JPH0951397A - Device and system for reading picture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To permit an operation concerning a picture reading device and a picture reading system connected to plural computers in a network to be smooth and easy and also to utilize an additional function, etc., more effectively. SOLUTION: When the picture reading device is used as a scanner, a picture area is designated (step S17), respective parameters concerning a picture mode is inputted (S18), a computer and a directory to be the output destination of picture data are designated (S19) and scanned picture data (S20) is non- continuously outputted to the computer by packet unit (S21). In the meantime, when the picture reading device is used as a copying machine, a copy area is designated (S13) or the respective parameters are inputted (S14) as necessary and copying is operated (S15).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and an image reading system for reading an image, processing the read image data by an image processing apparatus as necessary, and sending the image data to a host computer or the like. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image reading apparatus (image scanner) for sending a read image to a computer is usually connected to one computer and operates according to an instruction from the computer. Further, the image reading device itself is also arranged near the computer. The reason for this is that the SCSI (S) that is usually used as an interface for connecting a computer and an image reading device.
mall Computer System Inte
rface), the cable length cannot be too long,
Also, while it is necessary to set the document on the image reading device, the operation is performed on the computer side, and therefore the operation becomes difficult if the physical distance between the two is large.

[0003]

The configuration of the above conventional example is very inconvenient when a plurality of operators want to use a computer connected to the image reading apparatus. For example,
If the computer is used for another task, image reading cannot be performed. Conversely, if it is desired to prioritize image reading, it cannot be used for other tasks. It becomes a dedicated computer. Therefore, it has been difficult for a plurality of people to use the computer connected to the image reading apparatus at the same time. Furthermore, it takes time and effort to move an image captured in the computer to the own computer.

The above problems can be solved by using a network such as Ethernet as an interface for connecting a computer and an image reading apparatus. That is, the reading operation can be performed using one's computer connected to the network or another available computer. On the other hand, however, another problem arises when the network connection is made and the physical distance between the two is significantly increased. For example, assuming that the computer on the second floor of the building uses the image reading device on the fifth floor, it is difficult to smoothly and quickly set the document on the image reading device and operate the computer. . That is, after the manuscript is set on the image reading device on the 5th floor, the operation is performed on the computer side on the 2nd floor.
After the operation is completed, it is necessary to return to the fifth floor to retrieve the original, which is complicated.

This problem becomes more serious especially when the image reading apparatus is realized as an additional function of the copying machine. For example, when such a device is frequently used as a copying machine, if the set original document is left for a long time, it cannot be used as the copying machine during that time, or the original document is not copied to another person who uses the copying machine. May be removed.

As described above, the conventional image reading apparatus or image reading system does not consider workability when performing operations such as image reading work and output of image data at another physically separated place. However, there has been a problem that the operation of the image reading device connected to the computer via the network is complicated.

Further, in the case where an additional function such as a copying machine is also provided, the convenience of the combined use with the additional function is not taken into consideration. Therefore, the function of the image reading device by the external device (computer) or the image reading device is effective. There was a problem that it could not be fully utilized.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to smoothly and easily operate an image reading apparatus and an image reading system which are network-connected to a plurality of computers, and have an additional function. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device and an image reading system capable of more effectively utilizing the above.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the image reading device according to claim 1 of the present invention is an image reading device provided with a connecting means for connecting to a network composed of a plurality of external devices. An image reading unit for inputting as read image data, an output destination designating unit for designating an output destination external device of the input image data from the plurality of external devices, and an instruction for outputting the input image data And output means for discontinuously outputting the input image data as a plurality of packets to the designated external device in response to the instruction.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, the second aspect
The image reading device according to claim 1, in the configuration of claim 1,
An area designating means for designating a specific area of the image,
The output means outputs image data corresponding to the designated area.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, an image reading apparatus according to a third aspect has the image processing mode designating means for designating an image processing mode and the designated image processing in the configuration of the first or second aspect. Image processing means for subjecting the input image data to predetermined image processing based on a mode, and the output means for outputting the image data subjected to the image processing.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, the invention as claimed in claim 4
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 above.
In the configuration of the item 1, an image forming means for forming an image based on the input image data, and a copy processing means for copying the formed image are provided, and the copy processing means comprises:
A copy processing mode designating unit that designates a copy processing mode and also serves as at least one of the output destination designating unit and the output designating unit, and a copy that designates an image region related to the copying process and also serves as the region designating unit. It is characterized by including at least one of an area designating unit and a copy image processing unit which performs a predetermined image processing on the image data relating to the copy processing and also serves as the image processing unit.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, an image reading apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the output destination designating means is an external device connected to the network. It is characterized in that a display means for displaying a list for recognizing is displayed, and an external device as an output destination is designated from the displayed list.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, a sixth aspect is provided.
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 above.
In the above configuration, the output destination designating unit includes a registration unit that registers an external device in advance, and a display unit that displays a list for recognizing the registered external device, and output from the displayed list. It is characterized by designating the external device.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, an image reading apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the external apparatus has a function of grouping and managing data files. The output destination designating means comprises a directory designating means capable of designating a subdirectory of the designated external device.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, a claim 8
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 above.
The configuration of the item 1 is provided with a file format designating unit that designates a file format, and the output unit converts the input image data into the designated file format and then outputs the converted image data.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, an image reading device according to a ninth aspect is the image reading device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the image input operation by the image reading means and the image forming means are performed. An additional holding unit that is configured separately from the holding unit used for the image forming operation and the image copying processing operation by the copying processing unit and holds the input image data is provided, and the output unit is held by the additional holding unit. It is characterized in that the image data is read out and output.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, claim 1
The image reading system of No. 0 has an image reading means for inputting an image as read image data, a movement instructing means for instructing movement of the input image data, and the input image data to the memory means based on the instruction. An image reading system including an image reading apparatus including a moving unit that moves, an image processing apparatus including a memory unit for holding the moved image data, and a communication unit for communicating with an external device. The image processing apparatus further includes a transfer unit that transfers the image data held in the memory unit to an external device according to the request in response to the request from the external device.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, an image reading system according to an eleventh aspect is an image reading means for inputting an image as read image data, a movement instructing means for instructing movement of the input image data, and the instruction. An image reading apparatus having a moving means for moving the inputted image data to the memory means based on the above, a plurality of external devices, and an image processing having a memory means for holding the moved image data. And an image reading system connected to a network, wherein the plurality of external devices include transfer requesting means for requesting transfer of image data from the memory means, and the image processing apparatus is held in the memory means. In response to a request from the plurality of external devices, a transfer unit that transfers the image data to the external device according to the request is provided. And butterflies.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, claim 1
An image reading system according to a second aspect of the present invention is defined in claim 10 or 1.
In the first configuration, the memory means includes at least a first memory and a second non-volatile memory, and after the moved image data is once held in the first memory,
Next, the held image data is moved to the second non-volatile memory again and held.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, an image reading system according to a thirteenth aspect is the image reading system according to the tenth aspect.
In the configuration of any one of 1) to 1), there is provided an area designating unit that designates a specific area of the image, and the memory unit holds image data corresponding to the designated area.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, claim 1
An image reading system according to a fourth aspect has the structure according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the image forming means forms an image based on the image data input by the image reading means, and the formed image. A copy processing unit for performing a copy process is provided, and the copy processing unit specifies a mode of the copy process, a copy processing mode specifying unit which also serves as the movement instructing unit, and an image region related to the copy process, and the region specifying unit. It is characterized by including at least one of the copy area designating means which also serves as the.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, the image reading system of claim 15 is the same as that of claims 10-14.
In the configuration of any one of 1, the memory means has a function of grouping and managing data files, and the image reading device includes a storage directory designating means for designating a subdirectory and a file name of the memory means. The memory means holds the image data moved from the image reading device in the designated subdirectory with the designated file name.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, claim 1
The image reading system of No. 6 is the structure according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the image reading device includes a file format designating unit that designates a file format, and the memory unit is moved from the image reading device. The stored image data is stored in the specified file format.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, the image reading system of claim 17 is the same as the image reading system of claims 10-16.
In any one of the configurations described above, the image reading device performs an image processing mode designating unit that designates an image processing mode, and performs a predetermined image processing on the input image data based on the designated image processing mode. Image processing means, and the image data subjected to the image processing is moved to the memory means.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of an image reading apparatus and an image reading system of the present invention will be described below.

