JPH0888752A - Composite image input output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To attain the input of an access code with high priority even when a printer section provides an image output at present by allowing an image output in the access code of the user to take precedence over other processing when plural image data output request are given to the printer section. CONSTITUTION: A printer section is connected to an external device of the composite image input output device via a reader section. A signal received by the printer section is converted into an optical signal by an exposure control section 201 to generate the image signal, which allowes a photoreceptor 202 to be irradiated and a produced latent image is developed by using a developer 203. A transferred paper stack section 204 or 205 carries transfer paper while matching the timing with that of the latent image and a transfer section 206 transfers an image. The transferred image is fixed onto the transfer paper by a fixing section 207 and the paper is discharged externally by using a paper discharge section 208. The output paper fixed by the fix section 207 is carried once to the paper discharge section 208 and the direction of the carrying is reversed and given to a re-paper feed transferred paper stack section 210 via a direction changeover member 209 to provides the output of two original images on the front and rear sides of the same sheet.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a composite image input / output device capable of arbitrarily adding a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function, a printer formatter function and an electronic file function using a digital copying machine. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a scanner section of a digital copying machine,
There has been proposed a composite image input / output device capable of performing facsimile communication by using a printer section, or by using a printer section of a digital copying machine to expand code data from a computer into bitmap data and print it out. There is.

A composite image input / output device of this type has three functions such as a copying function, a facsimile function, a printer formatting function, an image electronic file function, an image memory function and the like.
The device is configured with one or more functions as one unit.

[0004]

In such a complex function process, even if the facsimile function, which is another input device, is executed to output the received information while the copy function process is being executed, the copy function process is not performed. Since the execution of the facsimile function processing is prohibited until the end, there is a problem that the input data based on the urgent printout and other function processing cannot be output.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to eighth inventions of the present invention is to provide image data based on each function processing by an external device connected. When outputting from the printer section, compare the priority output order registered for subsequent image data with the priority output order registered for the image data currently being processed, or compare the registered priority time zone Does it match the time,
By determining the output order of the subsequent image data based on the output end state of the number of output pages, the registered valid use time elapsed state, etc., the output from the printer unit is requested in accordance with the execution of the composite function processing. To provide a composite image input / output device that allows a user to freely construct an environment in which the output order can be reversibly changed according to the priority order set by the user and the subsequent image data can be output quickly even if the situation conflicts. That is.

[0006]

A first aspect of the present invention is a reader section for reading a document image and outputting image data, and a recording sheet fed from a plurality of accommodating sections based on input image data. For a digital copying machine having a printer unit for printing a visible image on a material, a facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication by connecting to a communication line, a computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, and an input code One or more of a format processing function of expanding information into a bitmap to generate image data and a file processing function of storing image information in an external storage medium and searching the image information stored in the external storage medium. It is possible to connect external devices that perform complex image processing by inputting and outputting image data with arbitrary functions. In the image input / output device, an access code input for identifying the user and predetermined priority information necessary for determining the image output priority order from the printer unit added to this access code are provided. The registration means for registering in the recording medium and the access code of the user who subsequently requests the image data output each time a plurality of image data output requests are made to the printer section and the printer section are currently used. The access code of the user is compared with the level of each priority information and the order determination means for determining the image output order of the user who subsequently requests the image data output is provided.

A second aspect of the present invention is a reader section for reading a document image and outputting image data, and a visible image is formed on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating sections based on the input image data. For a digital copying apparatus having a printer unit for printing, a facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication by connecting to a communication line, a computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, and input code information expanded into a bitmap. One or more of a format processing function for generating image data and storing image information in an external storage medium and a file processing function for searching image information stored in the external storage medium are added. Image input / output device that can be connected to an external device that performs composite image processing by inputting and outputting image data respectively In this case, the access code input for identifying the user and the predetermined priority usable time zone information necessary for determining the priority order of the image output from the printer unit added to this access code Registration means for registering the image data on a recording medium, and every time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer section, the access code of the user who subsequently requests the image data output and the current printer section are used. An order determining means for determining whether or not each time zone information added to the access code of the existing user and the current time match, and subsequently determining the image output order of the user who requests the image data output. Is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a reader section for reading a document image and outputting image data, a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating sections based on the input image data. For a digital copying apparatus having a printer unit for printing, a facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication by connecting to a communication line, a computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, and input code information expanded into a bitmap. One or more of a format processing function for generating image data and storing image information in an external storage medium and a file processing function for searching image information stored in the external storage medium are added. Image input / output device that can be connected to an external device that performs composite image processing by inputting and outputting image data respectively In this case, the number of valid output pages required for switching the access code input to identify the user and the priority of image output from the printer unit added to this access code is registered in the recording medium. Every time a plurality of image data output requests are made to the registration unit and the printer unit, the end state of printing for the number of valid output pages added to the access code of the user who is currently using the printer unit is displayed. An output sequence switching means for making a determination and sequentially switching to the image output of the user who subsequently requests the image data output is provided.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the subsequent image data is data received by an external device by a facsimile communication process.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a visible image is formed on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating portions based on a reader portion that reads a document image and outputs image data. For a digital copying apparatus having a printer unit for printing, a facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication by connecting to a communication line, a computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, and input code information expanded into a bitmap. One or more of a format processing function for generating image data and storing image information in an external storage medium and a file processing function for searching image information stored in the external storage medium are added. Image input / output device that can be connected to an external device that performs composite image processing by inputting and outputting image data respectively In the above, the clocking means for clocking the current time and the time registration means for individually registering the comparison time for preferentially outputting the image data from each image data source based on each functional processing of the external device from the printer section in the storage medium. When,
Each time an output request is issued from each image data source to the printer section, it is determined whether each comparison time registered for each image data source matches the current time measured by the time measuring means. , Determining means for determining the output priority order of each image data requested to be output to the printer section from each image data source.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a visible image is formed on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating portions based on the reader portion for reading an original image image and outputting the image data. For a digital copying apparatus having a printer unit for printing, facsimile communication processing for performing facsimile communication by connecting to a communication line, a computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, and input code information are expanded into a bitmap. One or more of a format processing function for generating image data and a file processing function for storing image information in an external storage medium and retrieving the image information stored in the external storage medium. A composite image input / output device that can be connected to external devices that input / output image data and perform composite image processing. And a time registration means for individually registering an effective use time in which the image data from each image data source based on each function processing of the external device can be preferentially output from the printer unit in the storage medium, and registered for each image data source. Further, there is provided a clocking means for clocking the effective use time, and a switching means for sequentially switching priority data source candidates for the printer section every time the clocking means measures the effective use time.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, whenever an output request from each image data source to the printer section is generated,
Provided is a calculating means for collecting the current time measured by the time measuring means and calculating a time zone in which the output request frequency from each data source is high, and the time registering means prints each image data source based on each function processing of the external device As a comparison time for prioritizing output from a copy unit, a time zone with a high output request frequency calculated by the calculating unit is individually registered in a storage medium.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the image data of the image data source is data received by an external device by facsimile communication processing.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the invention, every time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer section, the access code of the user who subsequently requests the image data output by the order determining means and the current printer section are set. The access code of the user being used is compared with the level of each priority information added to it, the image output sequence of the user who subsequently requests image data output is determined, and the image is currently printed by the printer section. Even during output, it is possible to preferentially output subsequent image data to which an access code having a high priority is input.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, every time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer section, the access code of the user who subsequently requests the image data output by the order determining means and the current printer section are set. Determine whether each time zone information added to the access code of the user being used matches the current time, and determine the image output sequence of the user who subsequently requests image data output. Even if the printer is currently outputting an image, if the time zone information registered in the image data that was input subsequently matches the current time, the image data that was input subsequently will be given priority. It is possible to output.

According to the third aspect of the invention, every time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer section, the output order switching means is added to the access code of the user who is currently using the printer section. Determine the end status of printing for the number of output pages, switch to the image output of the user who subsequently requests image data output, and output the image data from the printer section to each user. It is possible to prevent the printer unit from being occupied more than the set number of valid output pages.

