JPH10126533A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve considerably the registration and deletion of the load of a common form image and print data by registering or deleting altogether format original image data and print data or the like to/from all image processing units connected to the system. SOLUTION: A format original is read by any of connected image forming devices, and the format original image data or print data obtained thereby are automatically registered to a designated image forming device 1 among the image forming devices 1, and any of the image forming devices 1 is controlled to delete the format original image data and the print data registered in the other image forming device 1 by the remote control method.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system in which digital image signals are handled, for example, a digital copier, a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image processing system which connects digital image signals, for example, a digital copying machine, a scanner, a printer, a facsimile, etc.
Conventionally, an "image processing system" disclosed in JP-A-5-37681, an "image processing apparatus and an image processing system" disclosed in JP-A-5-225327, and JP-A-7-1604
For example, a "distributed copying system" disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 49 has been proposed. In this case, in an "image processing system" disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-37681, a first image processing apparatus 2 having a first operation panel 201 as shown in the image diagram of FIG.
02 and a second image processing apparatus 203 that can activate the first image processing apparatus 202.
00 and a first operation panel 201 as shown in FIG.
A first control state in which the first image forming apparatus 202 can be activated by the first image forming apparatus 202, a second control state in which the first image processing apparatus 202 can be activated only by the second image processing apparatus 203, and a first operation panel 2
And a third control state in which the first image processing apparatus 202 can be started from any one of the first and second image processing apparatuses 203. Has been improved. In the "image processing apparatus and image processing system" disclosed in JP-A-5-225327, as shown in FIG.
For a copier 205 as a forming apparatus, a video adapter 206A connected to three image processing apparatuses, that is, a video apparatus 206 such as a VTR, an editing apparatus 208 having an operation unit 207, and a host computer via an interface 209 210 and an image memory device 211 for transferring image information,
14 to form an image processing system 204 connected in series, the image read from the image memory is also input to the synthesizing circuit, and each image signal is switched and synthesized according to a signal for controlling synthesis switching. By generating output image data, sending the output image data to the printer unit of the copying machine 205 and printing out the image data, a plurality of image processing apparatuses can be connected to the image reading / forming apparatus, thereby enhancing the expandability of the system. It is possible to combine output data and read data of each image processing apparatus. In the "distributed copying system" disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-160449, each of the job receiving units 217a to 217a is controlled by the job control unit 216 as shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the job passed from 217m is a form overlay job. If the job is a form overlay job, a job division request is issued to the job division unit 218, and the data corresponding to the job A and
B, and the obtained data is processed by an appropriate one of the job processing units 219 and 220.
21 to the job processing units 219 and 2
The data corresponding to A and the data corresponding to B obtained in step 20 are combined, and the job output units 222a to 222n
When the form overlay is specified by outputting the composite data from the, the form overlay job is divided into a plurality of jobs, the optimal processing is applied to each of these jobs, and the processing results are combined to output the output result. The reliability is high.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional image processing systems, in each case, each image processing apparatus having an image reading function and an image data output function is connected using a communication line or the like. Function can be distributed, and one image processing device can control the activation of other image processing devices. However, format original image data and print data can be registered collectively, Since deletion processing and transfer processing cannot be performed on other image processing apparatuses, when registering one format document image data or the like, it is necessary to perform registration processing of a document to be subjected to format registration for each image processing apparatus. However, there is a problem that operability is poor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. According to claim 1, format original image data, print data, and the like are collectively registered or deleted in all connected image processing apparatuses. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system capable of greatly reducing labor for registering / deleting common form images and print data. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to collectively register or delete format original image data and print data in an arbitrary designated image processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system capable of greatly reducing labor for registering / deleting image data and print data. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the registered document image data, print data, and the like are collectively transferred to another image processing apparatus and can be registered, so that the registration work for the newly added image processing apparatus can be saved. To provide an image processing system that can perform a data backup operation by transferring data to another image processing apparatus when a failed image processing apparatus is removed from the system. And In claim 4,
When registering format original image data or print data in all or any connected image forming devices,
Check the free space on the image forming apparatus to be registered, and issue a warning if the free space is insufficient.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system capable of preventing the interruption accident during registration due to lack of free space by interrupting or canceling the registration process. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when registering format original image data or print data in all or an arbitrary connected image forming apparatus, the free space on the image forming apparatus to be registered is checked. When the capacity is insufficient, a warning is issued, and based on the operation performed by the operator who has recognized the warning, the registered original image data and print data are deleted, and then the registration process is started. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system capable of avoiding registration failure due to insufficient free space. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when registering format original image data or print data in all or any connected image forming apparatuses, the free space of the image forming apparatus to be registered is checked. When the capacity is insufficient, a warning is issued by displaying the usage frequency of the already registered format document image data and print data, etc., and based on the contents of this warning and the operation of the operator who has recognized the displayed content, the registration is already performed. By starting the registration process after deleting the formatted original image data, print data, etc., it is easy to select the deletion target candidate to be performed by the operator, and it is possible to avoid registration failure due to insufficient free space. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system capable of performing such operations.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are exchanged between these image forming apparatuses. In the image processing system, which is transferred to the designated image forming apparatus and output from the designated image forming apparatus,
The image data and the print data obtained by one of the image forming apparatuses can be freely registered in all the linked image forming apparatuses, and the image data registered in all the linked image forming apparatuses by one of the image forming apparatuses. The print data can be deleted freely. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. The image data and print data obtained by one of the image forming apparatuses can be freely registered in a selected one of the linked image forming apparatuses. It is characterized in that image data and print data registered in any selected one of the connected image forming apparatuses can be freely deleted. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the respective image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. The image data and print data registered in one of the image forming apparatuses are collectively transferred to a selected one of the connected image forming apparatuses, and the image data and print data are transferred to each of the image forming apparatuses. The feature is that registration is free. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. When registering image data and print data obtained by one of the image forming apparatuses in all or any connected image forming apparatuses,
It checks the free space of the image forming device to be registered, and when the free space is insufficient, warns of the lack of free space and stops or interrupts the registration of image data and print data. I have. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the respective image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. When registering image data and print data obtained by one of the image forming apparatuses in all or any of the connected image forming apparatuses, check the free space of the image forming apparatus to be registered, and check the free space. When there is a shortage, after warning the lack of free space, based on the operation contents of the operator, one of the already registered image data and print data is deleted, and the image data and print data are registered. It is characterized by: Further, in claim 6, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data,
In an image processing system in which print data is mutually transferred and output from a designated image forming apparatus, image data and print data obtained by one of the image forming apparatuses are connected to all or any connected image forming apparatuses. Check the free space of the image forming device to be registered when registering, and if the free space is insufficient, the amount of free space is insufficient, along with the contents of the already registered image data and the frequency of use of print data. Is warned, and any one of the already registered image data and print data is deleted based on the operation contents of the operator, and the image data and print data are registered.

