JPH09214687A - Image reader, printer, image processing system, and environment setting method for image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the processing time without extension of a memory resource by directly printing output data in parallel with reading of an original. SOLUTION: An image reader (reader 102) capable of communicating with a printer 1500 is connected to the printer 1500 via a prescribed communication medium (interface cable or the like). A CPU of a reader control unit converts an image signal outputted sequentially from a CCD image sensor or the like into printable print data (e.g. bit map image data) and controls an interface circuit to provide the converted print data sequentially to be transferred to the printer 1500 in parallel with reading of an image read means 102. Thus, it is possible to allow a control section 17 to print out print data received by the printer 1500 in parallel with reading of an original.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading device, a printing device, an image processing system, and an image processing system in which an image reading device and a printing device are connected to directly print the image data read from the image reading device by the printing device. The present invention relates to an environment setting method for an image processing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing system in which an image reading device and a printing device are connected, image data read from the image reading device can be once interpreted by a print command interpreting unit of the printing device (hereinafter referred to as print command data). Called) and output the print command data to the printing device for printing.

Further, in the printing apparatus, the print command data received from the image reading apparatus is temporarily stored in a buffer memory for reception, the command of the print command data is analyzed, and the printing unit is printed on the memory of the printing apparatus. The output image data is created, the output image data of the printing unit is output to the printing unit of the printing apparatus, and printing is performed.

Further, information indicating a problem that occurred during image reading was displayed on the display unit of the image reading device.

[0005]

However, in the conventional printing system in which the image reading device and the printing device are connected, after the image data is once converted into the print command data in the image reading device, the print output image is printed in the printing device. There is a problem that it takes a lot of time from the reading of an image to the end of printing because the data is converted and output to the printing unit for printing.

Further, a large amount of memory is required for the print command data output from the image reading device to be temporarily stored in the reception buffer memory of the printing device or for the memory used by the print command interpreting unit.

Further, it is necessary to adjust various settings of the image reading device and the printing device when printing the image read from the image reading device according to the functions of both.

Further, if a problem occurs during image reading, the user cannot be notified of the problem on a part other than the display unit of the image reading device, and appropriate processing cannot be clearly shown to the user. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the objects of the first to eighth inventions according to the present invention are to be output in parallel with the reading of an original by an image reading apparatus. By directly printing the print data to be printed, it is possible to shorten the processing time required from the reading of the original image to the print output without expanding the memory resource, and to reduce the data processing environment of the image reading device and the printing device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device, a printing device, an image processing system, and an environment setting method for the image processing system, which can automatically solve the problem of the setting state and significantly reduce the burden of setting the mutual data processing environment. To do.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image reading device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, a reading means for converting a document image into a predetermined image signal. A converting means for converting the image signals sequentially output from the reading means into print data printable by the printing device; and an output means for outputting the print data sequentially converted by the converting means to the printing device. Output control means for controlling the transfer of the print data by the output means to the printing device is provided in parallel with the reading by the image reading means.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the output control means transfers the output speed information of the print data to the printing device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the conversion means converts the error information of the reading means into print data which can be printed out by the printing device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an image reading apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, printing of a printing unit is controlled based on print data output from the image reading apparatus. The print control means is provided.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the print control means transfers the print setting environment information to be set to the image reading device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in an image processing system capable of communicating between a printing device and an image reading device via a predetermined communication medium, a reading means for converting a document image into a predetermined image signal, Conversion means for converting image signals sequentially output from the reading means into print data printable from the printing device; output means for outputting the print data sequentially converted by the conversion means to the printing device; Based on the print data output from the image reading device, and an image reading device having an output control device that controls the transfer of the print data to the printing device by the output device in parallel with the reading of the image reading device. And a printing apparatus having a printing control unit that controls printing by the printing unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in an environment setting method of an image processing system capable of communicating between a printing device and an image reading device via a predetermined communication medium, the printing environment setting information acquired from the printing device. Has an adjusting step of adjusting and adjusting the data processing environment of the print data to be analyzed and output.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is an environment setting method for an image processing system in which a printing device and an image reading device can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, and the reading environment setting obtained from the image reading device. It has an adjusting step of adjusting the data processing environment of print data received by analyzing information.

