JPH08265527A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an image processor which can perform a smooth image processing by preventing such a defective case that the image data overflow an image memory due to the fault, etc., of a printer part and the image processing is interrupted. CONSTITUTION: When it is impossible to output the image data read out of a reader part 1 and the image data received at a facsimile part 4 due to the fault or abnormality of a printer part 2, these image data are saved in a store device 13 of large capacity which is connected to a host 11 via a computer interface part 7, when, an image memory part 9 and a hard disk 12 have no idle areas sufficient to store the image data. Then the saved image data are read out after the fault of the part 2 is recovered, and the images are formed and outputted.

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 more particularly to an image processing apparatus having an interface for receiving image data sent from an external device such as a host computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image processing apparatus which stores an input image signal in a memory and forms an image on a recording medium based on the stored image data, when a failure occurs during the image processing. Since the image data after the occurrence of the failure is only accumulated in the memory, the unprocessed image data may overflow into the memory unless the failure is immediately recovered. In particular, when the memory has a relatively small capacity, the image data may immediately overflow from the memory.

Further, in an image processing apparatus such as a facsimile machine having an image communication function, if the memory for temporarily storing the read original image data has a relatively small capacity, the data may be accumulated in the memory due to a failure of the apparatus. Image data may overflow. On the other hand, the host computer (hereinafter,
In a system configuration in which an image is formed by receiving image data by connecting to an external device such as a host), the memory capacity of the external device is generally larger than the memory of the image processing apparatus. When image processing is being executed while receiving the image data, if a failure occurs in the apparatus during the image processing, the image data may overflow from the memory.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, when the memory of the image processing apparatus overflows, the subsequent processing cannot be performed, and the reliability of image formation is significantly impaired. In particular, a facsimile machine having an image communication function often transmits and receives data at night when telephone charges are relatively low, and when a trouble such as a paper jam occurs at night when there is no operator, the paper There is a problem that the clogging cannot be released, and as a result, the received image data overflows from the memory and the image cannot be received at night. This leads to image re-transmission in the daytime when telephone charges are high, which causes a problem of high operating cost.

Also, in the case of image transmission, once the memory overflows, memory transmission becomes impossible, and there is no choice but to execute direct transmission without using a memory. In that case, the operator must perform image processing such as copying until the transmission is completed. There is a problem that other functions of can not be operated. The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of suppressing image processing troubles due to exhaustion of memory resources and performing smooth image processing.

[0006]

The image processing apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, reading means for reading an image original and inputting it as first image data, and transmitting the first image data to a communication partner via a communication line, or receiving second image data from the communication partner. Communication means, an external device having a large-capacity storage device, interface means for inputting and outputting third image data and information, first storage means for storing the first and second image data, and First,
Image formation based on the second and third image data,
When the image forming and outputting means for outputting the formed image and the image forming and outputting cannot be performed due to a failure of the image forming means, and there is no free space in the first storage means, the reading means and the communication means If the first and second image data of the above can not be stored, the first and second image data of
Image data is transferred via the interface means to the large-capacity storage device of the external device for saving, and the saved first and second images are restored when the failure is restored.
And an image processing apparatus for controlling to read out the image data and output the image.

[0007]

According to the present invention having the above construction, when the image forming and outputting cannot be performed due to the trouble of the image forming means, and there is no free area in the first storage means, the first and second means from the reading means and the communication means are provided. If image data cannot be stored,
The first and second image data are transferred via the interface means to the large-capacity storage device of the external device for saving, and the first and second images saved when the failure is restored.
The image data is read out and the image formation is output.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing system that is a typical embodiment of the present invention.
This image processing system has a reader unit 1 equipped with a scanner that reads an image original and converts it into image data, has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, inputs image data, forms an image, and outputs an image on the recording paper. The printer unit 2 is provided with a telephone line, a communication interface with a telephone line, and an external interface with an external device such as a host computer (hereinafter referred to as a host). And an external expansion device 3 for controlling the. In addition, the reader unit 1
Is a reader control unit (RC) that controls the inside of the printer unit 2 and interfaces with the printer unit 2 and the external expansion device 3.
The printer unit 2 is provided with a printer control unit (PCNTL) that serves as an interface with the reader unit 1 and the external expansion device 3.
Reader control unit (RCNTL) and printer control unit (PCN)
The internal configuration of TL) is not shown, but the CPU, RO
It is provided with M, RAM and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the external expansion device 3
Is a facsimile unit 4 having a communication interface between a hard disk 12 for temporarily storing image data to be transmitted and received and a telephone line, a file control unit 5, and an external storage device 6 connected to the file control unit 5 for storing file information. , A computer interface unit 7 for connecting to the host via a host or a LAN, a formatter unit 8 for visualizing information from the host, image data from the reader unit 1, and sent from the host. An image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing image information and the like, and a core unit 10 for connecting the above-mentioned units and controlling each unit are provided. The core unit 10 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a data bus, a control bus, an address bus, etc. for executing the control. The core unit 10 includes a reader control unit (RCNTL) and a printer control unit (PCNT).
L) is communicable, and the core unit 10 can perform signal control and function control for the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2.