According to the first aspect, a common form image can be registered or deleted by collectively registering or deleting format original image data, print data, and the like in all linked image processing apparatuses. Significantly saves the work of registering / deleting print data. According to a second aspect of the present invention, format original image data, print data, and the like are collectively registered or deleted in an arbitrary specified image processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus, so that common format original image data and Significant labor saving for registration / deletion of print data. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the registered document image data, print data, and the like are collectively transferred to another image processing apparatus and can be registered, so that the registration work for the newly added image processing apparatus can be saved. In addition, when a failed image processing apparatus or the like is removed from the system, the data is transferred to another image processing apparatus to facilitate the data backup operation. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when registering format original image data or print data in all or any connected image forming apparatuses, the free space of the image forming apparatus to be registered is checked. When the capacity is insufficient, a warning is issued and the registration process is interrupted or stopped, so that an interruption accident during registration due to insufficient free capacity does not occur. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when registering format original image data or print data in all or an arbitrary connected image forming apparatus, the free space on the image forming apparatus to be registered is checked. When the capacity is insufficient, a warning is issued, and based on the operation performed by the operator who has recognized the warning, the registered original image data and print data are deleted, and then the registration process is started. This prevents registration failure due to lack of free space. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when registering format original image data or print data in all or any connected image forming apparatuses, the free space of the image forming apparatus to be registered is checked. When the capacity is insufficient, a warning is issued by displaying the usage frequency of the already registered format document image data and print data, etc., and based on the contents of this warning and the operation of the operator who has recognized the displayed content, the registration is already performed. By starting the registration process after deleting the formatted original image data, print data, and the like, the selection of the deletion target candidate to be performed by the operator is facilitated, and the registration failure due to insufficient free space is avoided.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus used in an example of an image processing system according to the present invention. Image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
A device housing 2 formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, an automatic document feeder 3 provided on an upper portion of the device housing 2, an image reading device 4 provided on an upper side of the device housing 2, The apparatus includes an image forming device 5 provided below the housing 2, an operation device 6 provided above the device housing 2, and a paper feeding device 7 provided below the inside of the device housing 2. Operation device 6
When a format setting instruction or the like is input while a connection instruction with another image forming apparatus 1 is specified by
By registering or deleting format original data and print synthesizing data in all connected image forming apparatuses 1 at a time, the work of registering / deleting common form images and the like is greatly reduced. Hereinafter, the automatic document feeder 3, the image reading device 4, the operating device 6, the image forming device 5, and the paper feeding device 7 constituting the image forming apparatus 1 will be sequentially described in detail. The automatic document feeder 3 includes a feeder housing 8 provided on the upper portion of the device housing 2 so as to be openable and closable, a document table 9 provided on the upper portion of the feeder housing 8, and a document set on the document table 9. A document set detection sensor 10 for detecting the originals, a feed roller 11 for taking in the documents set on the document table 9 one by one, and a plurality of rollers 1
A feeding mechanism 14 configured to feed a document, which is constituted by the feeding roller 10 and the feeding belt 10, onto a contact glass 17 on the device housing 2 side, and the image is read on the contact glass 17. A delivery roller 16 for taking in the document conveyed later by the feeding mechanism 14 and discharging it onto a paper discharge unit 15 formed on the upper part of the feeder housing 2; A control unit 102 (see FIG. 5) for performing a process for controlling the number of transmitted documents, a process for controlling the number of sent documents,
Under the control of the control unit 102, a transport motor 103 (see FIG. 5) for driving the feed roller 10 to the discharge roller 16 is provided.

When a document feed instruction is output from the image forming device 5, the documents placed on the document table 9 are fetched one by one and placed on a contact glass 17 provided in the image reading device 4. After the document is guided and the image is read, the process of transporting the document again and discharging the document onto the paper discharge unit 15 is repeated. Further, the image reading device 4 is inserted into an opening formed in the upper part of the device housing 2, and the contact glass 17 is opened and closed by the automatic document feeder 3.
A guide rail (not shown) arranged in the device housing 2 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction.
A first carriage 18 that is driven to run at a first speed according to the magnification, a light source 19 that is arranged on the first carriage 18 and illuminates a document placed on the contact glass 17, A first mirror 20 disposed on the first carriage 18 for reflecting light (optical image) from the document; Further, the image reading device 4 has a guide rail (not shown) arranged in the device housing 2.
, So that it is movable in the sub-scanning direction, so that the optical path length when reading a document is constant even when the first carriage 18 moves, so that the speed is half of the first speed (second speed).
A second carriage 21 that is driven to travel by the first carriage, second and third mirrors 22 and 23 that are disposed on the second carriage 21 and reflect the optical image reflected from the first mirror 20, and A lens 24 that is movably disposed and is adjusted to a position corresponding to focus, magnification, and the like, and condenses an optical image emitted from the third mirror 23; CCD image sensor 2 that receives an optical image adjusted by a position corresponding to a magnification and the like and condensed by lens 24 and converts the optical image into an electric signal (image signal)
5 is provided.

When an image reading command is output from the image forming device 5, the lens 2 is changed according to the reading magnification and the reading range.
4, the position of the CCD image sensor 25 is moved in the left-right direction (sub-scanning direction) to adjust the position, and then the first carriage 18 and the second carriage 18 are turned on with the light source 19 of the first carriage 18 turned on. 21 in the sub-scanning direction at the first and second speeds, respectively.
7. While capturing the image of the original placed on 7, the lens 24 condenses the image on the CCD image sensor 25,
An image signal is generated and supplied to the image creating device 5.
The operating device 6 includes an LCD display (liquid crystal display) 26 disposed on the upper portion of the device housing 2 so as to be longer in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. By LC
A touch panel 27 that detects when the D display 26 is touched and generates touch position information;
The keyboard has a numeric keypad 28, an initial setting key 29, a mode clear key 30, a clear / stop key 31, a print key 32 and the like arranged on the right side of the display 26, and a microprocessor as shown in FIG. A main controller 9 disposed on the upper side in the housing 2 and connected to the image forming apparatus 5 via an I / O port
4 while performing communication with the display controller 4 and taking in display instruction commands and status information output from the main controller 94.
A process for displaying this on the LCD display 26, a process for detecting the key operated by processing the touch position information on the touch panel 27, a process for detecting the operation content of the keyboard 33, and transmitting the processing results to the main controller 94 And an operation unit 34 for performing processing and the like.

When the main controller 94 outputs a normal copy display screen instruction indicating that only one device operates, the operation unit 34 fetches the instruction and displays it on the LCD display 26 as shown in FIG. 3
5, two density change instruction keys 36, automatic paper selection key 3
8, three paper size instruction keys 39, scaling instruction key 4
0, a sort instruction key 41, a staple instruction key 42, a format original instruction key 43, a double-side instruction key 44, an aggregation instruction key 45, and the like are displayed. When the main controller 94 outputs a linked display screen instruction indicating that the image forming apparatus 1 is to be operated as a master apparatus and the other image forming apparatus 1 is operated as a slave apparatus, the operation section 34 captures the instruction and displays the instruction on the LCD. As shown in FIG. 4, an automatic density instruction key 46, a density change instruction key 4
7, automatic paper selection key 48, paper size instruction key 49,
A scaling instruction key 51, a sort instruction key 52, a staple instruction key 53, a format original instruction key 54, a double-side instruction key 55, an aggregation instruction key 56, a connection instruction key 57, a print stamp instruction key 37, and the like are displayed. In this state, if the display surface of the LCD display 26 is touched by the operator, this is detected by the touch panel 27, and the touch position information is displayed by the operation unit 34 while highlighting the key at the touched position. In addition to generating the key signal (operation information) corresponding to the touch position by processing this, the main controller 94
To supply.