According to the fourth invention, the external device can promptly output the data received by the facsimile communication process.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, each time an output request is issued from each image data source to the printer section, the determining means counts each comparison time registered for each image data source and the time counting means. It is determined whether or not the current time matches, and the output priority order of each image data requested to be output to the printer unit from each image data source is determined,
(EN) It is possible for a user to freely construct an individual image output environment in which priority output can be performed for each image data source output in accordance with each function processing of an external device.

In the sixth aspect of the invention, every time the time measuring means measures the effective use time registered for each image data source, the switching means sequentially switches the prioritized data source candidates for the printer section, and the external device. It is possible for the user to freely decide the individual image output time that can be preferentially output for each image data source that is output in accordance with each of the functional processing of.

In the seventh invention, a time with a high output request frequency calculated by the calculating means as a comparison time for the time registration means to preferentially output each image data source based on each function processing of the external device from the printer section. It is possible to individually register the band in the storage medium and automatically register the appropriate comparison time in the usage environment of various users.

In the eighth invention, the external device can preferentially output the image data of the data received by the facsimile communication process by using the data received by the facsimile communication process as the image data source.

[0022]

1 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of a composite image input / output device showing an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input device for converting a document into image data (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit), 2 has a plurality of recording paper cassettes, and image data is recorded on recording paper by a print command. An image output device (hereinafter referred to as a printer unit) for outputting a visible image, 3 is the reader unit 1
It is an external device electrically connected to and has various functions. The external device 3 has a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a man-machine interface unit 6 connected to the file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to a computer, and information from the computer as a visible image. A formatter unit 8 for storing information from the reader unit 1, an image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing information sent from a computer, and a core for controlling the functions 1 to 9 above. It is provided with a section 10 and the like.

The functions of the respective units 1 to 9 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the construction of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 shown in FIG. The configuration and operation will be described below.

The originals stacked on the original feeding device 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original table glass surface 102. When the document is conveyed, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the document is reflected by the mirrors 105, 106, 1
After passing through the lens 108, the light is input to the CCD image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter referred to as CCD).

The signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201 and illuminates the photoconductor 202 according to the image signal. The latent image formed on the photosensitive drum (photoconductor) 202 by the irradiation light 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 development, and the developed toner image is transferred to the transfer unit 206. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207, and then discharged from the paper output unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper output unit 208 is
When the sort function is effectively operating in the sorter 220, the sheets are discharged to each bin. Further, when the sort function of the sorter 220 is not operating normally (at the time of jamming), the sorter 220 is discharged to the top bin of the sorter 220.

Next, a method for outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described.

After the output paper sheet fixed by the fixing section 207 is once conveyed to the paper discharge section 208, the direction of the paper sheet is reversed and a re-feeding transfer sheet stacking section is provided via a conveyance direction switching member (flapper) 209. It is conveyed to 210. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as the above-mentioned program, but the transfer paper is fed from the re-transferred transfer paper stacking section (intermediate tray) 210. Original images can be output on the front and back of paper.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a printer controller section, which is a CP.
U211a, ROM211b, RAM211c is provided,
The image forming process is controlled based on the control program stored in the ROM 211b.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing a signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1 shown in FIG. The configuration and operation will be described below.

The image information input to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here and converted into an electric signal. CCD109
The color information from the following amplifiers 110R, 110G,
At 110B, the signal is amplified according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is
Input to the shading circuit 112, where the lamp 1
The light distribution unevenness of No. 03 and the sensitivity unevenness of the CCD 109 are corrected. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 and the external I / F switching circuit 11
9 is input. The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 calculates the signal from the shading circuit 112 based on the following equation (1) to obtain the Y signal.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B (1) Further, it has a color detection circuit for separating the R, G, B signals into seven colors and outputting the signals for the respective colors. The output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed according to the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and the scaling / repeat circuit 114 performs scaling in the main scanning direction. Further, the scaling / repeat circuit 114 can output a plurality of identical images. The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 obtains edge emphasis and contour information by emphasizing a high frequency component of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The signal from the contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 is input to the marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117. The marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 reads a portion of a document written with a marker pen of a designated color to generate contour information of the marker, and the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 uses this contour. Thicken, mask and trim from the information. Further, patterning is performed by the color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. Patterning / Thickening / Masking / Trimming circuit 117
The output signal from the device is input to the laser driver circuit 118 and variously processed signals are converted into signals for driving the laser. The signal of the laser driver circuit 118 is input to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed as a visible image.

Next, the external I / F switching circuit 119 for interfacing with an external device will be described.

The external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to the connector 120 when the image information is output from the reader unit 1 to the external device 3. . When the reader unit 1 inputs image information from the external device 3, the external I
The / F switching circuit 119 inputs the image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The above image information is stored in the CPU circuit section 122.
The area generation circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the image processing based on the value set by the CPU circuit unit 122 according to the instruction. Also, C
Communication with the external device 3 is performed using the communication function built in the PU circuit unit 122. The sub-CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and communicates with the external device 3 by using the communication function built in the sub CPU.

The configuration and operation of the printer unit 2 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201 and illuminates the photoconductor 202 according to the image signal. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer sheet is conveyed from the transfer sheet stacking section 204 or the transfer sheet stacking section 205 at the same timing as the latent image, and the developed image is transferred at the transfer section 206. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207 and then discharged from the paper output unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. Paper output section 2
The transfer paper output from 08 is discharged to each bin when the sort function is working in the sorter 220, or to the highest bin of the sorter 220 when the sort function is not working.

Next, a method for outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described. Fixing unit 20
The output paper sheet fixed at 7 is once conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208, then the conveyance direction of the paper sheet is reversed, and is conveyed to the re-transferred transfer paper stacking unit 210 via the conveyance direction switching member 209. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as the above process, but the transfer paper is fed from the re-transferred transfer paper stacking section 210, so that the same sheet is eventually placed on the front surface and the back surface. Two original images can be output.

The system configuration operation of the external device 3 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below.

The external device 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 by a cable, and the core unit 10 in the external device 3 controls signals and functions. In the external device 3, there are provided an interface between the computer and a facsimile unit 4 for performing facsimile transmission / reception, a file unit 5 for converting various document information into electric signals and storing the same, and a formatter unit 8 for developing code information from the computer into image information. Computer
It comprises an interface section 7, an image memory section 9 for accumulating information from the reader section 1 and temporarily accumulating information sent from a computer, and a core section 10 for controlling the above-mentioned functions.

The configuration and operation of the core section 10 of the external device 3 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the core section 10 shown in FIG.

The connector 1001 of the core unit 10 is connected to the connector 120 of the reader unit 1 by a cable. The connector 1001 contains four types of signals, and the signal 1057 is an 8-bit multilevel video signal. Signal 1
Reference numeral 055 is a control signal for controlling the video signal. The signal 1051 communicates with the CPU 122 in the reader unit 1. The signal 1051 and the signal 1052 are the communication IC 1002.
Then, the communication protocol processing is performed and the communication information is transmitted to the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1053.

The signal 1057 is a bidirectional video signal line, and it is possible for the core unit 10 to receive information from the reader unit 1 and to output information from the core unit 10 to the reader unit 1. The signal 1057 is the buffer 101.
0, where bidirectional to unidirectional signal 1
058 and signal 1070 are separated. The signal 1058 is
It is an 8-bit multivalued video signal from the reader unit 1 and is input to the LUT 1011 in the next stage. The LUT 1011 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value using a look-up table (LUT).

The output signal 1059 from the LUT 1011 is input to the binarization circuit 1012 or the selector 1013. The binarization circuit 1012 has a simple binarization function for binarizing a multi-valued signal 1059 at a fixed slice level, a binarization function for a variable slice level in which the slice level varies from pixels around a target pixel, and It has a binarization function by the error diffusion method. The binarized information is converted into a multivalued signal of "00H" when it is "0" and "FFH" when it is "1", and is input to the selector 1013 at the next stage. The selector 1013 selects the signal from the LUT 1011 or the output signal of the binarization circuit 1012. Selector 10
The output signal 1060 from 13 is input to the selector 1014. The selector 1014 outputs the output video signals from the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9 to the connectors 1005, 1006, 1007, 1 respectively.
Signal 1 input to the core unit 10 via 008, 1009
064 and the output signal 1060 of the selector 1013 are C
It is selected by the instruction of the PU 1003. Selector 1014
The output signal 1061 of 1 is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016. The rotation circuit 1015 has a function of rotating the input image signal by +90 degrees, -90 degrees, and +180 degrees.

