JPH0612480A - Compound device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently perform high-level composite image processing through easy operation. CONSTITUTION:In the compound device constituted by uniting 1st-3rd units, image information which is read by a read head 6 of the 1st unit and stored in a frame memory is transferred to the 2nd unit, the image information displayed on an LCD panel and touch panel is processed by a processing means as desired and transferred to the 3rd unit, and the processed image information is printed out by a printer part 7.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a composite device capable of editing image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of processing image image information, the information is read by a scanner, transferred by communication to an information processing device such as a personal computer, and after image processing, paper is output by an output device such as a printer. There has always been a method of printing out the information on a recording medium such as. In addition, many of the printouts were often discarded due to correction mistakes.

[0003]

For this reason, this type of compound device has a number of problems described in (1) to (9) below.

(1) Each device becomes expensive.

(2) The functions of the individual devices have many unnecessary functions and have a large nuance.

(3) The interface procedure is complicated and it is troublesome to construct a system.

(4) Since the operation is not dedicated, necessary setting operation such as initial setting of the program is complicated and complicated.

(5) The size of the print image is different from that of the screen of the personal computer, the image processing is troublesome, and errors occur, resulting in a large amount of wasted paper.

(6) Image There is almost no personal computer that can freely handle image information processing itself.

(7) In the case of slight image processing such as correction and deletion of a small number of characters, the operation of the conventional device is complicated and takes too much time.

(8) In the conventional apparatus, since the operation is complicated and the processing time is unnecessarily long, a method of cutting and pasting paper is often used for a little image processing, which is inefficient.

(9) Since each device is dedicated, its function is inflexible and wasteful. The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and by sequentially processing the functional processing of each unit, complex image processing can be efficiently performed by a simple operation.

[0013]

A composite apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first unit including an original reading unit for reading image information on a recording medium and an image memory for storing the image information read by the original reading unit. And a second unit including a display unit for displaying the image information stored in the image memory and a processing unit for processing the image information displayed on the display unit, and the image information processed by the processing unit is printed out. It is integrated with a third unit having a printing means.

Further, a control means is provided for controlling the start-up start of the third unit from the first unit while monitoring the end state of each functional process of the first unit to the third unit.

Further, the first unit is provided with erasing means for erasing desired image information on the recording medium in parallel with the reading of the image information on the recording medium by the document reading means.

Further, the printing means is configured to print out the image information processed by the processing means onto the recording medium from which the image has been erased by the erasing means.

Further, the first unit to the third unit are configured such that each functional process can be independently executed in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface.

Further, any two combination units in the first unit to the third unit are configured to be capable of executing respective functional processes in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface. It is a thing.

[0019]

According to the present invention, the image information read by the document reading means of the compound device in which the first unit to the third unit are integrated and stored in the image memory is transferred to the second unit and displayed. The image information displayed on the means is subjected to the desired processing by the processing means, the image information is transferred to the third unit, and the image information processed by the printing means is printed out so that each unit has an independent function. It is possible to continuously execute a composite process in which processes are linked.

Further, the control means is arranged from the first unit to the third unit.
By controlling the start-up start of the first unit to the third unit while monitoring the end state of each functional processing of each unit, it is possible to efficiently execute the composite processing in which the independent functional processing by each unit is linked. It is possible.

Further, the erasing means provided in the first unit erases the desired image information on the recording medium in parallel with the reading of the image information on the recording medium by the original reading means, thereby recording by the original reading means. The image information on the medium can be erased freely.

Further, the printing means of the third unit can print out the image information processed on the recording medium erased by the erasing means, and can save the resources of the recording medium.

Furthermore, the first unit to the third unit independently execute respective functional processes in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface, thereby forming a composite first unit. The function processing of the third unit can be separated from the unit of No. 3 and can be systematized with an external device as an independent function executing unit.

Further, the first unit to the third unit combine and execute respective functional processes in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface, thereby performing the combined first process. It is possible to combine the functional processes of the units to the third unit as desired to form a complex system with an external device.