Further, the file control unit 5 converts various document information into electric signals and stores them in the magneto-optical disk of the external storage device 6. The formatter unit 8 develops the code information from the host into image information. Further, the external storage device 6, the hard disk 12 connected to the facsimile unit 4, and the image memory unit 9 each have a remaining memory amount detecting unit, and the detected remaining memory amount is sequentially calculated by the core unit 10.
To notify.

In FIG. 1, 11 is a host and 13 is a host.
Is a storage device such as a large-capacity hard disk or a magneto-optical disk connected to the host, and the host 11 and the external expansion device 3 are directly connected by a connection cable or via a high-speed network such as a LAN. And then connected. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view illustrating the configurations of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 illustrated in FIG. Hereinafter, the reader unit 1
The configuration and operation of the printer unit 2 will be described.

The originals face-up stacked on the original feeding unit 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original table glass surface 102. The stacking tray of the document feeding unit 101 is provided with a width-direction regulating plate that regulates the width direction of the document in the document feeding direction so that the document does not skew during document feeding. It can slide vertically. Now, when the original is conveyed to a predetermined position on the glass surface 102, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on and the scanner unit 104
Illuminates the original while moving. The reflected light of the document is transmitted through the mirrors 105, 106, 107 and the lens 108 to CC
Input to the D image sensor 109 (hereinafter referred to as CCD). The image signal output from the CCD 109 is input to the image processing unit 110, and image processing is performed according to various settings set by the operation unit described later. Further, the image processing unit 110 has an image memory (not shown) and also has a function of rotating the orientation of the input image. The image rotation process is similar to the process of the formatter unit 8 described later.

The image processing unit 110 is provided with a selector 1100 for switching the output destination of the image signal from the reader unit 1 to the printer unit 2 or the external expansion device 3. or,
The selector 1100 also has a function of selecting either the image signal from the reader unit 1 or the signal from the external expansion device 3 and outputting it to the printer unit 2. Next, the image processing unit 1
The image signal for which the printer unit 2 has been selected as the output destination by the selector 1100 of FIG.
It is converted into an M-modulated optical signal. Then, the optical signal irradiates the photosensitive drum 202, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive member 202 by the irradiation light. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking unit 204 or the transfer paper stacking unit 205 at the same timing as the front end of the formed electrostatic latent image, and the transfer unit 2
At 06, the developed image is transferred. After the transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207,
The paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 to a staple sorter 220 outside the apparatus.

Next, a procedure for outputting images to be sequentially read on both sides of one output sheet will be described. An image is formed on the basis of image data of a certain image original, and the output sheet on which the image is transferred onto the transfer sheet and fixed by the fixing section 207 is once conveyed to the sheet discharge section 208, and then the sheet is conveyed in the direction of conveyance. The sheet is reversed through the conveyance direction switching member 209 and conveyed to the re-feeding transfer sheet stacking section 210. When the next image original is prepared and conveyed on the original glass platen surface 102, the image is read through the process already described, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 202 based on the image data. However, regarding the transfer paper, the transfer paper stacking unit 210 for re-feeding
Since the paper is fed more, two document images can be output on the front and back sides of the same output paper.

A procedure for reversing the output paper and discharging the paper will be described. The output paper sheet fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the reversing roller 211 by reversing the conveyance direction of the paper sheet via the conveyance direction switching member 209, and after the paper sheet passes through the conveyance direction switching member 209, the reversing roller sheet. The sheet 211 is rotated in the opposite direction and is conveyed to the sheet discharge unit 208. In this way, by outputting the reverse sheet, the output sheet after the image formation and transfer can be discharged so that the originals are placed face up and the order of the sequentially read originals is not damaged.