The rotating circuit 1015 converts the information output from the reader unit 1 into a binary signal by the binarizing circuit 1012, and then stores it in the rotating circuit 1015 as information from the reader unit 1. Next, according to an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates and reads the stored information.
The selector 1016 controls the output signal 10 of the rotation circuit 1015.
62 or the input signal 1061 of the rotating circuit 1015 is selected, and as the signal 1063, the connector 100 with the facsimile unit 4 and the connector 100 with the file unit 5 are selected.
6, a connector 10 to the computer interface unit 7
07, a connector 1008 with the formatter unit 8, a connector 1009 with the image memory unit 9 and a selector 1017
Output to.

The signal 1063 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the core unit 10 to the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9. The signal 1064 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9. Signal 106
It is the video control circuit 1004 that controls the synchronous bus of the signal 3 and the signal 1064.
The control is performed by the output signal 1056 from the No. 4.

The connectors 1005 to 1009 are provided with
Other signals 1054 are connected respectively. Signal 1054
Is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus for exchanging data commands asynchronously. Facsimile section 4, file section 5, computer interface section 7,
Information transfer between the formatter unit 8, the image memory unit 9 and the core unit 10 can be performed by the two signals 1063 and 1064 and the CPU bus 1054.

The signal 1064 from the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9 is sent to the selector 1014.
Is input to the selector 1017. Selector 1016
Inputs the signal 1064 to the rotation circuit 1015 at the next stage according to the instruction from the CPU 1003.

The selector 1017 selects the signal 1063 and the signal 1064 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The output signal 1065 of the selector 1017 is input to the pattern matching 1018 and the selector 1019. The pattern matching 1018 performs pattern matching with the pattern of the input signal 1065 in advance, and outputs a predetermined multilevel signal to the signal line 1066 when the patterns match. When they do not match in the pattern matching processing of the pattern matching 1018, the input signal 1065 is set as the output signal 1066 and the selector 1019
Output to.

The selector 1019 selects the signal signal 1065 and the output signal 1066 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The output signal 1067 of the selector 1019 is the L signal of the next stage.
It is input to the UT 1020. The LUT 1020 converts the input signal 1067 according to the characteristics of the printer when outputting the image information to the printer unit 2.

The selector 1021 selects the output signal 1068 and the signal 1065 of the LUT 1020 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The output signal of the selector 1021 is input to the expansion circuit 1022 at the next stage. Enlargement circuit 1022
In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003, the enlargement ratio can be set independently in the X and Y directions. The expansion method is a first-order linear interpolation method. The output signal 1070 of the expansion circuit 1022 is input to the buffer 1010. The signal 1070 input to the buffer 1010 is output to the CPU 1
In response to the instruction of 003, it becomes a bidirectional signal 1057 and is sent to the printer unit 2 via the connector 1001 and printed out.

The signal flow of the core section 10 and each section will be described below. [Processing of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Facsimile Unit 4] A case of outputting information to the facsimile unit 4 will be described. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this document scan command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is stored in the connector 1001 of the core unit 10.
Is input to Further, the image information input to the connector 1001 is input to the buffer 1010 through the multi-level 8-bit signal line 1057. Buffer 1010 is C
The unidirectional signal 1058 based on the bidirectional signal 1057 is input to the LUT 1011 according to an instruction from the PU 1003. LU
At T1011 the image information from the h reader unit 1 is converted into a desired value using a look-up table (LUT).

For example, the background of the original can be skipped. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011 is input to the binarization circuit 1012 at the next stage. The binarization circuit 1012 converts the 8-bit multilevel signal 1059 into a binarized signal. The binarization circuit 1012 converts “00H” when the binarized signal is “0” and “FFH” when the binarized signal is “1” into two multilevel signals. The output signal of the binarization circuit 1012 is
It is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016 via the selectors 1013 and 1014.

The output signal 1062 of the rotating circuit 1015 is also input to the selector 1016, and the selector 1016 selects either the signal 1061 or the signal 1062. The signal selection is determined by the CPU 1003 communicating with the facsimile unit 4 via the CPU 1054. The output signal 1063 from the selector 1016 is the connector 100
The data is sent to the facsimile section 4 via 5.

Next, the case of receiving information from the facsimile section 4 will be described.

The image information from the facsimile section 4 is transmitted to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1005. The signal 1064 is generated by the selector 1014 and the selector 10
17 is input. When the image at the time of facsimile reception of the printer unit 2 is rotated and output according to the instruction of the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates the signal 1064 input to the selector 1014. The output signal 1062 from the rotation circuit 1015 is the selector 1016 and the selector 10.
It is input to the pattern matching 1018 via 17.

When the image at the time of facsimile reception is output as it is to the printer unit 2 according to the instruction of the CPU 1003, the signal 1064 input to the selector 1017 is input to the pattern matching 1018.

The pattern matching 1018 has a function (smoothing function) for smoothing the jaggedness of an image when received by facsimile. The pattern-matched signal is sent to the LUT 1020 via the selector 1019.
Is input to The LUT 1020 can change the table of the LUT 1020 by the CPU 1003 in order to output the image received by facsimile to the printer unit 2 at a desired density.

The output signal 1068 of the LUT 1020 is input to the expansion circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. The expansion circuit 1022 has two values (“00H”, “F”).
The 8-bit multi-value data having FH ") is subjected to expansion processing by a linear interpolation method of the first order. An 8-bit multi-valued signal having many values from the expansion circuit 1022 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001. The reader unit 1 inputs this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 119 via the connector 120. External I / F switching circuit 11
Reference numeral 9 inputs the signal from the facsimile section 4 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. Y signal generation / color detection circuit 11
The output signal from 3 is processed as described above,
The image is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on the output paper. [Processing of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from File Unit 5] A case of outputting information to the file unit 5 will be described.

The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002 and sends a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs the image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans the document according to this command. Reader unit 1
The external device 3 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and the reader unit 1
Information is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 1001 is converted into a desired signal by the LUT 1011 from the signal 1058 which is a multi-valued 8-bit signal which becomes a unidirectional signal 1058 by the buffer 1010. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011 is output to the selectors 1013, 1014, 10
It is input to the connector 1006 via 16.

That is, without using the functions of the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1015, the 8-bit multi-value data is transferred to the file unit 5 as it is. CPU bus 1054 of CPU 1003
When filing the binarized signal by communicating with the file unit 5 via the, the functions of the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1015 are used. The binarization process and the rotation process are the same as in the case of the facsimile unit 4 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the case of receiving information from the file section 5 will be described.

The image information from the file section 5 is the connector 1
A signal 1064 is input to the selector 1014 or the selector 1017 via 006. For 8-bit multi-valued filing, to selector 1017; for binary filing, selector 1014 or selector 101
It is possible to input in 7. In the case of binary filing, since the processing is the same as that of the facsimile unit 4, description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of multi-value filing, the selector 10
The output signal 1065 from 17 is input to the LUT 1020 via the selector 1019. In the LUT 1020, a look-up table is created according to an instruction from the CPU 1003 in accordance with a desired print density. LUT1020
The output signal 1068 is input to the expansion circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. 8-bit multilevel signal 10 expanded to a desired expansion ratio by the expansion circuit 1022
70 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001. The information of the file unit 5 sent to the reader unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 and the image formation is performed on the output paper, similarly to the operation of the facsimile unit 4 described above. [Processing of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Computer Interface Unit 7] The computer interface unit 7
It interfaces with a computer connected to the external device 3. The computer interface unit 7 is an SCS.
I, RS232C, and a plurality of interfaces for communicating with Centronics system. The computer interface unit 7 has three types of interfaces as described above, and information from each interface is stored in the connector 10
01 and the data bus 1053 to the CPU 1003. The CPU 1003 performs various controls based on the contents sent. [Processing of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Formatter Unit 8] The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 7 into image data. C
When the PU 1003 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1053 is data regarding the formatter unit 8, the PU 1003 transfers the data to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 1008.
The formatter unit 8 develops the transferred data in the memory as a meaningful image such as characters and figures.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter section 8 and forming an image on an output sheet will be described.