As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feeder 7 is housed in the apparatus housing 2 so as to be able to protrude and retract, and first to third paper feed trays 58 in which transfer papers 61 of specified sizes are stored. ~
60 and the intermittent operation of the first to third paper feed clutches 99 to 101 (see FIG. 5) provided for the first to third paper feed trays 58 to 60, respectively. ~
The intermediate clutch 60 includes first to third paper feed units 62 to 64 for taking out each transfer paper 61 stored in the intermediate paper 60, an intermediate clutch 98 (see FIG. 5) that operates intermittently, and a plurality of transport rollers 65. By the intermittent operation of 98, the first
A vertical transport unit 66 for transporting the transfer paper 61 taken out by the third paper feed units 58 to 60 upward, and the transfer paper 61 transported by the vertical transport unit 66 are taken in, and the image forming apparatus 5 is timed. And a registration roller 67 that supplies the transfer paper 61 of the designated size among the transfer papers 61 of the respective sizes stored in the first to third paper feed trays 58 to 60 when performing the printing operation. The transfer paper 61 is taken out and conveyed upward, and the transfer paper 61 is supplied to the image forming apparatus 5 at the timing when the leading end of the toner image formed on the photoconductor 79 reaches the paper transfer position.

The image forming apparatus 5 includes a writing optical unit 68 for writing an optical image based on an image signal output from the image reading apparatus 4 as shown in FIG. 1, and a transfer paper 61 on which an image has been formed once. A reversing unit 69 for reversing the front and back, a visualizing unit 70 for visualizing the optical image generated by the writing optical unit 68 as a toner image,
A paper transfer unit 71 for transferring the toner image visualized by the visualization unit 70 to the transfer paper 61 taken out by the paper feeding device 7, and a transfer paper 61 on which the image is transferred by the paper transfer unit 71. A fixing unit 72 for fusing and fixing the upper toner, and a transfer paper 61 on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 72 is discharged onto a discharge tray 73 attached to a left side plate of the apparatus housing 2 or a reversing unit. And a control board 75 for controlling the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. An image represented by an image signal output from the image reading device 4 is used as a toner image. After the image is visualized and the toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper 61 of the designated size, the toner image is fixed, and the sheet
Discharge on top. In this case, the writing optical unit 68
A laser diode configured to generate a laser beam based on image data output from the control board 75, a polygon mirror for scanning the laser beam emitted from the laser diode, a drive motor for rotating the polygon mirror, and the like. Unit 76
And a lens group 77 such as an f-θ lens that converts the laser light output from the laser output unit 76 into fθ.
And a mirror 78 that reflects the laser light from the lens group 77 and supplies the laser light to the visualization unit 70.
The image data output from the control board 75 is converted into an optical signal, and an optical image corresponding to the image data is written on the photoconductor 79 constituting the visualizing unit 70 to form an electrostatic latent image.

The visualizing unit 70 includes a main motor 97
A photosensitive member 79 on which a latent image is formed by a laser beam emitted from the writing optical unit 68 while being rotationally driven by (see FIG. 5), and emitted from the writing optical unit 68 disposed near one end of the photosensitive member 79. When a laser beam is detected, a beam sensor (not shown) that generates a main scanning synchronization signal (LSYNC) and supplies it to the main controller 94, and a photosensitive member that is disposed around the photosensitive member 79 and cleans the photosensitive member 79 A body cleaning unit (not shown), a charging unit (not shown) arranged around the photoconductor 79 to uniformly charge the photoconductor 79, and a charging unit (not shown) arranged around the photoconductor 79 And a developing unit 80 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the developing device 79. When performing the printing operation, the photosensitive member 79 is rotated by the driving force of the main motor 97, is cleaned by the cleaning unit, and is uniformly charged by the charging unit. Next, when an optical image corresponding to the image data is written on the photoconductor 79 by the laser beam emitted from the writing optical unit 68, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 79. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 79 is developed by the developing unit 80 to form a toner image.

The paper transfer unit 71 is disposed so as to face the photoconductor 79, and transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor 79 to the transfer paper 6 supplied from the registration roller 67.
1, a paper transfer bias roller 81 to which a bias voltage is applied, a drive roller 82 driven to rotate by a main motor 97,
A transfer belt 83 which is attached to the paper transfer bias roller 81 and conveys the transfer paper 61 on which the toner image on the photoconductor 79 has been transferred by the paper transfer bias roller 81; A predetermined bias voltage is applied to the paper transfer bias roller 81 while pressing the transport belt 83 against the photoconductor 79 with the transfer paper 61 supplied from the registration roller 67 interposed therebetween, and the transfer belt 83 is formed on the photoconductor 79. After the transferred toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper 61, it is conveyed to the fixing unit 72.
The fixing unit 72 includes a fixing roller 84 controlled to be at a predetermined temperature, and the transfer paper 61 conveyed by the paper transfer unit 71.
And a pressure roller 85 that presses the transfer paper 61 conveyed from the paper transfer unit 71 and heats the transfer paper 61 while applying pressure so that the toner image formed on the transfer paper 61 is melted and fixed. It is carried out to the road switching unit 74.

The transport path switching unit 74 includes a switching roller pair 86 for switching the transport path of the transfer sheet 61, and the transfer sheet 61 when the transfer sheet 61 is guided to the left side (the left side in FIG. 1) by the switching roller pair 86. When the transfer paper 61 is guided to the lower side (the lower side in FIG. 1) by the plurality of paper discharge roller pairs 87 which are conveyed to the left side and guided to the paper discharge tray 73 outside the apparatus, and the switching roller pair 86, the transfer paper 61 is inverted. The fixing device includes a double-sided paper input roller 88 that guides the unit 69 and a reversal discharge roller 89 that guides the reversal transfer paper 61 to the pair of discharge rollers 87 when the reversal transfer paper 61 is discharged from the reversing unit 69. The transfer paper 61 conveyed from the unit 72 is taken in, and the conveyance direction is switched by the switching roller pair 86 to discharge the paper directly onto the paper discharge tray 73 or to the reversing unit 69. Or invert this Te, which is discharged onto the discharge tray 73 takes in the already inverted transfer paper 61.