[0018]

In the first aspect of the present invention, when the conversion means converts the image signals sequentially output from the reading means into print data which can be printed out from the printing device, the output control means sequentially outputs the converted print data. The output means for outputting is controlled to transfer the print data of the print data by the output means to the printing device in parallel with the reading by the image reading means, and the print data received by the printing device side in parallel with the reading of the original image. It is possible to print at the printing unit.

In the second aspect of the invention, the output control means transfers the output speed information of the print data to the printing device, and the data processing environment on the image reading device side and the print data processing environment on the printing device side are set. It is possible to match.

In the third invention, the converting means is
It is possible to convert the error information of the reading unit into print data that can be printed out by the printing device, and clearly indicate the error information on the image reading device side to the user.

In the fourth invention, the print control means controls the printing of the printing section on the basis of the print data output from the image reading apparatus, and the print data received from the image reading apparatus side is directly output from the printing section. It is possible to print.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the print data output from the image reading device is directly printed on the printing section without being analyzed by the print control means, and the original image read by the image reading device is output at high speed. It is possible.

In the sixth invention, when the converting means converts the image signals sequentially output from the reading means into print data that can be printed out from the printing device, the output control means sequentially converts the print data. When the print data is transferred to the printing device by controlling the output means for outputting, the transferred print data is directly printed on the printing section without being analyzed by the print control means, and is read in parallel with the reading of the original image. Thus, it is possible to output a read image from the printing device at high speed.

In the seventh invention, the data processing environment of the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus is adjusted by adjusting the data processing environment of the print data output by analyzing the printing environment setting information acquired from the printing apparatus. Even if they are different, it is possible to directly output the optimum print data suitable for the data processing of the printing device to the printing device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in an environment setting method for an image processing system in which a printing device and an image reading device can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, the reading environment setting information acquired from the image reading device is analyzed. By adjusting the data processing environment of the print data received by the printer, even if the data processing environments of the image reading device and the printing device are different, the print data from the image reading device can be printed directly from the printing section without any trouble. Is possible.

[0026]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] Before explaining the present embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer which is public to which the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

Needless to say, the printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer and the ink jet printer, and may be a printer of another printing system.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the construction of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, for example, a laser beam printer.

In the figure, reference numeral 1500 denotes a laser beam printer main body (LBP main body), which inputs print information (character code etc.), form information or macro command etc. supplied from a host computer connected to an external device. In addition to being stored, a corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the input information, and an image is formed on a recording paper, which is a recording medium.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a switch for operation and L
Operation panel with ED display etc., 1000 is L
This is a control unit for the entire BP main body 1500. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 turns on and off the laser light 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503. After that, the laser beam 1504 is swung left and right by the rotating polygon mirror 1505, and the electrostatic drum 1
An electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on 506.

This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506 and then transferred to a recording paper. A cut sheet is used as this recording sheet, and the cut sheet recording sheet is stored in a sheet cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP main body 1500. Paper feed roller 1509, transport roller 1510, and transport roller 151
1, the electrostatic drum 1506 is taken into the apparatus and
Is supplied to.

The LBP main body 1500 is provided with at least one card slot (not shown) so that an option card and a control card having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printing system showing the first embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention can be applied to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, or a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be carried out.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is based on a document processing program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3,
A CPU 1 that executes document processing in which tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed is provided, and the CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is C
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled by an RT controller (CRTC).

