JPH07288661A - Image processing unit and method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a maximum utilizing efficiency in response to the capability of an output means even when plural kinds of processing are in contention in the image processing system provided with plural functions by selecting data of a storage means and recording the selected data in response to the state that respective image data are stored to each storage means. CONSTITUTION:A core section 18 at first checks whether or not copy data by one page are in existence in a reader section 11 and designates a prescribed pin of a sorter section 23 as an output destination of a recording medium when output enable data are in existence to provide an output of the data. On the other hand, when output available data to be outputted to a printer section 12 are not in existence in the reader section 11, the core section 18 checks a facsimile section 15 and provides an output to the printer section 12 when output available data are in existence. When the data are not in existence, the core section 18 checks a formatter section 16 to implement the similar processing. Thus, the occupancy of specific processing is avoided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method and system, for example, an image processing apparatus and method and system having a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copying machine and a facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing system having a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile, for example, a copying machine is used for copying, a printer is used for printing, and a facsimile is used for printing. When receiving, as a facsimile device, only one of the plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus can be executed at the same time.

[0003]

In the conventional image processing system as described above, there is a function capable of parallel processing for functions such as executing facsimile transmission during printer output, in which respective constituent elements do not conflict with each other. It is put to practical use.

However, when a specific component competes for a plurality of processes, one process occupies the component,
The other process using the same component had to wait for the end of one process. For example, when there is an output request to the printer during the copy processing by the copy function, the copy processing occupies the output means of the image processing system, and the printer output processing which also uses the output means waits for the end of the copy processing. I had to do it. Therefore, it is very inconvenient for the operator.

Further, since the processing time of the entire image processing system is a simple sum of the time required for each processing, the usage efficiency of the entire device is low.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to obtain the maximum use efficiency corresponding to the capability of the output means even when a plurality of processes compete in an image processing system having a plurality of functions.

[0007]

The present invention has the following structure as one means for achieving the above object.

That is, input means for inputting image data from a plurality of image data sources, and image data input by the input means provided corresponding to the image data sources are accumulated and output in page units. A plurality of accumulating means, a recording means for recording the image data output from the accumulating means on a recording medium, and image data of the accumulating means according to a state in which the respective image data are accumulated in the respective accumulating means. And a control unit that causes the recording unit to perform recording.

Further, the recording means has a separating and stacking means for separating and stacking recording media according to the image data.

Further, it has a page number measuring means for measuring the number of pages of the image data continuously outputted from the accumulating means, and the control means controls the accumulating means according to the value measured by the page number measuring means. It is characterized by selecting.

Further, it has an output time measuring means for measuring an output time of the image data continuously outputted from the accumulating means, and the control means controls the accumulating means in accordance with a value measured by the output time measuring means. It is characterized by selecting.

Further, when each image data is input to the input means substantially at the same time, the control means causes the recording means to record the image data with priority.

For example, the image data source is any one of a reader, a facsimile, and a computer, and has one of a copy processing function, a facsimile receiving function, and a print output processing function from the computer.

[0014]

With the above structure, output data can be created page by page from the image data input from each input means, and which image data is to be output can be determined according to the timing of completion of the creation. Even in the case where a plurality of processes compete in an image processing system having a plurality of functions, it is possible to obtain the maximum usage efficiency according to the capability of the output means. Further, since it is possible to measure and monitor the number of pages and the output time for which each process continuously outputs, it is possible not only to prevent the specific process from occupying the entire device, but also to It is possible to set the priority and the weighting of the degree of occupancy, and more flexible and excellent operability can be realized.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the image processing system will be described below, it is of course possible to realize the image processing system as one image processing apparatus or as an image processing method.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 11 is a reader unit composed of an image input device for converting an original into image data, and 12 is a recording paper cassette having a plurality of types of recording paper. The printer unit 13 is an external device electrically connected to the reader unit 11 and has various functions described later.

The external device 13 includes a computer interface unit 14 for connecting to a computer 21 and a facsimile unit 1 for receiving a facsimile from a public line 22.
5, a formatter unit 16 for converting the information sent from the computer 21 into a visible image, an image memory unit 17 for temporarily storing the information sent from the computer 21 and the information from the reader unit 11, 11 to 17 above
A core unit 18 for controlling each unit is provided.

That is, in the image processing system of this embodiment, the reader unit 11, the facsimile unit 15, and the formatter unit 16 have a function as a page image creating unit.

Further, the printer unit 12 is equipped with a sorter unit 23 for separating and stacking recording media.