The reversing unit 69 takes in the transfer paper 61 supplied from the conveyance path switching unit 74 and then conveys the paper in the reverse direction to reverse the transfer paper 61.
0 and the transfer paper 6 inverted by the inversion roller 90
Switching roller 91 for guiding 1 to either the left or lower side
When the transfer paper 61 is guided downward by the switching roller 91, a transport roller 92 that takes in and transports the transfer paper 61.
And a re-feed roller 93 for supplying the inverted transfer paper 61 conveyed by the conveyance rollers 92 to the vertical conveyance unit 66 of the paper feeding device 7. The main controller 94 outputs a reverse discharge instruction. When the transfer paper 61 supplied from the transport path switching unit 74 is taken in, the transport direction of the transfer paper 61 is reversed by a reversing roller 90, and the transfer paper 61 is reversed by a switching roller 91. Outlet tray 7 leading to 89 side
When the main controller 94 outputs a double-sided paper input instruction, the transfer paper 61 supplied from the transport path switching unit 74 is taken in, and then the transfer direction of the transfer paper 61 by the reversing roller 90. After the transfer paper 61 is guided to the transport roller 92 side by the switching roller 91, the inverted transfer paper 61 is transported by the re-feed roller 93 to the vertical transport unit 6 of the paper feeding device 7.
6

A main controller 94 constituting the control board 75 has a microprocessor as shown in FIG. 5, and communicates with the operating device 6 and an image signal processing unit (IPU) 96 via an I / O port. For controlling the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1, processing for transmitting and receiving information to and from other image forming apparatuses 1 via a connection interface section (connection IF section) 95 to perform connection sorting, etc. A process for controlling the document feeder 3, a process for controlling the operation of the image signal processing unit 96, a process for receiving a signal output from each sensor (not shown), a main motor 9
7, a process for controlling the intermediate clutch 98, a process for controlling the first to third paper feed clutches 99 to 101, and the like. The content of a preset program, an operation transmitted from the operation device 6 A signal output from each sensor is processed based on information and the like, and a process for operating the automatic document feeder 3 to feed a document, a main motor 97, an intermediate clutch 98, and first to third paper feed clutches 99 to 101
A process of generating an image reading command and transmitting the image reading command to the image reading device 4, a process of generating a display instruction command, status information, display information, and the like, and transmitting the same to the operation device 6. A process of generating an image processing command and transmitting it to the image signal processing unit 96, a process of exchanging information with another image forming apparatus 1 via the connection interface unit 95, and the like are performed.

The image signal processing section 9 constituting the control board 75
6 processes image signals output from the CCD image sensor 25 to generate image data as shown in FIG.
An image processing circuit 104 for supplying this to the writing optical unit 68, and a print image data generating circuit 11 for generating print image data and supplying the image data to the image processing circuit 104
And a control circuit 105 that communicates with the main controller 94 based on a preset program and controls the image processing circuit 104 according to the communication result. When image processing information is supplied, image processing information supplied together with the image processing instruction is captured and stored, and image signals generated from the CCD image sensor 25 are processed based on the image processing information to generate image data. Then, the image data is supplied to the writing optical unit 68 to write a latent image.

In this case, when an image registration command is input via a CPU bus connected to the CPU circuit 112 of the control circuit 105, the print image data generation circuit 118 outputs a page printing signal output together with the registration command. In addition to taking in a character (character) image or an arbitrary stamp image, the character (character) image for page printing or an arbitrary stamp image is stored at an address designated by address data input via an address bus. When a display position registration command is input via the CPU bus, a print position parameter, print image designation data, etc., which are input together with the display position registration command, are stored, and an image signal synchronization signal (image timing signal) is stored. Each time is input, the stored print position parameters and print image At a timing designated like di specified data, reads the character (character) image for images and any stamps for the designated page printing, and supplies it to the image processing circuit 104.

The image processing circuit 104 converts the image signal output from the CCD image sensor 25 from analog to digital to generate image data, and outputs the image signal from the A / D converter circuit 106. Shading correction circuit 10 for correcting shading of image data
7, an MTF / γ correction circuit 108 for performing MTF correction and γ correction of the shading corrected image data output from the shading correction circuit 107,
Based on an input / output designation information output from a control circuit 105 and a scaling processing circuit 109 for scaling the image data subjected to MTF correction and γ correction output from the F / γ correction circuit 108 to a specified magnification. A function for selecting and taking in one of image data output from the scaling processing circuit 109 or the control circuit 105 and transferring the selected image data to a designated output destination, and a function for printing a page output from the print image data generation circuit 118. A selector circuit 110 having a function of taking in a character (character) image or an arbitrary stamp image and synthesizing it with image data, and when the selector circuit 110 designates an output destination,
A writing γ correction circuit 111 is provided which fetches image data output from the selector circuit 110, corrects the γ according to image forming conditions, and supplies the γ correction to the writing optical unit 68.

An image signal output from the CCD image sensor 25 is fetched to generate image data, and this image data is subjected to shading correction, MTF correction and γ correction, and scaling processing. Based on the output input / output designation information, the control circuit 10
5 In addition, image data that has been subjected to shading correction, MTF correction and γ correction, scaling processing, or image data output from the control circuit 105 is taken in, and this image data is output from the print image data generation circuit 118. After synthesizing a character (character) image for page printing or an arbitrary stamp image, writing γ correction is performed on the combined image and supplied to the writing optical unit 68.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7A, the selector circuit 110 outputs the frame gate signal (FGATE) indicating the range of one page as shown in FIG. 7B. Each time the main scanning synchronization signal (LSYNC) is output, a pixel synchronization signal (VCLK) is output for a predetermined number of clocks as shown in (c) of FIG. 7 from the rising point of the main scanning synchronization signal (LSYNC). When the line gate signal (LGATE) is output as shown in FIG. 7E, every time the pixel synchronization signal is output, each pixel data (FIG. 7D) constituting the image data is output as shown in FIG. For example, pixel data of 256 tones represented by 8 bits) is fetched and transferred to a designated output destination. In this embodiment, the writing density on the transfer paper 61 is 400
The dpi and the maximum number of pixels are 4800 pixels in the main scanning direction and 6800 pixels in the sub-scanning direction.

The control circuit 105 includes a CPU circuit 112 for performing various data processing,
A ROM circuit 113 that stores a program that defines the operation of the CPU and various constant data, a RAM circuit 114 that is used as a work area of the CPU circuit 112, a hard disk, and the like, and is used as a storage area for image data. Image memory circuit 115 and CP
A process for controlling the selector circuit 110 based on an instruction from the U circuit 112, a process for fetching image data output from the selector circuit 110 and storing it in the image memory circuit 115, and a process based on an image processing command output from the CPU circuit 112. Processing for processing the image data stored in the image memory circuit 115, processing for reading out the image data stored in the image memory circuit 115 and performing the specified processing, and then supplying the processed data to the selector circuit 110; A memory controller circuit 116 for transmitting and receiving control commands and image data to and from other image forming apparatuses 1 and the like via the connection interface unit 95, and an I / O supporting communication between the CPU circuit 112 and the operation device 6 / O port circuit 117.

