JP5129522B2 - Copying apparatus, copying apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system having a copying apparatus and an image forming apparatus operable in cooperation with the copying apparatus, an image processing method therefor, a copying apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and the copying apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus connected to a network. In particular, even if a desired copy output condition is outside the condition range that can be output by the copying apparatus, an image forming system that realizes cooperative operation output if the output condition of the image forming apparatus is met, its image processing method, and copying The present invention relates to an apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, with the spread of networks in offices and the like, image forming apparatuses such as digital copying apparatuses and printers having a network connection function have been widely used. For this reason, image forming systems that can perform image forming output and document reading via a network using these digital copying apparatuses and image forming apparatuses have become widespread.

  In such an image forming system, an operation called remote copy is possible in which a copy operation is performed by reading an original with a certain device, transmitting the read image data to an image forming device on a designated network, and outputting the image. There are some (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Also, it is known that an operation called a linked copy or a duplicate copy (hereinafter referred to as a duplicate copy) in which images read as one job are subjected to parallel copy output by two or more image forming apparatuses each is known. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In the remote copy operation described above, at least one image forming apparatus connected to the same network is specified in advance on the operation screen of a copying apparatus having a mechanism for reading an original document in advance. There is a need to.

Further, in the case of performing an arbitrary number of copies and binding processing (stapling), for example, from N originals, the multi-copy operation confirms whether or not the own device and the other device have a stapling function, and checks the own device and the other device. Recording was performed in parallel when there was a double continuous mode and a stapling function. As described above, there has been proposed an image forming system in which a large amount of copying can be performed in a short time by using another unused digital copying apparatus. In such an image forming system, in the multiple copy mode, when a function that cannot be executed by the own apparatus or another image forming apparatus is selected, or another image forming apparatus cannot execute the multiple copy operation. In some cases, duplicate copy operation is prohibited. An image forming system has been proposed in which the occurrence of miscopying is prevented and the operability is improved at the same time by displaying on the operation panel of the device serving as the master machine that the execution is impossible (see, for example, Patent Document 3) ).
JP 2002-176522 A JP-A-5-304575 Japanese Patent Registration No. 3732059

  However, in both cases of remote copy and duplicated copy (hereinafter referred to as “cooperative copy”), which are linked operations in the conventional technology, in a system connected to a copying apparatus, output is possible in the copying apparatus. The output conditions were limited to a range of various conditions. That is, the output conditions such as the size and type of the recording medium to be output cannot deviate from the conditions that the copying apparatus itself can output.

  Furthermore, in the conventional technology, when performing cooperating copying, the user needs to specify in advance an image forming apparatus that outputs image data, and switching the image forming apparatus that outputs an image depending on output conditions is considered. Not.

  In linked copying, it is possible to check whether or not the image forming apparatus used for linked copying has the function of the copying apparatus that reads the original, but consider the functions that the copying apparatus does not have. Was not. In other words, when there is a function specific to the image forming apparatus used for linked copying, the function cannot be used because there is no means for recognizing and setting the function. Also, when fixing the settings on the image forming apparatus used for linked copying and enabling the use of the specific function, the user goes to the installation location of each apparatus, changes the settings of each apparatus, and then moves to the copying apparatus Then, the complicated work of starting copying is to be forced.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a copying apparatus, a copying apparatus control method, and a program that allow a user to appropriately and easily confirm a function to be executed by a copying apparatus or an image forming apparatus .

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method for the image forming system, a copying apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and an image forming apparatus connected to the copying apparatus via a network.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a copying apparatus that can be connected to an image forming apparatus, a display unit that displays functions that can be executed in the copying apparatus or the image forming apparatus, and functions of the image forming apparatus. An acquisition unit that acquires device configuration information of the image forming apparatus, a first function that can be executed using the image forming apparatus based on the device configuration information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the image forming apparatus the copying apparatus the same time is displayed before Symbol display means both a viable second function by, that for the first function is executable functions by using the image forming apparatus without using the And display control means for displaying the information together with information indicating the above.

According to the present invention, the function to be executed by the copying apparatus or the image forming apparatus can be appropriately and easily confirmed by the user.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In this specification, “recording” (hereinafter also referred to as “printing”) is not only for forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also for images on a wide range of recording media, regardless of significance. A case where a pattern, a pattern, or the like is formed or a medium is processed is also expressed. It does not matter whether it has been made obvious so that humans can perceive it visually.

  “Recording medium” refers not only to paper used in general recording apparatuses but also widely to cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, and the like that can accept ink. Shall.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system that is an embodiment of the present invention.