In the image processing system of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned structure, the copying process, the facsimile receiving process, and the print output process by the output command from the computer 21 can be executed. Hereinafter, each process in this embodiment will be described in detail.

In the case of performing the copying process in this embodiment,
The image of the document read by the reader unit 11 is recorded by the printer unit 12.

When performing the facsimile reception process, the facsimile information sent through the public line 22 is imaged by the facsimile unit 15 and recorded by the printer unit 12.

In the case of print output processing, output data sent from the computer 21 via the LAN, serial / parallel interface, etc. is input from the computer interface unit 14, sent to the formatter unit 16 via the core unit 18, The formatter unit 16 converts the image into an image, and the printer unit 12 records the image.

As described above, in this embodiment,
Reader unit 11, facsimile unit 15, formatter unit 1
The image information created by any of the page image creation units 6 is stored and output by the printer unit 12 page by page.
At this time, in the printer unit 12, the recording medium copied by the copying function, the recording medium output by the facsimile receiving process, and the recording medium printed out by the output command from the computer 21 are respectively printed by the sorter unit 23. Output to another sorter bin.

In the image processing system of this embodiment,
It is necessary to integrally control the above-mentioned three types of output processing.
Next, the output processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the output processing in this embodiment. First, in step S1,
The core unit 18 checks the reader unit 11 to determine whether there is data that can be output to the printer unit 12, that is, whether there is a copy image that can be output for one page. If there is data that can be output, the process proceeds to step S2, and the sorter unit 2
The bin assigned to the copy output of No. 3 is designated as the output destination of the recording medium to be output. Then, in step S3, one page of data (copy image) existing in the reader unit 11 is output, and the process proceeds to step S10.

On the other hand, if there is no data that can be output to the printer unit 12 in the reader unit 11 in step S1, the process proceeds to step S4, and the core unit 18 checks the facsimile unit 15 and outputs it to the printer unit 12. Possible data,
That is, it is checked whether or not there is a facsimile reception image capable of outputting one page. If there is data that can be output, the process proceeds to step S5, and the bin assigned to the facsimile reception output of the sorter unit 23 is designated as the output destination of the recording medium to be output. Then, step S6
Then, the data of the facsimile section 15 (facsimile reception image) is output for one page, and the process proceeds to step S10.

On the other hand, in step S4, the facsimile unit 15
If there is no data that can be output to the printer unit 12, the processing proceeds to step S7, and the core unit 18 checks the formatter unit 15 and outputs data that can be output to the printer unit 12, that is, one page of output. Check to see if a possible printout image exists. If there is data that can be output, the process proceeds to step S8, and the sorter unit 23
The bin assigned to the print output of is specified as the output destination of the recording medium to be output. Then, in step S9, one page of data (print output image) of the formatter unit 15 is output, and the process proceeds to step S10.

On the other hand, in step S7, the formatter unit 16
If there is no data that can be output to the printer unit 12, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, it is determined whether or not all output processing is completed. If not completed, the process returns to step S1 to continue the processing. If processing is completed,
It ends as it is.

As described above, a plurality of output processes are controlled in this embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of the actual operation in the above-described processing procedure will be shown below.

[When only one function is used] In the present embodiment, when there is only one output request of the copying process, the facsimile receiving process, and the print output process,
Based on the judgments in steps S1, S4, and S7 shown in FIG. 2 described above, image data is created by each page image creation unit in which the data is present, and the image data is discharged to a predetermined bin of the sorter unit 23 of the printer unit 12, respectively. To do. This is the same operation as the conventional image processing system.

Next, the case where a plurality of requests occur simultaneously in this embodiment will be described.

[Operation Example 1]: When a facsimile is received during copying of a book original For example, in the copy processing of a book original (a bound original), the operator manually flips the pages one by one, and the reader 11 Since it is necessary to read the pages, the time interval required to read each page is considerably longer than the output time of one page in the printer unit 12.

Consider a case where facsimile reception processing occurs simultaneously during such copying processing of a book document.

Here, the reception time of one page of a facsimile in the facsimile section 15 is also 1 in the printer section 12.
If the page output time is longer than the page output time, the output process from the printer unit 12 can be efficiently allocated to the copying process and the facsimile receiving process, thereby shortening the overall processing time.

In the present embodiment, the printer unit 12 outputs the data from the page image creating unit of the reader unit 11 and the facsimile unit 15 in accordance with the timing when each data can be output.

