JP4532351B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus , an image processing method, and an image processing program .

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus having a preview function and capable of confirming an image to be printed or a transmission image on a screen of the image forming apparatus before printing or fax transmission is known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). . An image forming apparatus having this preview function requires a memory area for developing an image to be displayed on the operation panel.

Among the above documents, the invention described in Patent Document 1 can perform preview display of image data to be previewed regardless of whether the display system is a color system or a monochrome system.
JP 2003-330691 A JP-A-2005-45375

  However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is always necessary to prepare an external memory when previewing a color image.

  In general, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of application functions such as copy, scanner, and fax (multifunction machine: an image processing apparatus having a plurality of application functions) A memory area for the application is required.

  Further, depending on the multifunction peripheral, it is possible to add an external development application as a retrofit, and there is a problem that a very large number of memory areas must be prepared in advance.

  An object of the present invention is to realize an image display function such as a preview with a small amount of memory even in a multifunction peripheral by preparing an image memory area in advance in order to realize an image display function such as a preview.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 includes a plurality of application functions, an operation panel having a display function, storage means having a display memory area of the operation panel, and the operation panel. An operation unit control means for controlling,
The display memory area of the operation panel includes a memory area for thumbnail display and a memory area for preview display, in addition to the memory area for image processing. In the image processing apparatus for displaying the image information stored in the display memory area by the application having
Wherein the plurality of applications using the storage means to share, the memory area for the thumbnail display, the plurality of applications is ensured at the start of each application to the display memory area, the memory area for the preview display The plurality of applications are secured in the display memory area when the preview of each application is executed, and the operation unit control means has the operation unit display right when an application switching request is made from the operation panel. When an operation unit release request is made to the application, and the application that has received the operation unit release request has secured a memory area for preview display in the display memory area ,
The operation panel displays that the image information cannot be displayed.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, when the operation unit control means displays that the image information cannot be displayed on the operation panel, the display memory An application function name that secures a memory area for preview display is displayed in the area .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the application having the operation unit display right reserves a memory area for preview display in the display memory area by another application. It is characterized by the fact that the preview function cannot be used when

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation panel having a plurality of application functions, a display function, storage means having a display memory area of the operation panel, and an operation unit control means for controlling the operation panel. The display memory area of the operation panel includes a memory area for thumbnail display and a memory area for preview display in addition to the memory area for image processing. image information that the application stored in the display memory area having a part displayed right is displayed on the operation panel, and Contact Keru image processing method in the plurality of applications an image processing apparatus using the storage means to share Leave
The memory areas for thumbnail display, the plurality of applications is ensured at the start of each application to the display memory area, the memory area for the preview display, the plurality of applications each application to the display memory area When the application switching request is made from the operation panel, the operation unit control means makes an operation unit release request to the application having the operation unit display right and issues the operation unit release request. When the received application has reserved a memory area for preview display in the display memory area, a message indicating that image information cannot be displayed on the operation panel is displayed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation panel having a plurality of application functions, a display function, storage means having a display memory area of the operation panel, and an operation unit control means for controlling the operation panel. The display memory area of the operation panel includes a memory area for thumbnail display and a memory area for preview display in addition to the memory area for image processing. image information that the application stored in the display memory area having a part displayed right is displayed on the operation panel, and Contact Keru image processing program to the plurality of applications an image processing apparatus using the storage means to share Leave
On the computer,
The memory areas for thumbnail display, the a plurality of applications is ensured at the start of each application to the display memory area, the memory area for the preview display, each application to the display memory area by the plurality of application preview was run time is ensured, when the request for switching the application from the operation panel is performed, and more to the operating unit control means, to perform the operation unit release request to the application having the operation section display right further, the operation When an application that has received a copy release request reserves a preview display memory in the display memory area, a message indicating that image information cannot be displayed on the operation panel is displayed.

  By preparing an image memory area in advance for realizing an image display function such as a preview, an image display function such as a preview can be realized with a small amount of memory even in a multi-function peripheral.