[0025]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of a compound device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 1 is one of the four sides of the frame 8.
An information medium 9 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a document) serving as a document is fed through a manual sheet feeding port (paper feeding port) provided on the surface side.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a paper discharge tray provided on one of the four side surfaces of the frame 8 on which a storage medium output from the printer unit 7 that executes the electrophotographic process is loaded. An LCD panel (panel) 3 also serves as a touch panel, and is configured to display various information inputs from the pen 4. Reference numeral 5 is a document transport path, and the information medium 9 fed from the paper feed port 1 is a document transport mechanism unit 15.
It is conveyed by the drive of. A reading head 6 photoelectrically converts the original information of the information medium 9 fed from the paper feed port 1 to read it, and transfers the read image data to a data memory described later. An LCD panel 10 displays various control information. Control switches 11 to 13 set various control modes. Reference numeral 14 is a control unit, which comprehensively controls document reading, image recording, mode setting, data display, and the like.

The normal image processing operation will be described below.

When a document 9 having information written on its lower surface is inserted into the manual paper feed port 1, the document transport mechanism 15 including a driving roller, a belt and the like (not shown) causes the control unit 14 to operate.
The original 9 is fed along the original conveying path 5 inside the main body by being driven in accordance with the instruction. At that time, the image information of the original 9 is photoelectrically converted and read by the reading head 6 having an image sensor, and stored in the data memory of the control unit 14. Then, when the control unit 14 confirms that the reading head 6 has detected the trailing edge of the document 9 and has read all the information on the information medium into the data memory, the driving of the document transport mechanism unit 15 is stopped. , The information read at the same time is entirely displayed on the LCD panel 3. This L
The control unit 1 performs a process of erasing, correcting or correcting the information displayed on the CD panel 3 within the range designated by the pen 4.
4 can be processed. Specifically, the LCD panel 3 detects the content described with the pointed tip of the pen 4,
The control unit 14 shapes the input information as the information of the location on the LCD panel 3 and displays the input information.
Also, trace the LCD panel 3 with the other end of the pen 4,
The control unit 14 detects a portion indicating the area, and erases the data on the LCD panel 3 at that portion.

For other complicated control, a command is selected by using the control switch 13 and the command is applied to the designated area of the pen 4. The content of the instruction at that time is LC
It is displayed on the D panel 10. Note that this type of processing is
It has already been put to practical use under the product name of "AI Note". When the control unit 14 detects that the control switch 11 has been pressed, the data corrected on the LCD panel 3 can be printed out from the printer unit 7.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the control unit 14 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 2-1 is a processor unit having a CPU for controlling the system of the composite apparatus and a DMA for transferring image information. -4, the light control circuit 2-9, the keyboard 2-12, and the printer control circuit 2-3 are connected by signal lines 2-14 to 2-17, respectively. An image processing controller 2-8 is connected to the processor unit 2-1 via a signal line 2-18.

Reference numeral 2-2 is a frame memory composed of a triple port RAM. The same address is composed of a plurality of bits according to the gradation, and the image information is corrected by the correction circuit 2-5.
It is input through the signal line 2-19. The frame memory 2-2 is connected to the LCD controller 2-6 via the bidirectional bus 2-20. The correction circuit 2-5 also includes an A / D converter that converts the read analog signal into a digital signal. The printer control circuit 2-3 has a control signal for driving the printer unit 7, an image information converter, and the like, and sends the control signal to the signal line 2
Output to the printer unit 7 via −21. Further, the timing control circuit 2-4 generates a control signal for the reading circuit 6 including a line sensor (area sensor), the shading correction of the read data, and the correction circuit 2-5 for A / D conversion. Circuit for transmitting the control signal via the signal lines 2-24 and 2-23.

The output of the read head 6 is the signal line 2-25.
Is sent to the correction circuit 2-5 via the, and the correction result is transferred to the frame memory 2-2. The LCD controller 2-6 converts the data on the frame memory 2-2 into driver IC driving data on the liquid crystal board, and sends it out via the signal line 2-26. The LCD controller 2-6 also has a function of changing the image information on the frame memory 2-2.

The image processing controller 2-8 detects the information on the LCD panel / touch panel 3 on the liquid crystal board 2-7 or operates the information according to an instruction signal from the pen 4. The detection information is sent to the image processing controller 2-8 via the signal line 2-27. The image processing controller 2-8 discriminates the sent detection information and outputs a control command to the LCD controller 2-6 or the processor unit 2-1 through the signal lines 2-22 and 2-18 based on the discrimination. To do. Reference numeral 2-10 is a white light fluorescent lamp, the drive of which is controlled by the light control circuit 2-9. Two
Reference numeral -28 is a mechanical control circuit, which exchanges control signals via a signal line 2-29.