7 is a disk controller (DKC),
It controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD), a floppy disk (FD), etc. for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like. A printer controller (PRTC) 8 includes a printer 15 through a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21.
00 to execute communication control processing with the printer 1500.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and outputs the W on the CRT 10.
It enables YSIWYG. In addition, the CPU 1
Various windows registered based on commands designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) on T10 are opened, and various data processes are executed. A data processing unit 2000 is composed of the above 1 to 8 and the like.

In the printer 1500, a printer CPU 12 includes various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. To collectively control the access of the printer, and output an image signal as output information to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface (I / F) 16.

The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18, and can notify the host computer 3000 of information and the like in the printer 1500. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). A disk controller 20 controls I / O with the external memory 14.

The RAM 19 has an output information expansion area,
It is used for the environment data storage area, NVRAM, etc., and holds information of files printed in the past. The external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD), an IC card, etc.
It is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, etc.

Further, reference numeral 1501 denotes the above-mentioned operation panel (operation section), on which switches for operation and an LED display are arranged. Reference numeral 30 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel that displays information about the printed file.

Further, the above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, but at least one is provided, and in addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be possible. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

A reader device 102 is communicably connected via a predetermined interface.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an essential part for explaining the outline of the reader device 102 shown in FIG. 2. The same parts as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 103 is an automatic document feeder (ADF), which sequentially separates from the lowest document among the documents placed on the document table 31 and feeds it on the document table glass 27 in the direction of the dotted arrow B. To send. Reference numeral 32 denotes a paper discharge tray on which a document whose reading has been completed is placed. Reference numeral 104 denotes a housing in which a scanning system and a control system are housed at predetermined positions.

A document scanning unit 24 is an ADF 103.
In use, it is fixed at a predetermined position, and in the case of manual operation, it is scanned and moved in the direction of arrow C from the home position at a predetermined speed, and the document placed on the document table glass 27 or the document table glass 27 is fed. The image of the original to be scanned is exposed by scanning. The document scanning unit 2 scanned in the direction of arrow B
4 is moved backward in the direction of arrow A and stopped at a predetermined position (home position) in preparation for the next document scanning.

A scanning system 25 forms a reflection image based on the document scanning by the document scanning unit 24 on the CCD image sensor 22 via the imaging lens 26. 23 is C
It is a CD driver. A reader control unit 21 is configured to be communicable with the information processing device via the communication interface 105.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the reader control unit 21 shown in FIG. 3. The same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 201 is an amplifier for amplifying an analog image signal of the CCD image sensor 22. 20
2 is an A / D converter, which is a CC output from the amplifier 201.
The analog image signal from the D image sensor 22 is converted into an image signal of a predetermined bit. A CCD driving circuit 203 outputs a predetermined reading clock or the like to the CCD image sensor 22 to photoelectrically convert the original image.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a shading correction circuit, which is CC
Depending on the variation of each pixel of the D image sensor 22, A /
The density level of the image signal output from the D converter 202 is corrected. A background density detection circuit 204 detects the background density of the shading-corrected image signal. Reference numeral 205 denotes a binarization circuit, which generates a binarized image signal according to a set threshold value. 206 is a selector,
The binarized image signal or the shading-corrected image signal is output to an external device via the interface circuit 207.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a CPU, which is a RAM, R (not shown).
An OM or the like is provided to control image reading and output of the read image signal. 209 is a timing signal generation circuit,
Various timing signals related to image reading control are generated from the reference clock supplied from the clock source 210.

Further, the CPU 208 is connected to an external device via the interface circuit 207, that is, the printer 15 in this embodiment.
Data to output the environment information of the printing apparatus by communicating with the printer 00 and output the printable image data (bitmap image data or the like) directly printed by the printing unit 17 expanded on the RAM (not shown) in accordance with the print processing speed. Transfer control is performed.

The CPU 208 converts the image signal converted in parallel with the reading of the original image into the interface circuit 2.
Direct printing is performed from the input unit 18 of the printer 1500 via 07 and the printing unit 17 via the printing unit interface 16.