Therefore, the printer unit 12 can be effectively used, and any request can be efficiently processed without waiting the operator more than necessary.

When both data are prepared at the same time, the reader unit 11 is checked first as shown in step S1 of FIG. 2, so that the copying process has priority over the output of the facsimile reception data. Therefore, it is not necessary for an operator who is turning pages of a book document near the reader unit 11 to wait unnecessarily.

[Operation Example 2]: Case where Facsimile Reception Process and Print Output Process Overlap Next, consider a case where the facsimile reception process and print output process overlap.

Normally, the time required for receiving one page of a facsimile in the facsimile unit 15 and the time required to image one page of print output data from the computer 21 in the formatter unit 16 are the output time for one page in the printer unit 12. Long compared to. Therefore, like the above-mentioned [Operation example 1], both data can be efficiently output.

If both data are prepared at the same time, the facsimile unit 15 is checked first, as shown in step S4 of FIG. 2, so that the facsimile reception process has priority over the print output process. Therefore, an urgent facsimile reception process can be promptly performed.

[Operation Example 3]: Case where Copy Process Using Document Feeder and Print Output Process Overlap Next, consider a case where copy process using the document feeder and print output process overlap.

When the reader unit 11 is equipped with a document feeder which is a mechanism for automatically feeding a sheet-like document, in the copying process using the document feeder, the reading time of one page in the reader unit 11 is reduced by the printer unit 12. It is almost the same as the output time of one page in.

Therefore, while the document is present, it is determined in step S1 of FIG. 2 described above that data is present in the reader unit 11, and the copying process is continuously performed.

That is, in this case, the copying process is processed with priority over the printing output process, and the printing output process is started when the copying process of all the originals on the document feeder is completed.

Generally, in the copying process, the operator needs to bring the document to the reader unit 11, and the document is restrained during the copying process. On the other hand, in the print output process,
Since the operator makes a print output request from the computer 21 or the like, the operator does not necessarily have to be near the reader unit 11 and the printer unit 12.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
As shown in step S1 of 1., the copying process in which the operator waits for the end of the process on the spot is executed with priority over the print output process.

As described above, in the image processing system of this embodiment, the processing time for one page in each page image creating section (the time for preparing data for one page) is the printer section 12.
When it is sufficiently longer than the output time of one page in, the output from each page image creation unit in the printer unit 12 can be efficiently performed. Further, when the processing time for one page of each page image creation unit is short, the copying process, the facsimile receiving process, and the print output process are preferentially performed in this order, so that especially for an operator who is waiting for the end of the process. , You can minimize the waiting time.

Therefore, the maximum use efficiency can be obtained according to the output time of the printer unit 12, that is, the processing capacity of the printer unit 12.

When any of the above processes is performed, the output from the printer unit 12 is output to the sorter unit 23 for each process.
Even if the order of the processes is arbitrarily changed, the outputs of the respective processes can be obtained separately without being mixed.

<Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image processing system of the second embodiment. In FIG. 3, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 13 'is an external device electrically connected to the reader unit 11. A page counter 19 in the external device 13 'counts the number of pages in which data in the same process are continuously output.

In the second embodiment, the copying process, the facsimile receiving process and the print output process can be executed as in the first embodiment. Next, the output processing in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the output processing in the second embodiment. First, in step S21, the core unit 18 resets the page counter 19 to "0". Then, the process proceeds to step S22, and it is checked whether or not the value of the page counter 19 reaches a predetermined "number of continuously copied pages". The "number of consecutively copied pages" is the maximum number of pages that are permitted to be continuously copied and output when another processing request occurs simultaneously in the copying process of the second embodiment.

If the predetermined number of pages has not been reached in step S22, the process proceeds to step S23, in which the reader unit 11 has data that can be output to the printer unit 12, that is, one page of output copy image. Check whether or not. If there is data that can be output, the process proceeds to step S24, and the bin assigned to the copy output of the sorter unit 23 is designated as the output destination of the recording medium to be output.
Then, in step S25, one page of data (copy image) of the reader unit 11 is output, and the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, "1" is added to the page counter 19 and the process proceeds to step S27, where forced termination or printer unit 12 is performed.
Whether the output processing end request is generated is checked according to the device state of. If the output process end request is generated in step S27, the output process is ended. If not, the process returns to step S22 to continue the copy process.