(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2 is an overall view showing an image reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image reading device 1 is a multi-function peripheral having a scanner function and a printer function in addition to a copier function.
Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as "copy machine 1". The copying machine 1 is connected to another computer via a network 3. In the case of the present embodiment, this network 3 is composed of Ethernet. Other interfaces may be used as long as they connect a plurality of computers to a network. In addition to the copying machine 1, a plurality of computers 2A to 2E are connected to the network 3. This network 3 is a local area network and is used to connect computers on a certain floor or building to each other. For example, the computer on the fourth floor of the building shown in the upper half of FIG.
It is used to connect the computer and copier 1 on the third floor of the building shown in the lower half.

In such a network connection, each device on the network has a unique ID number or system name. This ID number or system name can be used to identify oneself and the other. However, in the present embodiment, in order to simplify the description, each device is identified by the system name. For example, the computer 2A has a system name A, and the computer 2B has a system name B.

In the image reading system, when the copying machine 1 is used as a copying machine, the operator goes to the copying machine 1 with a manuscript, performs a copying operation, and returns with the manuscript and the copy result. On the other hand, when the copier 1 is used as a printer, the operator sends print data from the computer to the copier 1 via the network 3,
Go to get the print result printed by the copier 1.
On the other hand, when the copying machine 1 is used as a scanner, the operator goes to the copying machine 1 with an original document, performs the scanner work using the operation section of the copying machine 1, and scans the scanned data on his computer. Send to, return the original with it, and use the scan data on your computer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the copying machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When the copying machine 1 is used as a copying machine, a scanner section 12 reads a document placed on a document table (not shown), converts it into an electric signal, and an image processing section 14 via a selector 13 converts various digital images. The process is performed, and the printer unit 15 forms an image.

On the other hand, when the copying machine 1 is used as a printer, the image data sent from the computer 2A or the like is stored in the image memory 9 under the control of the control unit 5 via the external communication circuit 4 and the CPU bus 8. It is developed as a raster image. Next, the printer unit 15 is activated, and the image data 11 read from the image memory 9 is transferred to the selector 13,
The image is formed by being sent to the printer unit 15 via the image processing unit 14.

On the other hand, when the copying machine 1 is used as a scanner, a document placed on a document table (not shown) is read by the scanner section 12 and converted into an electric signal, and the image processing section 14 is passed through the selector 13 to the image processing section 14. Performs various digital image processing,
The image-processed image data 16 is written in the image memory 9 as a raster image. Next, the image data read from the image memory 9 is sent to the computer 2A or the like via the CPU bus 8 and the external communication circuit 4 under the control of the control unit 5.

The address generator 10 generates an address on the image memory 9 for reading the image data 11 at the time of printing and writing the image data 16 at the time of scanning based on an image synchronizing signal (not shown).

The operation section 6 is used by the operator to perform various operations as described later, and the digitizer 17 is used to specify an area on the document as described later.

FIG. 4 is an external view of the operation unit 6 and the digitizer 17 of the image reading apparatus of this embodiment. This figure is a view of the scanner section of the copying machine 1 as seen from above, and shows a state in which the original pressure plate is closed. The operation unit 6 is arranged in front, and the digitizer 17 is arranged on the document pressure plate. The operation unit 6 includes a large-sized liquid crystal display unit 22, a numeric keypad 23, a copy start key 24, various function keys 21 including a scan key, an area designation key, and the like. Arbitrary characters can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22, various messages are displayed here, and interactive operation becomes possible.

On the other hand, the digitizer 17, which is a device that is often used in a digital copying machine, is a device for designating an area. In order to specify the area, first the document is placed with the front side facing upward and the upper right corner is abutted on the placing section 25, and two points on either diagonal of the rectangular area 27 to be specified are marked with the pen 26. specify. A circuit (not shown) for detecting a designated pen position exists inside the placing portion 25, and the designated area information can be obtained based on the detected coordinates. Note that FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the document pressure plate is closed, and when the document is actually read, the document pressure plate is opened and the document is placed below this with the upper left portion thereof facing downward.

FIG. 5 shows messages displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22 in the operation unit 6 according to the procedure when the copying machine 1 is used as a scanner. First, when the scan key, which is one of the function keys 21 in the operation unit 6, is pressed, first, on the screen 31, the digitizer 17 is used to specify the area to be read on the document. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the entire surface of the document table may be read without using the digitizer 17, or a standard size such as A4 or A3 may be read.

Next, on the screen 32, the image type to be read is designated. In the case of this embodiment, the image type is
There are three types: full-color RGB type, monochrome multi-valued in which one pixel consists of black and white 8 bits, and monochrome binary in which one pixel consists of black and white 1 bit. The selection of the image type is instructed using the ten keys 23 on the operation unit 6.