  The copying apparatus 101 of this image forming system includes a digital scanner including a scanner unit that reads an image of an original by a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, CCD), and a printer unit that forms and outputs an image by applying laser technology. This is a color copying machine. In addition, the image forming apparatus 102 that performs a cooperating copying operation with the copying apparatus 101 and outputs a copy image is a color large format printer that uses an ink jet recording method that is different from the copying apparatus 101.

  In this system, the copying apparatus 101 is connected to the image forming apparatus 102 via a local area network (hereinafter LAN) 103.

  The copying apparatus 101 has a function (network scanner function) for transmitting image data read from the scanner unit to the LAN 103 via its own memory. In addition, it has a function (network printer function) for outputting image data received from the LAN 103 at the printer unit via the memory of the own apparatus. Further, the copying apparatus 101 has a function (local copy function) for outputting an image captured by the scanner unit of its own apparatus by the printer unit of its own apparatus via its own memory. Further, the copying apparatus 101 transmits the image data captured by the scanner unit of the own apparatus to the image forming apparatus 102 which is another image forming apparatus via the memory and the LAN 103 of the own apparatus, and the image forming apparatus 102 outputs the image data. Function (remote copy function).

  Unlike the copying apparatus 101, the image forming apparatus 102 does not have a scanner unit and has only a network printer function that outputs image data received via the LAN 103.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall hardware configuration of the copying apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a controller unit of the copying apparatus 101, which is connected to a scanner unit 202 as an image input device and a printer unit 203 as an image output device via a device I / F 215 and controls them. Yes.

  The scanner unit 202 controls an optical unit (not shown) to expose and scan the document, and reads reflected light from the document by the CCD. The scanned image data is subjected to predetermined processing by the scanner image processing unit 213.

  The printer unit 203 includes a laser driver and a laser light emitting unit (not shown), and causes the laser light emitting unit to emit laser light corresponding to the image data output from the controller unit 201. This laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum. A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum by a developing device, and the developer on the photosensitive drum is transferred to a sheet as a fed recording medium by a transfer unit. Then, an image is formed on the sheet onto which the developer has been transferred by performing a fixing process of the developer at the fixing unit.

  In the controller unit 201, a CPU 204 is a controller unit that controls the entire system based on a program stored in the ROM 205. The RAM 206 is a system work memory for the CPU 204 to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 205 also serves as a boot ROM and stores a system boot program.

  An operation unit I / F 207 is an interface unit with the operation unit 208, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 208 to the operation unit 208. The operation unit I / F 207 has a role of transmitting information input by the system user (user) from the operation unit 208 to the CPU 204. The operation unit 208 is a function selection unit, an additional display unit, and an execution availability display unit in this system configuration. Further, the operation unit 208 has an input function for inputting settings to the device by the user and a display function for notifying the user from the device, and provides information to the user and instructions by the user. Used for input. In this embodiment, the operation unit 208 includes a touch panel that has both the input function and the display function, and a numeric keypad (a key indicating a number from 0 to 9) as a hard key separately from the touch panel. , Copy start key and so on.

  A LAN I / F unit 209 is connected to the LAN 103 and inputs / outputs information to / from the outside. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 210.

  An image bus I / F 211 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 210 and an image bus 212 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts a data structure. On the image bus 212, a scanner image processing unit 213, a printer image processing unit 214, and a device I / F 215 are arranged. A scanner image processing unit 213 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 214 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The device I / F 215 connects the image bus 212 to the scanner unit 202 and the printer unit 203, and performs reception control of an image read by the scanner unit 202 and transmission control of image data to the printer unit 203.

  Next, a controller unit 216 of the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the printer engine unit 217 and performs control. A CPU 218 controls the entire image forming apparatus 102 based on a system control program. A ROM 219 stores a system control program that is a control program for the entire image forming apparatus 102. Reference numeral 220 denotes a RAM that can read and write data, and expands a program in the ROM 219 and is used to execute a system control program. The RAM 220 is also used as a buffer memory for receiving image data and a buffer memory for temporarily storing various control data transmitted / received to / from the host device.

  A LAN I / F 221 is connected to the LAN 103 and is used for receiving job data from the host apparatus and transmitting status information and notification information of the image forming apparatus 102 to the host apparatus. The LAN 103, the LAN I / F 209, and the LAN I / F 221 are specifically configured in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface standard. Job data received via the LAN I / F 221 is stored in the RAM 220 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 218.