The image information from the formatter unit 8 is transmitted as a multi-valued signal having two values ("00H", "FFH") on the signal line 1064 via the connector 1008. The signal 1064 is input to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017. The selector 1014 and the selector 1017 are controlled by the instruction of the CPU 1003.
Subsequent operations are similar to those of the facsimile unit 4, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. [Processing of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Image Memory Unit 9] A case of outputting information to the image memory unit 9 will be described.

The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 causes the scanner unit 104 to scan the document according to this command,
The image information is output to the connector 120. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and the information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 1001 is multivalued 8
It is sent to the LUT 1011 via the bit signal line 1057 and the buffer 1010. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011 is output by the selectors 1013, 1014, 101.
6. Transfer multivalued image information to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 1009. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9 is stored in the CPU bus 1054 of the connector 1009.
Is sent to the CPU 1003 via. CPU1003
Transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. The computer interface unit 7 transfers to the computer (workstation 790 in this embodiment) by a desired interface among the above-mentioned three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS232C, Centronics).

Next, the case of receiving information from the image memory unit 9 will be described.

First, image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. When the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1053 is data related to the image memory unit 9, the CPU 1003 transfers the data to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 1009. Next, the image memory unit 9 transmits the 8-bit multilevel signal 1064 to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017 via the connector 1009. The output signal from the selector 1014 or the selector 1017 is
In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003, similarly to the above-described facsimile unit 4, the image is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on the output paper.

The configuration of the facsimile section 4 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the facsimile section 4 shown in FIG.

The facsimile section 4 is connected to the core section 10 by the connector 400 and exchanges various signals. The binary information from the core unit 10 is stored in the memory A405 to the memory D408.
In the case of storing in any of the above, the signal 453 from the connector 400 is input to the memory controller 404, and under the control of the memory controller 404, any one of the memory A405, the memory B406, the memory C407, and the memory D408, or two sets. It is stored in the memory of cascade connection.

The memory controller 404 is the CPU 41
According to the instruction No. 2, a mode for exchanging data with the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, the memory D 408 and the CPU bus 462, and a mode for exchanging data with the CODEC bus 463 of the CODEC 411 having an encoding / decoding function. , Memory A405, memory B406, memory C407, memory D408 contents D
The scaling circuit 403 is controlled by the MA controller 402.
Mode for exchanging data with the bus 454 from
Under the control of the timing generation circuit 409, a mode in which binary video input data is stored in any one of the memories A405 to D408, and a memory content is read from one of the memories A405 to D408, and a signal line 452 is read.
It has the functions of 5 modes in total.

Each of the memories A405 to D408 has a capacity of 2 Mbytes and stores an image corresponding to A4 size at a resolution of 400 DPI. The timing generation circuit 409 is connected to the connector 400 by a signal line 459, and controls signals (HSYNC, HSYNC) from the core unit 10.
EN, VSYNC, VEN)
Generate signals to accomplish one function. One is that the image signal from the core unit 10 is sent to the memories A405 to D4.
08, the function of storing in any one memory or two memories, the second is the memory A405 to memory D40
The image signal is read out from any one of
It is a function to transmit to 52.

The dual port memory 410 is connected to the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the signal line 461 and the CP of the facsimile unit 4 via the signal line 462.
U412 is connected. The CPUs exchange commands via the dual port memory 410. The SCSI controller 413 is a hard disk (HD) connected to the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG.
Interface with. It stores the data when sending and receiving a facsimile. CODEC4
Reference numeral 11 reads out the image information stored in any of the memories A405 to D408 and outputs MH, MR, and M.
After encoding by the desired method of the MR method, the memory A
405 to memory D 408 and stores as encoded information.

Further, the coded information stored in the memories A405 to D408 is read out, and MH, MR, M
After decoding by the desired MR method, the memory A
405 to memory D 408, and stored as decryption information, that is, image information. MODEM414
Is a CODEC 411 or SCSI controller 41
A function for modulating coded information from a hard disk (HD) connected to the mobile phone 3 for transmission on a telephone line;
It has a function of demodulating the information sent from the NCU 415, converting it into decoding information, and transferring the coding information to a hard disk (HD) connected to the CODEC 411 or the SCSI controller 413. The NCU 415 is directly connected to a telephone line via a connector 416 and exchanges information with an exchange installed in a telephone office or the like according to a predetermined procedure.

The facsimile transmission processing operation will be described.

The binary signal from the reader unit 1 is sent to the connector 4
The signal 453 input from the signal 00 through the signal line 453 and reaching the memory controller 404 is stored in the memory A 405 by the memory controller 404. The timing stored in the memory A 405 is generated by the timing generation circuit 409 by the timing signal 459 from the reader unit 1. The CPU 412 is the memory controller 40.
4 memory A405 and memory B406 to CODEC4
11 bus line 463. CODEC411
Reads the image information from the memory A405,
Encoding is performed by the method and the encoded information is written in the memory B406.

Image information of A4 size is converted to CODEC4
When 11 is encoded, the CPU 412 connects the memory C407 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus 462. The CPU 412 stores the encoded information in the memory B4.
The data is sequentially read from 06 and transferred to the MODEM 414.
The MODEM 414 modulates the coded information and the NC
Send facsimile information over the telephone line via U415.

Next, the facsimile transmission processing operation will be described.

The information sent from the telephone line is the NCU.
It is input to the facsimile unit 4 in a predetermined procedure by the NCU 415. Information from NCU 415 is M
It enters the ODEM 414 and is demodulated. CPU 412 is C
The information from the MODEM 414 is stored in the memory C407 via the PU bus 462. Information on one screen is memory C4
When stored in 07, the CPU 412 controls the memory controller 404 to change the data line 457 of the memory C407 to the bus line 46 of the CODEC 411.
Connect to 3. The CODEC 411 sequentially reads the encoded information in the memory C407 and decodes it, that is, stores it in the memory D408 as image information.

The CPU 412 is a dual port memory 4
The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 communicates with the printer unit 2 via the memory D 408 through the core unit 10.
Make settings to print out the image. When the setting is completed, the CPU 412 causes the timing generation circuit 409 to
The signal line 460 outputs a predetermined timing signal to the memory controller 404. The memory controller 404 reads the image information from the memory D 408 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 409, transmits it to the signal line 452, and outputs it to the connector 400. The operation up to the output from the connector 400 to the printer unit 2 has been described in the operation of the core unit 10, and thus the details will be omitted.

The detailed configuration and operation of the file unit 5 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the file unit 5 shown in FIG.

The file section 5 is connected to the core section 10 by the connector 500 and exchanges various signals. The multi-valued input signal 551 is input to the compression circuit 503, where it is converted from multi-valued image information into compressed information and output to the memory controller 510. Output signal 552 of compression circuit 503
Is a memory A50 under the control of the memory controller 510.
It is stored in any one of 6 to the memory D 509, or one in which two sets of memories are cascade-connected. The memory controller 510 is instructed by the CPU 516 to execute the memory A50.
6-Mode for exchanging data between the memory D509 and the CPU bus 560, and CODEC for encoding / decoding
Data exchange mode with the CODEC bus 570 of 517 and DMA of the contents of the memory A506 to the memory D509.
The signal 563 is sent to the memory A under the control of the timing generation circuit 514 in a mode in which data is exchanged with the bus 562 from the scaling circuit 511 under the control of the controller 518.
506 to a mode stored in any one of the memories D509,
5 of the mode in which the memory contents are read from any of the memory A506 to the memory D509 and output to the signal line 558
Has two functions.

The memories A506 to D509 each have a capacity of 2 Mbytes and store an image corresponding to A4 at a resolution of 400 DPI. Timing generation circuit 514
Are connected to the connector 500 by a signal line 553, and control signals (HSYNC, VSYNC) are sent from the core unit 10.
C, HEN, VEN) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions. One is the core part 1
The function of storing the information from 0 in any one of the memories A506 to D509 or two memories, and the second is to read the image information from any one of the memories A506 to D509 and read the signal line 556. It is a function to transmit to.

The dual port memory 515 is connected to the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the signal line 554 and the CPU 516 of the file unit 5 via the signal line 560. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 515. SCSI
The controller 519 interfaces with the external storage device 520 connected to the file unit 5 of FIG.
The external storage device 520 in this embodiment uses a magneto-optical disk (MO) as a storage medium and stores data such as large-capacity image information.