The image processing procedure is determined by communicating with the main controller 94, and the I / O is determined based on the determined content.
While communicating with the operation device 6 via the port circuit 117, the image processing circuit 104 is controlled to process the image signal output from the CCD image sensor 25, and the obtained image data is Take in,
It performs designated processing such as image thinning processing, image cutout processing, and compression processing, supplies image data or processed image data to the writing optical unit 68, and performs other processing via the connection interface unit 95. The image forming apparatus 1 exchanges image data, format original image data, character (character) images for page printing, arbitrary stamp images, and the like with the image forming apparatus 1. On this occasion,
By compressing the image data by the memory controller circuit 116 and storing it in the image memory circuit 115,
A large number of original images can be stored and stored by effectively utilizing the limited memory capacity of the image memory circuit 115, as compared with a case where 256 gradation data corresponding to the maximum image size is directly written into the image memory circuit 115. When reading and decompressing each page image of an existing document image, it can be sorted (rearranged). In addition, when writing an original image in the image memory circuit 115, a plurality of original images are sequentially written in an area obtained by dividing an area for one transfer sheet of the image memory circuit 115, so that four original images are Can be combined with one transfer paper image to obtain an aggregated copy output.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts and schematic diagrams shown in FIGS. <Initialization Operation> First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, when a power switch (not shown) provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, various flags are reset, and various counters are reset. Of the image data stored in the image memory circuit 115, etc.
Clear processing of image data excluding registration data of print image data such as format original image data, character (character) image for page printing, arbitrary stamp image, reset processing of image forming mode (magnification, division, etc.) Is performed (step ST1),
A key input waiting state or an event waiting state from the image forming engine (a waiting state until some change factor occurs) is set (steps ST2 to ST5). Here, when the user performs any key operation, this is detected by the operation device 6 and notified to the main controller 94 (step ST2). Further, when any change is made in the image forming engine, for example, when a document is set in the automatic document feeder 3, this is detected by the document set detection sensor 10 and the control unit 102 of the automatic document feeder 3 is detected.
This is notified to the main controller 94 (step ST2). Then, the main controller 94
By this, the types of these events are determined (step ST3). If the generated event is an engine event, an engine event processing routine is called,
This is executed (step ST4), and if the event is a key input, a key input event processing routine is called and executed (step ST5). (Step ST2).

<Key Input Event Operation> At this time, as a key input event process, for example, a process shown in a flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed. First, the main controller 9
4, the contents of the notification from the operation device 6 are processed to determine which key has been operated. If the print key 32 has been operated (step ST6), a copy process is executed (step ST7), and the ten keys 28 are operated. If operated (step ST8), numeric key processing is executed (step ST9), and the clear / stop key 31 is further operated.
Is operated (step ST10), a clear / stop process is executed (step ST11). Also,
If the connection instruction key 57 or the like displayed on the LCD display 26 is operated (step ST12),
A job setting, processing speed information, image data, and the like are transmitted to and received from the other image forming apparatuses 1 to execute a connection setting process (step ST13).
Is operated (step ST14), when the double-sided function is selected or when the selection state is released, the double-sided setting process is executed (step ST15), and the format original keys 43 and 54 are operated. BA (Step S
T16), a format setting process is executed (step ST17). Similarly, if another key is operated (step ST18), an event process corresponding to the operated key is executed (step ST19).

<Operations of Claims 1, 2, and 3> At this time, in the format setting key determination process (step ST16), if the format original setting process is designated, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. Done. First, the display of the format processing menu is executed, and it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus having the image reading apparatus 4.
As shown in FIG. 11, a format copy key 120 operated when synthesizing the pre-registered format document image data with the image data of the document read as shown in FIG. A registration instruction key 121 to be operated, a deletion instruction key 122 to be operated when deleting already-registered format document image data, and another image forming operation in which already-registered format document image data are linked. A transfer instruction key 123 operated when transferring to the device 1, a return instruction key 124 operated when returning from the current state to the previous state, and an operation when returning from the current state to the first state A format processing menu screen 126 having a cancel instruction key 125 to be executed is displayed. Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 does not have the image reading apparatus 4, as shown in FIG. 12, a delete instruction key 127 operated to delete the already-registered format document image data, A transfer instruction key 128 operated to transfer the original image data to another connected image forming apparatus 1; a return instruction key 129 operated to return to the previous state from the current state; A format processing menu screen 131 having a cancel instruction key 130 operated when returning from the current state to the initial state is displayed (step ST2).
0).

In this state, a document is set on the automatic document feeder 3 or the like, and the format processing menu 12
6 is operated (step ST21), the automatic document feeder 3 and the document reading device 4 are operated to read the image of the document, and the image data and The format image data registered in the image memory circuit 115 is synthesized, and processing such as registration processing and output processing is performed (step ST22). When the registration instruction key 121 displayed on the format processing menu 126 is operated (step ST21), the LCD display 2 is activated.
6, a plurality of device number keys 132 operated when selecting the image forming apparatus 1 to be registered among the image forming apparatuses 1 connected as shown in FIG. An all device selection instruction key 133 operated to select all the image forming devices 1 as the forming device 1, a return instruction key 134 operated to return to the previous state from the current state; Cancel instruction key 135 operated when returning from the state to the initial state, and next processing instruction key 1 operated when shifting from the current state to the next state
36 is displayed (step ST23).

In this state, if one of the device number keys 132, for example, the device number key 132 indicating the second image forming apparatus 1 is selected and operated as a registration destination, the device number key 132 When the color is inverted and the next processing instruction key 136 is operated, the LCD display 2 is displayed.
As shown in FIG. 14, a message 138 indicating "Please set the document and press the registration execution key", a return instruction key 139 operated when returning from the current state to the previous state, and A registration ready screen 142 having a cancel instruction key 140 operated when returning from the state to the initial state and a registration execution instruction key 141 operated when executing the registration processing is displayed (step ST2).
4). Here, when a document having a format to be registered is set in the automatic document feeder 3 or the like of the image forming apparatus 1 and the registration execution instruction key 141 is operated, the document is taken in by the automatic document feeder 3. The document image is sent to the contact glass 17 and the image of the document is read by the image reading device 4. The obtained format document image data is stored in the image memory circuit 11.
5 is temporarily stored.

Thereafter, an image registration command is transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 selected as a registration destination by the connection I / F unit 95 of the image forming apparatus 1 serving as the master machine, and each of these is registered. Every time the data reception ready is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1, the designated format document image data is read out of the format document image data temporarily stored in the image memory circuit 115, and this format document is read. The image data and the identification information for identifying the format original image data are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 that has transmitted the data ready, and registered in the image memory circuit 115 of the image forming apparatus 1 (step). ST25). The format processing menu screen 12 is displayed on the LCD display 26.
6 and 131 are displayed, and the delete instruction key 12
If 2, 127 is operated (step ST21), LC
A plurality of device number keys operated when selecting the image forming device 1 having the format original image data to be deleted from among the image forming devices 1 connected as shown in FIG. 143 and image forming apparatus 1 having format original image data to be deleted
And a return instruction key 145 operated to return to the previous state from the current state, and an all-instruction selection key 144 operated to select all the image forming apparatuses 1 from the current state. A deletion processing screen 148 having a cancel instruction key 146 operated when returning to the state of and a next processing instruction key 147 operated when shifting from the current state to the next state is displayed.