Further, the printer 1500 and the reader device 10
2 in the direct printing process with the reader device 10
When the document reading process 2 interrupts the document reading process due to some error, the information is converted into character information, image information, etc. that can be output from the printing unit 17, transferred to the printer 1500, and the fact is clearly shown to the user. It is composed.

Reference numeral 213 is a display section control circuit, which controls display on a display (not shown) or the like.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first to sixth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIG.

The first aspect of the present invention relates to a printing device (printer 15) via a predetermined communication medium (interface cable, infrared communication interface, network, etc.).
00) and an image reading device (reader device 10
In 2), a reading unit (a CCD image sensor 22 described later and its peripheral circuits) for converting an original image into a predetermined image signal, and a printing process in which the printing device can print out image signals sequentially output from the reading unit. Conversion means for converting to data (conversion processing is performed based on a control program built in the CPU 208 described later or loaded from a storage medium not shown), and the print data sequentially converted by the conversion means is output to the printing device. Output means (interface circuit 207) for controlling the transfer of the print data to the printing device by the output means in parallel with the reading by the image reading means (the CPU 208 from the interface circuit 207 to the input unit 18). Control the output process of print data to the), and the CCD image When the CPU 208 converts the image signals sequentially output from the sensor 22 or the like into print data (for example, bitmap image data) that can be printed out from the printer 1500, the CPU 208 controls the interface circuit 207 to output the sequentially converted print data. Outputting and transferring the print data by the output means to the printing device in parallel with the reading by the image reading means,
The print data received by the printing apparatus can be printed by the printing unit in parallel with the reading of the original image.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the output control means (in this embodiment, the CPU 208) outputs the output speed information of the print data to the printing device (printer 150).
It is possible to match the data processing environment on the image reading device side with the print data processing environment on the printing device side.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the conversion means (in the present embodiment, the CPU 208) converts the error information of the reading means into print data that can be printed out by the printing device, and reads an image. It is possible to clearly indicate the error information on the device side to the user.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a printing device (printer 150) capable of communicating with an image reading device (reader device 102) via a predetermined communication medium (interface cable, infrared communication interface, network, etc.).
0), print control means for controlling the printing of the printing unit 17 based on the print data output from the image reading device (the control program stored in the ROM 13 by the CPU 12 or the external memory 14 or a memory medium (not shown) is transferred to the RAM 19; The CPU 12 controls the printing of the printing unit 17 based on the print data output from the reader device 102, and prints the print data received from the reader device 102 side. It is possible to print directly from the section 17.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the print data output from the image reading device is processed by the print control means (CPU 1).
2) causes the printing unit 17 to directly print (output directly to the printing unit 17 via the input unit 18 and the printing unit interface 16) without performing analysis processing, and to output the document image read by the image reading device at high speed. It is possible.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a printer (printer 15) via a predetermined communication medium (interface cable, infrared communication interface, network, etc.).
00) and an image reading device (reader device 102) are capable of communicating with each other, and a reading means (a CCD image sensor 22 and its peripheral circuit described later) for converting an original image into a predetermined image signal, and the reading means. Converting means for converting image signals sequentially output from the printer into print data printable by the printer (CPU 2 described later).
Output means (interface circuit 20) that outputs the print data sequentially converted by the conversion means to the printing device when the conversion processing is performed based on a control program built in the storage medium 08 or loaded from a storage medium (not shown).
7) and output control means (the CPU 208 outputs the print data from the interface circuit 207 to the input unit 18 to control the transfer of the print data to the printing device by the output means in parallel with the reading by the image reading means. And an image reading device (reader device 10) for controlling processing.
2) and a printing device (printer 1500) having print control means (CPU 12) for controlling the printing of the printing unit 17 based on the print data output from the image reading device.
When the CPU 208 converts the image signals sequentially output from the CCD image sensor 22 into print data that can be printed out from the printer 1500, the CPU 208 sequentially converts the print data into the interface circuit 20.
When the print data is transferred to the printer 1500 while being output transferred while controlling 7, the transferred print data is transferred to C
The PU 12 allows the printing unit 17 to directly print the image without performing analysis processing, and enables the printing device to output the read image at high speed in parallel with the reading of the document image.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention based on the above configuration will be described using a flow chart.