The CODEC 517 reads out the image information stored in any of the memories A506 to D509, encodes it according to a desired one of the MH, MR, and MMR systems, and then stores it in one of the memories A506 to D509. Is stored as encoded information. Also, memory A
The encoded information stored in the memory 506 to the memory D509 is read and decoded by a desired method of the MH, MR, and MMR methods, and then the encoded information, that is, image information, is stored in any of the memory A506 to the memory D509. Memorize as.

The operation of storing file information in the external storage device 520 will be described below.

The 8-bit multi-valued image signal from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 500, passes through the signal line 551, and is input to the compression circuit 503. The signal on the signal line 551 is input to the compression circuit 503, where it is converted into a compressed signal 552. The compressed signal 552 is input to the memory controller 510. Memory controller 51
In the case of 0, the timing generation circuit 514 generates the timing signal 559 by the signal 553 from the core unit 10, and the compressed signal 552 is stored in the memory A 506 according to this signal. The CPU 516 connects the memory A 506 and the memory B 507 of the memory controller 510 to the bus line 570 of the CODEC 517. The CODEC 517 reads the compressed information from the memory A 506, encodes it by the MR method, and writes the encoded information in the memory B 507. When the CODEC 517 finishes encoding, the CPU
516 is the memory B 507 of the memory controller 510.
To the CPU bus 560. The CPU 516 sequentially reads the encoded information from the memory B 507,
Transfer to the SI controller 519. The SCSI controller 519 stores the encoded information in the external storage device 520.
To memorize.

Next, the processing operation for extracting information from the external storage device 520 and outputting it to the printer unit 2 will be described.

Upon receiving the information retrieval / printing command, the CPU 516 receives the encoded information from the external storage device 520 via the SCSI controller 519 and transfers the encoded information to the memory C508. At this time, the memory controller 510 changes the CPU bus 560 to the bus 5 of the memory C508 according to an instruction from the CPU 516.
Connect to 66. When the transfer of the encoded information to the memory C508 is completed, the CPU 516 causes the memory controller 5
By controlling memory C508 and memory D
509 to bus 570 of CODEC 517. C
The ODEC 517 reads the encoded information from the memory C 508, sequentially encodes the encoded information, and then transfers the encoded information to the memory D 509.

When it is necessary to change the magnification such as enlargement / reduction when outputting to the printer unit 2, the memory D509 is changed to the magnification change circuit 5.
11 connected to the bus 562 and the DMA controller 518
The contents of the memory D509 are scaled under the control of. CPU5
16 is the core unit 1 via the dual port memory 515.
The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 1003 of No. 0, passes through the core unit 10 from the memory D509, and performs setting for printing out an image to the printer unit 2. When setting is completed, CPU51
6 activates the timing generation circuit 514 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the timing signal 559 to the memory controller 510. Memory controller 510
Is synchronized with the signal from the timing generation circuit 514,
The decoded information is read from the memory D509 and transmitted to the signal line 556. The signal line 556 is used for the expansion circuit 50.
4 and expand the information here. The output signal 555 of the expansion circuit 504 is sent to the core unit 10 via the connector 500.
Output to. The operation up to outputting from the connector 500 to the printer unit 2 has been described in the processing of the core unit 10 and will be omitted.

The configuration and display processing operation of the computer interface unit 7 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the computer interface section 7 shown in FIG.
Hereinafter, an example of a process of receiving image information from the file unit 5 and displaying it on the display will be described.

Connector A700 and connector B701
Is a connector for SCSI interface. The connector C702 is a Centronics interface connector. The connector D703 is an RS232C interface connector. The connector E707 is a connector for connecting to the core unit 10.

The SCSI interface has two connectors (connector A700 and connector B701). When connecting a device having a plurality of SCSI interfaces, the connector A700 and connector B701 are used for cascade connection. When the external device 3 and the computer are connected one-to-one, the connector A700 and the computer are connected with a cable, and the connector B701 is connected with a terminator, or the connector B701 and the computer are connected with a cable and the connector A700 is connected. Connect the terminator. Connector A700 or Connector B70
The information input from the S1 is S via the signal line 751.
It is input to the CSI interface A 704 or the SCSI interface B 708. SCSI interface A 704 or SCSI interface B 708 is S
After performing the procedure according to the CSI protocol, the data is output to the connector E707 via the signal line 754.

The connector E707 is the CPU of the core unit 10.
The CPU 1 of the core unit 10 connected to the bus 1054
003 is a SCSI interface connector (connector A700, connector B70) from the CPU bus 1054.
Receive the information entered in 1). CPU of core unit 10
When the data from 1003 is output to the SCSI interface connector (connector A700, connector B701), the procedure is reversed.

The Centronics interface 705 is
It is connected to the connector C702 and input to the Centronics interface 705 via the signal line 752.
The Centronics interface 705 receives data according to the procedure of a predetermined protocol, and the signal line 7
It outputs to the connector E707 via 54. Connector E
Reference numeral 707 denotes the CPU bus 1 of the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10.
054, which is connected to the CPU 54 of the core unit 10.
3 receives the information input to the Centronics interface connector (connector C702) from the CPU bus 1054.

The RS232C interface 706 is connected to the connector D703 and input to the RS232C interface 706 via the signal line 753. RS
The 232C interface 706 receives the data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and outputs the data to the connector E707 via the signal line 754. Connector E707
Are connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 10, and the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is connected to the CPU bus 1054.
4 outputs data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 that receives the information input to the RS232C interface connector (connector D703) to the RS232C interface connector (connector D703),
The procedure is reversed.

The configuration and operation of the formatter unit 8 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the formatter unit 8 shown in FIG.

Computer interface section 7 described above
Is determined by the core unit 10, and if the data is related to the formatter unit 8, the CP of the core unit 10
The U 1003 transfers data from the computer to the dual port memory 803 via the connector 1008 of the core unit 10 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8.
The CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8 receives the code data sent from the computer via the dual port memory 803. The CPU 809 sequentially develops the code data into image data, and transfers the image data to the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 via the memory controller 808. The memory A 806 and the memory B 807 each have a memory capacity of 1 Mbyte, and one memory (memory A 806 and memory B 807) has three memory capacity.
A resolution of 00DPI can be applied to A4 size paper. If the resolution is 300 DPI and up to A3 paper is used, the memory A806 and the memory B807 are cascade-connected to develop image data.

The memory control is performed by the memory controller 808 according to an instruction from the CPU 809.
Further, when it is necessary to rotate a character or a graphic when expanding the image data, the image data is rotated by the rotation circuit 804 and the memory 805 and then transferred to the memory A 806 or the memory B 807. When the expansion of the image data in the memory A806 or the memory B807 is completed, the CPU 809 controls the memory controller 808 so that the data bus line 858 of the memory A806 or the data bus line 859 of the memory B807 is output to the output line 8 of the memory controller 808.
Connect to 51. Next, the CPU 809 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 803, and sets the CP of the core unit 10 to the mode for outputting the image information from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807.
The U1003 sets the print output mode in the CPU 122 using the communication function built in the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002 in the core unit 10.

When the print mode is set, the core unit 1
The CPU 1003 of 0 activates the timing generation circuit 802 via the connector 1008 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8. The timing generation circuit 802
The memory controller 80 according to the signal from the core unit 10
8 generates a timing signal for reading image information from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807. Memory A
The image information from 806 or the memory B 807 is input to the memory controller 808 via the data bus line 858. The output image information from the memory controller 808 is transferred to the core unit 10 via the signal line 851 and the connector 800. From the core unit 10 to the printer unit 2
Since the output of the above has been described in the core unit 10, the description thereof will be omitted.

The structure and operation of the image memory unit 9 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows the image memory section 9 shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of FIG.

The image memory section 9 is connected to the core section 10 by the connector 900 and exchanges various signals. The multi-valued input signal 954 is stored in the memory 904 under the control of the memory controller 905. Memory controller 9
05 is a memory 904 and C according to the instruction of the CPU 906.
It has three functions: a mode for exchanging data with the PU bus 957, a mode for storing the signal 954 in the memory 904 under the control of the timing generation circuit 902, and a mode for outputting the memory content from the memory 904 to the signal line 955. Have.

