JPH09191391A - Image processing device and system, and their control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output an image while revising a form of an output, to inform information relating to revision and to have provision for a failed output quickly when the image cannot be outputted according to a designated form in the image processing device outputting the image to a printer, a facsimile equipment and a memory. SOLUTION: At first whether or not an image is outputted under a condition (output information) designated for the user is discriminated (steps S702 to S706) and when the image cannot be outputted according to the output information, error processing is conducted (step S707), and then the image is outputted. In the error processing, the output information (e.g. specified output destination of image) is revised into a condition under which the image is outputted in the error processing. The presence of the error is discriminated (step S710) and on the occurrence of an error, the output information is extracted (step S711) and it is informed (step S712).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system and control methods thereof, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus capable of outputting images in various forms, a system including the same and a control method thereof. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image processing apparatus for inputting data described in a page description language (hereinafter, also referred to as PDL data) and forming / outputting an image, not only ordinary simple printing but also double-sided printing or sorter is performed. A function is used to sort and print a plurality of copies using. In addition, a composite function of performing facsimile transmission of the developed image via a public line or transferring to an image storage device for filing is also used.

However, when such a function is selected, the operation intended by the user is not always achieved. For example, even if double-sided printing is designated, if the printer body is not equipped with a unit for doing so, naturally double-sided printing is not executed. Even if the sort printing is designated, if the paper of another output operation has already been discharged to the sorter bin, the appropriate sort printing cannot be performed until the paper is removed.
Further, even if an image expanded in the bitmap format is to be transmitted by facsimile as it is, if the device for performing the facsimile transmission is not mounted, the facsimile transmission is not naturally executed.

As described above, when the operation designated by the user cannot be achieved, the printer judges that it is an error and stops the operation, and informs the user of the occurrence of the error and prompts an instruction. . On the other hand, in the case where the user has instructed to skip the error and, for example, an error indicating that double-sided printing is impossible occurs, the print mode is switched to single-sided printing, for example. Some operations may be restarted.

Further, in an environment in which a plurality of users share a printer through a network and use the printer, if an error as described above occurs with respect to a print job of a user, the printer operates unless the error is canceled. Remains stopped. In order to avoid such a situation, regarding a skippable error, a function of automatically canceling the error and restarting the operation after a lapse of a predetermined time from the occurrence of the error is also realized.

In an environment in which a printer is shared via a network, a printer having a function of notifying a user that a print job has been completed is generally used.

[0007]

In the above conventional example, when the output in the instructed form is impossible,
In the case of automatically switching to another output format and outputting, the problem that the printer stops due to the error related to the print job and it affects multiple users sharing the printer is avoided, and the printer is made efficient. Is available for public use.

However, although the user who has caused the error can recognize the end of the print job by the notification from the printer, the output is made in an unintended form due to the error unless the user actually sees the result output to the printer. I can't know that. Also, when a facsimile transmission is instructed, an error actually occurs, and for example, even though the printer is printing out, only the end of the job is notified to the user, which is normal. There was a problem that it was misunderstood that it was sent by facsimile.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when an image cannot be output in accordance with a specified form, the output form is changed to output the image, and information regarding the change is provided to the user. The purpose is to be able to promptly respond to output failures.

[0010]

In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of outputting an image in various forms, and can output the image in a specified form. Determination means for determining whether or not the image is output in the specified form, changing means for changing the form to an outputable form, and image output means for outputting the image in the outputable form And a specifying means for clearly specifying the form relating to the output of the image.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, the changing means has a correspondence table for changing a form in which an image cannot be output so as to be output, and the correspondence table is referred to. The specified form is changed.

Further, for example, when the image cannot be output in the designated form, the user is warned of that fact, and whether to change to another form to continue the output operation or stop the output operation. It further comprises selection means for selecting.

Further, for example, when the image cannot be output in the designated form, the user is warned of that fact, and whether to change to another form to continue the output operation or to stop the output operation. When the output operation is continued, the selecting means is further provided for selecting, and the output means is changed by the changing means.