  An image processing unit 222 performs color space processing, gamma correction processing, quantization processing using an error diffusion method, and the like on image data stored in the RAM 220 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 218. Generate binary data that can be output. An engine control unit 223 controls the printer engine unit 217 and transfers image data processed by the image processing unit 222 to the printer engine unit 217.

  The printer engine unit 217 includes a recording head (not shown) that ejects ink onto a recording medium to form an image, a conveyance motor that conveys the recording medium, and the recording head perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium. A carriage motor for scanning is provided. Also, various error detection sensors (not shown) are provided, and these operations are executed in accordance with control from the engine control unit 223. Then, the engine control unit 223 drives the recording head, the conveyance motor, and the carriage motor to mutually fix the ink ejected from the recording head at a desired position on the recording medium, so that a desired image is formed on the recording medium. Formation can be performed.

  The operation unit I / F 224 is an interface unit with the operation unit 225, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 225 to the operation unit 225. The operation unit I / F 224 has a role of transmitting information input by the user from the operation unit 225 to the CPU 218. An operation unit 225 has an input function for inputting settings to the device by the user and a display function for notifying the user from the device, and presents information to the user and gives instructions to the user. Used for input.

  Next, as a first embodiment of the present invention, manual cooperative copying operation setting in the copying apparatus 101 when the copying apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 are connected on the LAN 103 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Will be described.

  At the same time, the function addition to the operation screen by the cooperative copy operation setting will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this embodiment, the copying apparatus 101 supports reading of standard paper sizes of A5, A4, and A3 and irregular paper sizes, and also supports image formation output with the standard paper sizes of A4 and A3. Further, the copying apparatus 101 has a two-stage paper cassette, and A4 and A3 size paper corresponding to the image forming output can be set at the same time, and the paper used from the paper cassette according to the designated output size. Can be switched and output. Further, the copying apparatus 101 is configured to be able to manually feed, and can switch to the manually fed paper according to an instruction from the user at the operation unit 208 and output the paper.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 102 supports only the image forming output for roll paper and the image forming output for manually fed cut paper, and can perform image forming output on A2 and A1 size standard paper. And a cutter for cutting the roll paper. Note that the number of roll papers that can be set by the image forming apparatus 102 is only one set. When outputting to roll paper having a different size from the roll paper that is set, it is necessary to replace the roll paper with a different size. . In addition, since the roll paper is set in a standby state once sandwiched between the transport rollers, switching to the cut paper by manual feeding is performed after the roll paper is removed from the transport rollers. It is necessary to load paper.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the copying apparatus 101 performs settings for cooperative copying of the image forming apparatus 102 connected via the LAN 103.

  Here, each of the copying apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 has a unique address and a device name that can be individually identified on the LAN 103. In the description of this embodiment, an IP address based on the TCP / IP protocol is used as the address.

  First, using the operation unit 208 of the copying apparatus 101, the user selects the image forming apparatus 102 as an image forming apparatus that performs a linked copy operation using an IP address (step S105).

  The CPU 204 and the control program of the copying apparatus 101 identify an operation on the operation unit 208 via the operation unit I / F 207. Then, in order to confirm whether the image forming apparatus 102 having the designated IP address is an apparatus capable of cooperating copying with the copying apparatus 101, the device name information (name information of the selected apparatus) is obtained via the LAN I / F 209. ) Request (step S110).

  The image forming apparatus 102 that has received the device name information request via the LAN 103 and the LAN I / F 221 interprets that the request is transmission of the device name information by the control program of the CPU 218 and the image forming apparatus 102. In response to the request, the device name information stored in the ROM 219 is read out, and the device name information is sent to the copying apparatus 101 that is the sending source address via the LAN I / F 221. The copying apparatus 101 receives this device name information (step S115).

  The copying apparatus 101 stores in the ROM 205 a name information list of devices that can perform cooperative copy operations. The copying apparatus 101 refers to the device name information received from the image forming apparatus 102, and determines whether there is matching name information among the name information of devices capable of cooperative copy operation stored in the ROM 205 of the copying apparatus 101. Confirm (step S120).

  If there is no matching name information in step S120 (including a case where there is no response from the designated address), an error is displayed on the operation unit 208 of the copying apparatus 101 to notify the user of the error ( In step S125, the user waits for resetting and ends. If there is matching name information in step S120, the copying apparatus 101 sends a request for device configuration information of the image forming apparatus 102 to the image forming apparatus 102 in which the name information matches (step S130).