Next, on the screen 33, when the image data is read and then sent to the computer, the format to be sent is selected. In the screen 33, raw data means that the read data is sent as it is without a header or the like. In addition, TIFF (Tag Image F
The ile format) and the PICT format are formats that are often used in the computer world, and mean that information such as image size is sent in a format including a header or the like. JPEG (International Standardization Working Group) compression is one of the standard compression methods, JPE.
It means that G compression is performed and then sent to the computer. UNIX (Unix) compression means that the data is compressed by a standard compression method in UNIX and then sent to a computer. In addition to the above, various existing image formats may be adopted. Thus, on screen 33, one of the various formats is selected.

Next, on the screen 34, the resolution of the read image is designated. The scanner unit of this embodiment is 400 (dp
i) has a reading resolution of 400 (d
pi) The following resolutions can be specified. 400
When a resolution less than (dpi) is specified, the resolution is realized by thinning and reducing the image read at 400 (dpi) as described later. The resolution is also entered using the ten-key 23, and the OK key (not shown) in the ten-key 23 is used to confirm the resolution. The image size is also displayed on this screen. Displayed are the vertical size, horizontal size, and total size of the image. These sizes vary depending on the size of the area designated on the screen 31, the image type designated on the screen 32, and the file format designated on the screen 33. On screen 34, 1024 × 1024 at 72 (dpi)
When reading the pixel area in RGB type and sending in raw data format, 3 Mbytes (1024 × 10
24 × 3). When the resolution is increased, a high resolution image can be obtained, but the image size also increases,
It also takes more disk space to save and takes longer to transfer.

Next, on the screen 35, the destination computer to which the scanned image data is sent is selected. On this screen, pre-registered computers are displayed in a list from 1 to 4 and selected from them. For example, "1: A" corresponds to computer A in FIG. In this screen, the actual system name is displayed, but if it cannot be displayed, it may be shortened and displayed. Also, an alias different from the actual system name may be added and the alias displayed. Although only four lists are displayed on the screen 5, more lists may be displayed by scrolling or switching pages.

When "5: List display" is selected on the screen 35, a screen 36 is displayed, in which a list of devices currently connected to the network is displayed, and a computer to which the scanned image is to be sent is selected from the list. The network protocol is provided with a mechanism for inquiring about the connected device, and it is used to check the device connected to the network 3. Alternatively, by monitoring the output source and the destination of the data flowing on the network 3,
It is also possible to check the devices connected to the network 3.

When any one of the computers A to D is selected, the screen 37 is displayed, and the directory in the other computer to which the image is written is designated. On the screen 37, the default directory is initially displayed as the current directory (for example, A1). Select Save if the directory is ok. On the other hand, when the user wants to move the directory, a list of subdirectories in the destination computer is displayed on the screen 37. By selecting the moved subdirectory, the target directory is moved. After moving, it will return to the screen 37 again.
Select save.

Next, the file name to be saved is displayed on the screen 38, and the final instruction screen as to whether or not to perform the scan is displayed. Here, the original is placed on a platen (not shown) and scanning is instructed to start image reading, and the image data of the specified area, file format, image size, and resolution is sent to the specified directory of the specified computer. , Return to standard screen. In the present embodiment, the file name is automatically generated, serial numbers are added in the order of scanning after the prefix “IMG”, and finally, “.raw” indicating that the file format is raw data.
Is attached.

FIG. 6 shows a message displayed on the liquid crystal display section 22 in the operation section 6 when the copy area is designated before execution of copying when the copy machine 1 is used as a copy machine. is there. When an area designation key, which is one of the function keys 21 in the operation unit 6, is pressed, first, the area on the document is designated using the digitizer 17 on the screen 39. Next, on the screen 40, the mode of image processing to be performed on the image in the designated area is designated. Here, trimming is a mode in which an image is copied by cutting out only a specified area. Further, masking is a mode in which the area other than the designated area is copied. Further, the negative / positive inversion is a mode in which the image in the designated area is negative / positive inverted to form an image. After making the above designations, after making other designations such as the number of copies using the numeric keypad,
By pressing the copy start key 24, copying is started in the designated mode. As described above, the operation unit 6 and the liquid crystal display unit 22 and the ten-key pad 23 in the operation unit 6 are also used for designating a mode at the time of scanning and a scan start instruction, and when performing copying as a copying machine, It is also used for mode designation and copy start instruction. Similarly, the digitizer 17 is also used to specify the area at the time of scanning, and is also used to specify the area when performing copying as a copying machine. This simplifies the configuration.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the image processing unit 14. The image data 19 sent from the scanner unit 12 or the image memory 9 is first smoothed by the smoothing circuit 41. This is a process for reducing the image frequency so that moire does not occur when the image is reduced by the enlargement / reduction circuit 42, which will be described later, and smoothing processing is not performed except during the reduction, and the setting is set to pass through as it is. Then, the enlarging / reducing circuit 42 performs enlarging processing, equal-magnification processing, or reducing processing. Next, the negative / positive inversion circuit 44 is a circuit that inverts data when performing negative / positive inversion.
If you do not invert the negative / positive, set it to pass through as it is. The control register 43 is a smoothing circuit 41, and enlargement /
The control unit 5 holds the parameters of the reduction circuit 42, and parameters such as smoothing, enlargement ratio, reduction ratio, and negative / positive inversion are controlled by the control unit 5.
It is set via the PU bus 8. This image processing unit is used for image processing of scanned image data during scanning,
It is also used for image processing of read image data during copying. For example, when the reading resolution is 400 (dpi) at the time of scanning, each circuit in the image processing unit 14 does nothing and passes through as it is. On the other hand, when the read resolution is less than 400 (dpi), the smoothing circuit 41 first performs the smoothing process, and then the negative / positive inversion circuit is passed through, and the reduction process is performed so that the resolution specified by the enlargement / reduction circuit 42 is obtained. Be seen. On the other hand, at the time of copying, the smoothing circuit 41 and the enlarging / reducing circuit 42 are passed through in the case of 1: 1 copying. On the other hand, during reduction copying, the smoothing circuit 41 performs smoothing processing, and the enlargement / reduction circuit 42 performs reduction processing. Further, at the time of enlargement copying, the smoothing circuit 41 is directly passed through, and the enlargement / reduction circuit 42 performs enlargement processing. The negative / positive reversing circuit 44 at the time of copying is set to perform negative / positive reversal only when negative / positive reverse copying is instructed. Figure 7
Although only simple image processing is described for simplification of description, other image processing circuits, such as a color conversion circuit, can be commonly used for copying and scanning.

The data flow on the network 3 will be described below with reference to FIG.

In the figure, A to E correspond to the computer of FIG. 2, and S corresponds to the copying machine 1. Further, "NO. 1" and the like indicate packet numbers.

