JPH08186679A - Picture processor and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To realize a picture processor which is not limited by the kind of a connected computer, is capable of being connected to the computer and a printer through an interface based on an IEEE-P1284 standard being the interface specification of general usefulness capable of transmitting information at high speed and is provided with a scanner. CONSTITUTION: The picture processor is provided with a control part 1 connected to the host computer 200 through a bi-centro interface 30 being the interface based on the IEEE-P1284 standard, the scanner 10 connected to the control part 1 and reading original data and the printer 20 connected through the bi-centro interface 40. Then the host computer stores a control program for controlling each constitution. Consequently, by this constitution, the picture processor can be connected to various kinds of optional computers and can easily replace the printer 20 with another one, but can be used as it is also in this case or can deal with an optional computer by changing a service control program to the computer.

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 which is connected to a host computer via an interface to exchange information with the host computer and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to connect a conventional scanner to a host computer, it is necessary to use a special cable according to a dedicated interface specification. Further, in a copying machine including a scanner unit and a printer unit, the control unit including the scanner unit and the printer unit are inseparably integrated.

[0003]

However, when the model of the host computer is changed, resources such as I / O devices connected to the computer up to that point are completely wasted. Further, in view of this point, there is an example of connection using an interface for data communication, but the transmission control procedure is complicated and there are many problems such as processing speed. For example, the output from the scanner is a video signal, which is sent by a dedicated interface device such as SC
It was sent to the host computer through the SI specification interface.

Further, even in a copying machine in which a control unit including a scanner unit and a printer unit are integrally formed, it is sometimes desired to replace only a part of the copying machine as the performance is improved due to recent technological innovation. In particular, a printer is frequently used, and there is a case where it is desired to replace it with a high performance printer after the introduction. However, in such a case, in the past, all had to be replaced, which was wasteful.

[0005]

The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-mentioned problems, and has the following structure as one means for solving the above-mentioned problems. That is, an image processing apparatus connectable to a host computer and a printer, including a control unit that controls the overall control, a scanner unit that is connected to the control unit and reads document data, and between the control unit and the host computer. A standard common to the first bidirectional interface unit for exchanging information, and the first interface unit for exchanging information between the external printer for printing out image information and the control unit. And a second bidirectional interface unit based on the above.

[0006] For example, the host computer may instruct the control unit to take in the read data of the scanner unit via the first interface unit. Alternatively, the host computer outputs output information to the printer via the first interface unit, and the control unit outputs output information to the printer to the outside via the second interface unit. It is characterized in that it can be printed out by a connected printer.

[0007]

With the above configuration, an image processing apparatus including a scanner unit and a control unit can be connected to a host computer through a general-purpose interface specification, and a highly versatile apparatus that is not limited to the type of the connected computer. it can. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that can be used as it is even if the computer main body is changed.

Further, since the printer is connected to an external printer through a general-purpose interface, only the printer portion can be easily replaced, and the trouble spot can be easily specified even if a trouble should occur. It is possible to provide an image processing device that can be easily replaced and replaced.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a CPU that controls the overall control of the apparatus of the present embodiment, 2 is a control procedure of the CPU 1 and ROM that stores the default values of the scanner and printer described later, and 3 is the read data from the scanner and the print data to the printer. It is a RAM for temporarily storing data such as. Reference numeral 4 denotes an operation panel section for inputting a start instruction of a copy operation, for example, a power switch, an online / offline key, a monocopy key, a color copy key, a stop key, etc. Note that this key type is not limited to the above example, and for example, only a start key is provided, and all other types may be configured to be possible by an instruction from the host computer 200.

Reference numeral 5 is a backup power source that temporarily holds various user-specific color tone adjustment setting values for the scanner unit 10 and various setting values from the host computer 200 including output color tone adjustment setting values for the connected printer unit 20. Is a set value holding unit protected. The control unit of the apparatus of this embodiment is configured by the above-described configurations. Further, 11 is a scanner mechanism for reading the set original image,
Reference numeral 12 denotes an automatic document feeder (ADF) that conveys the read originals one by one to the original reading position of the scanner mechanism section 11. Reference numeral 13 forms an image read from the original, converts it into a corresponding electric signal, and outputs it. The CCD is a CCD capable of detecting each of the three primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) so that a color image can be read in this embodiment. Reference numeral 14 receives the read color image signal from the CCD 13, converts the read color image signal into multi-valued data or binary data, performs predetermined general image processing, and stores the processed read image in a predetermined storage of the RAM 3 under the control of the CPU 1, for example. The read image processing unit 14 controls to store a fixed amount in the area. The read image processing unit 14 is directly connected to the CPU 1 via the CPU bus 6, and the read data is, for example, a RAM.
The transfer to 3 is performed by direct memory access (DMA). The scanner unit 10 capable of reading the color original document of the present embodiment is formed by each of the above-described configurations, and the scanner unit 10 has the CPU 1 via the CPU bus 6 as described above.
Is directly connected to. A conventional color scanner can be used as it is as the configuration of each of the scanner units, and can be a general one.