  The image forming apparatus 102 that has received the device configuration information request identifies that the request is transmission of device configuration information. In response to the request, the device configuration information stored in the ROM 219 is read, and the device configuration information is transmitted to the copying apparatus 101 having the transmission source address. The copying apparatus 101 receives the device configuration information of the image forming apparatus 102 (step S135). The device configuration information in this embodiment includes the size of the corresponding recording medium, the presence / absence of a cutter, the presence / absence of a stapling device, whether manual feeding is possible, the recording method (laser, ink jet), color compatibility, etc. Information.

  The copying apparatus 101 expands the device configuration information received from the image forming apparatus 102 and the configuration information of the own apparatus in the ROM 205 on the RAM 206, and compares and refers to these information by the control program of the CPU 204 and the copying apparatus 101. In this way, it is confirmed whether there is a function that the image forming apparatus 102 has and that the copying apparatus 101 does not have (step S140).

  If the image forming apparatus 102 does not have a function that the copying apparatus 101 does not have in step S140, the image forming apparatus 102 is stored and set in the ROM 205 of the copying apparatus 101 as a cooperable copy machine of the copying apparatus 101 (step S140). S160), the process ends. If the image forming apparatus 102 has a function that the copying apparatus 101 does not have in step S140, the difference function is additionally displayed on the operation unit 208, so that the configuration information necessary for displaying the additional function is displayed. A data request is sent to the image forming apparatus 102 (step S145). At this time, the request for the configuration information display data to be transmitted requests information on menus and submenu items that need to be set depending on the presence or absence of the cutter and the recording method detected in step S140.

  In step S140, simultaneously with the confirmation in the previous period, the copying apparatus 101 detects a function that can be executed by the difference function. In the present embodiment, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is possible to widen the enlargement range when performing enlargement copying, from the difference in the size of the corresponding recording medium.

  Next, upon receiving the configuration information display data request in step S145, the image forming apparatus 102 reads the configuration information display data stored in the ROM 219 in response to the request, and sends it to the copying apparatus 101 at the transmission source address. Send to Then, the copying apparatus 101 receives the configuration information display data necessary for displaying the additional function (step S150). In this embodiment, the data sent from the image forming apparatus 102 is data corresponding to menus and submenu items displayed on the operation unit 225 of the image forming apparatus 102.

  The copying apparatus 101 stores the configuration information display data received from the image forming apparatus 102 in the ROM 205, expands the display data, and additionally displays the difference function on the operation panel of the operation unit 208 (step S155).

  Then, assuming that the image forming apparatus 102 can perform cooperative copying with the copying apparatus 101, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102 is stored in the ROM 205 of the copying apparatus 101, and the image forming apparatus 102 is set as a cooperative copying machine (step S160). ,finish.

  With the above procedure, the setting of the linked copy operation is completed.

  Next, an example of function addition display on the display unit of the operation unit 208 executed in step S155 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, as an example of the function addition display, description will be given using an enlarged and reduced copy operation screen that can be executed from the difference function as described above.

  FIG. 4 is an example showing an enlargement / reduction copy operation screen when the copying apparatus 101 is operated independently on the display unit of the operation unit 208 of the copying apparatus 101. As described above, the display unit of the operation unit 208 of the copying apparatus 101 employs a touch panel method, and operation keys that can directly operate each function are displayed on the screen.

  Reference numeral 401 denotes a key for selecting an enlargement / reduction function between standard paper sizes, and as described above, enlargement from a standard paper size that can be input by the copying apparatus 101 to a standard paper size that can be output by the copying apparatus alone. And a key for instructing reduced copy. Reference numeral 402 denotes a key used for setting when performing enlargement / reduction copying that can be executed independently by the copying apparatus 101 and a key for increasing the convenience of enlargement / reduction copying operations. Reference numeral 403 denotes an input box in which an enlargement ratio and a reduction ratio can be directly specified by specifying a magnification. The enlargement ratio and the reduction ratio can be specified by a + key and a − key directly below. Further, as described above, the operation unit 208 can be designated by directly inputting a number using a numeric keypad as a hard key.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which the copying apparatus 101 additionally displays on the operation unit 208 based on the additional display data received from the image forming apparatus 102 in step S155 of FIG.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 102 of this embodiment is compatible with image forming output on a larger standard paper size than the copying apparatus 101. For this reason, as shown at 501, a key for instructing enlargement / reduction copying to a standard paper size in which the expansion range between the standard paper sizes is expanded is added.

  Further, as described above, the image forming apparatus 102 corresponds to the image forming output for the roll paper, and has a cutter because the standard paper size is realized by cutting the paper after the image is formed. However, depending on the user, there is a case where it is desired to continuously execute the image forming output on the roll paper without cutting, and to cut after outputting a desired amount. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 102 has a function of turning the cutter off (setting not to cut), and 502 is a key for instructing this function.