In the compound device thus constructed,
Integrated first unit to first of third unit
In this unit, the document reading means (reading head 6) reads and is stored in the image memory (frame memory 2-2) and the image information is transferred to the second unit and displayed on the display means (LCD panel / touch panel 3). The image information processed by the processing means is transferred to the third unit, and the image information processed by the printing means (printer unit 7) is printed out so that each unit can operate independently. It is possible to continuously execute a composite process in which the above-described functional processes are linked.

The control means (processor unit 2-
1) links the independent functional processing by each unit by controlling the start-up start of the third unit from the first unit while monitoring the end state of each functional processing of the first unit to the third unit. It is possible to efficiently execute the combined processing.

Further, the erasing means provided in the first unit erases desired image information on the recording medium in parallel with reading the image information on the recording medium by the document reading means (reading head 6), It is possible to freely erase the image information on the recording medium by the document reading means.

The printing means (reading head 6) of the third unit is an erasing means (character erasing head 21 described later).
It is possible to print out the image information processed on the recording medium that has been erased by the method described above, and it is possible to save the resources of the recording medium.

Further, the first unit to the third unit independently execute respective functional processes in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface, thereby forming a composite first unit. The function processing of the third unit can be separated from the unit of No. 3 and can be systematized with an external device as an independent function executing unit.

Further, the first to third units combine and execute the respective functional processes in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface, so that the combined first and third units are executed. It is possible to combine the functional processes of the units to the third unit as desired to form a complex system with an external device.

Next, the control operation of the first unit for performing the image reading process will be described.

When the original 9 is inserted into the manual paper feed port 1,
The paper insertion detection sensor or switch in the mechanical control circuit 2-28 detects it, transfers the information to the processor unit 2-1 via the signal line 2-29, determines the transfer information, and determines the mechanical control circuit. The control signal necessary for feeding the original is sent to 2-28 to control the mechanical drive system of the original conveying system. At the same time, the processor unit 2-1 sends a control signal to the write control circuit 2-9, the timing control circuit 2-4 and the frame memory 2-2 via the signal lines 2-15, 2-14 and 2-13. Then, the fluorescent lamp 2-10 is turned on, the original 9 is read by the reading head 6, and is written on the frame memory 2-2 via the signal line 2-25, the correction circuit 2-5, and the signal line 2-19. This data is subjected to shading correction by the correction circuit 2-5, and then converted into desired information by the processor unit 2-1 and the LCD controller 2-6.

The second unit is the processor unit 2
-1, Frame memory 2-2, LCD controller 2-
6, the liquid crystal board 2-7 and the image processing controller 2-8 constitute a main control unit, and the frame memory 2-2
The above data is taken out by the LCD controller 2-6 via the bidirectional bus 2-20, transferred as character information to the liquid crystal board 2-7 via the signal line 2-26, and displayed on the LCD panel 3. Signal to the touch panel portion on the liquid crystal board 2-7, instruction information generated by pressing the pen 4 with the pen 4 and input information from the keyboard 2-12 (including information of the control switches 11 to 13). Lines 2-30, 2-16, processor unit 2-
1, the image processing controller 2-8 receives the signal via each of the signal lines 2-18, analyzes the instruction information, and sends a predetermined control signal to the processor unit 2-1 and the LCD controller 2-6. In response to these control signals, the processor unit 2-1 and the LCD controller 2-6 respectively transfer the contents of the frame memory 2-2 to the bidirectional bus 2-1.
3 and 2-20, and the LCD controller 2-6 displays the result on the LCD panel 3.

The third unit is the processor unit 2
-1, Frame memory 2-2, Printer control circuit 2-
3. The printer unit 7 (such as an LBP device) is configured to notify a printout command to the processor unit 2-1 via the signal line 2-16 when the control switch 11 on the keyboard 2-12 is pressed. . In response to this, the processor unit 2-1 analyzes the instruction input by the CPU unit, and uses the information in the frame memory 2-2 by using the DMA unit via the bidirectional bus 2-13 and the signal line 2-17. Transfer to the printer control circuit 2-3. The printer control circuit 2-3 converts the control information transferred to information suitable for the printer unit 7, transfers the video signal via the signal line 2-21, and prints on the recording medium.