(Image forming device)
FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the following description, in addition to the “configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus” in FIG. 1, “an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit” in FIG. 2, and “an example of a display screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit” in FIG. The configurations shown in “Explanation diagram” and “Drawing showing the control system of the image forming apparatus” in FIG.

  A document bundle placed on the document table 2 with the image surface of the document in the automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as “ADF”) 1 is a start key 34 on the operation unit 30 (FIG. 2). Is pressed, the lowermost document is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feeding roller 3 and the feeding belt 4. When one document is fed, the number of documents is counted up. After the fed original is read by the reading unit 50 on the image data of the original on the contact glass 6, the original that has been read is discharged by the feeding belt 4 and the discharge roller 5. Further, when it is detected by the document set detection 7 that the next document is present on the document table 2, it is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the previous document. , Discharge roller 5 It is driven by the transport motor 26 (Fig. 4).

  The transfer papers stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first paper feeding device 11, the second paper feeding device 12, and the third paper feeding device 13, respectively, and are conveyed vertically. The unit 14 is transported to a position where it abuts on the photoreceptor 15. The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photoconductor 15 by the laser from the writing unit 57 and passes through the developing unit 27 to form a toner image. Then, the toner image on the photoconductor 15 is transferred while the transfer paper is conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15. Thereafter, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 17 and discharged to the finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus by the paper discharge unit 18.

  The finisher 100 of the post-processing device can guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge roller 19 of the main body in the direction of the normal paper discharge roller 102 and the direction of the staple processing unit. By switching the switching plate 101 upward, the sheet can be discharged to the normal discharge tray 104 side via the transport roller 103. Further, by switching the switching plate 101 downward, it can be conveyed to the staple table 108 via the conveying rollers 105 and 107. The transfer paper loaded on the staple table 108 is aligned by the paper jogger 109 every time one sheet is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 106 upon completion of partial copying. The group of transfer sheets bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completion discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

  On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The paper discharge tray unit 104 moves back and forth for each original or each copy unit sorted by the image memory, and sorts the copy paper that is simply discharged.

  When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed from the paper feed trays 8 to 10 and imaged is not guided to the paper discharge tray 104 side, but a branching claw for switching paths (not shown). 1) is set on the double-sided printing side, and once stocked in the duplex feeding unit 111.

  Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked on the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 15 again, and a branching claw is used for path switching. Switch to the paper discharge tray 104. In this way, the duplex feeding unit 111 is used when creating images on both sides of the transfer sheet.

  The photoreceptor 15, the transport belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharge unit 18, and the development unit 27 are driven by a main motor 25. Driven by transmission. The vertical conveyance unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor 25 by the intermediate clutch 21. The main motor 25, the paper feed clutches 22 to 24, and the intermediate clutch 21 are shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

  The operation unit 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a start key 34, a preheating key 35, a reset key 36, and an interrupt key 37. The liquid crystal touch panel 31 includes function keys, the number of copies, and an image. A message indicating the state of the forming apparatus is displayed. An image such as a preview is also displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31.

  When the interrupt key 37 is pressed, the mode is shifted to the interrupt pressing mode. The interrupt mode is a mode in which copying is performed by temporarily interrupting a copying operation during execution or operation of a copying operation. By setting this mode, the previous copy mode and the progress information in the middle of copying are stored in the nonvolatile RAM, the mode is shifted to the interrupt mode, and the mode is initialized. When the interrupt mode is canceled after the copy operation is executed, the mode and information stored in the nonvolatile RAM are restored, the state before the interrupt mode setting is restored, and the mode before the interrupt can be continued by restarting.

  By pressing the initial setting key 38, the initial state of the machine can be arbitrarily customized. The paper size stored in the machine can be set, or the state set when the copy function mode clear key is pressed can be arbitrarily set. Also, select applications that are preferentially selected when there is no operation for a certain period of time, set the transition time to low power according to the International Energy Star Plan, and set the transition time to auto-off / sleep mode. It is possible to set.