Further, the printer unit 2 has a failure detection function such as a paper jam, and sequentially notifies the core unit 10 of the failure status. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the configuration of the operation panel arranged in the reader unit 1 shown in the reader unit 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes an LCD display unit, which displays the operating state of the device by various messages. Also, LC
The surface of the D display unit 301 is a touch panel, and when the surface is touched, it functions as a selection key. 302
Is a ten-key for inputting numbers, and 303 is a start key for instructing the start of operation.

Next, image processing executed by the image processing system having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 9. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall outline of the image processing. First, after the system power is turned on, initialization is performed in step S100. here,
The operation mode selection key is displayed on the display unit 301 of the operation panel, and the device user touches the panel on the desired selection key to select the operation mode according to the following processing.

That is, in step S200, it is checked whether the selected mode is the copy mode. If the selected mode is the copy mode, the process proceeds to step S205,
Start operation in copy mode. Details of this operation will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when the selection mode is not the copy mode, the processing is step S
Proceed to 300 to check if the selected mode is the fax transmission mode. Here, when the selected mode is the fax transmission mode, the process proceeds to step S305 to start the operation in the fax transmission mode. Details of this operation will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if the fax transmission mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S400.

In step S400, the process checks whether or not the selection mode is the file mode, and if the selected mode is the file mode, the process is step S405.
Go to and start operation in file mode. Details of this operation will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. On the other hand, when the file mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S500.

In step S500, it is checked whether or not there is an input from the computer interface section 7. Here, if there is an input from the computer interface, the process proceeds to step S505, and image processing based on the transmission data from the host 11 is performed. Details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when there is no input from the computer interface, the process proceeds to step S600 to check whether or not there is a facsimile reception. If it is determined that there is a facsimile reception, the process proceeds to step S60.
In step 5, the facsimile reception process is started. Details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when there is no facsimile reception, the process proceeds to step S200.
Return to

Next, the processing in each operation mode will be described in detail. Operation in Copy Mode FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in copy mode. First, in step S205, initialization setting of the copy operation is performed, and in step S210, copy condition input setting is performed from the operation panel, and then step S21.
In step 5, the input of the start key 303 is awaited. here,
When the start key 303 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S
In step 220, the reader unit 1 reads the image original.

Next, in step S225, the printer unit 2
Check if there is an error such as a paper jam in the
If there is no error, the process proceeds to step S230, and the printer unit 2 prints. On the other hand, if it is determined that an error such as a paper jam has occurred, the process proceeds to step S2.
In step 35, it is checked whether the memory of the image memory unit 9 has a sufficient empty area. Here, if there is a sufficient empty area, the process proceeds to step S240, and the read image signal is stored in the image memory unit 9. After that, the process waits for error cancellation of the printer in step S245,
When the error is cleared, the process proceeds to step S250 to print.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the memory of the image memory unit 9 does not have sufficient free space, the process proceeds to step S255 to connect to the host 11 via the computer interface unit 7. The read image data is transferred to the large-capacity storage device 13 and stored.
After that, the process waits for error cancellation of the printer in step S260, and when the error is canceled, the process proceeds to step S260.
In step 265, printing is performed while reading the image data from the mass storage device 13 connected to the host 11.

As described above, steps S230, S
When the print process of either 250 or S265 is completed, the process returns to step S100. Fax transmission mode FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fax transmission mode. First, in step S305, initial settings for fax transmission are performed, and in step S310, transmission condition input settings and the telephone number of the transmission partner are input from the ten-key pad 302, and then step S315.
Then, the input of the start key 303 is awaited. Here, if the start key 303 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S32.
In step 0, it is checked whether the hard disk 12 connected to the facsimile section 4 has sufficient free space. Here, if there is sufficient free space, the process proceeds to step S325.
Then, the image data is read from the reader unit 1 and the read data is transferred to the facsimile unit 4. The facsimile unit 4 temporarily compresses the image data and stores it in the hard disk 12. After that, the process is step S3.
In step 30, the facsimile transmission is performed according to the set transmission conditions, compression method and predetermined communication protocol.

On the other hand, the hard disk 12 has sufficient free space.
If not, the process proceeds to step S335, the image data is read from the reader unit 1, and the read data is sent to the host 11 via the computer interface unit 7.
The read image data is transferred to and stored in the mass storage device 13 connected to. Then, step S340
Then, while transferring the image data to the hard disk 12 from the large-capacity storage device 13 to the hard disk 12 so that the free space of the hard disk 12 is not exhausted, according to the transmission condition, the compression method, and the predetermined communication protocol set in step S345, Send a fax.

