2, 2... Via the LAN to the image forming unit 17 from the LAN interface 20, and forming an image on a recording medium by the image forming unit 17. In performing these processes, the image memory 16 is used as a buffer for temporarily storing image data.

  The scanner function of the MFP 1 is realized by reading an original by the original reading unit 15 to acquire image data, and transmitting the acquired image data from the LAN interface 20 to the PCs 2, 2,. Further, the MFP 1 according to the present invention stores image data obtained by reading a document with the document reading unit 15 in the USB memory 5 and the SD memory card 6 which are external storage media, so that the scanner can be used without using a LAN. The function can be used. In particular, the MFP 1 can be equipped with two USB memories 5 and two SD memory cards 6, and can simultaneously store image data acquired by reading a document once in a plurality of external storage media. .

  FIGS. 3 to 5 are schematic diagrams showing a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the operation panel 19 of the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows the use of the scanner function of the MFP 1. It shows an example of a standby screen when performing. The MFP 1 is configured so that the user can set image quality, density, resolution, and reading size as setting conditions for reading a document. Therefore, on the standby screen, the image quality key 51 for setting the image quality, the density key 52 for setting the density, the resolution key 53 for setting the resolution, and the reading size are set. The reading size key 54 is displayed, and the user can touch the displayed key to change the setting condition.

  Further, a file name key 55 for setting a file name for storing image data obtained by reading a document is displayed on the standby screen when the scanner function is used. When the file name key 55 is operated by the user, the MFP 1 displays a soft keyboard on the operation panel 19 and accepts input of an arbitrary file name. When no file name is input, the control unit 10 determines the file name based on, for example, date information.

  Further, a reference key 56 is displayed on the standby screen when using the scanner function, and when the reference key 56 is operated by the user, the MFP 1 selects the external storage medium attached to the attachment ports 22a and 23a. In addition, a folder designation screen (see FIG. 3B) for selecting a folder as an image data storage destination of the external storage medium is displayed. This folder designation screen is a medium on which identification information such as a confirmation key 61 for confirming selection of an external storage medium and selection of a folder, a cancel key 62 for canceling the selection, and a port number and the name of the external storage medium are described. A selection key 63, a reference key 64 arranged in the medium selection key 63, and a display switching key 65 for switching the display method of the folder designation screen are displayed. It should be noted that the medium selection key 63 and the reference key 64 have a display number that increases or decreases in accordance with the number of external storage media loaded in the MFP 1. In the example shown in FIG. A case where two SD memory cards 6 are mounted is illustrated.

  Further, when an external storage medium is attached, the MFP 1 acquires the free capacity of the attached external storage medium and stores it in the RAM 12. The medium selection key 63 on the folder designation screen includes an external storage medium 63. The acquired free space is displayed together with the identification information of the medium. In addition, when a plurality of external storage media are installed, medium selection keys 63 for selecting the external storage media are displayed side by side in descending order of free space of the external storage media. .

  Further, when an external storage medium is loaded, the MFP 1 acquires the access speed of the loaded external storage medium and stores it in the RAM 12. The access speed can be acquired, for example, by storing dummy data in an external storage medium and measuring the required time at this time. When the display switch key 65 of the folder designation screen is operated by the user, the acquired access speed is displayed on the medium selection key 63 together with the identification information of the external storage medium instead of the free space. When a plurality of external storage media are loaded, the medium selection keys 63 are rearranged from the top to the bottom in order of the access speed of each external storage medium (FIG. 4C). reference). The display of the free space and the display of the access speed are switched every time the display switching key 65 is operated.

  The information such as the free capacity and access speed acquired at this time is stored in the RAM 12 as a management list of the external storage medium. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the management list of the external storage medium. In the management list, the port numbers assigned to the attachment ports 22a and 23a to which the external storage medium is attached, the name of the attached external storage medium, the acquired free capacity and the access speed are stored in association with each other. It is. These pieces of information are automatically acquired by the MFP 1 when an external storage medium is loaded and registered in the management list, and are automatically deleted from the management list when the external storage medium is removed.