In this state, one of the device number keys 143, for example, the second image forming device 1 is used as the image forming device 1 having the format original image data to be deleted.
Is selected and operated, the color of the device number key 143 is inverted. Then, when the next processing instruction key 147 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 serving as the master machine is operated. An image transmission request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 by the connection I / F unit 95, and the format original image data and identification information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 are fetched and the format original image data is thinned out. 1 on the LCD display 26.
As shown in FIG. 6, an image selection key indicating the content of each format original image data obtained by the thinning process, a list content 149 indicating identification information for identifying each format original image data, and the list content 149 are displayed. An all-selection instruction key 150 operated when all format original data is to be deleted; a return instruction key 151 operated when returning from the current state to the previous state; A deletion processing screen 15 having a cancel instruction key 152 operated to return to the state and a deletion execution instruction key 153 operated to start deletion.
4 is displayed (step ST26).

Here, if the image selection key to be deleted among the image selection keys indicating the contents of each format original image data is operated, the color of the image selection key is inverted, and in this state, the deletion is performed. When the execution instruction key 153 is operated, the connection I / O of the image forming apparatus 1 serving as the master machine is performed.
The F section 95 transmits an image deletion command and identification information indicating the format document image data to be deleted to each image forming apparatus 1 having the format document image data selected to be deleted. The format original image data registered in the image memory circuit 115 or the like of the image forming apparatus 1 is deleted (step ST27). When the transfer instruction keys 123 and 128 are operated in a state where the format processing menu screens 126 and 131 are displayed on the LCD display 26 (step ST21), as shown in FIG. A plurality of device number keys 155 operated when selecting the image forming device 1 having the format original image data to be the transfer source from among the linked image forming devices 1, and a device number key 155 immediately before the current state. A return instruction key 156 operated when returning to the state, and a cancel instruction key 15 operated when returning from the current state to the initial state
7 and a transfer processing screen 15 having a next processing instruction key 158 operated when shifting from the current state to the next state.
9 is displayed. In this state, one of the device number keys 155, for example, the device number key 155 indicating the third image forming device 1 is selected and operated as the image forming device 1 having the format original image data as the transfer source. In this case, the color of the device number key 155 is inverted (step ST28).

Next, when the next processing instruction key 158 is operated, as shown in FIG. 18, it is operated to select the image forming apparatus 1 to be the transfer destination among the connected image forming apparatuses 1. A plurality of device number keys 160, an all device selection instruction key 161 operated when selecting all image forming devices 1 as transfer destinations, and an operation key used when returning from the current state to the immediately previous state. A transfer processing screen 165 having a return instruction key 162, a cancel instruction key 163 operated when returning from the current state to the initial state, and a transfer execution instruction key 164 operated when starting transfer is displayed. Is performed (step ST29). In this state, one of the device number keys 160, for example, the device number key 160 indicating the first image forming device 1, and the device number indicating the second image forming device 1 are used as the image forming device 1 to be the transfer destination. Key 160 and an apparatus number key 1 indicating the fourth image forming apparatus 1
60 is selected and operated, the colors of the respective device number keys 160 are inverted. If the transfer execution instruction key 164 is operated in this state, the connection of the image forming apparatus 1 which is the master machine is performed. From the format document image data registered in the image memory circuit 115 or the like of the image forming apparatus 1 serving as the transfer source, the format document image data designated as the transfer target is read out by the I / F unit 95, and the master The image data is transferred to a temporary area of an image memory circuit 115 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 serving as a printer. At this time, if the master image forming apparatus 1 is designated as one of the transfer destination image forming apparatuses 1, the format in the image memory circuit 115 of the master image forming apparatus 1 is set. Format original image data is registered in the registration area. Next, an image registration command is transmitted to each image forming apparatus 1 designated as a transfer destination by the connection I / F unit 95 of the image forming apparatus 1 serving as a master machine, and from each of these image forming apparatuses 1. Every time the data reception ready is transmitted, the specified format document image data is read out of the format document image data temporarily stored in the image memory circuit 115, and the format document image data is
The identification information for identifying the format document image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 which has transmitted the data ready, and the image memory circuit 115 of the image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted.
Etc. (step ST30).

Also, when format settings are designated and settings such as print image data and character data are designated, the same procedures as those for the registration, deletion, and transfer of the format original image data described above are performed. Registration processing, deletion processing, and transfer processing of print image data and character data are performed, and registration, deletion, and the like of print image data and character data are performed on each image forming apparatus 1.
A transfer is performed. As described above, in this embodiment, the format original image data, the print image data, the character data, and the like are registered / registered for all the connected image forming apparatuses 1 or an arbitrary image forming apparatus 1 collectively.
Since deletion or the like can be performed, the work required for registration / deletion of a common form image, image data, and the like can be greatly reduced. In this embodiment, the format original image data, print image data, character data, and the like registered in one of the linked image forming apparatuses 1 can be transferred to another image forming apparatus 1 and registered. As a result, it is possible to save labor of registering the newly added image forming apparatuses 1 and to save the other image forming apparatuses 1 even when the failed image forming apparatuses 1 and the like are removed from the connection system. The data backup operation can be facilitated by transferring the data to.

<Operations of Claims 4, 5, and 6> In the above embodiment, when the registration instruction key 121 is operated while the format processing menu screen 126 is displayed on the LCD display 26, The format original image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 to be registered and is registered. At this time, the free space of the image forming apparatus 1 to be registered is checked, and the format original image data and the like are checked. May be registered. In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, first, the format processing menu screen 126 is displayed on the LCD display 26 (step ST2).
0), when the registration instruction key 121 is operated (step ST21), the image forming apparatus 1 to be registered among the linked image forming apparatuses 1 is displayed on the LCD display 26 as shown in FIG. A plurality of device number keys 166 operated at the time of selection, an all device selection instruction key 167 operated at the time of selecting all image forming devices 1 as image forming devices 1 to be registered, A return instruction key 168 operated when returning to the previous state, a cancel instruction key 169 operated when returning from the current state to the first state, and a return instruction key 169 operated when returning from the current state to the next state. A registration processing screen 171 having the next processing instruction key 170 to be operated is displayed (step ST31).

In this state, if one of the device number keys 166, for example, the device number key 166 indicating the second image forming apparatus 1 is selected and operated as a registration destination, the color of the device number key 166 is changed. Is reversed, and when the next processing instruction key 170 is operated, an empty capacity response request is sent to the image forming apparatus 1 to be registered, asking about the free capacity of the format registration area. This is taken in every time the response content is sent from
It is checked whether the free space of each image forming apparatus 1 is sufficient. Then, among the image forming apparatuses 1 to be registered, if there is an image forming apparatus 1 having no free space required for registering the format original image data, the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed on the LCD display 26 as shown in FIG. A message 171 indicating that there is no free space at the registration destination, and a return instruction key 1 operated when returning from the current state to the previous state
72 and a cancel instruction key 1 operated when canceling the registration processing and returning to the format processing menu screen 126
73, a deletion processing instruction key 1 operated when starting deletion of unnecessary data from the image forming apparatus 1 to be registered
A registration processing screen 175 having the name 74 is displayed (step ST32).