After the facsimile transmission is completed by either of steps S330 and S345, the process is step S100.
Return to File Mode Operation The file mode here refers to an operation of storing image data in the external storage device 6 for long-term storage, or searching and outputting the image data stored in the external storage device 6. Say the mode to do.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation in the file mode. First, in step S405, initialization setting of file operation is performed, a mode selection menu for file recording / search is displayed on the operation panel, and when an operation mode is selected according to the display, further step S4 is performed.
In 10, the input of the start key 303 is awaited. Here, the file recording mode is selected and the start key 30
When 3 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S415, and various recording conditions are set.

Further processing is performed in step S420.
Check whether the external storage device 6 has sufficient free space,
If there is a sufficient free area, the process proceeds to step S425.
In step S430, the image original is read from the reader unit 1, and the read image data is stored in the external storage device 6 via the file control unit 5 in step S430. On the other hand, if the external storage device 6 does not have a sufficient free space, the process proceeds to step S435, the image original is read by the reader unit 1, and the read image data is read via the computer interface unit 7. The read image data is stored in the mass storage device 13 connected to the host 11. After that, in step S440, it is confirmed that the free space of the external storage device 6 has become sufficient due to the maintenance operation of the user of the device, and the process proceeds to step S445 to save the image data via the file control unit 5. The data is transferred from the mass storage device 13 to the external storage device 6 and stored therein.

When the file search mode is selected and the start key 303 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S4.
In step 50, the search conditions are set, and in step S455, the external storage device 6 is searched for a file, and in the final step S450, the search result is output. After the processes of steps S430, S445, and S460 are completed, the process returns to step S100.

External Input Processing FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing image processing based on command data from the external device (for example, the host 11) input to the computer interface section 7. First,
In step S505, the computer interface unit 7 receives the command, and in subsequent step S510, the received command is interpreted, and the command is read to the host 11 (data output to the host) or the host 1
1 is an image data output notification from the host (data input from the host), and in the case of image data output from the host 11, the process proceeds to step S515 to receive the image data from the host 11, The received image data is transferred to the formatter unit 8 via the core unit 10 for interpretation, and information is expanded in the bitmap memory of the formatter unit 8.

Succeedingly, in a step S520, it is determined whether or not the printer unit 2 is in operation, and if it is currently in operation, it waits until the operation is completed. When the operation ends, the process proceeds to step S525, selects a suitable sheet for image output, and starts sheet feeding. That is, the paper cassette 20
Paper is fed from Nos. 4 and 205 and moves to the transfer unit 206. Further, in step S530, the image developed in the bit map memory is read out by rotating the image if necessary according to the information such as the orientation and size of the sheet, and the read image information is transferred to the exposure control unit 201. Then, the image formation is performed and the formed image is printed out.

When the received command is the image data output instruction to the host 11 in the process of step S510, the process proceeds to step S535, and the data output condition to the host 11 is set by the command data from the host 11. Then, the pressing of the start key 303 is awaited. When the image originals are face-up stacked on the original feeding unit 101 and the start key 303 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S540, and the image originals are fed one by one from the original feeding unit 101. , The image original is read, and the read image data is transferred to the host 11 in step S545.

After the processing of step S530 or S540 ends, the processing returns to step S100. In addition, host 1
The image data transfer processing to 1 may be not only the data read from the image original but also the image data stored in the external storage device 6, for example. Facsimile reception FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a facsimile reception operation.

First, in step S605, when facsimile reception is performed by the facsimile unit 4, then step S605 is performed.
At 610, it is checked whether the printer unit 2 is operating. Here, if it is determined that the printer unit 2 is not operating, the process proceeds to step S615 to print the received data.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer unit 2 is operating or is inoperable due to a failure or the like, the process proceeds to step S62.
Then, the process proceeds to 0, and it is further checked whether the hard disk 12 of the facsimile unit 4 has sufficient free space.

If the free area is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S625, and the received data is stored in the hard disk 12. Then, the process returns to step S610 to print out after waiting for the operation space of the printer unit 2 and the recovery of the operation. On the other hand, hard disk 1
If there is not enough free area in 2, the process proceeds to step S6.
In step 30, the received image data is stored in the mass storage device 13 connected to the host 11 via the computer interface unit 7. Then, step S6
At 35, the apparatus user waits until the capacity of the hard disk 12 is sufficiently freed due to the maintenance of the hard disk 12 or the like, and then the process proceeds to step S640, and the received image data stored in the large capacity storage device 13 is stored in the hard disk 12. The data is transferred, and the printer section 2 is printed out after waiting for an available operation or recovery of the operation. After printing,
The process returns to step S100.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, at the time of image output by image processing according to various operation modes, when the image output cannot be immediately executed due to a failure or abnormality of each part of the apparatus, or when the image memory has a sufficient capacity. Even when the image data cannot be stored because there is no free area, the image data can be transferred to another device connected to the system and temporarily backed up so as to be stored. As a result, even if some part of the system fails or malfunctions and normal processing cannot be performed, it can be dealt with by using other parts. Can be executed.