First, the reading processing operation of the image reading apparatus will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the image reading processing procedure of the image reading device in the image processing system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step.

When the power switch of the image reading device (reader device 102) is turned on, the control inside the image reading device shifts to the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step (1), it is judged whether or not the image reading process of the image reading device is executed.
If it is determined that the image reading process has been executed,
In step (2), the setting items such as the resolution and color function of the image reading device and the output speed information when the image information read by the reader device 102 is sequentially converted into the output data for the printing unit 17 to be output ( Printer 1500).

Next, in step (3), the printer 1500 waits for the reception of data from the printer 1500.
After receiving the information of the setting contents of the printing device from the printer, the image reading device is set in step (4). The setting of the image reading device in step (4) is executed according to the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG.

Next, in step (5), the image data read by the reader device 102 is converted into an output image data format for the printing unit 17, and is sequentially output to the printing device.

Next, the print processing operation of the printer 1500 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the print processing procedure of the printing apparatus in the image processing system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

When the power switch of the printing apparatus (printer 1500) is turned on, the control inside the printing apparatus shifts to the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step (1), waiting for data reception is performed, and when it is determined that data has been received from an external device, the data received in step (2) is the image reading device (reader device 102). If it is determined that the received data is not the information of the setting contents of the image reading apparatus, the normal printing process is performed in step (4).

On the other hand, when it is judged in step (2) that the received information is the setting contents of the image reading device, the setting of the printing device is executed according to the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 in step (3). It

Next, in step (5), information on the setting contents of the printing device is transmitted to the image reading device. Then, in step (6), waiting for data reception is performed, and if data reception is performed, step (7)
Received (data in print format)
Is output to the printing unit 17 through the printing unit I / F 16. At this time, the printing unit 17 performs printing by controlling the processing speed of the printing unit 17 according to the data output speed information of the image device received from the image reading device in advance.

Next, the setting process of the image reading device in step (4) shown in FIG. 5 will be described as an example of setting items according to the flowchart of FIG. 7 to explain the setting of the resolution of the image reading device. .

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the first embodiment of the environment setting method of the image processing system of the present invention, and corresponds to the setting processing procedure of the image reading apparatus shown in FIG.
Note that (1) and (2) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), the resolution information of the printing device received from the printing device is compared with the resolution setting value of the image reading device, and the resolution setting value of the image reading device is higher than the setting value of the printing device. If it is determined to be low, the resolution of the image reading device is set to the same value as the resolution of the printing device in step (2).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the set value of the resolution of the image reading device is higher than the set value of the printing device, the processing is ended.

Needless to say, the method of setting the set values of the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus described above is effective for items other than the resolution.

Next, the setting processing operation of the printing apparatus in step (3) shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 as an example of the setting items. .

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the environment setting method of the image processing system of the present invention, and corresponds to the setting processing procedure of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. In addition,
(1) and (2) show each step.

First, in step (1), the resolution information of the image reading device received from the image reading device is compared with the resolution setting value of the printing device, and the setting value of the resolution of the printing device is greater than the setting value of the image reading device. If it is determined to be low, the resolution of the printing device is set to the same value as the resolution of the image reading device in step (2), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the setting value of the resolution of the printing device is higher than the setting value of the image reading device, the process is terminated.

Needless to say, the method of setting the set values of the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus described above is also effective for items other than the resolution.

[Second Embodiment] Flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 for the other setting processing of the image reading apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the other setting processing of the printing apparatus shown in the first embodiment. By changing the settings as shown in FIG. 5, printing can be performed using the maximum set value of the function of each device.