  When the preheating key 35 is pressed, the machine shifts from a standby state to a power reduction state, lowers the fixing temperature, or turns off the display on the operation unit. The preheating state means a low power state as referred to in the International Energy Star Program. In order to cancel the preheating state, the off state / sleep state, and shift to the standby state, the preheating key is pressed again.

  The new reservation key 39 is used for reserved copying. When the job list key 40 is pressed, a list of active copy jobs is displayed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation unit 30. When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in black. In addition, when it is necessary to specify the details of the function (for example, if it is variable magnification, the variable value, etc.), touch the “Variable” key to set the variable value etc. The “setting screen” is displayed. Note that the liquid crystal touch panel performs display with dots and can perform graphical display.

FIG. 4 shows a control device centered on the main controller. The main controller 20 controls the entire image forming apparatus (in the configuration of FIG. 4, the ADF 1, the intermediate clutch 21, the paper feed clutches 22 to 24, the main motor 25, the operation unit 30, and the IPU 49 are controlled).

As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 20 has a display for an operator, an operation unit 30 for performing function setting input control from the operator, a scanner control, a control for writing a document image in an image memory, and an image formation from the image memory. A distributed control device such as an image processing unit (IPU) 49 that performs control and the like, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 1, and the like are connected. Each distributed control unit and the main controller 20 optionally have done machine status, exchanges operation directive. A main motor 25 and various clutches 21 to 24 necessary for paper conveyance and the like are also connected.
Returning to FIG. 1, a process from reading an original of the image forming apparatus to writing an image will be described.

  The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which an original is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor 54. And so on. The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically operated at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electrical signal, and processed.

  The writing unit 57 includes a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Inside the laser output unit 58, a polygon mirror (polygon mirror) that rotates at a high speed at a high speed by a laser diode as a laser light source and a motor. ).

The laser beam output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the image forming photoconductor 15. Although not shown, a beam sensor for generating a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position where a laser beam near one end of the photoconductor 15 is irradiated.
(Image processing unit (IPU))
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the image processing unit (IPU).

  Reflection of light emitted from the exposure lamp 51 (FIG. 1) is photoelectrically converted by a CCD image sensor 54 and converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter (analog-digital converter) 61. The image signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to shading correction (correcting irradiation unevenness of the light source for irradiating the original and variation in sensitivity of the CCD) by the shading correction unit 62, and then the MTF correction and γ correction unit 63. The MTF correction (corrects the blur due to the optical system) and the γ correction (corrects the variation in the display system) are performed. Next, the image signal is subjected to a scaling process (a process such as changing the reading density of the image and performing data interpolation using the read image data) is performed in the scaling processing unit 72. The scaled image signal is enlarged / reduced in accordance with the scaling ratio and supplied to the selector 64. The selector 64 switches the image signal to the writing γ correction unit 71 or the image memory controller 65 and sends it out. The image signal supplied to the writing γ correction unit 71 is corrected by the writing γ correction unit 71 according to the image forming conditions, and is sent to the writing unit 57.

  Between the image memory controller 65 and the selector 64, an image signal can be input and output bidirectionally. Further, a CPU 68 for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like, and a ROM 69 and a RAM 70 for storing programs and data thereof are provided. Further, the CPU 68 can write and read data in the image memory 66 via the memory controller 65.

  The image sent to the image memory controller 65 as a document image is sent to the image memory 66 after the image data is compressed by an image compression device in the image memory controller. The reason for image compression here is that data of 256 gradations corresponding to the maximum image size can be written in the image memory 66 as it is, but a large amount of image memory is used for one original image. By performing image compression, a limited image memory can be used effectively. In addition, as a result of the effective use of the image memory, a large amount of original image data can be stored at a time, and the stored original image data can be output in page order. In this case, when the image is output, the data in the image memory 66 is output while being sequentially expanded by the expansion device in the memory controller 65. Such a function is generally called “electronic sort”.