Further, for example, the specifying means specifies the form when the specified form is changed.

Further, for example, image input means for inputting an image from an external device is further provided, and the specifying means includes means for notifying the external device of a form relating to the output of the image.

Further, for example, the image output means includes an image forming means for outputting an image on a recording sheet.

Further, for example, the image output means includes storage means for outputting an image on a memory medium.

Further, for example, the image output means includes image forming means for outputting the image on the recording paper, communication means for outputting the image to the communication line, and storage means for outputting the image to the memory medium.

Further, for example, the changing means has a plurality of output means for outputting an image, and the changing means depends on the output means selected from the plurality of output means based on the designated form. When the image cannot be output, the specified form is changed to select another output device capable of output.

Further, for example, the plurality of output means include an image forming means for outputting an image on a recording sheet, a communication means for outputting the image on a communication line, and a storing means for outputting the image on a memory medium. .

Further, the image processing system according to the present invention is
An image processing system comprising an image processing device capable of outputting an image in various forms and an external device thereof, wherein the image processing device comprises image input means for inputting an image from the external device, and a specified form. Determining means for determining whether or not an image can be output, changing means for changing the image into an outputable form when the image cannot be output in the specified form, and an image outputable form Image output means for outputting with
A notification unit for notifying the external device of a form relating to the output of the image, the external device providing an image supply unit for supplying an image to the image processing apparatus and an output of the image received from the notification unit. And a display unit for displaying such a form.

An image processing apparatus control method according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus control method capable of outputting an image in various forms and determines whether or not an image can be output in a specified form. A determination step of determining, a changing step of changing the form into a form that can be output when the image cannot be output in the specified form, an image output process of outputting the image in a form that can output the image, And a demonstrating step of demonstrating the form related to the output.

Further, a control method of an image processing system according to the present invention is a control method of an image processing system including an image processing device capable of outputting an image in various forms and an external device thereof, wherein the image processing is performed. When the device cannot output an image in the specified form, an image input process of inputting an image from the external device, a determination process of determining whether or not the image can be output in the specified form, Control by a changing step of changing the form to an outputable form, an image output process of outputting the image in a form capable of outputting, and a notification process of notifying the external device of the form related to the output of the image, The external device side is controlled by an image supply step of supplying an image to the image processing apparatus and a display step of displaying a form relating to the output of the image received from the notification means.

The computer-readable memory according to the present invention is a computer-readable memory that stores a program for controlling an image processing apparatus capable of outputting an image in various forms, and can output an image in a specified form. The code of the determining step for determining whether or not the image, the code of the changing step of changing the form to an outputable form when the image cannot be output in the specified form, and the image outputable form An image output process code for performing the image output process and an explicit process code for clearly indicating the form related to the image output.

[0025]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system according to this embodiment. The reader unit 1 reads a document and supplies image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 2 or the image input / output control unit 3. The printer unit 2 records an image on a recording sheet based on the image data input from the image input / output control unit 3 via the reader unit 1 or the reader unit 1. Image input / output control unit 3
Is connected to a reader unit 1, a telephone line, and an information processing device 11, and includes a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a magneto-optical disk 6, a computer interface unit 7, a formatter unit 8, an image memory unit 9, and a core unit 10. , A hard disk 12. Also, the input / output control unit 3
Will be described as being integrated with the image processing apparatus 100 in the present embodiment.
For example, the information processing apparatus 11 may be built in the information processing apparatus 11, or the information processing apparatus 11 and the image processing apparatus 100, for example.
The form (including the input / output control unit 3) may be integrated.

The facsimile section 4 expands the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the expanded image data to the core section 10, and compresses the image data transferred from the core section 10, It has a function of transmitting compressed compressed image data to an external device (not shown) via a telephone line. A hard disk 12 is connected to the facsimile unit 4 so that the received compressed image data can be temporarily stored.