Although this drawing is simplified for simplification of explanation, data is exchanged in units called packets on the network 3. Large data is sent out by dividing it into multiple packets, which the receiving side assembles in its original form. Also, a plurality of transmissions are performed in parallel in a time division manner. Time division is performed on a packet basis. For example, in FIG. 8, first, the first packet of scan data is sent from the copying machine 1 to the computer A at 51A.
Then, at 51B, another packet is sent from computer B to computer C. Next, at 51C, the second packet of scan data is sent from the copying machine 1 to the computer A. Similarly, another packet is sent at 51D and 51E, and a third packet of scan data is sent from the copying machine 1 to the computer A at 51F. In this way, multiple transmissions are apparently performed in parallel. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the specific communication from occupying the network.

Note that FIG. 8 does not describe the case where a plurality of transmissions collide for simplification of the description, but the normal network protocol also defines a method for dealing with such a case. And processed accordingly.

Similarly, although not shown in FIG.
Each packet includes information such as the source of the packet, the destination of the packet, and the number of the packet.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart for explaining the control flow of the image reading apparatus of the first embodiment. First, after the power is turned on, it is determined in step S11 whether or not a copy-related key of the operation unit 6 is pressed. If the key is pressed here, it is further determined whether the key pressed in step S12 is the area designating key, another parameter key such as the ten-key pad 23, or the copy start key, and the result of the determination determines each of them. It branches to steps S13, S14 and S15. That is, when the area designation key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S13, the region designation for copying and the region processing are designated based on the screen flow described in FIG. 6, and the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, when another parameter key such as the numeric keypad 23 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S14, the corresponding process is performed, and the process returns to step S11. For example, when the ten key 23 is pressed in the standard state in the copying process, the instruction by the ten key 23 becomes the instruction of the number of copies, and the number of copies is changed. on the other hand,
When the copy start key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S15, and the copy operation is performed according to the area designation and each parameter set at that time.

On the other hand, if the copy-related key of the operation unit 6 is not pressed in step S11, step S1
In step 6, it is determined whether or not the scan start key is pressed. If it is not pressed, the process returns to step S11, but if it is pressed, the scan operation of steps S17 to S20 is performed according to the screen flow described in FIG. First, in step S17, the digitizer 17 is used to specify the area to be read. Next, in step S18, as described with reference to screens 32 to 34 in FIG. 5, parameters such as image type, file format, resolution, and image size are input. Next, in step S19, as described with reference to screens 35 to 37 in FIG. 5, the destination computer to which the scanned image data is sent and its directory are designated. Next, in step S20, after instructing to start scanning on the screen 38 of FIG. 5, the image on the platen is read and written in the image memory 9. At this time, parameters are set in the enlargement / reduction circuit in the image processing unit 14 according to the resolution designated on the screen 34 of FIG. Written in. Next, in step S21, the image data is read from the image memory 9 and sent from the screen 35 of FIG. 5 to the destination computer and directory specified on the screen 37, and the process returns to step S11.

The image data is divided into a plurality of packets as described with reference to FIG. 8, and the packets are discontinuously transmitted. When the image data is read from the image memory 9 and sent to the destination computer, conversion is performed by predetermined software so that it has a specified area, a specified image type, and a specified file format.

Regarding the transmission of the designated area, since the image of the maximum original size is written in the image memory 9, only the image data of the necessary area is read out from the image memory 9 and the other party is read. Send to computer.

Regarding the image type, since the image stored in the image memory 9 is RGB data, the image type is RG.
In the case of B, nothing is done, but when the image type is multi-valued in black and white, conversion is performed by an equation such as W = (R + G + B) / 3.
Further, when the image type is black and white binary, this black and white multi-valued data is binarized.

Regarding the file format, when the file format is raw data, nothing is done, but in the case of TIFF or PICT, header information and the like are added according to each format. Further, in the case of JPEG compression or UNIX compression, compression is performed according to each compression method, and the compressed image data is sent to the destination computer.

According to the present embodiment, various operations relating to the image reading device and the image reading system can be collectively performed on the image reading device side, and the operator himself reciprocates between physically separated computers. The frequency of doing can also be reduced. Therefore, various operations are smooth and easy.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The image reading apparatus and the image reading system according to the second embodiment of the present invention are different from the first embodiment only in the means for designating an area and the method of sending an image to a computer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, FIGS. 9 and 10 are used instead of FIGS. 1 and 3 of the first embodiment.
With reference to FIG. 11, the difference will be mainly described.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an image reading apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "copier 1") according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The first difference from the first embodiment is that instead of the digitizer 17, the image display unit 6 is used as the area designating means.
1 and a mouse 62 are provided. In this embodiment,
When designating an area in FIGS. 5 and 6, etc., instead of placing the original on the digitizer 17 and designating the area, the original is placed at the same position as when a normal scan is performed, and the area on the operation unit 6 is not set. Press the preview key shown. Then, the image read by the scanner unit 12 is written in the image memory 9 along the same path as in the scanning in the first embodiment. Then, the contents in the image memory 9 are moved to the image display unit 61 under the control of the control unit 5 and displayed as an image. Next, while observing this display image, the mouse 62 is used to designate an area on the image. Display the image like this,
Designating an area on the image is a technique commonly used in personal computers and will not be described in detail.

The second difference from the first embodiment is that the image data is directly sent from the image memory 9 to the external device in the first embodiment, whereas the hard disk 7 is provided in the present embodiment. The image data is moved from the image memory 9 to the hard disk 7 once, and the data read from the hard disk 7 is sent to the computer. According to this configuration, the hard disk 7 is required, and it takes time to move the data to the hard disk 7. However, after moving to the hard disk 7, the image memory 9 can be used for other purposes as described later. The advantage is that the occupation time of the image memory 9 can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the image memory 9 is composed of DRAM (dynamic RAM). The hard disk is non-volatile,
It has the advantages of a large capacity and a low price per byte. However, since a hard disk generally has a low access speed, it is not appropriate to use it as the image memory 9. On the other hand, since the DRAM forming the image memory 9 has a high access speed, it is suitable for use as the image memory 9. However, it is volatile and loses its memory contents when the power is turned off, and the price per byte is high. Therefore, a DRAM which is a volatile memory is used as an image memory that requires high speed, and a nonvolatile hard disk 7 is used as a memory that holds read data and data before printing. However, when a non-volatile high-speed memory appears in the future, the image memory 9 may be configured by the high-speed non-volatile memory.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the main control flow of this embodiment. First, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the reception list as the printer is empty. As will be described later, the reception list as a printer is a list for holding a print request when print data arrives from a computer. If this is not empty, it means that there are unprocessed print requests from the computer. means.