The memory 904 has a capacity of 32 Mbytes and stores an image corresponding to A3 at a resolution of 400 DPI and 256 gradations. The timing generation circuit 902 is connected to the connector 900 by a signal line 952, and controls signals (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC) from the core unit 10.
C, VEN) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions. One is a function of storing information from the core unit 10 in the memory 904, and the second is a function of transmitting image information from the memory 904 to the signal line 955. The dual port memory 903 has a signal line 9
The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is connected via 53, and the CPU 906 of the image memory unit 9 is connected via a signal line 957. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 903.

The operation of accumulating the image information in the image memory unit 9 and transferring the accumulated information to the computer will be described below.

The 8-bit multi-valued image signal from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 900 and input to the memory controller 905 via the signal line 954. The memory controller 905 causes the timing generation circuit 902 to receive the timing signal 956 in response to the signal 952 from the core unit 10.
And the signal 954 is stored in the memory 904 according to this signal.
To memorize. The CPU 906 is a memory controller 90.
No. 5 memory 904 is connected to the CPU bus 957.

The CPU 906 sequentially reads the image information from the memory 904 and transfers it to the dual port memory 903. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 reads the image information of the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9 via the signal line 953 and the connector 900, and transfers this information to the computer interface unit 7. The process of transferring information from the computer interface unit 7 to the computer has already been described in detail and will be omitted.

Next, the operation of outputting the image information sent from the computer to the printer unit 2 will be described.

The image information sent from the computer is sent to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is a CPU
Image information is transferred to the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9 via the bus 1054 and the connector 1009. At this time, the CPU 9006 controls the memory controller 905 and sets the CPU bus 957 to the memory 9.
04 bus. The CPU 906 transfers the image information from the dual port memory 903 to the memory 904 via the memory controller 905. Memory 904
After transferring the image information to the CPU 906, the CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 to connect the data line of the memory 904 to the signal 955. The CPU 906 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 903, and makes settings for printing an image on the printer unit 2 from the memory 904 through the core unit 10. When the setting is completed, C
The PU 906 activates the timing generation circuit 902 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 956 to the memory controller 905. The memory controller 905 reads the image information from the memory 904 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 902, transmits it to the signal line 955, and outputs it to the connector 900. The output from the core unit 10 to the printer unit 2 up to the output from the connector 900 to the printer unit 2 has been described in the core unit 10 and thus will be omitted.

Correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to eighth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 10.

A first aspect of the invention is a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data; a printer for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating units based on input image data. A digital copying apparatus having a unit 2 and a facsimile communication processing function (by processing of the facsimile unit 4) connected to a communication line to perform facsimile communication, and a computer interface function (computer interface unit 7) for communicating with a predetermined computer system. Processing), a format processing function of expanding the input code information into a bit map to generate image data (by the processing of the formatter unit 8), saving the image information in an external storage medium, and saving the saved image information. One of the file processing functions to be searched (by the processing of the file section 5) Is connected to an external device 3 for performing composite image processing by inputting / outputting image data respectively by adding a plurality of data, and the external device 3 and the digital copying device can mutually perform data communication (communication is performed by the communication IC 1002). In a complex image input / output device, an access code input for identifying a user and a predetermined priority necessary for determining the image output priority order from the printer section added to this access code Registration means (FIG. 10) for registering information in the recording medium (RAM 1101).
When the plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer unit 2, the access code of the user who subsequently requests the image data output and the current printer unit 2 are registered. The access code of the user who is using is compared with the level of each priority information added to the access code, and the image output sequence of the user who subsequently requests the image data output is determined by the order determination means (by the CPU 1003). ) And are provided, each time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer unit 2,
The CPU 1003 compares the access code of the user who subsequently requests the image data output with the access code of the user who is currently using the printer unit 2 to compare the level of each priority information (see a later-described figure). 12), the image output sequence of the user who subsequently requests image data output is determined, and even if the printer unit 2 is currently outputting images, subsequent image data to which an access code with a high priority is input is input. It is possible to output with priority.

The second invention is a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data; a printer for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating units based on input image data. A digital copying apparatus having a unit 2 and a facsimile communication processing function (by processing of the facsimile unit 4) connected to a communication line to perform facsimile communication, and a computer interface function (computer interface unit 7) for communicating with a predetermined computer system. Processing), a format processing function of expanding the input code information into a bit map to generate image data (by the processing of the formatter unit 8), saving the image information in an external storage medium, and saving the saved image information. One of the file processing functions to be searched (by the processing of the file section 5) Is connected to an external device 3 for performing composite image processing by inputting / outputting image data respectively by adding a plurality of data, and the external device 3 and the digital copying device can mutually perform data communication (communication is performed by the communication IC 1002). In a complex image input / output device, a predetermined priority necessary for determining an access code input for identifying a user and an image output priority from the printer unit 2 added to the access code. Registration means for registering usable time zone information in the recording medium (CPU 1
003), the access code of the user who subsequently requests the image data output and the access of the user who is currently using the printer unit every time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer unit. An order determining unit (CPU 1003 shown in FIG. 14 determines the image output order of the user who subsequently requests the image data output by determining whether each time zone information added to the code matches the current time. (The procedure shown in the flowchart is executed), and every time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer unit 2, the CPU 1003 subsequently requests the image data output and the access code of the user and the current printer. It is determined whether each time zone information added to the access code of the user who is using the section 2 matches the current time, and the image data is output subsequently. Even if the image output sequence of the requesting user is determined and the image is currently being output by the printer unit, if the time zone information registered in the subsequently input image data matches the current time, It is possible to preferentially output the image data that is continuously input.

A third aspect of the invention is a reader section 1 for reading a document image and outputting image data, and a printer for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating sections based on input image data. A digital copying apparatus having a unit 2 and a facsimile communication processing function (by processing of the facsimile unit 4) connected to a communication line to perform facsimile communication, and a computer interface function (computer interface unit 7) for communicating with a predetermined computer system. Processing), a format processing function of expanding the input code information into a bit map to generate image data (by the processing of the formatter unit 8), saving the image information in an external storage medium, and saving the saved image information. One of the file processing functions to be searched (by the processing of the file section 5) Is connected to an external device 3 for performing composite image processing by inputting / outputting image data respectively by adding a plurality of data, and the external device 3 and the digital copying device can mutually perform data communication (communication is performed by the communication IC 1002). Complex image input / output device, the number of effective output pages required to switch the access code input for identifying the user and the image output priority from the printer unit 2 added to this access code Registration means (C
(By the PU 1003), each time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer unit 2, printing of the number of valid output pages added to the access code of the user who is currently using the printer unit 2 is performed. An output sequence switching unit (the CPU 1003 performs switching according to the procedure shown in FIG. 16) for sequentially determining the end state and subsequently switching to the image output of the user who requests the image data output is provided. Each time the image data output request is generated, the output order switching unit determines the end state of printing for the number of valid output pages added to the access code of the user who is currently using the printer unit 2, And sequentially switch to the image output of the user who requests image data output,
When outputting image data from the printer unit, it is possible to prevent the printer unit from being occupied more than the number of valid output pages set for each user.

The fourth invention enables the external device 3 to promptly output the data received by the facsimile communication process.