On the other hand, in step S22, the page counter 1
If the value of 9 has reached a predetermined "number of pages to be continuously copied", or if there is no data that can be output to the printer unit 12 in the reader unit 11 in step S23, the process proceeds to step S28. The counter 19 is reset to "0". Then, the process proceeds to step S29, and it is checked whether or not the value of the page counter 19 reaches a predetermined "continuous facsimile page number". The "number of continuous facsimile pages" means
This is the maximum number of pages permitted to be continuously received and output by facsimile when another processing request is simultaneously generated in the facsimile receiving processing of the second embodiment.

If the predetermined number of pages has not been reached in step S29, the process proceeds to step S30, and the facsimile unit 15 has data that can be output to the printer unit 12, that is, a facsimile reception image that can output one page. Check whether you are doing or not. If there is data that can be output, the process proceeds to step S31, and the bin assigned to the facsimile output of the sorter unit 23 is designated as the output destination of the recording medium to be output. Then, step S32
Then, the data of the facsimile section 15 (facsimile reception image) is output for one page, and the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, "1" is added to the page counter 19 and the process proceeds to step S34 to check whether an output process end request is generated due to forced termination or the device state of the printer unit 12. If the output process end request is generated in step S34, the output process is ended. If not, the process returns to step S29 to continue the facsimile reception output process.

On the other hand, in step S28, the page counter 1
If the value of 9 has reached the predetermined "continuous facsimile page number", or if there is no data that can be output to the printer unit 12 in the facsimile unit 15 in step S29, the process proceeds to step S35. Counter 19
Is reset to "0". Then, the process proceeds to step S36, and it is checked whether or not the value of the page counter 19 has reached a predetermined "continuously printed page number". The "continuous print page number" is the maximum number of pages that are permitted to be continuously printed out when another process request is simultaneously generated in the print output process of the second embodiment.

If the number of pages has not reached the predetermined number in step S36, the process proceeds to step S37, in which the formatter unit 16 has data that can be output to the printer unit 12, that is, a print output image that can output one page. Check whether you are doing or not. If there is data that can be output, the process proceeds to step S38, and the bin assigned to the print output of the sorter unit 23 is designated as the output destination of the recording medium to be output. Then, in step S39, the data (print output image) of the formatter unit 16 for one page is output, and the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, "1" is added to the page counter 19 and then step S
In step 41, it is checked whether an output processing end request is generated due to forced termination or the device state of the printer unit 12. If the output process end request is generated in step S41, the output process is ended. If not, the process returns to step S36 to continue the print output process.

On the other hand, in step S36, the page counter 1
If the value of 9 has reached the predetermined "number of consecutively printed pages", or if there is no data that can be output to the formatter unit 16 in step S37, the process proceeds to step S2.
Go to 1 and continue the above processing.

As described above, also in the second embodiment, when the processing time for one page in each page image creating section is sufficiently longer than the output time for one page in the printer section 12,
Similar to [Operation Example 1] and [Operation Example 2] of the first embodiment described above, the output from each page image creation unit can be performed efficiently.

In addition, in the second embodiment, each process of the copying process, the facsimile receiving process, and the print output process is performed as described in [Operation example 3] of the first embodiment.
Even if the processing time for pages is short, steps S22, S29,
As shown in S36, a predetermined number of pages (the number of continuous copied pages, the number of continuous facsimile pages, the number of continuous printed pages) are continuously output, and then the process is switched to the next process. Therefore, when a plurality of processing requests occur at the same time, it is possible to avoid occupation of the image processing system by specific processing.

Further, according to the second embodiment, not only are the priorities assigned in the order of the copying process, the facsimile receiving process, and the printing output process, but the number of continuous copied pages, the number of continuous facsimile pages, and the number of continuous printed pages are set. By
It becomes possible to weight the occupancy of each process.

Also in the second embodiment, since the outputs of the printer unit 12 are separately stacked for each process by the sorter unit 23, the outputs of the processes are mixed even if the order of the processes is arbitrarily changed. You can get each without doing.

<Third Embodiment> The third embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image processing system of the third embodiment. In FIG. 4, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 4, 13 ″ is an external device electrically connected to the reader unit 11. 20 is a timer in the external device 13 ″, and measures the processing time in the same process.

In the third embodiment, like the first embodiment described above, the copying process, the facsimile receiving process, and the print output process can be executed. Next, the output processing in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the output processing in the third embodiment. First, in step S51, the core unit 18 starts the timer 20 with the initial value "0". Then, in step S52, it is checked whether or not the value of the timer 20 has reached a predetermined "continuous copying time".
The "continuous copying time" is the maximum time during which the continuous copying output is permitted when another processing request occurs simultaneously in the copying processing of the third embodiment.