The data to be printed is held on the hard disk 7 as described later. Step S3
If the reception list is not empty in step 1, the process proceeds to step S32, the print data is moved from the hard disk 7 to the image memory 9, and the print operation is performed (step S33).
Next, in step S34, the print request for which the print operation has been completed is deleted from the reception list, and the print data on the hard disk 7 is also deleted.

On the other hand, if the reception list is empty in step S31, the flow advances to step S35 to determine whether or not either the scan start key or the copy start key on the operation unit 6 has been pressed, and both have been pressed. If not, the process returns to step S31. When the copy start key is pressed, the copy operation is performed in step S36 as in the first embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 10, area designation and parameter input at the time of copying are performed using the operation unit 6, the image display unit 61, and the mouse 62 as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when the scan key is pressed in step S35, the processes of steps S37 to S40 are performed according to the screen of FIG. 5 as in the first embodiment. Step S
The area designation at 37 is performed using the image display unit 61 and the mouse 62 instead of the digitizer 17. Step S
38 to S40 is step S of FIG. 1 of the first embodiment.
This is the same as the processing of 18 to S20. In step S41, the image data is written to the hard disk 7 instead of being read from the image memory 9 and sent to the computer. Then, it is registered in the transmission list together with the name of the other party. As will be described later, this transmission list is a list that holds information about untransmitted scan data. Immediately after the transfer to the hard disk 7, the process returns to step S31.

In the present embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, resolution conversion is performed by hardware in the image processing unit 14 when scanning is performed in step S40. Area processing, image type conversion, and file format conversion are processed by software when moving to the hard disk 7 in step S41.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining sub control in the present embodiment. The control software of the copying machine 1 operates in so-called multitasking, and a plurality of tasks seem to operate in parallel. The control flow of the main task has been described with reference to FIG. 10. In addition to this, the transmission task and the reception task described with reference to FIG. 11 are operating in parallel. First, the transmission task is in charge of transmitting scan data.

First, in step S51, it is determined whether or not the transmission list is empty. If the transmission list is empty, it means that there is no scan data to be transmitted, so step S51.
Return to On the other hand, if it is not empty, the image data is read from the hard disk 7 in step S52, divided into a plurality of packets, and sent to the designated output destination computer. If the sending is normally completed, the scan data is deleted from the sending list in step S53, the image data in the hard disk 7 is also deleted, and the process returns to step S51.

Although not shown in FIG. 11, if the transmission is unsuccessful, the data is not deleted from the list and is retried later. In this case, it is turned to the end of the list and processed so as not to retry until a fixed time has elapsed. When the destination computer to be transmitted is selected from the registration list on the screen 35 of FIG. 5, the destination computer may not be turned on. However, by having the retry system as described above, the scan operation can be executed in such a case, and the scan data can be sent as soon as the power of the destination computer is turned on. In addition to this, the other party's computer is used for other work and can be transferred later even when it is busy. Further, even if the receiving computer has a low reception speed, it is transferred to the hard disk 7 and then transferred, so that it can be sent slowly in the background, and other scanning, printing or copying processing can be performed in the meantime. You can

Next, the reception task takes charge of reception of print data.

First, in step S61, it is determined whether or not there is a reception request from the computer. If there is no reception request, the process returns to step S61, but if there is a reception request, the process proceeds to step S62, print data is received, the received data is written to the hard disk 7, and then added to the reception list in step S63.

As described above, the main task in charge of the print operation, the copy operation and the scan operation, the send task in charge of sending the scan data, and the receive task in charge of receiving the print data operate in parallel. , It is possible to perform the next scan operation, print operation or copy operation while transmitting scan data, or to perform the scan operation, print operation or copy operation while receiving print data. It is possible to reduce the occupancy time of the device at the time of performing the operation, effectively utilize each function, and significantly improve the operation rate of the system.

Although the operation unit 6 and the image display unit 61 are separately configured in this embodiment, various operations may be performed using the image display unit 61 and the mouse 62.
With such a configuration, a graphical user interface can be realized and operability can be significantly improved.
For example, by scrolling and displaying the list display shown in FIG. 5 or the like, it is possible to eliminate the limitation on the number of items that can be displayed. However, the configuration like this embodiment has an advantage that the image display unit 61 and the mouse 62 can be made optional.

Further, in the first and second embodiments described above,
Although a basic portion such as a scanner portion and a printer portion and an additional portion such as an image memory are integrally formed, they are separated into an image reading device and an image processing device as in a third embodiment described later. The same effect can be achieved also in the case of doing so.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15.

The image reading apparatus and the image reading system according to the present embodiment are the same as the image reading apparatus (copying machine) 1 according to the first embodiment, which is a copying machine 1-which is an apparatus for actually reading an image. 2 differs from the first embodiment only in the point that it is configured by being separated into 2 and the image processing apparatus 1-1, and the method of sending the image to the computer. For this reason, in the present embodiment, instead of FIGS.
3 will be described with reference to FIG. 15 and the difference will be mainly described.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a copying machine 1-2 and an image processing apparatus 1-1 which constitute an image reading system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The first difference from the first embodiment is that the copying machine 1 in the first embodiment is
This is a point where the copying machine 1-2 and the image processing apparatus 1-1 are separated. The scanner unit 12, the printer unit 15, the operation unit 6, and the digitizer 17, which is an area designating unit, are arranged on the copying machine 1-2 side. On the other hand, the image memory 73, the hard disk 7, the external communication circuit 4, etc. are arranged on the image processing apparatus side. In this way, the copier 1 is configured separately.
-2 is used as a single copying machine, the image memory 73,
This is because the hard disk 7 and the external communication circuit 4 are unnecessary and the cost is increased. Therefore, when the copying machine 1-2 is used as a single copying machine, only the copying machine 1-2 is configured. On the other hand, when the copying machine 1-2 is also used as a scanner or a printer, the image processing device 1-1 is added. With such a configuration, it is possible to simplify the configuration and reduce the cost when the copying machine is used alone, and it becomes easy to supply products according to the wishes of the user.

The second difference from the first embodiment is that the scanned image data 16 is transferred to a FIFO (First In).
First Out) Memory 71 is written, and the written data is read by control unit 5 and written in image memory 73, and at the time of printing, control unit 5 reads image data from image memory 73. Write to the FIFO memory 71,
The point is that the data read from the memory is sent to the copying machine 1-2 as the image data 11. The capacity of the FIFO memory 71 is about one line or several lines, and is controlled so that reading is performed before the FIFO memory 71 is full by writing. Such a structure can be realized when the processing speed on the CPU bus 8 side is sufficiently higher than the transfer speed on the image data 11, 16 side which is a video signal. With such a configuration, the image memory 73 can be realized with the same configuration as a normal memory accessed by the CPU, and an address corresponding to the image synchronization signal is generated and data writing / reading is performed in synchronization with this. The advantage is that it is not necessary and the circuit is simple. Further, since the FIFO memory 71 does not need an address, it is easy to control.