  When the user selects an external storage medium, the user can select it by touching one of the medium selection keys 63. When the user touches the medium selection key 63, the identification information displayed on the medium selection key and the free space or the access speed are displayed in black and white inversion and selected (see FIG. 4D). FIG. 4D shows a state where two USB memories 5 having names “USB memory α” and “USB memory β” are selected. A plurality (1 to 4) of external storage media can be selected, and image data can be stored in all of the selected external storage media. When the user operates the reference key 64 displayed side by side on the medium selection key 63, the MFP 1 displays the folder structure of the corresponding external storage medium in a tree shape (not shown) and stores the image data. You can select the folder to be selected.

  After selecting the external storage medium and folder for storing the image data and setting the document on the document reading unit 15, the user operates the start key provided on the operation unit 18 to start the document reading process. Image data obtained by reading a document can be stored in a selected folder of all selected external storage media.

  Further, in the MFP 1, when a plurality of external storage media are loaded, the image data obtained by reading the document is stored without specifying which external storage medium stores the image data. By simply designating the number of external storage media, the MFP 1 can automatically select the designated number of external storage media, and the image data can be automatically stored in the designated number of external storage media. . The number designation key 57 is displayed on the standby screen shown in FIG. 3A, and the user can cause the MFP 1 to perform this process by operating the number designation key 57.

  When the number designation key 57 is operated, the MFP 1 displays a number designation window 70 on the operation panel 19 (see FIG. 5E). In the number designation window 70, number selection keys 71 are displayed side by side in accordance with the number of external storage media mounted, and the number of external storage media for storing image data by the user operating any number selection key 71 is displayed. Can be specified. The number designation window 70 also displays two condition setting keys 72 for setting conditions when the MFP 1 automatically selects a specified number of external storage media from a plurality of external storage media. Can set either “free space priority” or “access speed priority”. When the confirmation key 73 displayed on the number designation window 70 is operated by the user, the MFP 1 confirms the selected number and condition setting, and when the cancel key 74 is operated, the MFP 1 The condition setting is discarded and the number designation window 70 is hidden. After the setting of the number of external storage media and selection condition settings, the MFP 1 refers to the management list shown in FIG. 6 and automatically selects an external storage medium for storing image data.

  After confirming the number of external storage media and setting the conditions in the number designation window 70, the user operates the start key provided on the operation unit 18 to start reading the document, and the image obtained by reading the document. Data can be stored in an external storage medium automatically selected by the MFP 1. In addition, the selection of the external storage medium by the reference key 56 on the standby screen shown in FIG. 3A and the designation of the number of the external storage medium by the number designation key 57 are not performed, and the operation unit 18 is provided by the user. When the start key is operated, the MFP 1 stores the image data obtained by reading the document in all attached external storage media.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the control unit 10 of the MFP 1 according to the present invention when an external storage medium is mounted. The control unit 10 checks whether or not the external storage medium of the USB memory 5 or the SD memory card 6 is attached to either the attachment port 22a or 23a (step S1), and if the external storage medium is not attached (S1) : NO), and waits until an external storage medium is loaded. When an external storage medium is attached to the attachment port 22a or 23a (S1: YES), the free capacity of the attached external storage medium is acquired (step S2), and the access speed is acquired (step S3). Next, the acquired free capacity and access speed are stored in the management list in the RAM 12 (step S4), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of document reading processing performed by the control unit 10 of the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows processing when image data acquired by reading is stored in an external storage medium. It is. First, the control unit 10 checks whether or not the start key provided in the operation unit 18 has been operated by the user (step S21). If the start key has not been operated (S21: NO), the start key is operated. Wait until

  If the start key is operated (S21: YES), it is checked whether or not the user has selected an external storage medium on the display screen shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (step S22). If an external storage medium has been selected (S22: YES), one or more external storage media selected by the user are set as the storage destination of the image data (step S23). If no external storage medium has been selected (S22: NO), it is further checked whether or not the user has specified the number of external storage media on the display screen shown in FIG. 5 (step S24). When the number of external storage media is designated (S24: YES), the designated number of external storage media is selected under the set condition of either free space priority or access speed priority ( In step S25), the selected designated number of external storage media is set as the storage destination of the image data (step S26). If the number of external storage media is not specified (S24: NO), all the mounted storage media are set as storage locations for image data (step S27).