  Further, by using the function of the image memory, it is possible to sequentially read a plurality of document images into an area obtained by dividing the area of one transfer sheet of the image memory. For example, four original images are sequentially written into an area divided into four equal parts for one transfer paper in the image memory, and the four copy originals are combined into a single transfer paper image to produce a consolidated copy output. Can be obtained. Such a function is generally called “aggregate copy”.

  The image stored in the image memory 66 can be accessed from the CPU 68. Therefore, the contents of the image memory 66 can be processed from the CPU 68. For example, the CPU 68 can perform image thinning processing, image clipping processing, and the like. These processes are performed by writing the image stored in the image memory 66 into the register of the memory controller 65 and then performing image thinning processing or the like. The processed image is held in the image memory 66 again.

  The image memory 66 is divided into a plurality of areas according to the size of the image data to be processed, and the image data can be input / output simultaneously. In order to enable input and output of image data in parallel to each divided area, the interface with the memory controller 65 is connected by two sets of address and data lines for reading and writing. This enables an operation of outputting (reading) an image from another area while inputting (writing) the image to a certain area.

  Further, the CPU 68 can read the contents of the image memory 66 and transfer it to the operation unit 30 as image data 73 via the I / O port 67. Generally, since the screen display resolution of the operation unit 30 is low, the original image in the image memory 66 is subjected to image thinning and sent to the operation unit 30.

  The image memory 66 may use a hard disk to store a large amount of image data. By using a hard disk, it becomes possible to retain images permanently without using an external power source.

  In order to read and hold a plurality of standard documents (format documents) with a scanner, this hard disk is generally used.

Here, an image signal for one page output from the selector 64 will be described with reference to FIG.
The main scanning synchronization signal (/ LSYNC signal) in FIG. 6A is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises. The frame gate signal (/ FGATE signal) in FIG. 6B represents an effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction (in the figure, t _{B1 to} t _B2 are effective periods). A signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid is the line gate signal (/ LGATE signal) in FIG. These signals (/ LSYNC signal, / FGATE signal and / LGATE signal) are synchronized with the pixel synchronization (pixel clock) signal (VCLK signal) in FIG. 6C, and are shown in FIG. 6D. As shown in the figure, data of 8 bits per pixel (256 gradations of 0 to 255 can be obtained for one pixel) is sent for one cycle of the VCLK signal.

  Although detailed description is omitted, the image processing unit (IPU) has separate generation mechanisms for / FGATE, / LSYNC, / LGATE and VCLK for each of image input and image output. By performing phase adjustment or the like when directly outputting a document image (image data), various image input / output combinations can be realized.

In this embodiment, the writing density on the transfer paper is 400 dpi, and the maximum number of pixels is 4800 pixels for main scanning and 6800 pixels for sub-scanning. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image data becomes a white image as the gradation is closer to 255.
(Processing of multifunction devices)
FIG. 7 shows a conceptual diagram of the software of the multifunction machine. Each application (copy application 711, document box application 712, scanner pre 713, and fax application 714) is activated in the same row and operates independently. The application is not limited to this and can be implemented. In the present invention, each application is defined by a series of programs. Each application functions independently with respect to each element, means, and other applications of the image forming apparatus. Each application is treated proactively.

  The copy application 711 is an application that executes a copy sequence for executing a copying operation. The document box application 712 receives a copy or fax document read by the multifunction device and output data from the personal computer on the hard disk of the multifunction device. The application is stored in the “document box” and executes re-output or re-transmission as necessary. The scanner pre 713 is an application that reads an image. The fax application 714 is an application that executes a fax function. It is.

  A system control unit (system controller) 715 arbitrates resource usage rights in response to a request from an application such as a copy application.

  An operation unit controller (operation unit control means) 716, a peripheral device controller 717, an image forming device controller 718, an image reading device controller 719, and a memory unit 720 that are shared resources are arbitrated by a system control unit 715.