Further, in the apparatus of this embodiment, an IEEE-P standard is being newly established for connection with the host computer 200 connected to the apparatus of this embodiment.
An interface based on the bidirectional Centronics standard based on the 1284 standard (hereinafter referred to as “Bi-Centro (Bi-Cent)
ro)} ”. ) A first bi-centro interface 32 having a function is provided, and the first bi-centro interface 32 is connectable to the host computer 200 via the bi-centro interface, and is a communication medium having a very simple structure. Can be connected.

Further, a second bi-centro interface 42 having a bi-directional Centronics standard interface function based on the IEEE-P1284 standard for connecting a printer section 20 to be described later is also provided, which will be described later. The printer unit 20 can be connected to the printer unit 20 via a bi-centro interface, and can be connected via a communication medium having a very simple structure.

Next, the printer section which can be connected to the apparatus of this embodiment having the above construction will be described. In the following description, an inkjet type color printer will be described as an example, but the connectable printer is not limited to the above example, and may be, for example, an electrophotographic type or a thermal transfer type. It can be easily replaced with any printer that can be connected via any type of Bi-Centro interface.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer section 20 comprises a printer engine section 21 capable of color printing, and a printer control section 22 for controlling the printer engine section and for performing necessary image processing. This printer control unit 2
2 has a bi-centro interface function, and is capable of exchanging various controls and data with the second bi-centro interface 42 in accordance with the bi-centro interface standard.

The data transfer between the second bi-centro interface 42 and the CPU 1 is performed at high speed by using DMA. The printer control unit 22 receives the print data via the second bi-centro 41, performs the necessary image processing, and then controls the printer engine unit 21 to convey the recording paper, and the set value storage unit 5 stores the print data. A print image is formed on the recording paper with a color tone according to the set hold value or the default value registered in the ROM 2 or the like. The printer control unit 22 is preferably composed of, for example, a microprocessor and its associated ROM and RAM, and is preferably structured to control various processes by software.
This can simplify the hardware configuration.

In this embodiment, the scanner unit 10 is detachably mounted on the printer unit 20, and the control unit is provided integrally with the scanner unit. Therefore, the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 10 can be easily removed, and the maintenance of the printer unit 20 is facilitated. In this embodiment, as described above, there is a bypass between the apparatus of this embodiment including the scanner unit and the host computer.
Since it is connected by the Centro interface, the structure of the interface part can be simplified and the data transfer speed can be high, and it can be connected directly to the bi-centro interface which can be called a general purpose interface. It is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that can be used and does not select a connected computer. Further, the printer unit 20 is also connected via a general-purpose interface, so that another printer can be easily connected.

A host computer 200 controls the apparatus of the present embodiment by reading and operating a control program 50 for the apparatus of the present embodiment. For example, when aiming to simplify the structure of the main body of the device as much as possible and to reduce the manufacturing cost so that it can be used for personal use, a reproduction color space for various image processes for read images and print output. The host computer 200 is configured to perform various types of image processing for print output including alignment processing, and a program for this processing is, for example, a flexible disk or a CD-R.
It may be configured to be stored in the OM or the like and sold together with the apparatus main body of this embodiment.

With this configuration, the user can use the apparatus of this embodiment by causing the personal computer owned by the user to read and register the processing program and operate the program. Can be something. That is, by performing all the general image processing for the read image, the general image processing for the connected printer of the edited image, etc. according to the control program stored in the host computer 200, the apparatus main body is mechanically operated. It is possible to reduce the cost of the apparatus main body by making it possible to make the necessary minimum configuration centered on the typical one.

Further, since the host computer 200 is in charge of image processing and device control, even if the device needs to be upgraded due to improvements in image processing technology, the entire device can be replaced or a dedicated device can be used. It is possible to deal with the problem by simply re-inserting the control program without the service person performing an operation such as remodeling the inside of the apparatus, and the maintenance can be made extremely excellent.

Further, in the apparatus of this embodiment, the control section and the printer section 20 are configured so as to be easily removable as described above, and the sections between them are very simplified, that is, by centro. Since they are connected by the interface, they can be easily separated, and only the printer, or the scanner unit and the control unit can be easily replaced. Even when this replacement is carried out, the host computer 200 side has a new one. Only by registering the control program according to the configuration, it is possible to easily deal with the problem, and it is possible to provide an extremely expandable device.