  A drying time setting key 503 is a key newly displayed due to a difference in recording method between the copying apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102, and is a key for setting a function required when recording is performed by the ink jet recording method. It is. In the ink jet recording system, when the recording surface is rubbed immediately after recording, the recording image may be disturbed because the ink is not fixed on the recording medium depending on the duty of the recording image. For this reason, this function prevents the recording surface of the recording medium from being rubbed for a certain period of time. Note that the drying time has several options for the specified time as a sub-menu in the image forming apparatus 102, and is added as a sub-menu with a 503 key when adding a function in step S155.

  As described above, the copying apparatus 101 displays the additional function on the display unit of the operation unit 208.

  As described above, according to the image forming system of the present embodiment, in the copying apparatus that is the original reading source, the apparatus configuration information of the image forming apparatus on the same interface is acquired and held, and the apparatus configuration of the own apparatus is acquired. A means for comparing the difference with the above is provided. At the same time, from the comparison result, a function that only the image forming apparatus has and that can be executed in the image forming system is detected and can be selected and used.

  As a result, the output conditions such as the size and type of the recording medium to be output are not limited to the output possible conditions of the copying apparatus, and can be output if they meet the output conditions of the image forming apparatus. Further, it is possible to use functions that are unique to the image forming apparatus and that can be executed in the image forming system.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, functions that only the image forming apparatus has and can be executed in the image forming system are displayed on the display unit on the copying apparatus in addition to functions that can be executed independently by the copying apparatus. It was set as the structure which can select whether or not.

  As a result, the user can use the functions of only the image forming apparatus without complicated operations with the same feeling as using the copying apparatus alone. At the same time, functions unique to the image forming apparatus can be set on the operation panel of the copying apparatus, and the user can set the functions of the image forming apparatus used for outputting image data without moving from the copying apparatus. It has become possible.

  Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is used for a procedure in which the copying apparatus 101 automatically detects an image forming apparatus connected to the LAN 103 and sets a state in which linked copying is possible. This will be described below.

  In this embodiment, the copying apparatus 101 executes a flow process described below every time a specified time elapses, thereby automatically detecting and cooperating copying when an image forming apparatus is added to the LAN 103. Set up.

  When the copying apparatus 101 is connected to the LAN 103, it waits for a predetermined time to elapse (step S205). Then, a response request is transmitted to the broadcast address according to the TCP / IP protocol via the LAN I / F 209 after the lapse of the specified time (step S210).

  Here, when there is a response from the image forming apparatus connected on the LAN 103, the response from the unconfigured apparatus is compared with the IP address already registered in the ROM 205 in the copying apparatus 101 as a cooperating copy capable apparatus. It is determined whether or not (step S215). In step S215, if all the devices that responded are devices with IP addresses already registered, the process returns to step S205 to wait for the specified time to elapse again. In step S215, if there is a response from the unset device, the IP address of the unset device that has made the response is temporarily stored in the RAM 206 in the copying apparatus 101 (step S220).

  Then, name information is sequentially requested for the stored IP addresses (step S225). Then, it is confirmed whether or not there is a response to the request (step S230) and whether or not the copying apparatus 101 is a device that matches the name information of the device capable of cooperative copy operation in the ROM 205 (step S235).

  If there is no response in step S230 or if it does not match the name information in step S235, the IP address that sent the request for name information is deleted from the IP addresses temporarily stored in the RAM 206 (step S230). S245).

  Then, by confirming whether or not the IP address temporarily stored in the RAM 206 remains, it is confirmed whether the IP address of the device that has responded as an unconfigured device is the final stored IP address (step S250).

  If the name information matches in step S235, the processing of steps S130 to S160 in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed. As a result, in the copying apparatus 101, the image forming apparatus having the same name information is set as a device capable of cooperative copying (step S240).

  When the setting is completed in step S240, the process proceeds to step S245, and the IP address that sent the request for the name information is deleted from the IP addresses temporarily stored in the RAM 206, and then the final stored IP in step S250. Check if it is an address. If it is the last stored IP address in step S250, the process returns to step S205 and waits for the specified time to elapse again. If the IP address temporarily stored in the RAM 206 remains in step S250, the process returns to step S225, and a request for name information is sent to the next IP address.

  Through the above procedure, the copying apparatus 101 automatically detects an image forming apparatus connected to the LAN 103 and sets it in a state in which a linked copying operation is possible.