  Note that an operation unit controller 716, a peripheral device controller 717, an image forming device controller 718, an image reading device controller 719, and a memory unit 720 are connected to the system control unit 715 via a system bus. The reading unit 50, the writing unit 57, the memory unit 720, and the like are connected to each other by an image data bus. The memory unit 720 includes the image memory 66 of FIG.

  Each application can write the operation screen information on a virtual screen provided by the operation unit. Further, the operation unit expands the screen information of the virtual screen of the operation unit instructed from the system control unit 715 on the real screen. When an image memory is provided externally, an external image memory is connected to the connection port of the SCSI controller 722 shown in FIG. 7 and the external image memory is controlled by the SCSI controller 722.

The input / output control unit 721 performs logical / physical conversion of data, the operation unit controller 716 executes MMI (Man Machine Interface), and the peripheral device controller 717 is mounted on a PPC such as an automatic duplex unit, sorter, or ADF. Control peripheral devices.
(Preview display)
Next, an operation example by this apparatus will be described. FIG. 8 shows an example of a copy application operation screen. There is a “preview” button 120 on the screen (in the example of FIG. 8, although it is a copy application screen, the same applies to an application having another reading function, such as a scanner pre). The “preview” button 120 instructs setting of a preview function at the time of reading. When this button is pressed, the display is reversed and the reading preview function is enabled. When pressed again, the reverse display is canceled and the reading preview function is disabled. In the reading preview function, a reading operation is performed by pressing the start key 34 in FIG. 2, and a preview display screen is opened as shown in FIG.

  The preview display screen of FIG. 9 displays an image read from a document, and also displays document information (document name, file size, display page, size, color mode, etc.), display position, and the like. On the preview display screen, the display position can be changed by pressing the “arrow” button 122, and the preview display image can be reduced or enlarged by pressing the “reduction” button or the “enlarge” button 121. By pressing a “page switch” button 125, it is possible to switch to an image of an arbitrary page.

  In addition, when the “Cancel” button 124 is pressed, the preview display screen is closed and the job is canceled. Further, when the “Continue” button 123 is pressed, the preview display screen is closed and the job is continued.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the operation screen of the document server application. There is a “preview” button 126 on the screen (the same applies to other applications having a stored document list display function). The “preview” button 126 is used to instruct a preview function when an accumulated document is selected. When the stored document displayed in the list is selected, the button can be pressed. By pressing the button, the stored document preview display screen shown in FIG. 10 is opened.

The stored document preview screen in FIG. 11 is the same as that in FIG. 9, but is displayed when the stored document is selected, so there is no “Cancel” button or “Continue” button, and the screen is closed by pressing the “Close” button 127. . In consideration of the selection of a plurality of stored documents, it is possible to switch to an arbitrary selected document by pressing the “document switching” button 128.
(Example)
The image memory 66 shown in FIG. 5 is also required for image preview. That is, preview image data is also stored in the image memory 66. The preview image data in the image memory 66 is read by the memory controller 65 and displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation unit 30 through the I / O port 67, for example.

  By the way, in the preview at the time of image reading, the actual image capacity is not determined (in automatic color selection mode, etc., it is not possible to judge black and white and color unless it actually starts reading). It is necessary to secure. For this reason, if the memory area is shared with a normal image processing memory area, memory pressure is caused.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a section is cut in the image memory 66 to prepare a dedicated area for the preview function. As a result, the memory is not squeezed by the preview function even during image processing in another application.

  FIG. 12 shows a conceptual diagram of the image memory area, and FIG. 13 shows a memory area securing sequence for the operation unit controller and the application.

  The image memory of this embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is divided into a normal image processing area (I) and a preview area (II). Each application reserves an image memory area for thumbnails when it is activated. However, since a large amount of memory is required for the thumbnail in the case of the preview, when the preview function is instructed for the preview, a request is made to the operation unit controller to display the preview image. Allocate memory area. At this time, if another application has already reserved the image memory area for preview, a response to the reservation failure is returned to the application that has requested the reservation of the image memory area for preview.

  In FIG. 12, an image memory area for thumbnails of application 1 and application 2 is secured, and an image memory area for preview of application 1 is secured.