There is a process for transmitting the setting contents of each device in the first embodiment. The contents to be transmitted at that time are as follows.
The maximum value of the device in the setting shall be transmitted instead of the setting content.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a third embodiment of the environment setting method of the image processing system of the present invention, and corresponds to another setting processing procedure of the image reading apparatus shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

In step (1), the maximum value of the resolution of the image reading device and the maximum value of the setting value of the printing device received from the printing device are compared. If it is determined in step (1) that the maximum value of the image reading device is larger than the maximum value of the printing device, the resolution of the image reading device is set to the maximum value of the printing device resolution in step (2). Then, the process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (1) that the maximum value of the image reading device is smaller than the maximum value of the printing device, the resolution of the image reading device is set to the resolution of the image reading device in step (3). Is set to the maximum value, and the process ends.

Needless to say, the method of setting the set values of the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus described above is effective for items other than the resolution.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a fourth embodiment of the environment setting method for the image processing system according to the present invention.
This corresponds to the setting processing procedure of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

In step (1), the maximum value of the resolution of the printing device and the maximum value of the set value of the image reading device received from the image reading device are compared, and the maximum value of the printing device is larger than the maximum value of the image reading device. If it is determined that the resolution of the printing device is set to the maximum value of the resolution of the image reading device in step (2), the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the maximum value of the printing device is smaller than the maximum value of the image reading device, the resolution of the printing device is set to the maximum value of the printing device in step (3). Set the value and end the process.

Needless to say, the method of setting the set values of the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus described above is effective for items other than the resolution.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between the second and third embodiments and the respective steps of the seventh and eighth inventions and their operation will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 7 to FIG.

A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a printing apparatus (printer 15) via a predetermined communication medium (interface cable, infrared communication interface, network, etc.).
00) and the image reading device (reader device 102) can communicate with each other in the environment setting method of the image processing system, the print environment setting information acquired from the printing device is analyzed, and the data processing environment of the print data to be output is adjusted and adjusted. The adjustment process (steps (1) and (2) in FIG. 7 or steps (1) to (3) in FIG. 9) to be performed and the data processing environments of the image reading device and the printing device are different, It is possible to directly output the optimum print data suitable for the data processing of the printing device to the printing device.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is directed to a printing device (printer 15) via a predetermined communication medium (interface cable, infrared communication interface, network, etc.).
00) and the image reading device (reader device 102) can communicate with each other in the environment setting method of the image processing system, and the data processing environment of the print data received by analyzing the reading environment setting information acquired from the image reading device is matched. Adjustment process for adjusting (steps (1), (2) in FIG. 8 or FIG. 1)
Even if the data processing environments of the image reading device and the printing device are different by executing steps (1) to (3) of 0,
The printing unit 17 prints the print data from the image reading device without any trouble.
It is possible to print directly from.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments described above, if any error occurs during image reading by the image reading device, the control unit inside the image reading device Instructing the user of a defect in the image reading device by creating pattern data or character data to indicate the error information, sending it to the printing device, and printing the pattern or character on paper with the printing device. Is possible.

As described above, the storage medium recording the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP of the system or apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes 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, E
EPROM or the like can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, 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. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the above) performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes 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, The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0107]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to another aspect of the invention, when the conversion means converts the image signals sequentially output from the reading means into print data printable by the printing device, the output control means outputs the sequentially converted print data. Is controlled so that the print data is transferred to the printing device by the output device in parallel with the reading by the image reading device, and the print data received by the printing device side is printed by the printing unit in parallel with the reading of the original image. Can be printed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the output control means transfers the output speed information of the print data to the printing device. Therefore, the data processing environment on the image reading device side and the print data processing environment on the printing device side. Can be matched with.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the conversion means converts the error information of the reading means into print data which can be printed out by the printing device, so that the error information of the image reading device side is presented to the user. Can be specified in detail.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the print control means controls the printing of the printing section based on the print data output from the image reading apparatus. Therefore, the print data received from the image reading apparatus side is sent from the printing section. It can be printed directly.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the print data output from the image reading device is directly printed on the printing section without being analyzed by the print control means. Therefore, the original image read by the image reading device is output at high speed. be able to.