The fifth invention is a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data; a printer for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating units based on input image data. A digital copying apparatus having a unit 2 and a facsimile communication processing function (by processing of the facsimile unit 4) connected to a communication line to perform facsimile communication, and a computer interface function (computer interface unit 7) for communicating with a predetermined computer system. Processing), a format processing function of expanding the input code information into a bit map to generate image data (by the processing of the formatter unit 8), saving the image information in an external storage medium, and saving the saved image information. One of the file processing functions to be searched (by the processing of the file section 5) Is connected to an external device 3 for performing composite image processing by inputting / outputting image data respectively by adding a plurality of data, and the external device 3 and the digital copying device can mutually perform data communication (communication is performed by the communication IC 1002). In a composite image input / output device, a time measuring means for measuring the current time and a comparison time for preferentially outputting the image data from each image data source based on each functional processing of the external device from the printer unit are individually stored in the storage medium. Time registration means for registration (registered by the CPU 1003 in accordance with the procedure shown in FIG. 17) and each comparison time registered for each image data source each time an output request from each image data source for the printer section is generated. Each of the image data sources is requested to output to the printer unit by determining whether or not the current time measured by the time measuring unit matches. Determining means (CPU 1003 for determining an output priority order of the image data 18
Is set according to the procedure shown in (1), and each time an output request from each image data source to the printer unit is generated,
The CPU 1003 determines whether each comparison time registered for each image data source matches the current time measured by the clock IC 1100, and each image requested to be output to the printer unit from each image data source. The user can freely set an output priority order of data and freely construct an individual image output environment in which priority output can be performed for each image data source output in accordance with each functional processing of the external device.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a reader section 1 for reading a document image and outputting image data, and a printer for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating sections based on input image data. A digital copying apparatus having a unit 2 and a facsimile communication processing function (by processing of the facsimile unit 4) connected to a communication line to perform facsimile communication, and a computer interface function (computer interface unit 7) for communicating with a predetermined computer system. Processing), a format processing function of expanding the input code information into a bit map to generate image data (by the processing of the formatter unit 8), saving the image information in an external storage medium, and saving the saved image information. One of the file processing functions to be searched (by the processing of the file section 5) Is connected to an external device 3 for performing composite image processing by inputting / outputting image data respectively by adding a plurality of data, and the external device 3 and the digital copying device can mutually perform data communication (communication is performed by the communication IC 1002). In such a complex image input / output device, time registration means (CPU 1003 not shown) for individually registering in the storage medium the effective use time at which the image data from each image data source based on each function processing of the external device can be preferentially output from the printer unit. (Registered in the RAM 1101 according to a procedure), a time measuring means (clock IC 1100) for measuring the effective use time registered for each image data source, and the printer unit every time the time measuring means measures the effective use time. Switching means (CPU1 for sequentially switching priority data source candidates for
003 switches according to the procedure shown in FIG. 19), and the CPU 1003 sequentially switches the priority data source candidates for the printer unit 2 each time the time measuring means measures the effective use time registered for each image data source. Thus, the user can freely decide the individual image output time that can be preferentially output for each image data source output in accordance with each function processing of the external device.

In the seventh invention, every time an output request from each image data source to the printer unit 2 is generated, the current time measured by the time measuring means (clock IC 1100) is collected and the output request from each data source is collected. A calculating unit (the CPU 1003 calculates in accordance with the procedure shown in FIG. 20) for calculating a frequently used time zone is provided, and the time registering unit (CPU 100
3) is used as a comparison time for preferentially outputting each image data source based on each function processing of the external device from the printer unit 2, and the calculated time zone with a high output request frequency is individually registered in the storage medium (RAM 1101). Thus, it is possible to automatically register an appropriate comparison time in use environments of various users.

In the eighth invention, the data received by the external device 3 by the facsimile communication process is used as an image data source.
It is possible to preferentially output the image data of the data received by the facsimile communication processing. [First Priority Output Processing Example] With reference to FIG. 10, the CP of the core unit 10 in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention will be described below.
The configuration of the peripheral circuit of U1003 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the peripheral circuit of the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

In the figure, a clock IC 1100 counts pulse signals oscillated from a crystal oscillator to generate time data and manage time data. 1101 is RA
In M, various setting values described later are stored.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the first priority order registration processing procedure for the output device in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1)
(3) shows each step. In this embodiment, the output device and the facsimile section 4 shown in FIG. 1 are used.

First, it is determined whether or not an access code registration instruction is issued from an operation unit (not shown) (1). If it is not an access code registration processing instruction, the processing is terminated, and if an access code registration processing instruction is given. The input access code data is registered in the RAM 1101 (2). Then, the priority order corresponding to the input access code is registered (3), and the process ends.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a first image output priority order determination processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether or not a facsimile output request is made by the facsimile section 4 (1),
If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, it is determined whether or not the input access code is registered in the RAM 1101 (2). If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, it is compared with the priority order currently being output. Then, it is determined whether the access code currently requesting output has a higher priority (3). If it is determined to be lower, the priority output processing is terminated, and if it is determined to be higher. In step S4, the facsimile output request from the person who has entered the access code is determined to be prioritized again (4), and the process is terminated. The subsequent facsimile output processing is as described above. [Second Priority Output Processing Example] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a second priority order registration processing procedure for the output device in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention.
Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step. In this embodiment, the output device and the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG.
And

First, it is judged whether or not it is an access code registration instruction from an operation unit (not shown) (1). If it is not an access code registration processing instruction, the processing is terminated, and if an access code registration processing instruction is given. The input access code data is registered in the RAM 1101 (2). Then, the priority time zone for output corresponding to the input access code is registered (3), and the process is terminated.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the second image output priority order determination processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether or not a facsimile output request is made by the facsimile unit 4 (1),
If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, it is determined whether or not the input access code is registered in the RAM 1101 (2). If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, it is compared with the priority order currently being output. Then, it is determined whether or not the time zone of the access code currently making the output request is within the registered priority time zone (3), and if it is determined that the time zone is outside the priority time zone, the priority output process is performed. When it is judged that the processing is completed and the priority time zone is reached, the facsimile output request from the person who entered the access code is determined to be re-priority (4),
The process ends. The subsequent facsimile output processing is as described above. [Third Priority Output Processing Example] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a third priority order registration processing procedure for an output device in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention.
Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step. In this embodiment, the output device and the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG.
And

First, it is judged whether or not it is an instruction to register an access code from an operation unit (not shown) (1). The input access code data is registered in the RAM 1101 (2). Then, the number of pages that can be output corresponding to the input access code is registered (3), and the process is ended.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the third image output priority order determination processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether a facsimile output request is made by the facsimile unit 4 (1),
If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, it is determined whether or not the input access code is registered in the RAM 1101 (2). If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, the number of printable pages currently being output. Is determined to be the registered number of printable pages (3), and if it is determined that the number of printable pages has not yet been reached, the priority output process is terminated and the number of printable pages has already been reached. If it is determined that the access code is input, the facsimile output request from the access code input person is determined to be re-priority (4), and the process ends. The subsequent facsimile output processing is as described above. [Fourth Priority Output Processing Example] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth priority order registration processing procedure for an output device in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention.
Note that (1) and (2) indicate each step. In this embodiment, the output device and the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG.
And

First, it is judged from the operation unit (not shown) whether or not the comparison time for the facsimile unit 4 is set (1). If the comparison time is not set for the facsimile, the process is terminated,
If it is determined that the comparison time for facsimile is set, the set comparison time data is registered in the RAM 1101 (2), and the process ends.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of a fourth image output priority order determination processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether or not a facsimile output request is made by the facsimile section 4 (1),
If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, it is determined whether or not the facsimile comparison time is set and registered in the RAM 1101 and the facsimile unit 4 has priority (2). If the comparison time is not set, , End the process, Y
If it is ES, it is compared with the current time read from the clock IC 1100, and it is determined whether the current time is within the comparison time (3). If it is determined that it is outside the comparison time, the priority output process is terminated and the comparison time is exceeded. If it is determined to be inside, it is determined that the facsimile output request is prioritized again (4), and the processing is ended. The subsequent facsimile output processing is as described above.

As a result, for example, if the data from 9 am to 10 am is registered in the RAM 1101, the AM 9
From time to 10 the facsimile has priority. In this embodiment, the facsimile unit 4 is used as an output means candidate.
However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to other output means. [Fifth Priority Output Processing Example] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of the output device priority switching processing procedure in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1)
(3) shows each step.

First, it is judged whether or not the output device switching time data is registered in the RAM 1101 (1). If NO, the switching process is ended, and if YES, the time of the registered output device switching time data is set. It is determined whether or not the time has passed (2). If NO, the switching process is terminated, and if YES, the priority output means is switched (3), and the process is terminated. After that, the process shown in FIG. 18 is similarly executed.

Thus, for example, when the output from the reader unit 1 is currently set to be preferential, the target of the preferential output means is, for example, if the set change time data is "1 hour", every 1 hour. It is also possible to switch the output means to switch the reader unit 1 to the facsimile unit 4. [Sixth Priority Output Processing Example] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth priority order registration processing procedure for an output device in the composite image input / output apparatus according to the present invention.
Note that (1) and (2) indicate each step. In this embodiment, the output device and the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG.
And

First, it is judged whether or not a facsimile output request is made by the facsimile section 4 (1),
If NO, the process ends, and if YES, the clock IC 110.
The current time of 0 is sampled (2), the time zone in which the output request to the facsimile unit 4 is frequently made is calculated (3), and the RAM 110 is calculated based on the calculated time zone.
1 is registered as comparison time data for the facsimile unit 4 (4), and the process is ended. After that, the process shown in FIG. 18 is similarly executed.