A magneto-optical disk 6 is connected to the file section 5, and the image data transferred from the core section 10 is compressed and stored in the magneto-optical disk 6 together with a keyword for searching the image data. Also, the file section 5
Retrieves the compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk 6 based on the keyword transferred via the core unit 10, reads out the retrieved compressed image data and decompresses the decompressed image data to the core unit 10. It has a transfer function.

The computer interface section 7 includes
For example, it is an interface that connects the information processing apparatus 11 such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS) to the core unit 10.

The formatter section 8 expands the image data (for example, PDL data) transferred from the information processing apparatus 11 into image data (bitmap data) which can be recorded by the printer section 2. Also, the image memory unit 9
Is for temporarily holding the image data transferred from the information processing apparatus 11.

The core unit 10 functions as a main controller for integrally controlling the reader unit 1, the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8 and the image memory unit 9.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a configuration example of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. Document feeder 1 of reader unit 1
01 feeds the originals one by one from the last page onto the platen glass 102, and ejects the originals on the platen glass 102 each time the reading operation of each original is completed. When the original is conveyed onto the platen glass 102, the lamp 103
Is turned on to start the movement of the scanner unit 104, and the document is exposed and scanned. The reflected light from the original at this time is reflected by the mirrors 105, 106, 107 and the lens 108 by the C
CD image sensor (hereinafter, simply referred to as CCD) 109
Be guided. The image data thus read by the CCD 109 is subjected to a predetermined process and then transferred to the printer unit 2 or the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3.

The laser driver 221 of the printer unit 2 is
The laser emission unit 201 is driven to emit laser light based on the image data output from the reader unit 1. This laser light is applied to the photosensitive drum 202 and the photosensitive drum 2
A latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on 02. The developer is attached to the latent image portion formed on the photosensitive drum 202 by the developing device 203.

The recording paper is conveyed to the transfer section 206 from either the cassette 204 or the cassette 205 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, and the photosensitive drum 20
The developer attached to 2 is transferred to the recording paper. The recording paper on which the developer has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 207, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207.
The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged by a discharge roller 208, and the discharged recording paper is stored in an appropriate pin by a sorter 220, whereby the recording paper is sorted.

The sorter 220 stores the recording paper in the uppermost bin when the sorting mode is not set. Also, if the mode for double-sided recording is set,
After the recording paper is conveyed to the position of the discharge roller 208, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed, and the flapper 209 guides the recording paper to the re-feeding conveyance path. If the multiplex recording mode is set, the flapper 209 guides the recording sheet to the re-feeding conveyance path so as not to convey it to the discharge roller 208. The recording paper guided to the re-feeding conveyance path is fed again to the transfer unit 206 at the timing described above.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the reader unit 1. The image data output from the CCD 109 is subjected to analog / digital conversion in the A / D / SH unit 110 and shading correction is performed. A / D
The image data processed by the SH unit 110 is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 111, and to the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 via the interface (I / F) unit 113. Transferred.

The CPU 114 controls the image processing unit 111 and the interface 113 according to the setting contents set by the operation unit 115. For example, when the operation unit 115 is set to a mode in which copying is performed after trimming processing, the image processing unit 111 is caused to perform trimming processing.
The processed image data is transferred to the printer unit 2.
Further, for example, when the facsimile transmission mode is set by the operation unit 115, the interface 113 transfers the image data and the control command according to the set mode to the core unit 10. CPU that controls such control
The control program of 114 is stored in the memory 116, and the CPU 114 operates based on the control program of the memory 116. The memory 116 is a CP
It is also used as a work area for U114.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the core section 10. The image data input from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 121. The control command input from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the CPU 123. The data processing unit 121 executes image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing under the control of the CPU 123.

From the reader unit 1, an interface (I /
The image data transferred to the data processing unit 121 via the F) 122 is also sent to the facsimile unit 4 and the file unit 5 via the interface (I / F) 120 in accordance with the control command transferred from the reader unit 1. ,Computer·
It is transferred to the corresponding block in the interface unit 7.