  In this embodiment, the copying apparatus is configured to automatically detect the image forming apparatus on the interface and set it as an image forming apparatus capable of outputting image data output from the copying apparatus.

  Thereby, the user can use the image forming apparatus without performing the setting process of the image forming apparatus used for outputting the image data output from the copying apparatus. This is particularly effective when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses on the interface, and it is possible to eliminate the troublesome work of repeating the setting for the number of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, the copying apparatus 101 obtains status information of an image forming apparatus that is set for cooperative copy operation, and determines whether or not the function associated with the cooperative copy operation setting can be immediately executed. Will be described with reference to FIGS. A procedure for clearly indicating whether or not the function associated with the linked copy operation setting can be executed immediately will also be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for acquiring status information. Further, FIG. 8 shows a display example that clearly indicates whether or not the function can be immediately executed using the display device of the operation unit 208 from the status information acquired by the procedure shown in FIG.

  First, the copying apparatus 101 waits for a predetermined time to elapse in the power-on state (step S310), and after the specified time elapses, status information is sequentially obtained for the IP address of the linked copy-capable device stored in the ROM 205. Is sent (step S320).

  Then, a response from the designated IP address is confirmed (step S330), and if there is a response, reception of status information is started (step S340). In this embodiment, the status information received is information about the state of the image forming apparatus indicating the size of the recording medium set in the image forming apparatus, an error state such as a jam of the recording medium or out of consumables such as ink, and the like. It is. In the present exemplary embodiment, the copying apparatus 101 stores status information of the image forming apparatus that is set to perform a cooperative operation in the RAM 206 in the apparatus. The copying apparatus 101 that has received the status information in step S340 stores the status information in the RAM 206 as it is if the received status information is from an image forming apparatus in which status information is not stored. If the received status information is already received, it is confirmed whether there is a status change (step S350).

  If the status is changed according to the determination result in step S350, the status display of the related function is updated on the display device of the operation unit 208, and this determination result is displayed (step S360).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the IP address of the status information request transmission destination is the final IP address among the IP addresses sequentially designated in step S320 (step S370). If it is the last IP address in step S370, the process returns to step S310 and waits until a predetermined time has passed again. If it is not the final address in step S370, the process returns to step S320, and a status information request is sent to the image forming apparatus of the next IP address. If there is no response or there is no change in status in steps S330 and S350, the process proceeds to step S370 to check whether it is the final IP address.

  According to the above procedure, the status information of the image forming apparatus set to operate in cooperation is acquired. Here, regarding the display of the status information acquired in this way and the display as to whether or not the function that can be executed by the function of the image forming apparatus is immediately executable, the enlarged and reduced copies used in the first embodiment are used. An example of the menu screen will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the image forming apparatus connected to the copying apparatus 101 and set to operate in cooperation is only the image forming apparatus 102 used in the description of the first embodiment is connected via a LAN in FIGS. 1 and 2. The configuration will be described as an example.

  In this embodiment, the status information displayed on the display device of the operation unit 208 in step S360 in FIG. 7 is a function that can be executed by the function of the image forming apparatus as indicated by reference numerals 801 and 802 in FIG. An icon is displayed next to each added key. Here, an icon 801 indicating a network connection indicating that the function 801 can be executed by using the image forming apparatus 102 connected via the LAN 103 is arranged. Reference numeral 802 denotes an icon display indicating that the paper is out. The image forming apparatus 102 supports image forming output for roll papers of the standard paper sizes A2 and A1, but the number of roll papers that can be set is only one set. In this embodiment, since the roll paper set in the image forming apparatus 102 is A2 size paper, it is necessary to replace the roll paper when performing enlarged copy to A1 size. For this reason, an icon indicating out of paper is arranged next to a key for instructing a linked copy operation for enlarging to A1 size.

  Reference numeral 803 denotes the same key as described in the first embodiment, which instructs enlargement / reduction copying to a standard paper size in which the enlargement range is expanded in the standard paper size that can be executed by performing a cooperative operation with the image forming apparatus 102. is there. However, in this embodiment, according to the status information acquired from the image forming apparatus 102, as described above, in order to perform enlargement copying to the A1 size, it is necessary to replace the roll paper, and thus it is determined that it cannot be executed immediately. Is possible. Therefore, the display of the key indicating the enlarged copy to the A1 size changes the character color to clearly indicate to the user that it cannot be executed immediately and suppress the selection.

  As described above, the copying apparatus 101 uses the display device of the operation unit 208 to clearly indicate whether the function of the image forming apparatus can be executed immediately.