A third difference from the first embodiment is that the hard disk 7 is provided and the scanned data is moved to the hard disk 7 as in the second embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the image memory 73 is composed of a volatile DRAM.

FIG. 13 shows the copying machine 1 in this embodiment.
2 shows a message displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22 in the operation unit 6 in the copying machine 1-2 when -2 is used as a scanner. FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 5 in the first embodiment and has many common points, so only different points will be described. In the figure, screens 81 to 84 are the same as the screens 31 to 34 of FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment. On the screen 85 and below, instead of designating the computer to be sent and its subdirectory, the image processing apparatus 1-1 for writing
The subdirectory and the file name in the internal hard disk 7 are designated. First, on the screen 85, the image processing device 1-1
The subdirectory of the hard disk 7 of is selected. A default directory is displayed on the first screen 85, and when another directory is selected, the screen moves to that directory and the screen 85 is displayed again. Next, when the current directory is selected, the screen 86 is displayed. On the screen 86, the file name is input. In the case of the present embodiment, some candidate names are automatically displayed and one of them is selected, but a keyboard or the like may be provided and the file name may be directly input using the keyboard. . When a list display is selected on the screen 86, the screen moves to a screen 87, and a list of image files in the current directory is displayed, and it is possible to select from the list. In this case, the existing scan image is overwritten. Next, the screen 88 becomes a final instruction screen as to whether or not to scan. The document is placed on a document table (not shown), the scanning is instructed to start reading the image, and the image of the instructed area, file format, image size, and resolution is displayed in the image processing device 1-1.
It is sent to the designated directory in the internal hard disk 7 with the designated file name, and the screen returns to the standard screen.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining the main control flow of this embodiment. Since the control flow of the present embodiment is similar to the control flow of the second embodiment, only the differences from FIG. 10, which is the control flowchart according to the second embodiment, will be described. First, the processing of steps S71 to S80 is performed according to the second embodiment shown in FIG.
This is the same as the processing of steps S31 to S40 of 0. The step S81 is the same as the second embodiment in that the image data is read from the image memory and written in the hard disk 7, except that it is not registered in the transmission list. That is, immediately after the data transfer to the hard disk 7 is completed, the process returns to step S71.

In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the resolution conversion is performed by the image processing unit 14 by hardware when the scan is performed in step S70. In addition, area processing, image type conversion and file format conversion
When moving to the hard disk 7 in step S71, it is processed by software.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining the sub control of this embodiment. Since the control flow of this embodiment is similar to the control flow of the second embodiment, it is a control flowchart of the second embodiment.
Only the differences from 1 will be described. First, regarding the transmission task, in the second embodiment, after the scan is performed, the task is automatically registered in the transmission list and is automatically transmitted to the computer based on the registration. However, in the second embodiment, The difference is that the data is sent to the computer in response to a request from the computer.

First, in step S91, it is determined whether or not there is a scan data transmission request from the computer.
If there is no transmission request, the process returns to step S91. If there is a transmission request, the process proceeds to step S92, and the requested scan data is transmitted to the computer that has made the transmission request. After the transmission is completed, the image data is deleted from the hard disk 7 in step S93.

On the other hand, for the receiving task, step S9
The processing of 5 to S97 is the same as the processing of steps S61 to S63 of FIG. 11 according to the second embodiment.

As described above, by moving the data to the hard disk 7 during the scanning operation by the operation unit 6, the image memory 73 can be released quickly, and the same effect as the second embodiment can be obtained. it can.

Further, the transfer to the computer based on the instruction from the computer brings about an advantage that the image data can be downloaded at a time convenient for the computer.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image reading device 1-2 and the image processing device 1-1 have been described as separate devices, but they are integrated as in the first and second embodiments. You may. In the present embodiment, the area is specified using the digitizer 17 on the screen 81 of FIG. 13, but an image display unit and a mouse are provided as in the second embodiment, and the area is specified using these. You may do it.
Further, at this time, the area is designated on the screen 81, and the scan of the present embodiment is performed on the screen 88. However, after changing the order and performing the scan to hold the image data in the image memory 73, Data for display may be created from the image data, and the area may be designated while viewing the display. In this case, after the area is designated, the image data corresponding to the designated area is written in the hard disk 7.

Further, in this embodiment, the copying machine 1-1 is used.
The area, resolution, image type,
Although the format is instructed, some or all of these may be instructed from the host computer side. For example, the maximum original size of 40
The processing to store the RGB raw data of 0 (dpi) in a compressed form is performed by an instruction from the operation unit 6, and other instructions are performed by the own computer, and the copy machine 1 is designated based on the instruction. It can also be configured to be converted to a different area, resolution, image type, format and sent to the host computer. In this case, if you need data with different areas, resolutions, image types, and formats,
The advantage is that there is no need to rescan.

In the second and third embodiments, the specified area, resolution, image type and format are converted before writing to the hard disk 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the hard disk 7 is not limited to this. Keep it in another form and specify the resolution, image type, and
It may be configured to convert to a format. For example, the hard disk may be held at a resolution of 400 (dpi) and converted to a specified resolution when sent to a computer. In this case, it is necessary to perform rescanning when data with a different resolution is required. There is an advantage that there is no. The hard disk 7 may be held in a compressed format and converted into a specified format when sent to a computer. In this case, the file capacity required when holding the hard disk 7 can be reduced. Produces the advantage of.

Further, in the second and third embodiments, the image data is automatically deleted after being transferred to the computer, but this may not be deleted. Also,
The old one may be deleted after a certain time has passed, or the old one may be deleted when the number of scanned images exceeds a certain number. Alternatively, it may be manually erased.

In the second and third embodiments, one scan image is created on the hard disk 7, but a plurality of scan images may be created automatically. For example, a high-resolution image and a low-resolution image may be created for one image, and the low-resolution image may be sent. The computer side can use this low-resolution image to edit the image, obtain a high-resolution image as needed, and replace it with a low-resolution image for use.

In the first, second and third embodiments, the resolution conversion is performed by hardware, and the image type conversion and the file format conversion are performed by software. However, the resolution conversion is performed by software. Alternatively, the image type conversion and the file format conversion may be performed by hardware. Especially the third
In the form, the resolution conversion is performed by the image reading device (copier) 1
The -2 side performs the conversion of the image type and the conversion of the file format on the side of the image processing apparatus 1-1, but this may be moved to each other.