  Therefore, the application 2 cannot try to secure an image memory area for preview. A processing sequence in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operation unit controller in FIG. 13 is the operation unit controller 716 in FIG. 7, and application 1 and application 2 are one of the copy application 711, the document box application 712, the scanner pre 713, and the fax application 714 in FIG. is there.

  When the application 1 is activated, the application 1 requests the operation unit controller 716 to secure a memory area for thumbnails (S11). In response to this request, the operation unit controller 716 secures a memory area for thumbnails in the image memory 66 in FIG. 5 via the image memory controller 65 in FIG. Thereafter, the operation unit controller 716 returns a response indicating that the memory area has been secured to the application 1 (S12).

  Similarly, when the application 2 is activated, the application 2 requests the operation unit controller 716 to secure a memory area for thumbnails (S13), and the operation unit controller 716 secures a memory area for thumbnails. Then, a response indicating that the memory area has been secured is returned to the application 2 (S14).

  Thereafter, when the preview function is instructed in the application 1, the application 1 requests the operation unit controller 716 to secure a preview memory area (S15). In response to this request, the operation unit controller 716 secures a preview memory area in the image memory 66 of FIG. 5 via the image memory controller 65 of FIG. Thereafter, the operation unit controller 716 returns a response indicating that the memory area has been secured to the application 1 (S16).

  Thereafter, the preview display screen of FIG. 9 or 11 is displayed. In the reading preview, the image memory area for preview is released by pressing the “Cancel” button 124 and the “Continue” button 123 in FIG. 9, and the “Close” button 127 in FIG. When pressed, the image memory area for preview is released.

  Returning to FIG. 13, when the preview function is instructed in the application 2 after the application 1 secures the preview memory area, the application 2 requests the operation unit controller 716 to secure the preview memory area. (S17). In response to this request, the operation unit controller 716 attempts to secure a preview memory area in the image memory 66 in FIG. 5 via the image memory controller 65 in FIG. However, since the application 1 has already secured a preview memory area in the image memory 66, a preview memory area cannot be secured. Therefore, the operation unit controller 716 returns a response to the application 2 that the memory area for preview has failed to be secured (S18).

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a warning display screen when the image memory area cannot be secured. This screen displays "Preview cannot be set because it is being used by another function." To notify that the preview memory area could not be secured.

  In either case of reading preview or stored document preview, a screen memory area securing process is performed when the “Preview” buttons 120 and 126 are pressed, and this screen is displayed if it cannot be secured. Only the “Confirm” button 131 exists on this screen. When the “Confirm” button 131 is pressed, the screen is closed and the screen when the “Preview” buttons 120 and 126 are pressed is returned.

  FIG. 15 shows a more detailed sequence of the application 2 and the operation unit controller 716 that have failed to secure the preview memory area.

  When the “Preview” button 120 is pressed in the application 2 (S21), the application 2 requests the operation unit controller 716 to secure a memory area for preview (S22). The operation unit controller 716 tries to secure a preview memory area. In this case, however, it fails to secure the preview memory area, and the application 2 has failed to secure the preview memory area. Is returned (S23). In response to the response that the memory area for the preview has failed to be secured, the application 2 commands to display the warning display screen shown in FIG. The operation unit controller 716 displays a warning display screen. When the “Confirm” button 131 is pressed on the warning display screen (S25), the warning display screen is closed and the screen when the “Preview” button 120 is pressed is returned (S26).

FIG. 16 shows a processing flow in the accumulated document preview. It is determined whether or not the “preview” button 126 has been pressed (S101). If the “preview” button 126 is pressed, an image memory area securing process is performed (S102). It is determined whether or not the image memory area has been successfully secured (3103), and if successful, the process is exited. When securing of the image memory area fails, the warning display shown in FIG. 14 is performed (S104).
(Modification 1)
FIG. 17 shows another warning display screen example when the image memory area cannot be secured. In this warning display screen example, the application name currently reserved in the memory area for preview is displayed.