Image data (for example, PDL data) input via the computer interface unit 7
Is the data processing unit 12 via the interface 120.
After being transferred to 1, the data is supplied to the formatter unit 8 via the interface 120 and is expanded into image data in bitmap format. The expanded image data is transferred to either or both of the facsimile unit 4 and the printer unit 2 via the data processing unit 121 and the interface 120.

The image data input from the facsimile unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the corresponding block of the printer unit 2, the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7. Further, the image data read from the file unit 5 is stored in the data processing unit 12
1, the printer unit 2, the facsimile unit 4,
It is transferred to the corresponding block in the computer interface unit 7.

The CPU 123 operates based on a control program stored in the memory 124, and for example, the reader unit 1
The received control command is interpreted and the corresponding control is performed. The memory 124 is also used as a work area of the CPU 123.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the formatter unit 8. The formatter unit 8 includes the information processing device 1
The image data (for example, PDL data) transferred from 1 through the core unit 10 is expanded into image data (bitmap data) which can be recorded by the printer unit 2. The image data input from the core unit 10 via the interface (I / F) 131 is the control program 13 on the memory 134.
The image data in the bit map format is converted by the CPU 132 that operates based on 6
3 is registered on the output image queue 135.
The expanded image data is output to the corresponding block among the printer 2, the facsimile unit 4, and the file unit 5 via the core unit 10.

As described above, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment focuses on the core unit 10 to read a document, print an image, send and receive an image, store an image, and input / output data from the information processing apparatus. It is possible to perform processing that combines functions such as.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an operation example of expanding / outputting PDL data input from the information processing apparatus 11 and notifying the information processing apparatus 11 of the end of output. When the image data PDL data is input from the information processing device 11 to the input / output control unit 3 (S501), the computer interface unit 7 transfers the PDL data to the formatter unit 8 via the core unit 10 (S50).
2).

The formatter unit 8 analyzes the input PDL data and sequentially develops the bitmap. Then, when the output image of the developed image is ready, the formatter unit 8
The core unit 10 is requested to start image output (S503).
The core unit 10 determines whether or not the requested image output is possible, and if so, notifies the formatter unit 8 to that effect (S504). When the formatter unit 8 receives the notification that the image can be output, the formatter unit 8 pre-designates the unit (the printer unit 2 in the illustrated example).
Then, image output is started (S505). When the image output is completed, the image output destination unit (for example, the printer unit 2)
The core unit 10 determines whether the input image is normally processed.
(S506), and the core unit 10 notifies the formatter unit 8 of the image output source of this (S507). As long as there is image data to be output to the formatter unit 8, S5
A series of operations from 03 to S507 are repeatedly executed.

When the formatter unit 8 finishes outputting all the image data, an output end notification (including the output form related to the change if the output form is changed) is sent to the computer interface unit 7 via the core unit 10. Do (S5
08). The computer interface unit 7 transfers this output end notification to the host computer (S5).
09).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the formatter unit 8 for expanding the input PDL data into image data in the bitmap format and registering the expanded image data in the output image queue. It should be noted that this processing is performed by the CPU 132 based on the control program 136.
(The same applies to FIGS. 8 and 9).

When image data (for example, PDL data) is input, the formatter unit 8 analyzes it (step S601), acquires information designating an image output form (hereinafter referred to as output information), This is stored in the memory 134 (step S602). FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of output information. The output information 1000 is
For example, it may be supplied from the information processing device 11 together with the image data, or may be created based on a designation from the operation unit 115, for example. Also, the output information 100
Among 0, items not particularly specified may be in the form of giving initial setting values. Of the output information,
The "output status" stores information indicating the contents when the output is normally completed or when an error occurs. The "output status" is naturally initialized at this point.

The output information 1000 is stored (step S60
2) Then, the formatter unit 8 sequentially expands the image data into a bitmap on a memory (not shown) until a code indicating the end of one page is received (steps S603, S).
604). Then, when the expansion for one page is completed, it is registered in the output image queue 135 (step S605).
The output image queue is a queue of a data table showing the addresses of the image (bitmap data) expanded on the memory, and when outputting the image, the expanded image is output based on this output image queue. To do.