Here, if the delete processing instruction key 174 is operated, an image transmission request is transmitted from the master image forming apparatus 1 to the image forming apparatus 1 having no free space. When the format document image data and the identification information are transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1, the format document image data and the identification information are taken in, and the format document image data is decimated and obtained on the LCD display 26 as shown in FIG. An image selection key indicating the contents of each format original image data, identification information for identifying each format original image data, and a list content 176 indicating the frequency of use of each format original image data, and these list contents 176 are displayed. Selection instruction key 177 operated when all the format original data that is A return instruction key 178 operated when returning from the current state to the previous state, a cancel instruction key 179 operated when returning from the current state to the first state, and an operation performed when starting deletion execution A deletion processing screen 181 having a deletion execution instruction key 180 to be executed is displayed.

Then, the use frequency "aaa", "bbb",
“Ccc” and “ddd” are compared, and “aaa ≦ bbb”
≦ ccc ≦ ddd ”, the first format document image data that is the format document image data that is used least frequently is selected as a deletion target,
When the image selection key is operated, the color of the image selection key is inverted. In this state, when the deletion execution instruction key 180 is operated, the connection I / F unit of the image forming apparatus 1 serving as the master machine is operated. 95, the image deletion command and the identification information indicating the format document image data to be deleted are transmitted to each image forming apparatus 1 having the format document image data selected as the deletion target. Format document image data registered in the image memory circuit 115 of the device 1 or the like is deleted (step ST33). Thereafter, when the deletion process is completed, a message 182 "Please set a document and press the registration execution key" is displayed on the LCD display 26 as shown in FIG. 23, and the state returns to the state immediately before the current state. Return instruction key 183 operated at the time of operation, and cancel instruction key 18 operated at the time of returning from the current state to the initial state.
4 and a registration ready screen 186 having a registration execution instruction key 185 operated when executing the registration process is displayed (step ST34).

When a document having a format to be registered is set in the automatic document feeder 3 or the like of the image forming apparatus 1 and the registration execution instruction key 185 is operated,
The document is taken in by the automatic document feeder 3 and fed onto the contact glass 17, and the image of the document is read by the image reading device 4, and the obtained format document image data is temporarily stored in the image memory circuit 115. Is memorized. Thereafter, the connection I / F unit 95 of the image forming apparatus 1 serving as the master machine performs
The image registration command is transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 selected as the registration destination, and is temporarily stored in the image memory circuit 115 every time a data reception ready is transmitted from each of the image forming apparatuses 1. The image forming apparatus 1 that reads out the specified format document image data from the format document image data and sends the format document image data and the identification information for identifying the format document image data to the data reception ready state. And is registered in the image memory circuit 115 of the image forming apparatus 1 (step ST35). Also,
When format settings are specified and print image data or character data settings are specified, print image data, character data, etc. are processed in the same procedure as the registration, deletion, and transfer processes of the format original image data described above. Are registered, deleted, and transferred to each image forming apparatus 1 to register, delete, and transfer print image data and character data.

As described above, in this embodiment, when registering format original image data, print data, and the like in all or any of the connected image forming apparatuses 1, the image forming apparatus 1 that is to be registered The free space is checked, and if the free space is insufficient, a warning is issued to interrupt or cancel the registration process, so that the interruption accident during registration due to insufficient free space can be prevented. . In addition, in this embodiment, when registering format original image data, print data, and the like in all or any of the connected image forming apparatuses 1, the free space of the image forming apparatus 1 to be registered is checked. When the free space is insufficient, a warning is issued, and the registration process is started after deleting the registered original image data or print data based on the operation of the operator who recognized the warning. Therefore, it is possible to avoid registration failure due to insufficient free space. Further, in this embodiment, when registering format original image data, print data, and the like in all or any of the connected image forming apparatuses 1, the free space on the image forming apparatus 1 to be registered is checked. When the free space is insufficient, the registered document image data, print data, etc. are displayed and the usage frequency is displayed and a warning is issued. The registration process is started after deleting the formatted original image data or print data, so that the operator can easily select a deletion target candidate to be performed to avoid registration failure due to insufficient free space. Can be.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, according to the first aspect, it is possible to collectively register or delete format original image data and print data in all connected image processing apparatuses. Accordingly, the work of registering / deleting common form images, print data, and the like can be greatly reduced. According to the second aspect, format original image data, print data, and the like are collectively registered in an arbitrary designated image processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus.
Deletion can be performed, thereby greatly reducing labor for registering / deleting common format document image data and print data. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the registered document image data, print data, and the like are collectively transferred to another image processing apparatus and can be registered, so that the registration work for the newly added image processing apparatus can be saved. In addition, when a failed image processing apparatus or the like is removed from the system, the data can be transferred to another image processing apparatus to facilitate the data backup operation. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when registering format original image data or print data in all or any connected image forming apparatuses, the free space of the image forming apparatus to be registered is checked. When the capacity is insufficient, a warning is issued and the registration process is interrupted or stopped, so that an interruption accident during registration due to insufficient free space can be prevented. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when registering format original image data or print data in all or an arbitrary connected image forming apparatus, the free space on the image forming apparatus to be registered is checked. When the capacity is insufficient, a warning is issued, and based on the operation performed by the operator who has recognized the content of the warning, the registered document image data and print data that have already been registered are deleted, and then the registration process is started. As a result, it is possible to avoid registration failure due to insufficient free space. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when registering format original image data or print data in all or any connected image forming apparatuses, the free space of the image forming apparatus to be registered is checked. When the capacity is insufficient, a warning is issued by displaying the usage frequency of the already registered format document image data and print data, etc., and based on the contents of this warning and the operation of the operator who has recognized the displayed content, the registration is already performed. By starting the registration process after deleting the formatted original image data, print data, etc., it is easy to select the deletion target candidate to be performed by the operator, and it is possible to avoid registration failure due to insufficient free space. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus used in an embodiment of an image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a detailed configuration example of the operating device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of display contents of the LCD display shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of display contents of the LCD display shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main circuit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed circuit configuration example of the IPU shown in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A to 7E are time charts showing operation timing examples of the IPU shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a main operation example of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a specific operation example of the key input event process illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure example of an operation corresponding to claims 1, 2, and 3 among the operations of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a format processing menu screen used in the format processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a format processing menu screen used in the format processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration processing screen used in the registration processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10;

14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration ready screen used in the registration processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deletion processing screen used in the deletion processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deletion processing screen used in the deletion processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transfer processing screen used in the transfer processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transfer processing screen used in the transfer processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure example of an operation corresponding to claims 4, 5 and 6 among operations of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration processing screen used in the registration processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 19;