  In this embodiment, the copying apparatus acquires the status information of the image forming apparatus, and can determine whether the function of the image forming apparatus can be immediately executed according to the information. This makes it possible to prevent miscopying and erroneous output that is output without using a function desired by the user.

  Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to visually recognize the acquired status information by additionally displaying on the display unit on the copying apparatus whether or not the function of only the image forming apparatus can be immediately executed. Thereby, since the user can visually recognize whether or not the function can be used before selecting the use of the desired function, the operability can be improved.

  Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a flow chart shown in FIG. 9 shows a procedure for outputting image data read by the copying apparatus 101 using the image forming apparatus capable of cooperative copying set in the first to third embodiments. Will be described below.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the copying apparatus 101 when performing copy output using an image forming apparatus capable of cooperative copying according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  When a user selects a function to be used for a copy operation using the operation unit 208 of the copying apparatus 101 and issues a copy operation start instruction, the copying apparatus 101 outputs the image on the image forming apparatus (cooperation setting apparatus) set to perform the cooperative operation. It is confirmed whether the function is possible (step S410). Here, in the image forming apparatus set to operate in cooperation, a function that cannot be output is selected, and when this function supports only the output of the copying apparatus 101, the printer unit of the copying apparatus 101. It outputs in 203 (step S420).

  If it is determined in step S410 that the function can be output by the image forming apparatus set to operate cooperatively, does the copying apparatus 101 need a function that only the image forming apparatus set to operate cooperatively has? Whether or not is confirmed (step S430). Here, when the function of only the image forming apparatus set to operate in cooperation is not required, that is, when the output can be performed by the printer unit 203 of the copying apparatus, the selection screen for the image forming apparatus including the copying apparatus 101 is displayed. The information is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 208. As a result, the user is prompted to select an image forming apparatus to output (step S440), and the selected image forming apparatus performs output (step S470).

  When the function of only the image forming apparatus that is set to operate cooperatively in step S430 is required, the copying apparatus 101 is set to operate cooperatively and there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses that can handle the specified function. It is confirmed whether or not to perform (step S450). Here, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses that are set to operate in cooperation and are compatible with the designated function, a display for selecting an output apparatus from the plurality of image forming apparatuses is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 208. To display. As a result, the user is prompted to select an image forming apparatus to be output (step S460), and output is performed by the selected image forming apparatus (step S470).

  In step S450, if there is one image forming apparatus that can cope with the designated function and is set to operate in cooperation, the image forming apparatus outputs the image (step S480).

  With the above-described procedure, the copying apparatus 101 can switch between output from the image forming apparatus for which cooperative copying operation has been set, output from the printer unit 203 of the copying apparatus 101, and output between the apparatuses.

  In this embodiment, when performing output using the function of only the image forming apparatus, the output destination can be automatically switched to a compatible image forming apparatus. According to another expression, the recording is suppressed in the copying apparatus and the image forming apparatus that cannot execute the function selected from the copying apparatus and the image forming apparatus. As a result, when the user outputs the image data read by the copying apparatus using the image forming apparatus on the network, the image forming apparatus that becomes the output destination according to the output condition without specifying the image forming apparatus in advance. The operability can be further improved.

  Further, in this embodiment, when there are a plurality of compatible image forming apparatuses when the output destination of image data is switched to a compatible image forming apparatus according to the function to be used, the corresponding image forming apparatus The output destination can be selected by the user. Accordingly, the user can select an output destination from among the image forming apparatuses determined to be compatible with the function to be used by a simple operation, and can increase the degree of freedom of the output destination.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the function selected by the user on the copying apparatus is a function that can be executed by the copying apparatus alone, it can be handled when there is an image forming apparatus that can handle this function. The user can select an output destination from the image forming apparatus and the copying apparatus.
As a result, the degree of freedom of the output destination can be further increased.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the copying apparatus that reads a document is a digital color copying apparatus that employs a laser system. Good. For example, it may be a multi-function printer in which a scanner serving as a reading device and an ink jet type or sublimation type printer unit are integrally configured.

  Further, even in the case where an apparatus having only a reading apparatus that does not have a printer unit is used instead of a copying apparatus, an image forming apparatus that has a display unit and performs a cooperative operation on a display screen. A function can be additionally displayed, and any structure that can use this function can be replaced.

  Similarly, in each embodiment, the image forming apparatus that performs the cooperative operation is a large color printer that employs the ink jet recording method. Is also possible.