The processing of steps S603 to S605 is 1
It is executed repeatedly until a code indicating the end of one job is received.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing from the output of image data from the formatter unit 8 to the notification of print end. Format section 8
First reads the output information 1000 stored when the image data (for example, PDL data) is analyzed (step S
701). Then, it is determined whether or not image output is possible under the condition specified by the read output information 1000 (step S702). Here, for example,
When double-sided printing is specified, it is not possible to output when there is an error in the output conditions without having to output image data, as in the case where the paper size is a size that cannot execute double-sided printing. To judge. If it is determined that output is impossible, error processing (step S70
Execute 7).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the output is possible, the output information 1000 is supplied to the core unit 10 and the image output is requested (step S703). When the core unit 10 notifies that the output is impossible, the error process (S70
Execute 7). Here, for example, when facsimile transmission is designated, the core unit 10 that controls each unit determines whether output is possible, such as whether or not the facsimile unit 4 exists. Then, when it is notified that the output is possible, the image is taken out based on the output image queue, and the designated output destination (for example, the facsimile unit, the printer unit, etc.)
Is output to (S705).

When the image output is completed, the result is notified from the output destination unit via the core unit 10 as described above. If the result is an error (determined in step S706), error processing (step S707)
Execute Here, due to a problem peculiar to the output destination unit, it is determined that the output cannot be performed when the designated output does not end normally. For example, when the file registration is designated (the file portion is designated as the output destination), but the disc is not inserted in the magneto-optical disc 6 connected to the file portion 5, it is determined that the output is impossible.

When the image output is completed normally, "OK" is set in the output status of the output information 1000 (step S708). Then, the output image queue 135
It is determined whether there is still image data to be output in step S709 (step S709).
Returning to step 703, processing corresponding to the next output image queue (steps S703 to S708 is performed).

On the other hand, if there is no image data to be output, output end processing relating to the notification of the output result is executed (steps S710 to S712). Output information 1000
If error information other than “OK” is set as the output status of the error processing (step S70)
In the process of 7), in order to indicate that the output operation has been changed by the error skip processing described later, output information 1000 indicating the content of the change is taken out (S711), and this is output to the computer interface unit 7 (information processing device 1).
1) is notified (step S712).

On the other hand, if "OK" is set in the output status, it indicates that the condition (output information 1000) specified for output has been normally completed without being changed, It is not necessary to take out the information 1000, and the computer interface unit 7 (information processing device 1
1) is notified (step S712).

FIG. 9 shows error processing (step S707).
6 is a flowchart showing details of the process. First, a message indicating that an error has occurred is displayed on the operation unit 115 (step S801). Next, it is determined whether the automatic error skip function is valid (step S802). With the automatic error skip function, if the error status continues for more than a predetermined time, the error is automatically canceled without any instruction from the user, the specified output form is changed, and the output operation is continued. It is a function to do.

If the automatic error skip function is valid, the system waits until a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has passed (step S804). If there is a panel input by the user within this predetermined time (step S803), the process proceeds to step S809. On the other hand, if the automatic error skip function is disabled, the process waits until the user inputs a panel (step S808). Then, if there is a panel input, the process proceeds to step S809.

In step S809, it is determined whether the user's instruction given through the panel input is error skip or reset of the process related to image output. If it is reset, the process proceeds to step S810. On the other hand, if there is an error skip, the process proceeds to step S805. Note that the process proceeds to step S805 even when the automatic error skip function is valid and the predetermined time has elapsed.