Although the keyboard 2-12 is equipped with the switches of the control switches 11 to 13,
It is not limited to these numbers. In addition, the correction circuit 2
-5, replace the read head 6 with an electronic still device,
Allows batch reading of images by the area sensor and reading of images using the zoom function. The LCD panel 10 is directly controllable by the process unit 2-1. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a compound device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 21 is a character erasing head, which incorporates an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp described later.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the control unit 14 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 2-11 is an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp,
The drive is controlled by the write control circuit 2-9. Since the operations of the first unit and the second unit in this embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the third unit will be described in detail below.

First, referring to FIG. When the image correction work is completed, the operator uses the control switch 12 to instruct the control unit 14 whether to erase the printed information. When the control switch 12 is pressed to instruct the erasing of the printed information, the control unit 14 operates the document conveying mechanism section 15 and simultaneously drives the character erasing head 21.

Specifically, the character erasing head 21 uses an ultraviolet light emitting body, and by using a toner that can be erased by irradiation of ultraviolet rays as a printing toner, information can be erased. It is possible to erase information on both sides of the original medium in which the information up to now is described. For the original 9 from which the printed information is erased, the printer unit 7 prints out the corrected data on the LCD panel 3 after the information is erased, and the printed recording medium (at the time of paper feeding, Manuscript 9
The processor unit 2-1 and the printer control circuit 2-3 process the information so as to output (the recording paper which was the same) to the discharge tray 2. The deletion of the print information may be performed only on one side of the document 9.

Next, the operation of the circuit of FIG. 4 will be described.

The basic operation up to the second unit is completed,
It is determined whether or not the control switch 12 has been pressed before the operation of the third unit is started by pressing the control switch 11. Control switch 12
When is pressed, the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp 2-11 in the character erasing head 21 presses the control switch 11, and the third
The unit is turned on at the same time as the operation of the unit starts, and the old text on the surface printed by the third unit or its back side is erased in advance. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. If the control switch 12 is not pressed, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed.

In this embodiment, two character erasing heads 21 are provided so that both sides of the original 9 can be erased. However, the character erasing heads 21 can function on one side of the original 9. In other words, by providing one character erasing head 21 on one surface of the document, or by providing two character erasing heads 21 and selectively driving them,
It is also possible to erase one side of the original document 9. [Third Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of a compound device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 31 is an interface controller section, and hard interface connector sections 32-3.
It is equipped with 5.

FIG. 6 is a control block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the interface controller section 31 shown in FIG. 5. The same parts as those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 4-1 is an interface controller, which is connected to the FDD interface 4-2 via a signal line 4-6, is connected to the FAX interface 4-3 via a signal line 4-7, and is connected to the signal line. The signal line 4-9 is connected to the personal computer interface 4-4 via 4-8.
It is connected to the database interface 4-5 via the.

The operation will be described below.

When the composite apparatus shown in this embodiment is used as an output device of a personal computer, a third unit, an interface controller 4-1, a personal computer interface 4 are provided.
-4 and the second unit is used if graphic modification is required.

Specifically, a print signal from a personal computer (not shown) is combined through a personal computer interface 4-4 (for example, hard interface connector section 32 (Centronics specifications)) via an interface controller 4-1 and a signal line 4-10. Device processor unit 2
-1, and the data is set in the frame memory 2-2. In that state, the data is displayed on the LCD panel 3, and it is determined whether the transfer data is necessary information or information that needs to be corrected. Keyboard 2-
Pressing the control switch 11 on 12 enables printout. If no correction is necessary, the control switch 11 on the keyboard 2-12 can be pressed to print out.

The above processing is performed by the FDD interface 4-
2 is used to select a file in the floppy disk inserted into the insertion port of a floppy disk drive device (not shown) that requires printing using the keyboard 2-12, the processor unit 2-1 and the interface controller 4-1. , Signal line 4-6, interface controller 4-1, signal line 4-10, processor unit 2-1
Through the frame memory 2-2. Subsequent procedures are the same as when using the composite device as a printer device of a personal computer. Even if a floppy disk drive device is mounted in the present composite device instead of the FDD interface 4-2, the same handling is possible.

Next, the fax processing operation using the combined apparatus will be described.

First, in the case of fax transmission, the signal transfer direction is opposite to that when the interface is used. That is, in the case of fax transmission, the information stored in the frame memory 2-2 (this data may be the information input by the first unit, or the FDD interface 4-
2, signal line 4-4 or database interface 4
-5, the information input from the signal line 4-9 or the information corrected by the second unit may be used) based on the signal from the keyboard 2-12. The processor unit 2-1 uses the signal lines 4-10,
Interface controller 4-1, signal line 4-7, F
The data is transferred to the telephone line through the AX interface 4-3 (for example, the hard interface connector unit 33 (telephone line connector)).