According to the sixth invention, when the converting means converts the image signals sequentially output from the reading means into print data which can be printed out from the printing device, the output control means sequentially converts the print data. When the print data is transferred to the printing device by controlling the output means for outputting the print data, the print control means directly prints the transferred print data on the printing section without performing an analysis process. In parallel with this, the read image can be output at high speed from the printing device.

According to the seventh aspect, the data processing environment of the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus is adjusted by adjusting the data processing environment of the print data to be output by analyzing the printing environment setting information acquired from the printing apparatus. Even if they are different, the optimum print data suitable for the data processing of the printing device can be directly output to the printing device.

According to the eighth invention, the reading environment setting information acquired from the image reading apparatus is analyzed and the data processing environment of the print data received is adjusted and adjusted. Therefore, the data processing between the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus is performed. Even if the environment is different, the print data from the image reading device can be printed directly from the printing unit without any trouble.

Therefore, without expanding the memory resource,
It is possible to reduce the processing time required from the reading of the original image to the print output, and also to automatically eliminate the problem of the setting state of the data processing environment between the image reading device and the printing device, thereby improving the mutual data processing environment. This has the effect of significantly reducing the setting load.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of main parts for explaining the outline of the reader device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the reader control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an image reading processing procedure of the image reading apparatus in the image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a print processing procedure of the printing apparatus in the image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of an environment setting method for an image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the environment setting method for the image processing system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the environment setting method for the image processing system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the environment setting method for the image processing system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 8 Printer Controller 12 CPU 13 ROM 18 Input Unit 19 RAM 102 Reader Device 1500 Printer 3000 Host Computer

Front page continued (72) Inventor Masamizu Kurimoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Minoru Kobegawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. In-house (72) Inventor Yoshiyuki Ogi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Takakura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, a reading unit for converting an original image into a predetermined image signal, and an image signal sequentially output from the reading unit for printing the image. A conversion unit for converting the print data into print data that can be printed out from the apparatus; an output unit for outputting the print data sequentially converted by the conversion unit to the printing device; and an output unit in parallel with reading by the image reading unit. And an output control means for controlling transfer of the print data to the printing device by the image reading device. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output control unit transfers the output speed information of the print data to the printing apparatus. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit converts error information of the reading unit into print data printable by the printing apparatus. 4. A printing apparatus capable of communicating with an image reading apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, comprising print control means for controlling printing of a printing unit based on print data output from the image reading apparatus. A printing device characterized by. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the print control unit transfers the set print setting environment information to the image reading apparatus. 6. An image processing system in which a printing device and an image reading device can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium,
A reading unit that converts an original image image into a predetermined image signal, a conversion unit that converts the image signals sequentially output from the reading unit into print data that can be printed out from the printing apparatus, and a conversion unit that is sequentially converted by the conversion unit. An image reading apparatus having output means for outputting the print data to the printing apparatus, and output control means for controlling transfer of the print data to the printing apparatus by the output means in parallel with reading by the image reading means. And an image processing system including a printing device having a print control unit that controls printing of a printing unit based on print data output from the image reading device. 7. An environment setting method for an image processing system in which a printing device and an image reading device can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, and print data for analyzing and outputting printing environment setting information acquired from the printing device. 2. An environment setting method for an image processing system, comprising: an adjusting step of adjusting and adjusting the data processing environment of the above. 8. An environment setting method for an image processing system in which a printing device and an image reading device can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, wherein printing is performed by analyzing and receiving reading environment setting information acquired from the image reading device. An environment setting method for an image processing system, comprising an adjusting step of adjusting and adjusting a data processing environment of data.