Error skip processing (steps S805 to S805)
In S807), the output information 1000 is updated first (step S805). The output information is updated according to the specified output condition and the type of error that has occurred.
00 is changed to a predetermined condition. FIG.
It is a figure which shows notionally the change table which shows the relationship between the error content and the change content of output information. In step S805, the content of the output information 1000 is changed to a condition that allows proper image output based on the change table 900. In step S806, an error code (see FIG. 10) is written in the output status of the output information 1000, and then the operation unit 1
Delete the error message displayed in 15 (step S
807), the error processing ends (proceeding to step S702).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the reset is selected in step S809, all the output image queues are cleared (steps S810 and S811), the output information 1000 is cleared (step S812), and then the operation unit 115 is selected. The displayed error message is erased (step S807), and the error processing ends (step S71).
Go to 0).

Next, an operation example of the information processing apparatus 11 corresponding to the operation example of the input / output control unit 3 will be described. FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing device 11. The program code corresponding to this flowchart is a CPU (not shown) that controls the information processing device 11.
It is stored in a more readable memory medium and defines the operation of the CPU. Since the physical configuration of the information processing device 11 is sufficient according to a known technique, it will not be described in particular.

First, the information processing apparatus 11 generates image data (for example, PDL data) according to an image including a document, a figure, etc. (step S1101). Further, output information 1000 (needless to say that the output status is not included) that determines the output form of the image data is generated (step S1102). Then, the generated image data and the output information 1000 are transmitted to the input / output control unit 3 (step S1104).

After that, it waits for the output end notification to be transmitted, and when it is received (step S1104), it is judged from the received output end notification whether or not the output is normally done (step S1105). Then, if the output end notification includes, for example, the above-mentioned error code, the content of the error is specified from the error code (the correspondence table of the error code is assumed) and displayed on a display not shown. It is displayed (step S1106).
On the other hand, when the output is normally performed, that effect is displayed on the display (step S1107).

As described above, when the image output fails, the details of the failure (changes in the output form) are as follows:
By notifying the image data supply side, the image data supply side can recognize how the image data is processed, and the user can quickly respond to the failure. You can

In the above embodiment, when the output form is changed due to an error, the changed output information is notified to the image data supply side (user). However, the output is normally completed. In such a case, the output information may be notified to the user. In this case, the user can confirm that the output has been normally performed based on the output information, and when the output information is set by mistake, the user can confirm it and correct the failure. . In the above example, for example, by deleting step S710, despite successful output,
The output information can be notified to the user. Even in this case, it is desirable to inform the user whether or not the output is successful.

In the above embodiment, when the output form is changed due to an error, the changed output information is always notified to the user.
When the error skip is instructed by 15, the user appropriately looks at the operation panel and appropriately changes the output form based on the content of the error. In this case, the output information is stored in the information processing device 11. There is little need to inform the user via.

Therefore, if the error skip is selected on the operation panel 115, the output status of the output information 1000 may be left as "OK" in step S805. In this case, in step S710, since the output information 1000 is processed as if it has not been changed, the user is not notified of the output information 1000.

The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.) or an apparatus including one device. .

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium having a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or apparatus, and to supply a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that a case where the CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is also included.

[0076]

As described above, according to the present invention, when an image cannot be output in accordance with the designated form, the output form is changed to output the image, and the user is informed of the information on the change. As a result, there is an effect that it becomes possible to promptly deal with a failure in output.

[0077]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a reader unit and a printer unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a reader unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a core unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a formatter unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation example of expanding / outputting PDL data input from an information processing device and notifying the information processing device of the end of output.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the formatter unit that expands input PDL data into bitmap image data and registers the expanded image data in an output image queue.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing from outputting image data from the formatter unit to issuing a print end notification.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of error processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing a change table showing the relationship between error contents and change contents of output information.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of output information.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the information processing device.