That is, the program 50 for controlling the apparatus of the present embodiment attached to the present embodiment is a color reading operation mode in which the host computer 200 uses the apparatus of the present embodiment as a color image reading apparatus. A user of the host computer 200 includes a configuration having a single driver capable of executing at least three operation modes of a color printing operation mode used as an apparatus and a color copy operation mode using the apparatus of this embodiment as a color copying apparatus. When the device of this embodiment is used in any one of the above operation modes while the application program is being executed, the OS program of the host computer 200 executes the above-mentioned driver to realize a desired operation. Here, it is also possible to prepare a driver corresponding to each of the above three operation modes.

The outline of the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described below. [Color Image Reading Process] The outline of the color image reading process in this embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in order to read a color original image using the apparatus of the present embodiment, the host computer 200 activates, for example, the scanner driver of the control program 50 for the apparatus of the present embodiment, and displays status information indicating the status of the apparatus. A sending request is output, and the device status sent in response to this request is received via the first bi-centro 30 (). Here, there are a status indicating whether or not a read document is set in the scanner 10, an online / offline status, a busy status indicating a work, a status indicating an error, and the like.

When the host computer 200 reads the status and determines that the apparatus is in an operable state, command information for instructing to start the scanner and read the original image is sent via the first bi-centro 30. Output to CPU1 (). This command is sent to the CPU
1 analyzes and starts the scanner 10 to start the reading operation, and sends the read color information to the host computer 200 via the first bi-centro 30 (). As a result, the color original reading operation based on the control of the host computer 200 is realized.

[Color Printing Operation] FIG. 3 shows an outline of the color printing operation in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in order to print out a color image using the apparatus of this embodiment, the host computer 200 activates, for example, the printer driver of the control program 50 for the apparatus of this embodiment, and
A request for sending status information indicating the status of the apparatus of this embodiment is output to the CPU 1 via the centro 30 (). The CPU 1 which has received this request via the first by-centro 30 makes a request for sending status information to the printer 20 via the second by-centro 40 this time ().

The printer 20 returns to the CPU 1 via the second bi-centro 40 the status indicating whether or not the recording paper is set and the status indicating an error (). Upon receiving the status from the printer 20, the CPU 1 generates status information as the device of the present embodiment together with the status indicating the current online / offline status of the device, busy indicating that work is being performed, and the like to the host computer 200. 1 Send via Centro 30. The host computer 200 receives this device status via the first bi-centro 30 ().

When the host computer 200 determines that the apparatus is in an operable state, it sends command information and print data for instructing to start the printer 20 and start printing to the CPU 1 via the first bi-centro 30. Output(). Upon receiving the command and the print data, the CPU 1 activates the printer 20, and sequentially sends the print data sent from the host computer 200 to the printer 20 via the second bi-centro 40 for each predetermined amount (). Printer 20 that received this print information
Then, recording paper is sequentially fed in accordance with the print data thus sent, and color printing is performed. As a result, the color printing operation based on the control of the host computer 200 is realized.

[Color Copy Operation] FIG. 4 shows an outline of the color copy operation in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in order to copy and output a color image using the apparatus of this embodiment, the host computer 200 activates, for example, a copy driver of the control program 50 for the apparatus of this embodiment, or a scanner driver and a printer driver, A request for sending status information indicating the state of the apparatus of this embodiment is output to the CPU 1 via the first bi-centro 30 (). The CPU 1 which has received this request via the first by-centro 30 makes a request for sending status information to the printer 20 via the second by-centro 40 this time ().

The printer 20 returns to the CPU 1 via the second bi-centro 40 a status indicating whether or not recording paper is set, and a status indicating an error or the like (1
0). Upon receiving the status from the printer 20, the CPU 1 confirms the current online / offline status of the apparatus, the status of whether or not the read document is set in the scanner 10, the status indicating busy status, and the like. The status information as the apparatus of the embodiment is generated and transmitted to the host computer 200 via the first bi-centro 30. The host computer 200 receives this device status via the first bi-centro 30 ().

When the host computer 200 reads the status and determines that the apparatus is in an operable state, the host computer 200 starts the scanner 10 and command information for instructing to read the original image, and the printer 20 to start printing. The command information instructing to start is output to the CPU 1 via the first bi-centro 30 ().