If the predetermined time is not reached in step S52, the process proceeds to step S53, and there is data that can be output to the printer unit 12 in the reader unit 11, that is, a copy image that can be output for one page exists. Check if there is. If there is data that can be output, the process proceeds to step S54, and the bin assigned to the copy output of the sorter unit 23 is designated as the output destination of the recording medium to be output.
Then, in step S55, one page of data (copy image) of the reader unit 11 is output, and the process proceeds to step S56. In step S26, it is checked whether the output processing end request is generated due to forced termination or the device state of the printer unit 12. If an output process end request is generated in step S26, the output process is ended, and if not, step S
Returning to 52, the copying process is continued.

On the other hand, when the value of the timer 20 reaches the predetermined "continuous copying time" in step S52, or when there is no data that can be output to the printer unit 12 in the reader unit 11 in step S53. The process is step S57.
Then, the timer 20 is started with the initial value "0".
Then, the process proceeds to step S58, and it is checked whether or not the value of the timer 20 has reached a predetermined "continuous facsimile time".
The "continuous facsimile time" is the maximum time during which a continuous facsimile reception output is permitted when another processing request occurs simultaneously in the facsimile reception processing of the third embodiment.

If the predetermined time has not been reached in step S58, the process proceeds to step S59, and the facsimile unit 15 has data that can be output to the printer unit 12, that is, a facsimile reception image that can output one page. Check whether or not. If there is data that can be output, the process proceeds to step S60, and the bin assigned to the facsimile output of the sorter unit 23 is designated as the discharge destination of the recording medium to be output. Then, in step S61
Then, the data of the facsimile section 15 (facsimile reception image) is output for one page, and the process proceeds to step S62. In step S62, it is checked whether an output processing end request has occurred due to forced termination or the device state of the printer unit 12. If the output process end request is issued in step S62, the output process is ended. If not, the process returns to step S58 to continue the facsimile reception output process.

On the other hand, if the value of the timer 20 reaches the predetermined "continuous facsimile time" in step S58, or if there is no data that can be output to the facsimile section 15 in step S59, the process proceeds to step S63.
Then, the timer 20 is started with the initial value "0".
Then, the process proceeds to step S64, and it is checked whether or not the value of the timer 20 has reached a predetermined "continuous print time". still,
The "continuous print time" is the maximum time during which the continuous print output is permitted when another process request occurs simultaneously in the print output process of the third embodiment.

If the predetermined time has not been reached in step S64, the process proceeds to step S65, in which the formatter unit 16 has data that can be output to the printer unit 12, that is, a print output image that can output one page. Check whether or not. If there is data that can be output, the process proceeds to step S66, and the bin assigned to the print output of the sorter unit 23 is designated as the output destination of the recording medium to be output. Then, in step S67, the data of the formatter unit 16 (print output image) for one page is output, and the process proceeds to step S68. In step S68, it is checked whether an output processing end request has been issued due to forced termination or the device state of the printer unit 12. Step S6
If the output process end request is issued in 8, the output process is ended. If not, the process returns to step S64 to continue the print output process.

On the other hand, if the value of the timer 20 reaches the predetermined "continuous printing time" in step S64, or if there is no data that can be output to the formatter unit 16 in step S65, the process proceeds to step S51. Go to and continue the above processing.

As described above, also in the third embodiment, when the processing time for one page in each page image creating section is sufficiently longer than the output time for one page in the printer section 12,
Similar to [Operation Example 1] and [Operation Example 2] of the first embodiment described above, the output from each page image creation unit can be performed efficiently.

In addition, in the third embodiment, each process of the copying process, the facsimile receiving process, and the print output process is performed in the same manner as [Operation example 3] shown in the first embodiment.
Even if the processing time for pages is short, steps S52, S58,
As shown in S64, the data is continuously output for a predetermined time (continuous copying time, continuous facsimile time, continuous printing time), and then the process is switched to the next process. Therefore, when a plurality of processing requests occur at the same time, it is possible to avoid occupation of the image processing system by specific processing.

Further, according to the third embodiment, not only the priority order is assigned in the order of the copying process, the facsimile receiving process, and the printing output process, but the continuous copying time, the continuous facsimile time, and the continuous printing time are set respectively.
It becomes possible to weight the occupancy of each process.