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Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus capable of outputting an image in various forms, and a determining unit for determining whether or not the image can be output in a specified form, and outputting the image in the specified form. In the case where it is not possible, a changing means for changing the form into a form capable of outputting, an image outputting means for outputting the image in a form capable of outputting, and a specifying means for clearly indicating the form related to the output of the image are provided. A characteristic image processing device. 2. The changing means has a correspondence table for changing a form in which an image cannot be output so that the form can be outputted, and the specified form is changed with reference to the correspondence table. The image processing device according to claim 1. 3. When the image cannot be output in the specified form, the user is warned to that effect, and the user is allowed to select another form to continue the output operation or stop the output operation. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit. 4. When the image cannot be output in the specified form, the user is warned to that effect, and the user is allowed to select another form to continue the output operation or to cancel the output operation. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a selection unit, wherein when the output operation is continued, the specified form is changed to a form capable of outputting. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies the specified form when the specified form is changed. 6. An image input means for inputting an image from an external device is further provided, and the specifying means includes means for notifying the external device of a form relating to the output of the image. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 7. The image output means includes an image forming means for outputting an image on a recording sheet.
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit includes a communication unit that outputs an image on a communication line. 9. The image output means includes storage means for outputting an image on a memory medium.
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 10. The image output means includes image forming means for outputting an image on a recording sheet, communication means for outputting the image to a communication line, and storage means for outputting the image to a memory medium. The image processing device according to claim 1. 11. The image output means has a plurality of output means for outputting an image, and the changing means outputs an image depending on the output means selected from the plurality of output means based on the designated form. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designated form is changed so as to select another output device capable of outputting when the output of the above is impossible. 12. The plurality of output means includes an image forming means for outputting an image on a recording sheet, a communication means for outputting the image on a communication line, and a storing means for outputting the image on a memory medium. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, which is characterized in that. 13. An image processing system comprising an image processing device capable of outputting an image in various forms and an external device thereof, wherein the image processing device comprises an image input means for inputting an image from the external device. A determining unit that determines whether or not an image can be output in a designated form; a changing unit that changes the form to an outputable form when the image cannot be output in the designated form; An image output unit that outputs the image in a form that can output the image, and a notification unit that notifies the external device of a form related to the output of the image. The external device supplies an image to the image processing apparatus. An image processing system comprising: a display unit configured to display a form related to the output of the image received from the notification unit. 14. The changing means has a correspondence table for changing a form in which an image cannot be output so that the form can be output, and the specified form is changed with reference to the correspondence table. The image processing system according to claim 13. 15. When the image cannot be output in the specified form, the user is warned to that effect, and the user is allowed to select another form to continue the output operation or stop the output operation. The image processing system according to claim 13, further comprising a selection unit. 16. When an image cannot be output in the specified form, the user is warned to that effect, and the user can select whether to change to another form and continue the output operation or stop the output operation. 16. The image processing system according to claim 15, further comprising a selection unit, wherein when the output operation is continued, the output unit is changed to an output form. 17. The image according to claim 13, wherein the notification unit notifies the external device of the specified form when the specified form is changed. Processing system. 18. A method of controlling an image processing apparatus capable of outputting an image in various forms, comprising a determining step of determining whether an image can be output in a specified form, and A change step of changing the form into a form that can be output when an image cannot be output, an image output process of outputting the image in a form that can output the image, and an explicit process of clearly indicating the form related to the output of the image. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising: 19. A control method of an image processing system comprising an image processing device capable of outputting an image in various forms and an external device thereof, wherein the image processing device side inputs the image from the external device. An image input step, a determination step of determining whether or not an image can be output in a designated form, and a change for changing the form to an outputable form when the image cannot be output in the designated form And an image output step of outputting an image in a form capable of outputting an image, and a notification step of notifying the external device of a form related to the output of the image, and the external device side controls the image processing device. An image processing system control method comprising: an image supply step of supplying an image; and a display step of displaying a form relating to the output of the image received from the notification means. 20. A computer-readable memory storing a program for controlling an image processing device capable of outputting an image in various forms, the determining step of determining whether or not the image can be output in a specified form. A code, a change process code for changing the form to an output form when the image cannot be output in the specified form, an image output process code for outputting the image in the output form, and an image A computer-readable memory, comprising: an explicit process code that clearly indicates a form related to the output of.