On the other hand, when receiving data, the signal transfer procedure is the reverse of the above. If the received information exceeds the capacity of the frame memory 2-2 during fax reception processing,
The base controller 4-1 automatically uses the FDD interface 4-2 to store the information as a storage medium.
Write to disk, database interface 4
It is controlled to be writable to the external database through -5.

Similarly, when the image data edited on the frame memory 2-2 is to be stored in the hard memory,
Based on a signal from the keyboard 2-12, the processor unit 2-1 of the composite apparatus causes the signal line 4-10, the interface controller 4-1, the signal line 4-9, or the signal line 4-.
6, database interface 4-5 (eg SCS
It is possible to save the data to an external hard disk through the I interface), and the floppy disk data is converted into a file designated by a combination of control switches on the keyboard 2-12 through the FDD interface 4-2 (LCD panel 10). You can also save it (see above).

[0065]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a composite device in which the first unit to the third unit are integrated,
The image information read by the document reading means in the first unit and stored in the image memory is transferred to the second unit, and the image information displayed on the display means is the image information which is processed by the processing means as desired. Since it is configured to print out the image information transferred to the third unit and processed by the printing means, it is possible to continuously execute the composite processing in which the independent functional processing by each unit is linked.

In addition, the control means is arranged from the first unit to the third unit.
Since it is configured to control the start-up start of the first unit to the third unit while monitoring the end state of each functional process of each unit, it is possible to efficiently execute the composite process in which the independent functional processes of each unit are linked. In addition, since each unit can share the control system and the mechanical transmission system, it is possible to downsize the entire system and significantly reduce the composite cost compared to the case where the system is constructed with a single unit. It is possible to provide an inexpensive composite device.

Further, since the erasing means provided in the first unit is arranged to erase the desired image information on the recording medium in parallel with the reading of the image information on the recording medium by the original reading means, the original reading is possible. The image information on the recording medium can be freely erased by the means, and the resources of the recording medium can be effectively used without waste.

Further, since the printing means of the third unit is configured to print out the image information processed on the recording medium erased by the erasing means, the resources of the recording medium can be saved.

Further, since the first unit to the third unit are configured to independently execute each functional process in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface, they are combined. From the first unit to the third
The function processing of the unit can be systematized as an independent function executing means with an external device.

Further, since the first to third units are configured to execute respective functional processes in combination in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface, they are combined. It is possible to easily combine the functional processing of the first unit to the third unit to form a complex system with an external device, and output the composited and processed image information to an external device, for example, a facsimile device. It is possible to greatly enhance the expandability of the system.

Therefore, the occupied area of each unit provided independently in the current office environment can be minimized, the composite processing and the independent unit processing can be freely combined and processed, and the advanced composite image including the graphic information can be processed. There is an effect that the processing can be efficiently performed by a simple operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a compound device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a compound device showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a compound device showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a control block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an interface controller unit illustrated in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Manual Paper Feed Port 2 Paper Ejection Tray 3 LCD Panel 4 Pen 5 Original Transport Path 6 Read Head 7 Printer Section 8 Frame 9 Original 10 LCD Panel 11 Control Switch 12 Control Switch 13 Control Switch

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A first unit comprising a document reading unit for reading image information on a recording medium and an image memory for storing image information read by the document reading unit;
A second unit including a display unit for displaying the image information stored in the image memory and a processing unit for processing the image information displayed on the display unit, and the image information processed by the processing unit is printed out. And a third unit provided with a printing unit that is integrated with the third unit. 2. A control means for controlling the start of activation of the third unit from the first unit while monitoring the end state of each functional process of the first unit to the third unit. Item 1. The compound device according to item 1. 3. The erasing means for erasing desired image information on the recording medium in parallel with the reading of the image information on the recording medium by the document reading means is provided in the first unit. 1. The composite device according to 1. 4. The composite apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the printing means prints out the image information processed by the processing means onto a recording medium from which the image has been erased by the erasing means. 5. The first unit to the third unit,
2. The composite device according to claim 1, wherein each functional process is configured to be independently executable in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface. 6. Arbitrary two combination units in the first unit to the third unit are configured to be able to execute each functional process in response to a request from an external device connected via a predetermined interface. The composite device according to claim 1, wherein