Also in the third embodiment, since the outputs of the printer unit 12 are separately loaded by the sorter unit 23 for each process, the outputs of the processes are mixed even if the order of the processes is arbitrarily changed. You can get each without doing.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the functions of the image processing system are described as three types of processing such as copy processing, facsimile reception processing and print output processing, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The present invention is not limited to this, and is applicable in the case where it is desired to separate the respective outputs, for example, one printer performs print output processing from three computers. Further, the number of processes to which the present invention is applied is not limited to three types, and can be applied when at least two types of processes share the same constituent requirement.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, even in a case where a plurality of processes compete in an image processing system having a plurality of functions, it is possible to obtain the maximum use efficiency according to the capability of the output means. . In addition, it is possible not only to avoid occupying the entire device with a specific process, but also to set the priority of each process and the weighting of the occupancy, so that more flexible and excellent operability is provided. realizable.

[0084]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an output process in this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an output process in the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an output process in the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 reader unit 12 printer unit 13, 13 ', 13 "external device 14 computer interface unit 15 facsimile unit 16 formatter unit 17 image memory unit 18 core unit 19 page counter 20 timer

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. Input means for inputting image data from a plurality of image data sources, and image data input by the input means, which is provided corresponding to the image data sources, is accumulated and output in page units. A plurality of accumulating means, a recording means for recording the image data output from the accumulating means on a recording medium, and image data of the accumulating means according to a state in which the respective image data are accumulated in the respective accumulating means. And a control unit that causes the recording unit to record the selected image. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit further includes a separation stacking unit that separates and stacks recording media according to the image data. 3. A page number measuring means for measuring the number of pages of image data continuously output from said accumulating means, said control means according to the value measured by said page number measuring means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein is selected. 4. The storage means further comprises output time measuring means for measuring an output time of image data continuously outputted from the storage means, and the control means has the storage means according to a value measured by the output time measuring means. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The image processing device described. 5. The control means, when each image data is input to the input means substantially at the same time, the control means causes the recording means to record the image data with priority. Image processing device. 6. The image data source is any one of a reader, a facsimile, and a computer, and has one of a copy processing function, a facsimile receiving function, and a print output processing function from the computer. The image processing apparatus according to item 1. 7. An input step of inputting image data from a plurality of image data sources, and a plurality of accumulating means provided corresponding to the image data sources and outputting the image data in page units by the input step. A plurality of accumulating steps for accumulating the input image data, a recording step for recording the image data output from the accumulating step on a recording medium, and a state in which each image data is accumulated in each of the accumulating steps. An image processing method, wherein the image data of the accumulating step is selected in accordance with the selected image data and recorded by the recording step. 8. A recording medium is separated and stacked according to the image data in the recording step.
The described image processing method. 9. The method further comprises a page number measuring step of measuring the number of pages of image data continuously output from the accumulating means, and selecting the accumulating step in accordance with the measurement value of the page number measuring step. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein 10. The method further comprises an output time measuring step of measuring an output time of image data continuously output from the accumulating means, and selecting the accumulating step according to a measurement value of the output time measuring step. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein 11. The image data is input to the input step substantially at the same time, and the image data is recorded in the recording step with priority.
The described image processing method. 12. The image data source is any one of a reader, a facsimile, and a computer, and has any one of a copy processing function, a facsimile receiving function, and a print output processing function from the computer. Item 7. The image processing method according to Item 7. 13. Input means for inputting image data from a plurality of image data sources, and image data input by the input means, which is provided corresponding to the image data sources, is accumulated and output in page units. A plurality of accumulating means, a recording means for recording the image data output from the accumulating means on a recording medium, and image data of the accumulating means according to a state in which the respective image data are accumulated in the respective accumulating means. And a control unit that causes the recording unit to record the selected image. 14. The image processing system according to claim 13, wherein the recording unit further includes a separation stacking unit that separates and stacks recording media according to the image data. 15. The apparatus further comprises page number measuring means for measuring the number of pages of image data continuously outputted from the accumulating means, and the control means has the accumulating means according to a value measured by the page number measuring means. 14. The image processing system according to claim 13, wherein is selected. 16. The storage means further comprises an output time measuring means for measuring an output time of image data continuously output from the storage means, and the control means has the storage means according to a value measured by the output time measuring means. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The image processing system according to 3. 17. The control means causes the recording means to record each image data with a priority when each image data is input to the input means substantially at the same time. Image processing system. 18. The image data source is any one of a reader, a facsimile, and a computer, and has any one of a copy processing function, a facsimile receiving function, and a print output processing function from the computer. Item 13. The image processing system according to item 13.