Further, in the first, second and third embodiments, the image memory is configured to be able to hold the RGB data obtained by resolution-converting the image of the maximum original size, but this is designated. It may be configured to hold only the area. Further, it is also possible to hold the data which is not resolution-converted and perform the resolution conversion by software later. Further, the image type may be converted by hardware and the image data corresponding to the designated image type may be held.

In the first, second and third embodiments, the system composed of the image reading device and the computer connected by the local area network has been described. It may be a wide area network that connects domestic branches. In this case, for example, it becomes possible to directly send the data from the scanner at the A branch to the computer at the B branch.

Further, in the first, second and third embodiments, the case where the scanned image data is sent to the computer connected by the network has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of network-connected computers can be used. It may be configured to send to one of the printers.

In the first, second and third embodiments, the scanner and printer have been described, but other devices may be used as long as they are devices for inputting and outputting image data.
For example, a film reader, a film recorder, or the like may be used. Particularly in the case of a film reader, since many processes are performed on the reading device side, such as setting a film and specifying a film type, the effect of applying the present invention is great. Further, there is a product that realizes a film scanner function by adding a film project device to a copying machine. In such a product, it is necessary to set the film projector on the reading device side, and the present invention is applied. The effect of the case is even greater.

As described above in the description of the embodiments of the invention, according to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, an image is read and input as image data, and an external device as an output destination is designated. And instructed to output,
The input image data is discontinuously output as a plurality of packets.

According to the image reading apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, a specific area of the image is designated, and the image data corresponding to the designated area is output.

According to the image reading apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, the image processing mode is designated, the input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing based on the designated image processing mode, and output. To be done.

According to the image reading apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the copy processing mode designating means also serves as at least one of the output destination designating means and the output designating means, and the copy area designating means also serves as the area designating means. The copy image processing means is also used as the image processing means, and an image is formed based on the input image data and the copy processing is performed.

According to the image reading device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, a list for recognizing the external device connected to the network is displayed, and the external device of the output destination is designated from the displayed list. It

According to the image reading device of claim 6 of the present invention, a list for recognizing the external device registered in advance is displayed, and the external device of the output destination is designated from the displayed list. .

According to the image reading apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the subdirectory of the external device is designated.

According to the image reading apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the file format is designated, and the inputted image data is converted into the designated file format and outputted.

According to the image reading apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the image data held in the additional holding means is read and output.

According to the image reading system of the tenth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, an image is read and inputted as image data, and the image data is moved to the memory means based on the movement instruction, held, and held. In response to a request from the external device, the generated image data is transferred to the external device related to the request.

According to the twelfth aspect of the image reading system of the present invention, the image data moved to the memory means is the first image data.
Once held in the memory, the held image data is moved again to the second non-volatile memory and held therein.

According to the image reading system of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a specific area of the image is designated, and the image data corresponding to the designated area is held in the memory means.

According to the image reading system of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the copy processing mode designating means is also used as the movement designating means, and the copy area designating means is also used as the area designating means, so that the input image data is An image is formed on the basis of this and a copying process is performed.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the image reading system of the present invention, the subdirectory of the memory means and the file name are designated, and the image data moved from the image reading device is designated in the designated subdirectory. Held in.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the image reading system of the present invention, the file format is designated, and the image data moved from the image reading apparatus is held in the designated file format.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the image reading system of the present invention, the image processing mode is designated, the input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing based on the designated image processing mode, and the memory is stored. Moved to means.

[0115]

According to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect,
In an image reading apparatus having a connecting unit for connecting to a network composed of a plurality of external devices, the image reading unit for inputting an image as read image data and the external device to which the input image data is output are the plurality of external devices. Output destination designating means for designating from the device, output instructing means for instructing to output the input image data, and a plurality of the input image data to the designated external device according to the instruction. Since the output means for discontinuously outputting as a packet is provided, it is possible to collectively perform the operation on the image reading device side, and reduce the frequency of the operator moving between the image reading device and the external device. Therefore, the operation related to the image reading device is smooth and easy.

According to the image reading apparatus of the second aspect, since a specific area of the image is designated and the image data corresponding to the designated area is output, a desired image area can be output.

Further, according to the image reading apparatus of the third aspect, the image processing mode is designated, the input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing based on the designated image processing mode, and is output. Therefore, image data subjected to desired image processing can be output.

According to the image reading apparatus of the fourth aspect, the copy processing mode designating means is also used as at least one of the output destination designating means and the output designating means, and the copy area designating means is also used as the area designating means. In addition, the copy image processing means is also used as the image processing means, an image is formed based on the input image data, and the copy processing is performed.
The configuration of the image reading device can be simplified.

Further, according to the image reading apparatus of the fifth aspect, the list for recognizing the external device connected to the network is displayed, and the external device of the output destination is designated from the displayed list. , It becomes easy to specify the output destination external device.

According to the image reading apparatus of claim 6, a list for recognizing the external device registered in advance is displayed, and the external device of the output destination is designated from the displayed list. This makes it easy to specify the output destination external device.

Furthermore, according to the image reading apparatus of the seventh aspect, since the subdirectory of the external device is designated, it is possible to output to the desired subdirectory.

According to the image reading apparatus of the eighth aspect, since the file format is designated and the inputted image data is converted into the designated file format and outputted, it can be outputted in a desired file format.

Further, according to the image reading apparatus of the ninth aspect, since the image data held in the additional holding means is read out and output, the image data output operation is performed asynchronously with the image reading and forming operation and the like. Therefore, the time occupied by the image reading device can be reduced. As a result, the functions and additional functions of the external device and the image reading device can be more effectively utilized.

According to a tenth aspect of the image reading system, an image reading means for inputting an image as read image data, a movement instructing means for instructing movement of the input image data, and the input based on the instruction. An image reading system including an image reading apparatus including a moving unit that moves image data, and an image processing apparatus including a memory unit for holding the moved image data and a communication unit with an external device. The image processing apparatus includes a transfer unit that transfers the image data held in the memory unit to an external device relating to the request in response to the request from the external device. On the other hand, it can be made to function organically, and the operation relating to the image reading system becomes smooth and easy.

According to the image reading system of claim 11, an image reading means for inputting an image as read image data, a movement instructing means for instructing movement of the input image data, and the input based on the instruction. An image reading system in which an image reading apparatus including a moving unit that moves image data, a plurality of external devices, and an image processing apparatus including a memory unit for holding the moved image data are connected to a network. Then, the plurality of external devices include transfer requesting means for requesting transfer of image data from the memory means, and the image processing device transfers the image data held in the memory means from the plurality of external devices. The image reading device is provided with an organic device with respect to the external device, because the transfer device transfers the image reading device to the external device according to the request. Can be made to function, the operation related to the image reading system is smooth, facilitated.