This command is analyzed by the CPU 1 to activate the scanner 10 to start the reading operation, and the read color information is received from the read image processing section 14 to be the print data (D
The read information stored in the RAM 3 by the MA is used as the print data), and the print data sequentially stored in the RAM 3 by the DMA is read by the second by-centro interface 42 by the DMA at a predetermined amount, and the second by-centro 41 is read. It is transmitted to the pudding controller 22 via (). Upon receiving the print information, the printer control unit 22 controls the printer engine unit 21 to feed the recording paper according to the print data sent and perform color printing. Thus, the color copy operation based on the control of the host computer 200 is realized.

When there are a plurality of originals read by the scanner 10, the above processing is sequentially repeated. When a part or all of various image processing in the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20 is to be performed on the host computer 200 side, the read data is transmitted to the host computer 200 via the first by-centro 30. The host computer 200 performs necessary image processing to generate print data, and sends the print data to the CPU 1 again via the external bi-centro 30. Therefore, the CPU 1 may receive this print data, send it to the printer unit 20 via the second bi-centro 40, and print it out.

The color tone adjustment at the time of reading or printing of the scanner 10 and the printer 20 in the above description is as follows.
This is performed according to a standard default value registered in the ROM 2 or the like in advance or a readjustment value unique to the user of the host computer 200 registered in the set value holding unit 5. Then, it is possible to selectively execute a mode in which all of the setting values are processed and a mode in which the processing is performed with any of the setting values only during the corresponding one printing process.

The above description is for one embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. As described above, according to this embodiment, since the host computer 200 and the device of this embodiment as a scanner device are connected via the bi-centro, it is possible to exchange information at high speed even though it is a general-purpose interface. In addition, the communication medium for connection can be made simple and can be widely connected regardless of the model of the connected computer. Further, since the printer is also connected via Bi-Centro, it can operate not only as a scanner but also as a printer, and further as a copying machine. Moreover, the control unit including the scanner unit and the printer unit 20 can be separated,
It is possible to easily replace only the printer unit 20 or the scanner unit 10, and it is possible to easily deal with a change in system configuration.

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.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, an image processing apparatus such as a scanner can be connected to a host computer through a general-purpose interface face specification, and the general-purpose interface is not limited to the type of the connected computer. It can be a highly effective device. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that can be used as it is even if the computer main body is changed.

Further, since the printer is also connected through a general-purpose interface, only the printer part can be easily replaced, and the trouble spot can be easily specified even if a trouble should occur. It is possible to provide an image processing device that can be easily replaced and replaced.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a color image reading operation mode of the apparatus of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a color printing operation of the apparatus of this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a copy operation of the apparatus of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 4 Operation Panel Section 5 Setting Value Holding Section 10 Scanner Section 11 Scanner Mechanism Section 12 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) 13 CCD 14 Read Image Processing Section 20 Printer Section 21 Printer Engine Section 22 Printer Control Section 30 First By Centro 32 First By Centro Interface 40 Second By Centro 42 Second By Centro Interface 200 Host Computer

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Hiromichi Nagane 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus connectable to a host computer and a printer, comprising: a control unit for controlling the overall control; a scanner unit connected to the control unit for reading document data; and the control unit and the host computer. Common to the first bidirectional interface unit for exchanging information between the first and second interface units for exchanging information between the external printer that prints out image information and the control unit An image processing apparatus, comprising: a second bidirectional interface unit based on the standard. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the host computer instructs the control unit to read the read data of the scanner unit via the first interface unit. 3. The host computer outputs output information to the printer via the first interface unit, and the control unit outputs the output information to the printer to the outside via the second interface unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is capable of outputting and printing out by a connected printer. 4. The interface unit is IEEE-P.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus complies with the 1284 standard. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanner unit is capable of reading a color image, and the printer is capable of color printing. 6. A host computer and an external printer are bi-directionally connectable according to a common standard, and are provided with a control unit for controlling overall control, and a scanner unit connected to the control unit for reading document data. A method of controlling an image processing apparatus, wherein the host computer can control the scanner unit via a connectable first bidirectional interface, and the external printer can be controlled via the first bidirectional interface. Output information to the control unit, and the control unit can output the output information received via the first bidirectional interface to the connected printer via the second bidirectional interface. Method for controlling image processing device. 7. The information read by the scanner unit is the first information.
6. The copying operation is possible by sending the image data to the host computer through the interface of the above, performing predetermined image processing in the host computer, and sending the image information to the control unit as output information to the printer. 6
A method for controlling the described image processing apparatus. 8. A copying operation is further performed by transmitting the reading method of the scanner unit to the external printer via the second bidirectional interface and printing it out, not through the first bidirectional interface. The control method of the image processing apparatus according to claim 7, which is possible. 9. The scanner unit and the printer unit are capable of processing a color image.
A method for controlling an image processing device according to any one of 1. 10. The interface unit is IEEE-
10. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control method complies with the P1284 standard.