  In both the reading preview and the stored document preview, the screen memory area is secured when the “Preview” button is pressed, and this screen can be displayed if the screen memory area cannot be secured.

  In FIG. 17, in addition to “Preview cannot be set because it is being used by another function”, “Used function: scanner” is displayed to indicate an application for which a memory area for preview is currently secured. As shown in FIG. 14, only the “confirm” button 131 exists on this screen, and when the “confirm” button 131 is pressed, the screen is closed and the “preview” button is pressed. Return to the plane.

  The function to be used displayed on the screen is notified when the image memory area cannot be secured.

  FIG. 18 shows a sequence of the operation unit controller and the application in this case. The difference from FIG. 15 is that, in sequence S33, an application (in the example, a scanner pre) that secures memory is returned when screen memory area securing fails.

FIG. 19 shows a processing flow in the figure stored document preview in this case. A difference from FIG. 16 is that step S114 “select character string of application name” is inserted between step S113 “failure reservation” and step S115 “warning display”. Step S114 “select character string of application name” is a process of selecting the character string of the reserved application name if the image memory area reservation fails.
(Modification 2)
FIG. 20 shows an example of a warning display screen when the application is switched while the image memory area is secured. At the time of application switching, an operation unit release request is issued from the system control unit 715 of FIG. 7 to the application having the operation unit display right. In the application, if a screen memory area is being secured when an operation unit release request is received, an NG response to the request is returned and this screen is displayed. Only the “Confirm” button 141 exists on this screen, and the screen is closed when the “Confirm” button 141 is pressed.

  FIG. 21 shows an operation unit controller, a system controller (system control unit), and an application sequence in this case.

When a “preview” button 120 or 126 is pressed in an application (S41), the application requests the operation unit controller 716 to secure a memory area for preview (S42). The operation unit controller 716 tries to secure a memory area for preview. In this case, the memory area for preview is successfully secured, and a response to the effect that the memory area for preview is successfully secured is returned to the application (S43). Thereafter, in the case of this modification, the application is switched (S44). Then, an operation unit release request command message is transmitted from the system control unit (system controller) 715 of FIG. 7 to the application (S45). Then, the application makes a response to release the operation unit to the system control unit 715 (S46), and at the same time commands the operation unit controller 716 to display the warning display screen of FIG. 20 (S47) . The operation unit controller 716 displays a warning display screen. When the “Confirm” button 141 is pressed on the warning display screen (S 48 ), the warning display screen is closed and the screen when the “Preview” buttons 120 and 126 are pressed is returned (S 49 ).

  The processing flow at the time of application switching is shown in FIG. In this process, it is determined whether or not an operation unit release request has been received from the system control unit 715 (S121). If an operation unit release request has been received, it is determined whether an image memory area has been secured (S122). If the image memory area is not secured, OK is returned in the operation unit release response (S125), and the process is exited. If the image memory area has been secured, NG is returned as an operation unit release response (S123), and a warning display indicating that the application is being used is displayed (S124).

  According to the present embodiment, by preparing an area dedicated to the preview function different from that for normal image processing in the image memory area, the preview function can be performed even during image processing of other applications.

  In addition, by securing an image memory area for preview prepared in advance, the preview function can be performed with a small amount of memory by applying exclusive control.

  In addition, by securing an image memory area for preview prepared in advance, it is possible to perform a preview function with a small amount of memory by applying exclusive control, and an application that has secured memory during exclusive control By displaying, it is possible to clearly indicate the avoidance means.

  Also, by securing a preview image memory area prepared in advance, it is possible to perform the preview function with a small amount of memory by applying exclusive control. It is possible to display a warning of function restriction in the application.

  In the present invention, an image memory area for realizing the preview function is prepared in advance, and exclusive control is performed by securing the memory area, so that the preview function can be realized with a small amount of memory even in a multifunction machine or the like.