  After the storage destination is set in step S23, S26 or S27, the original reading unit 15 reads the original (step S28), accumulates the acquired image data in the image memory 16 (step S29), and stores all the originals. It is checked whether or not reading has been completed (step S30). If reading of all the originals has not been completed (S30: NO), the process returns to step S28 and reading of the originals is continued. When all the originals have been read (S30: YES), the image data stored in the image memory 16 is stored in one or a plurality of external storage media set as storage destinations (step S31), and the process ends.

  In the MFP 1 having the above-described configuration, image data can be stored in a plurality of external storage media by reading the document once, so that the user does not need to read the document multiple times, and the user can use another PC or the like. There is no need to copy image data. In addition, when a plurality of external storage media are attached to the MFP 1, the user can specify some of them and store the image data in the specified external storage media. Image data can be reliably stored in an external storage medium. Further, by adopting a configuration in which the external storage medium is displayed in the order of available capacity or access speed and selected by the user, the user can easily select the external storage medium. In addition, by specifying only the number of external storage media and allowing the MFP 1 to automatically select the external storage media, it is possible to save the user from selecting the external storage media. In addition, when the selection of the external storage medium and the designation of the number are not performed by the user, the configuration is such that the image data is stored in all the mounted external storage media, so that the user can mount the external storage medium. By simply operating the start key of the operation unit 18, the document can be easily read and the image data can be stored in the external storage medium.

  In the present embodiment, the display screen for allowing the user to select an external storage medium is configured to display the external storage medium in order of available capacity or access speed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the maximum capacity is displayed. It may be configured to display in order, or may be configured to display in order of wearing time. Further, although the USB memory 5 and the SD memory card 6 are mounted on the MFP 1 as external storage media, the present invention is not limited to this, and another external storage medium such as a memory stick or a CF memory card may be mounted. . In addition, when the selection of the external storage medium and the designation of the number are not performed, the image data is stored in all the mounted external storage media. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The image data may be stored only in the one external storage medium.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The MFP 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to include two mounting ports 22 a for mounting the USB memory 5 and two mounting ports 23 a for mounting the SD memory card 6, but the MFP 101 according to the second embodiment is an external storage medium. As described above, only one mounting port 22a for mounting the USB memory 5 is provided. Therefore, when image data obtained by reading a document is stored in a plurality of USB memories 5, it is performed by sequentially mounting the USB memory 5 while replacing the mounting port 22a with the completion of the storage of the image data. It is.

  FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the operation panel 19 of the MFP 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A illustrates the use of the scanner function of the MFP 101. It shows an example of a standby screen when performing. On this standby screen, a number designation key 157 for designating the number of external storage media for storing image data is displayed. When the number designation key 157 is operated by the user, the MFP 101 displays a number on the operation panel 19. A designation window 170 is displayed (see FIG. 10B).

  The number designation window 170 includes a medium number display box 171 for displaying the number of external storage media for storing image data, an increase key 172 and a decrease key 173 for increasing / decreasing the number of external storage media, and a medium number display box 171. A confirmation key 174 for confirming the displayed number as the number of external storage media for storing image data and a cancel key 175 for canceling designation of the number of external storage media are displayed. The user can change the number of external storage media for storing image data by operating the increase key 172 and the decrease key 173, and operates a numeric keypad (not shown) provided in the operation unit 18. By doing so, the number of external storage media can be directly input.

  After designating the number of external storage media for storing image data, the user operates the start key provided on the operation unit 18 to start reading the document, and the image data obtained by reading is loaded into the loading port 22a. Can be stored in the external storage medium. After completing the storage of the image data for one external storage medium, the MFP 101 displays a message for urging replacement of the external storage medium on the operation panel 19 (see FIG. 11C). This message is displayed on the message display window 180, and when the user replaces the external storage medium in response to this, the MFP 101 automatically detects the replacement of the external storage medium and transfers it to the replaced external storage medium. Image data is stored. The message display window 180 is provided with an interruption key 181 so that when the user operates the interruption key 181, the process of storing the image data in the external storage medium can be interrupted.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of document reading processing performed by the control unit 10 of the MFP 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows processing when image data acquired by reading is stored in an external storage medium. It is. First, the control unit 10 checks whether or not the start key provided in the operation unit 18 has been operated by the user (step S51). If the start key has not been operated (S51: NO), the start key is operated. Wait until

  When the start key is operated (S51: YES), the original reading unit 15 reads the original (step S52), accumulates the acquired image data in the image memory 16 (step S53), and reads all originals. It is checked whether or not the processing has been completed (step S54). If reading of all the originals has not been completed (S54: NO), the process returns to step S52 and reading of the originals is continued.