In the present embodiment, when the free space of the hard disk is not sufficiently secured at the time of facsimile reception, the received image data is stored in the mass storage device 13 connected to the host 11. May be relay-transmitted to another facsimile, and after waiting for a sufficient free space in the hard disk 12, the same image data may be transferred from the previously relay-transmitted facsimile and stored in the hard disk 12.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the image data received is stored in the mass storage device 13 connected to the host 11 when the memory in the external expansion device 3 is insufficient, but the present invention is limited by this. However, for example, when the external expansion device 3 is equipped with some kinds of memory, if one memory in the external expansion device is insufficient, other memory is used flexibly, It may be stored in this.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one 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.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the image forming and outputting cannot be performed due to the failure of the image forming means, and the first storage means has no free area, the first means from the reading means and the communication means can be used. When the 1st and 2nd image data cannot be stored, the 1st and 2nd image data are transferred for saving to the large-capacity storage device of the external device via the interface means, and are saved when the failure is restored. Since the control is performed so that the first and second image data are read and image formation output is performed, it is possible to prevent the image data from overflowing the first storage unit and interrupting the image processing due to a failure of the image formation output unit. When the failure is recovered, there is an effect that image forming output is promptly performed.

As a result, there is also an advantage that a highly reliable image processing system capable of promptly dealing with a failure of the image forming and outputting means can be constructed.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view illustrating a configuration of a reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing a configuration of an operation panel arranged in the reader unit 1 shown in the reader unit 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an overall outline of image processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation in a copy mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation in a fax transmission mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation in a file mode.

8 is a flowchart showing image processing based on command data from an external device (for example, a host 11) input to the computer interface unit 7. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a facsimile reception operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 reader unit 2 printer unit 3 external expansion device 4 facsimile unit 5 file control unit 6 external storage device 7 computer interface unit 8 formatter unit 9 image memory unit 10 core unit 11 host computer 12 hard disk 13 large capacity storage device

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Masahiko Tominaga 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Koichi Takahashi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Incorporated (72) Inventor Noriaki Matsui 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kimura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Nao Suzuki, 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A reading unit for reading an image original and inputting it as first image data, and transmitting the first image data to a communication partner via a communication line, or a second image from the communication partner. Communication means for receiving data, external device having a large-capacity storage device, interface means for inputting / outputting third image data and information, and first storage means for storing the first and second image data. And an image forming and outputting unit that forms an image based on the first, second, and third image data and outputs the formed image, and if the image forming and outputting cannot be performed due to a failure of the image forming unit. And there is no free space in the first storage means, and the first and second storage means from the reading means and the communication means.
If the first image data and the second image data cannot be stored, the first and second image data are transferred to the large-capacity storage device of the external device via the interface means for saving, and the save is performed when the failure is restored. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls the first and second image data to be read and to be image-formed and output. 2. The control means is further for transmitting the first image data by the communication means, and the first storage means has no free space, and the first image from the reading means is further included. When the data cannot be stored, the first image data is transferred to the large-capacity storage device of the external device via the interface means so as to be saved, and a sufficient free area is secured in the first storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is controlled so that the saved first image data is read and transmitted when it is possible. 3. A second storage unit is further provided for storing the first image data for a long period of time, and the control unit further stores no space in the second storage unit and stores the first image data. If it cannot be stored,
The first image data is transferred to the large-capacity storage device of the external device for temporary saving via the interface means, and the saving is performed when a sufficient free area can be secured in the second storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image data is controlled so as to be read and stored. 4. The first storage means has a first monitoring means for monitoring the size of a free area of the first storage means, and the first monitoring means notifies the control means of the size. The image processing device according to claim 1. 5. The second storage means has a second monitoring means for monitoring the size of a free area of the second storage means, and the second monitoring means notifies the control means of the size. The image processing device according to claim 3, wherein 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit includes a scanner. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming and outputting unit includes a printer. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit performs facsimile communication.