[0145]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the present invention, every time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer section, the order determining means subsequently uses the access code of the user who requests the image data output and the printer section. The priority level of each priority information added to the access code of the user is compared to determine the image output order of the user who subsequently requests image data output. However, it is possible to preferentially output subsequent image data to which an access code having a high priority is input.

According to the second invention, every time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer section, the access code of the user who subsequently requests the image data output by the order determining means and the current printer section. It is determined whether each time zone information added to the access code of the user who is using the current time matches the current time, and the image output sequence of the user who subsequently requests the image data output is determined. Therefore, even if the printer is currently outputting an image, if the time zone information registered in the subsequently input image data matches the current time, the subsequently input image data will be given priority. Can be output.

According to the third invention, every time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer section, the output order switching means is added to the access code of the user who is currently using the printer section. It determines the end status of printing for the number of valid output pages, and sequentially switches to the image output of the user who requests the image data output. It is possible to prevent the printer unit from being occupied more than the number of valid output pages set by the above.

According to the fourth invention, the data received by the external device by the facsimile communication process can be promptly and preferentially output.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, each time an output request is issued from each image data source to the printer section, the determining means counts each comparison time registered for each image data source and the time counting means. The output priority order of each image data requested to be output from the image data source to the printer unit is determined by determining whether or not the current time corresponding to each other is output according to each functional process of the external device. The user can freely construct an individual image output environment in which priority output can be performed for each image data source.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the switching means sequentially switches the priority data source candidates for the printer section each time the time measuring means measures the effective use time registered for each image data source. It is possible for the user to freely decide the individual image output time that can be preferentially output for each image data source output in accordance with each functional processing of the apparatus.

According to the seventh invention, the output request frequency calculated by the calculating means is high as the comparison time for the time registration means to preferentially output each image data source based on each function processing of the external device from the printer section. Since the time zone is individually registered in the storage medium, it is possible to automatically register the comparison time suitable for the usage environments of various users.

According to the eighth invention, since the data received by the facsimile communication process by the external device is the image data source, the data received by the facsimile communication process can be preferentially output as the image data.

Therefore, even if the situation in which the output from the printer section is requested due to the execution of the complex function processing conflicts, the output order is reversibly changed according to the priority order set by the user,
The user can freely construct an environment in which subsequent image data can be output quickly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a composite image input / output device showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit shown in FIG.

3 is a circuit block diagram showing a signal processing configuration of a reader unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a core section shown in FIG.

5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a facsimile unit illustrated in FIG.

6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a file unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the computer interface unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a formatter unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a first detailed configuration of the image memory unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a peripheral circuit of a CPU of a core unit in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a second paper discharge control procedure in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a first image output priority order determination processing procedure in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a second priority order registration processing procedure for an output device in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a second image output priority order determination processing procedure in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a third priority order registration processing procedure for an output device in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a third image output priority order determination processing procedure in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth priority order registration processing procedure for an output device in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth image output priority order determination processing procedure in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of an output device priority switching processing procedure in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth priority order registration processing procedure for an output device in the composite image input / output device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Printer unit 1003 CPU 1100 Clock IC 1101 RAM

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A digital device having a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data, and a printer unit for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of storage units based on the input image data. Facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication by being connected to a communication line to a copying machine, computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, and a format for expanding input code information into a bit map to generate image data Save processing functions and image information to external storage media,
Of the file processing functions for searching image information stored in the external storage medium, one or a plurality of functions are arbitrarily added, and an external device for performing composite image processing by inputting and outputting image data respectively can be connected. In the image input / output device, an access code input for identifying the user and predetermined priority information necessary for determining the image output priority order from the printer unit added to this access code are provided. The registration means for registering in the recording medium and the access code of the user who subsequently requests the image data output each time a plurality of image data output requests are made to the printer section and the printer section are currently used. The priority level of each priority information added to the access code of the user is compared to determine the image output order of the user who subsequently requests image data output. Composite image output apparatus characterized by comprising a sequence determination section that. 2. A digital device having a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data, and a printer unit for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of storage units based on the input image data. Facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication by being connected to a communication line to a copying machine, computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, and a format for expanding input code information into a bit map to generate image data Save processing functions and image information to external storage media,
Of the file processing functions for searching image information stored in the external storage medium, one or a plurality of functions are arbitrarily added, and an external device for performing composite image processing by inputting and outputting image data respectively can be connected. In the image input / output device, a predetermined priority required for determining an access code input to identify a user and an image output priority order from the printer unit added to this access code can be used. A registering unit for registering time zone information in a recording medium, an access code of a user who subsequently requests image data output and a current printer unit each time a plurality of image data output requests are issued to the printer unit. It is determined whether each time zone information added to the access code of the user being used matches the current time, and it is necessary to output the image data subsequently. Composite image output apparatus characterized by comprising a sequence determining means for determining an image output order of the user to. 3. A digital device having a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data, and a printer unit for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of storage units based on the input image data. Facsimile communication processing for performing facsimile communication by being connected to a communication line to a copying apparatus, computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, format processing for expanding input code information into a bit map to generate image data Functions and image information are stored in an external storage medium, and one or more of the file processing functions stored in the external storage medium for searching for image information are added to the input / output of image data. To identify the user in a composite image input / output device that can be connected to an external device that performs composite image processing Registering means for registering the access code input to the recording medium and the number of effective output pages necessary for switching the image output priority order from the printer section, which is added to the access code, to the printer section. Each time a plurality of image data output requests are generated, the print end status for the number of valid output pages added to the access code of the user who is currently using the printer section is determined, and the subsequent image data A composite image input / output device comprising output sequence switching means for sequentially switching to image output of a user requesting output. 4. The composite image input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the subsequent image data is data received by a facsimile communication process by an external device. 5. A digital device having a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data, and a printer unit for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of accommodating units based on the input image data. Facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication by being connected to a communication line to a copying machine, computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, and a format for expanding input code information into a bit map to generate image data Save processing functions and image information to external storage media,
Of the file processing functions for searching image information stored in the external storage medium, one or a plurality of functions are arbitrarily added, and an external device for performing composite image processing by inputting and outputting image data respectively can be connected. In the image input / output device, a clocking means for clocking the current time and a comparison time for preferentially outputting the image data from each image data source based on each functional processing of the external device from the printer unit are individually registered in the storage medium. Whether the comparison time registered for each image data source and the current time measured by the time measuring means match each time an output request is issued from the image data source to the time registration means and the printer section Determining means for determining whether or not each image data source is requested to output from the image data source to determine the output priority order of the image data. That composite image input-output device. 6. A digital device having a reader unit for reading a document image and outputting image data, and a printer unit for printing a visible image on a recording material fed from a plurality of storage units based on the input image data. Facsimile communication processing function for performing facsimile communication by being connected to a communication line to a copying machine, computer interface function for communicating with a predetermined computer system, and a format for expanding input code information into a bit map to generate image data Save processing functions and image information to external storage media,
Of the file processing functions for searching image information stored in the external storage medium, one or a plurality of functions are arbitrarily added, and an external device for performing composite image processing by inputting and outputting image data respectively can be connected. In the image input / output device, a time registration unit for individually registering an effective use time in which the image data from each image data source based on each function processing of the external device can be preferentially output from the printer unit in the storage medium, and each image data source. And a switching means for sequentially switching priority data source candidates for the printer unit each time the effective use time is measured by the time measuring means. Composite image input / output device. 7. A calculation for collecting a current time measured by the time measuring means each time an output request from each image data source to the printer section is generated, and calculating a time zone in which the output request frequency from each data source is high. Means is provided, and the time registering means calculates, as a comparison time for preferentially outputting each image data source based on each functional processing of the external device from the printer section, a time zone having a high output request frequency calculated by the calculating means in the storage medium. 6. The composite image input / output device according to claim 5, wherein the composite image input / output device is individually registered. 8. The composite image input / output device according to claim 5, wherein the image data of the image data source is data received by an external device through a facsimile communication process.