  When reading of all originals is completed (S54: YES), the image data stored in the image memory 16 is stored in the external storage medium attached to the attachment port 22a (step S55), and the numbers shown in FIG. It is checked whether or not the storage of the image data in the designated number of external storage media designated in the designation window 170 has been completed (step S56). If the storage of the image data has not been completed in the designated number of external storage media (S56: NO), a message prompting the user to replace the external storage media is displayed on the message display window 180 shown in FIG. S57).

  After the message is displayed, it is checked whether or not the interruption key 181 provided in the message display window 180 has been operated by the user (step S58). If the interruption key 181 has not been operated (S58: NO), it is further attached. It is checked whether or not an external storage medium is attached to the port 22a (step S59). By detecting the attachment of the external storage medium to the attachment port 22a, it is possible to check whether or not the external storage medium has been replaced. If the external storage medium is not attached (S59: NO), step S57. Returning to step S3, a message is continuously displayed, and the process waits until the interrupt key 181 is operated or an external storage medium is loaded. If an external storage medium is attached to the attachment port 22a (S59: YES), the process returns to step S55, and image data is repeatedly stored in the attached external storage medium. Thereafter, when the storage of the image data in the designated number of external storage media is finished (S56: YES), or when the interruption key 181 of the message display window 181 is operated (S58: YES), the control unit 10 finishes the process. To do.

  In the MFP 101 according to the second embodiment having the above configuration, after the image data obtained by reading the document is stored in the external storage medium, a message prompting the replacement of the external storage medium is displayed, and the replacement is performed accordingly. By adopting a configuration in which image data is stored in another external storage medium, it is possible to store the image data acquired by reading the original document once in a larger number of external storage media than the number of mounting ports 22a.

  In the second embodiment, only one mounting port 22a for mounting the USB memory 5 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration including two or more mounting ports 22a may be used. Further, similar to the MFP 1 of the first embodiment, the configuration may further include a mounting port 23a for mounting the SD memory card 6.

  Further, since the other configuration of the MFP 101 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment, the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network including an MFP according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an MFP according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the management list of an external storage medium. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the control unit of the MFP according to the present invention when an external storage medium is mounted. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document reading processing performed by the control unit of the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of MFP which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document reading processing performed by a control unit of the MFP according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image processing device)
2 PC
3 MFP
4 Facsimile device 5 USB memory (external storage medium)
6 SD memory card (external storage medium)
10 Control unit (storage control means, acquisition means, selection means)
11 ROM
12 RAM
13 NCU
14 Modem 15 Document Reading Unit (Document Reading Unit)
16 Image memory 17 Image forming unit 18 Operation unit 19 Operation panel (reception unit, display unit, output unit)
20 LAN interface 21 HDD
22 USB interface (detection means)
22a Mounting port (mounting part)
23 SD memory card interface (detection means)
23a Mounting port (mounting part)

Claims (1)

A mounting unit in which an external storage medium can be attached and detached, a document reading unit that reads a document to acquire image data, and a memory that stores image data acquired by the document reading unit in an external storage medium mounted in the mounting unit In an image processing apparatus comprising a control means,
Receiving means for receiving the stored number of image data relating to one original read by the original reading means;
Output means for outputting a message prompting replacement of the external storage medium when the storage control means finishes storing the image data in the external storage medium;
Detecting means for detecting attachment of an external storage medium to the attachment unit;
With
Depending on the number of memory that the reception unit receives the detection by said detecting means, and stores the image data by the storage control means, by repeatedly performing the output of the message by said output means, said storage control means An image processing apparatus, wherein image data relating to one original read by the original reading unit is stored in each of a plurality of external storage media sequentially attached to the attachment unit.

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