  Although the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the best mode. Modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel of an operation part. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating an image process part (IPU). It is a timing chart of the image signal for one page. 2 is a conceptual diagram of software of a multifunction machine. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen of a copy application. FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a preview display screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen of a document server application. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a preview display screen. It is a conceptual diagram of an image memory area. It is a processing sequence for securing a memory area for an operation unit controller and an application. It is an example (the 1) of a warning display screen. This is a processing sequence (part 1) in which securing of the preview memory area has failed. It is a processing flow figure in a stored document preview. It is an example (the 2) of a warning display screen. This is a processing sequence (part 2) in which securing of the preview memory area has failed. FIG. 10 is a processing flow diagram in the figure accumulated document preview. It is an example (the 3) of a warning display screen. This is a processing sequence when an application is switched while an image memory area is secured. It is a processing flow figure at the time of switching an application.

Explanation of symbols

50 reading unit 57 writing unit 30 operation unit 31 liquid crystal touch panel 65 image memory controller 66 image memory 68 CPU
711 Copy application 712 Document box application 713 Scanner pre 714 Fax application 715 System control unit 716 Operation unit controller 720 Memory unit 721 Input / output control unit

Claims (5)

Multiple application functions,
An operation panel having a display function;
Storage means comprising a display memory area of the operation panel;
Operation unit control means for controlling the operation panel;
The display memory area of the operation panel has a memory area for thumbnail display and a memory area for preview display separately from the memory area for image processing,
In the image processing apparatus for displaying the image information stored in the display memory area by the application having an operation unit display right on the operation panel.
The plurality of applications share and use the storage means,
A memory area for the thumbnail display, the plurality of applications is ensured at the start of each application to the display memory area,
The preview display memory area is secured by the plurality of applications in the display memory area when each application is previewed,
The operation unit control means, when an application switching request is made from the operation panel,
When an operation unit release request is issued to the application having the operation unit display right and the application that has received the operation unit release request has secured a memory area for preview display in the display memory area ,
An image processing apparatus that displays that the image information cannot be displayed on the operation panel. When the operation unit control means displays that the image information cannot be displayed on the operation panel,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an application function name that secures a memory area for preview display is displayed in the display memory area . The application having the operation unit display right cannot use a preview function when another application has reserved a memory area for preview display in the display memory area. The image processing apparatus according to 2 Multiple application functions,
An operation panel having a display function;
Storage means comprising a display memory area of the operation panel;
Operation unit control means for controlling the operation panel;
The display memory area of the operation panel has a memory area for thumbnail display and a memory area for preview display separately from the memory area for image processing,
The operation unit control unit displays image information stored in the display memory area by an application having an operation unit display right on the operation panel, and the plurality of applications share and use the storage unit keep your Keru image processing method to the processing unit,
A memory area for the thumbnail display, the plurality of applications is ensured at the start of each application to the display memory area,
A memory area for the preview display, ensuring at the preview execution of each application of the plurality of applications to the display memory area,
The operation unit control means, when an application switching request is made from the operation panel,
When an operation unit release request is issued to the application having the operation unit display right and the application that has received the operation unit release request has secured a memory area for preview display in the display memory area ,
An image processing method for displaying that image information cannot be displayed on the operation panel. Multiple application functions,
An operation panel having a display function;
Storage means comprising a display memory area of the operation panel;
Operation unit control means for controlling the operation panel;
The display memory area of the operation panel has a memory area for thumbnail display and a memory area for preview display separately from the memory area for image processing,
The operation unit control unit displays image information stored in the display memory area by an application having an operation unit display right on the operation panel, and the plurality of applications share and use the storage unit and you Keru advance image processing program to the processing unit,
On the computer,
The memory areas for thumbnail display, by the plurality of applications is ensured at the start of each application to the display memory area,
A memory area for the preview display, is secured at the time the preview execution of each application to the display memory area by the plurality of applications,
When an application switching request is made from the operation panel,
More to the operating unit control means,
When the application having the operation unit display right makes an operation unit release request, and the application that has received the operation unit release request has secured a preview display memory in the display memory area, An image processing program for displaying that image information cannot be displayed on an operation panel.

Images