Further, according to the image reading system of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, after the image data moved to the memory means is once held in the first memory, the held image data is next stored in the second memory. Since it is relocated to the non-volatile memory and held, the occupied time of the operation of the first memory is shortened, other functions such as the next scan operation can be promptly used, and the additional function is more effective. It is possible to make full use of it.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the image reading system of the present invention, a specific area of the image is designated and the image data corresponding to the designated area is held in the memory means. Can hold.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the image reading system of the present invention, the copy processing mode designating means is also used as the movement designating means, and the copy area designating means is also used as the area designating means. Since an image is formed and a copy process is performed based on the above, the system configuration can be simplified.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the image reading system of the present invention, the subdirectory of the memory means and the file name are designated, and the image data moved from the image reading device is designated in the designated subdirectory. Since the image data is stored under the name, the image data can be stored under the desired name at the desired output destination.

Further, according to the image reading system of claim 16 of the present invention, the file format is designated,
Since the image data moved from the image reading device is held in the designated file format, the image data can be held in a desired format.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the image reading system of the present invention, the image processing mode is designated, and the input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing based on the designated image processing mode, Since the data is moved to the memory means, the image data subjected to the desired image processing can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining network connection according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image reading apparatus according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an operation unit according to first, second and third modes of implementation;
It is an external view of a digitizer.

FIG. 5 is a transition diagram of display contents on the display unit 22 during a scan operation according to the first, second, and third embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a transition diagram of display contents on the display panel when the copy area is designated in the copy processing operation according to the first, second and third embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the image processing unit 14 according to the first, second, and third embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining packet communication with a computer according to the first, second, and third embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of transmission task and reception task processing according to the image reading apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an image reading device and an image processing device which constitute an image reading system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a display content transition diagram of the display unit 22 during a scan operation according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of transmission task and reception task processing according to the image reading apparatus of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Image Reading Device (Copier) 1-1 Image Processing Device 1-2 Image Reading Device (Copier) 2A to 2E Computer (External Device) 4 External Communication Circuit 5 Control Unit 6 Operation Unit 7 Hard Disk 9 Image Memory 12 Scanner Unit 14 image processing unit 15 printer unit 17 digitizer 21 function key 22 liquid crystal display unit 24 copy start key 61 image display unit 62 mouse 71 FIFO memory 72 control unit 73 image memory

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus comprising a connecting means for connecting to a network composed of a plurality of external devices,
Image reading means for reading an image and inputting it as image data; output destination designating means for designating an output destination external device of the input image data from the plurality of external devices; and outputting the input image data. And an output unit that outputs the input image data to the specified external device as a plurality of packets discontinuously according to the instruction. Reader. 2. An area specifying means for specifying a specific area of the image is provided, and the output means outputs image data corresponding to the specified area.
An image reading device according to claim 1. 3. An image processing mode designating means for designating an image processing mode, and an image processing means for subjecting the input image data to a predetermined image processing based on the designated image processing mode, the output. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means outputs the image data subjected to the image processing. 4. An image forming means for forming an image on the basis of the input image data, and a copy processing means for copying the formed image, wherein the copy processing means sets a copy processing mode. A copy processing mode designating means which designates and simultaneously uses at least one of the output destination designating means and the output designating means, a copy area designating means which designates an image area related to the copy processing and also serves as the area designating means, and 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of copy image processing means which performs a predetermined image processing on the image data related to the copy processing and also serves as the image processing means. Image reading device. 5. The output destination designating means comprises a display means for displaying a list for recognizing an external device connected to the network, and designating an output destination external device from the displayed list. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: 6. The output destination designating means comprises a registration means for registering an external device in advance, and a display means for displaying a list for recognizing the registered external device. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an external device of an output destination is designated from the inside. 7. The external device has a function of grouping and managing data files, and the output destination designating means is a directory designating means capable of designating a subdirectory of the designated external device. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device is provided. 8. A file format designating unit for designating a file format, wherein the output unit converts the input image data into the designated file format before outputting the image data.
The image reading device according to any one of items 1 to 7. 9. The holding means used for the image inputting operation by the image reading means, the image forming operation by the image forming means, and the image copying processing operation by the copying processing means is configured separately and holds the input image data. 9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an additional holding unit that reads the image data held by the additional holding unit and outputs the image data. 10. An image reading means for inputting an image as read image data, a movement instructing means for instructing movement of the input image data, and a moving means for moving the input image data based on the instruction. An image reading system comprising: an image reading device provided; and an image processing device having a memory means for holding the moved image data and a communication means for communicating with an external device,
An image reading system characterized in that the image processing apparatus comprises a transfer means for transferring the image data held in the memory means to an external device relating to the request in response to the request from the external device. 11. An image reading means for inputting an image as read image data, a movement instructing means for instructing a movement of the input image data, and a moving means for moving the input image data based on the instruction. An image reading system in which an image reading apparatus including the image reading apparatus, a plurality of external apparatuses, and an image processing apparatus including a memory unit for holding the moved image data are connected to a network, wherein the plurality of external apparatuses are provided. Is provided with transfer requesting means for requesting transfer of image data from the memory means, and the image processing apparatus responds to the image data held in the memory means in response to a request from the plurality of external devices. An image reading system comprising a transfer means for transferring to an external device. 12. The memory means comprises at least a first memory and a second non-volatile memory, and after the moved image data is once held in the first memory, the held image data is stored next. The image reading system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the image reading system is moved to the second non-volatile memory and held again. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising area specifying means for specifying a specific area of the image, wherein the memory means holds image data corresponding to the specified area. The image reading system according to item 1. 14. An image forming means for forming an image based on image data input by the image reading means, and a copy processing means for copying the formed image, wherein the copy processing means is a copy. And at least one of a copy processing mode designating means for designating a processing mode and also functioning as the movement designating means, and a copy area designating means for designating an image area relating to the copy processing and also serving as the area designating means. 14. The method according to claims 10 to 13,
The image reading system according to any one of 1. 15. The memory means has a function of grouping and managing data files, and the image reading device has a storage destination designating means for designating a subdirectory and a file name of the memory means. The image data moved from the image reading device is held in the designated subdirectory with the designated file name.
4. The image reading system according to any one of 4 above. 16. The image reading device comprises file format specifying means for specifying a file format, and the memory means holds the image data moved from the image reading device in the specified file format. The image reading system according to any one of claims 10 to 15. 17. The image reading device comprises image processing mode designating means for designating an image processing mode, and image processing means for subjecting the input image data to predetermined image processing based on the designated image processing mode. 17. The image reading system according to claim 10, further comprising: moving the image data that has been subjected to the image processing to the memory means.