  Furthermore, even if the image forming apparatus that performs the cooperative operation is a copying apparatus, it can be realized by the same method as described above.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case of an image forming system provided with one copying apparatus and one image forming apparatus used for a linked copying operation has been described as an example. An image forming system including a plurality of at least one of them may be used. It should be noted that the display of status information in such an image forming system can be handled by performing display and switching display for the number of image forming apparatuses that are set to operate in cooperation, and images that can be operated immediately. You may give priority to the display of the forming apparatus.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the status information is displayed using icons, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the display method is changed, such as notification by characters or pop-up display when a function key is selected. good.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the display on the operation unit of the additional function for setting the cooperative operation has been described as an example of the enlarged and reduced copy menu screen, but other display methods may be used.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the display device in the operation unit is configured by a touch panel and has a configuration that also serves as the input function, but may be configured to input by a hardware key.

  That is, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  The present invention also includes a program that is executed by the copying apparatus of the image forming system as in the above-described embodiment, and that executes the above-described steps. Specifically, the program of the present invention includes a display process for displaying a function executable by the copying apparatus, a request process for requesting apparatus configuration information of the image forming apparatus, and an apparatus configuration information of the image forming apparatus. The device configuration information to be acquired is acquired. In addition, based on the device configuration information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the device configuration information acquisition process, a comparison process is performed to compare a function executable by the copying apparatus and a function executable by the image forming apparatus. Let In addition, based on the comparison result of the comparison process, an additional display process for displaying the function executable by the image forming apparatus in addition to the function displayed by the display process is executed. Furthermore, a function selection process is executed that allows the user to select a function that can be executed by the copying apparatus displayed in the display process and a function that is additionally displayed in the additional display process.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system that is an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall hardware configuration of a copying apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when setting is performed for cooperative copying of an image forming apparatus connected via a LAN in a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 is an example showing an operation screen for enlargement and reduction copy when the copying apparatus is operated independently on the display unit of the operation unit of the copying apparatus. In this example, the copying apparatus additionally displays on the operation unit based on the additional display data received from the image forming apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for automatically detecting an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN on a LAN and setting a state in which linked copying is possible. It is a flowchart which shows the acquisition procedure of status information. It is an example of the menu screen of expansion and reduction copy. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the copying apparatus when performing copy output using an image forming apparatus capable of cooperative copying.

Explanation of symbols

101 copier 102 image forming apparatus 103 LAN
201 Controller unit 202 Scanner unit 203 Printer unit 204 CPU
206 RAM
208 Operation unit

Claims (7)

A copying apparatus connectable to an image forming apparatus,
Display means for displaying functions executable in the copying apparatus or the image forming apparatus;
An acquisition means for acquiring device configuration information of the image forming apparatus indicating the function of the image forming apparatus;
A first function that can be executed using the image forming apparatus based on the device configuration information acquired by the acquiring unit; and a second function that can be executed by the copying apparatus without using the image forming apparatus. both the same time is displayed before Symbol display means, the said first function is characterized by having a display control means for displaying together with information indicating that the executable functions by using the image forming apparatus Copy machine. The acquisition means acquires the device configuration information of the image forming apparatus and status information indicating the status of the image forming apparatus,
The display control unit changes the display of the function indicated by the device configuration information according to the status information acquired by the acquisition unit.
The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In accordance with an instruction from a user, a selection unit that selects any one of the functions displayed on the display unit by the display control unit;
The copying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a print control unit that causes the copying apparatus or the image forming apparatus to print an image according to a function selected by the selection unit.   The image processing apparatus further includes a suppression unit that suppresses printing in the copying apparatus or the image forming apparatus when the function selected by the selection unit is not executable depending on the state of the copying apparatus or the image forming apparatus. The copying apparatus according to claim 3. A second selecting unit that selects one of the copying apparatus and the image forming apparatus capable of executing the function selected by the selecting unit in response to an instruction from a user;
The print control unit prints an image on the apparatus selected by the second selection unit;
The copying apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the copying apparatus is characterized in that: A copying apparatus that can be connected to an image forming apparatus, the copy apparatus or a copying apparatus control method that is executed in a copying apparatus having a display unit that displays functions executable in the image forming apparatus,
An acquisition step in which the acquisition unit of the copying apparatus acquires apparatus configuration information of the image forming apparatus indicating the function of the image forming apparatus;
The display control means of the copying apparatus has a first function that can be executed using the image forming apparatus based on the device configuration information acquired in the acquiring step, and the copying apparatus without using the image forming apparatus. both the viable second function is displayed before Symbol display means simultaneously, display control for the first function is displayed together with information indicating that the executable functions by using the image forming apparatus And a process for controlling the copying apparatus.   The program for making a computer perform each process of Claim 6.

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