21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration processing screen used in the registration processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deletion processing screen used in the registration processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration ready processing screen used in the registration processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is an image diagram showing a first example of a conventionally known image processing system.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a second example of a conventionally known image processing system.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a third example of a conventionally known image processing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Device housing, 3 ... Automatic document feeder, 4 ... Image reading device, 5 ... Image creating device, 6 ... Operating device, 7 ... Feeding device, 8 ... Feeding device housing, 9 … Manuscript table, 1
0: Document set detection sensor, 11: Feeding roller, 12:
Roller, 13: feeding belt, 14: feeding mechanism, 15: paper discharge section, 16: discharge roller, 17: contact glass, 1
8 first carriage, 19 light source, 20 first mirror,
21: second carriage, 22: second mirror, 23: third
Mirror, 24 lens, 25 CCD image sensor,
26 LCD display (liquid crystal display), 27
... touch panel, 28 ... numeric keypad, 29 ... initial setting key, 30 ... mode clear key, 31 ... clear / stop key, 32 ... print key, 33 ... keyboard, 34 ...
Operation unit, 35: automatic density instruction key, 36: density change instruction key, 38: automatic paper selection key, 39: paper size instruction key, 40: variable magnification instruction key, 41: sort instruction key, 4
2 ... staple instruction key, 43 ... format original instruction key, 44 ... double-side instruction key, 45 ... grouping instruction key, 46
... Automatic density instruction key, 47 ... Density change instruction key, 48 ...
Automatic paper selection key, 49 ... paper size instruction key, 51 ...
Zooming instruction key, 52: Sort instruction key, 53: Staple instruction key, 54: Format original instruction key, 55:
Double-sided instruction key, 56: Combination instruction key, 57: Connection instruction key, 58: First paper supply tray, 59: Second paper supply tray, 6
0: third paper feed tray, 61: transfer paper, 62: first paper feed unit, 63: second paper feed unit, 64: third paper feed unit, 65: transport roller, 66: vertical transport unit, 67
… Registration roller, 68… writing optical unit, 69…
Reversing unit, 70 visualizing unit, 71 paper transfer unit, 72 fixing unit, 73 discharge tray, 74
... Conveyance path switching unit, 75 ... Control board, 76 ... Laser output unit, 77 ... Lens group, 78 ... Mirror, 79
.., Photoreceptor, 80, developing unit, 81, paper transfer bias roller, 82, drive roller, 83, transport belt, 84,
Fixing roller, 85: pressure roller, 86: switching roller pair,
87: paper discharge roller pair, 88: double-sided paper input roller, 89: reversal discharge roller, 90: reversal roller, 91: switching roller,
92: conveyance roller, 93: re-feed roller, 94: main controller, 95: connection interface (connection IF)
, 96 image signal processor (IPU), 97 main motor, 98 intermediate clutch, 99 first feed clutch, 100 second feed clutch, 101 third feed clutch, 102 control Unit, 103 ... conveying motor, 104 ...
Image processing circuit, 105: control circuit, 106: A / D converter circuit, 107: shading correction circuit, 108
... MTF / γ correction circuit, 109.
... Selector circuit, 111 ... Write gamma correction circuit, 112 ...
CPU circuit, 113 ROM circuit, 114 RAM circuit, 115 image memory circuit, 116 memory controller circuit, 117 I / O port circuit, 118 print image data generation circuit, 120 format copy key, 121 registration Instruction key, 122 ... deletion instruction key, 1
23 ... transfer instruction key, 124 ... return instruction key, 125 ...
Cancel instruction key, 126 ... Format processing menu screen, 127 ... Delete instruction key, 128 ... Transfer instruction key, 129 ... Return instruction key, 130 ... Cancel instruction key, 131 ... Format processing menu screen, 132 ...
Device number key, 133 ... All device selection instruction key, 134 ...
Return instruction key, 135 ... Cancel instruction key, 136 ...
Next processing instruction key, 137: Registration processing screen, 138: Message, 139: Return instruction key, 140: Cancel instruction key, 141: Registration execution instruction key, 142: Registration ready screen, 142: Device number key, 144: All Device selection instruction key, 145 ... return instruction key, 146 ... cancel instruction key, 147 ... next processing instruction key, 148 ... deletion processing screen, 149 ... list contents, 150 ... all selection instruction key,
151 ... return instruction key, 152 ... cancel instruction key,
153: deletion execution instruction key, 154: deletion processing screen, 1
55 ... device number key, 156 ... return instruction key, 157 ...
Cancel instruction key, 158 ... Next processing instruction key, 15
9 Transfer processing screen, 160 Device number key, 161 All device selection instruction key, 162 Return instruction key, 163 Cancel instruction key, 164 Transfer execution instruction key, 165
... Transfer processing screen, 166 ... Device number key, 167 ... All device selection instruction key, 168 ... Return instruction key, 169 ... Cancel instruction key, 170 ... Next processing instruction key, 171 ...
Registration processing screen, 172: Return instruction key, 173: Cancel instruction key, 174: Delete processing instruction key, 175: Registration processing screen, 176: List contents, 177: All selection instruction key, 178: Return instruction key, 179: Cancel Instruction key, 180: Delete execution instruction key, 181: Delete processing screen, 182: Message, 183: Return instruction key, 18
4: Cancel instruction key, 185: Registration execution instruction key
186… Registration ready screen

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Koichi Kanaya 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Katsuhiko Sasaki 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside the company Ricoh

Claims (6)

[Claims] An image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. Image data and print data obtained by one of the apparatuses can be freely registered in all of the connected image forming apparatuses, and registered in all of the connected image forming apparatuses. An image processing system characterized in that image data and print data can be deleted freely. 2. An image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. The image data and print data obtained by one of the image forming apparatuses can be freely registered in a selected one of the connected image forming apparatuses, and the image data and the print data are connected by one of the image forming apparatuses. An image processing system which can freely delete image data and print data registered in a selected one of the image forming apparatuses. 3. An image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. The image data and the print data registered in one of the devices are collectively transferred to a selected one of the connected image forming devices, and the image data and the print data can be freely registered in each of the image forming devices. An image processing system, comprising: 4. An image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. When registering image data and print data obtained by one of the devices to all or any of the connected image forming devices, check the free space of the image forming device to be registered and run out of free space An image processing system which warns of a lack of free space and cancels or interrupts registration of image data and print data when performing the registration. 5. An image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. When registering image data and print data obtained by one of the devices to all or any of the connected image forming devices, check the free space of the image forming device to be registered and run out of free space Warning that the free space is insufficient during the operation, and deletes any of the already registered image data and print data based on the operation content of the operator and registers the image data and print data. Image processing system. 6. An image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and image data and print data are mutually transferred between the image forming apparatuses and output from a designated image forming apparatus. When registering image data and print data obtained by one of the devices to all or any of the connected image forming devices, check the free space of the image forming device to be registered and run out of free space When a warning has been issued to warn of insufficient free space, along with the content of image data and print data that have already been registered, any of the already registered image data or print data is deleted based on the operation details of the operator. And image data and print data are registered.