JPH10257279A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device by which reading of an original is continued even when an idle capacity of its memory is not enough. SOLUTION: The image forming device including a reader to read an image of an original is provided with a code memory section 306 that stores image data, a CPU 3 (103) that manages an idle capacity of the code memory section 306, and an external IF section 310 that is used to communicate image data with an external device. In the case that the CPU 3 (103) recognizes a short idle capacity of the code memory section 306, the image data are sent to the external device via the external IF section 310, and in the case that the CPU 3 (103) recognizes it that there in a margin in the idle capacity of the memory 306, the image data having been sent to the external device are received via the external IF section 310.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a facsimile, and a multifunction peripheral thereof, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus connected to an external device such as a computer or a controller via a communication network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for a higher processing speed of a digital copying machine. However, there is a limit in increasing the printing speed, and for example, at present, the printing speed is slower than the image reading speed.

In order to absorb the difference between the reading speed and the printing speed, a memory for temporarily storing read image data is provided. As a result, the reading operation and the printing operation of a plurality of originals can be operated independently. However, when the memory capacity is exceeded, the reading operation of the image of the document currently being read is canceled.

In the apparatus disclosed in JP-A-4-306059, if there is no free space when writing data of a certain job into a memory, the writing operation is temporarily interrupted. Then, when there is free space in the memory due to completion of printing of a certain job read from the memory, the writing operation is restarted.

[0005] Some conventional digital copying machines have an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as an optional function that can be connected inside. When recognizing that the free space of the code memory is insufficient, the image data in the code memory is saved to the HDD in block units. Then, when free space is created in the code memory, the image data is transferred from the HDD to the code memory.

Further, when the FAX cannot perform a printing operation due to, for example, paper empty, the FAX
One that temporarily stores data in the memory inside X or a plurality of F
In some cases, when one FAX is busy when AXs are connected in parallel, another FAX is output to another FAX designated in advance.

[0007]

As described above, in the past, when the free space of the memory was insufficient, the operation of writing the image to the memory was canceled, so that the read image data was wasted. There was a fear. JP-A-4-3
When the writing operation is temporarily interrupted until the memory capacity becomes empty as in the device disclosed in 06059, there has been a problem that frequent interruptions occur and the operability is impaired.

[0008] In an apparatus for connecting an HDD as an option, the above-mentioned problems can be solved, but the cost increases and the storage capacity of the HDD alone is limited.

Further, in the case of FAX interception,
Since the fax is output to another FAX, it is necessary for the user to manage both the FAX of the receiving side and the FAX of the substitute destination, and there is a problem that the management is complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to allow a document reading operation to be continued even when a shortage of memory space occurs. To provide a simple image forming apparatus.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reading device for reading an image of a document, a storage device for storing image data, and a storage device for managing the free space of the storage device. A management unit, a communication unit for communicating image data with the external device, and transmitting the image data to the external device via the communication unit when the management unit recognizes the lack of free space in the storage unit. A control unit for receiving image data transmitted to an external device via a communication unit when the management unit recognizes that the free space of the storage unit is sufficient.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit is configured to communicate with the external device by the communication unit when the management unit recognizes the shortage of the free space of the storage unit. After checking the status and determining that there is an external device capable of transmitting image data, the image data is transmitted to the external device via the communication unit, and the management unit recognizes that the storage unit has enough free space. In this case, the state of the external device is confirmed by the communication unit, and when it is determined that image data can be received, the image data transmitted to the external device via the communication unit is received.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the control means recognizes that the management means has free space in the storage means, and The image data transmitted to the communication unit is received via a case where a predetermined condition for forming an image of the transmitted image data is satisfied.

An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the image data transmitted to the external device by the communication unit is stored in the storage unit. Data.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the image data transmitted to the external device by the communication unit is the same as that of the original currently read by the reading device. Image data.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, wherein the image data stored in the storage means is image data of one job.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an entire configuration of a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a copying machine 1 includes a scanning system 10 for reading a document and converting it into an image signal, an image signal processing unit 20 for processing an image signal sent from the scanning system 10, and an image signal processing unit 2.
0, and stores the image data transmitted from
, A print processing unit 40 for driving a semiconductor laser 61 based on image data transmitted from the memory unit 30, and a laser beam from the semiconductor laser 61 to the photosensitive drum 71. A laser optical system 60 for guiding to an upper exposure position; an image forming system 70 for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 71 by laser light to form an image on recording paper; And a document transport unit 500 that transports the document to the reading device and that reverses the front and back as necessary to discharge the document after reading from the reading position.

The reading unit 2 includes a scanning system 10 and an image signal processing unit 20, and the printing unit 3 includes a printing processing unit 4
0, a laser optical system 60, and an image forming system 70.

The reading section 2 reads an image of a document placed on a document glass 19 with the reading surface facing downward, and generates image data corresponding to each pixel of the document image. First scanner 11 including exposure lamp 12 and first mirror 13a
And a second mirror including a second mirror 13b and a third mirror 13c.
The scanner 14 is moved in the directions of arrows b and b '(sub-scanning direction) by the driving of the scan motor 18. The light of the exposure lamp 12 is reflected by the original on the original glass 19, and the mirrors 13a, 13b, 13c and the lens 15
Is applied to the line sensor 16 through the. The line sensor 16 has a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged on a line in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1. For example, the line sensor 16 reads an image at 400 dpi, and outputs image data corresponding to each pixel. Output. Further, as described above, when the first scanner 11 and the second scanner 14 move in the directions of the arrows b and b ', the line sensor 16 can sub-scan the image of the document. The sensor 17 detects that the first scanner 11 is at the home position.

The image data output from the line sensor 16 is processed by the image signal processing unit 20 and then transmitted to the memory unit 30. The memory unit 30 compresses and temporarily stores the image data received from the image signal processing unit 20, and then performs decompression processing on the compressed image data at the time of printing and transmits the image data to the printing unit 3. At this time, rotation editing processing and the like are performed as necessary. Also,
The memory unit section 30 includes an external interface (external I / F) section described later, and the external device connection connector 9.
0 and an external device 91 via an external cable 91. The detailed description of the image signal processing unit 20 and the memory unit unit 30 will be described later.

The print processing unit 40 in the print unit 3 controls the laser optical system 60 based on the image data received from the memory unit 30. The laser optical system 60 emits a laser beam modulated (on / off) controlled by the print processing unit 40, and scans the photosensitive drum 71 by reflecting the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 61. Polygon mirror 62, fθ
It includes a lens 63 and mirrors 64a and 64b.

Around the photosensitive drum 71 driven to rotate, a charging charger 72 for charging the photosensitive member, a developing unit 73 for developing a latent image formed by exposure, A transfer charger 74 for transferring an image onto a recording sheet; a separation charger 75 for separating the recording sheet from the photosensitive drum 71;
1 for removing the residual toner, and an eraser lamp 77 for removing the residual potential of the photoconductor.
Are formed, and a toner image is formed by a well-known electrophotographic process and is transferred onto a sheet. The transfer sheet 74 and the photosensitive drum 71 are fed from a paper feed cassette 81a or 81b by a paper feed roller 82a or 82b via a paper transport path 83 and a timing roller 84.
Is conveyed to a transfer position, which is a position facing the. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred at the transfer position passes through a conveyance belt 85, a fixing device 86, and a discharge roller 87, and a discharge tray 621.
Discharged up. Discharge roller 87 and photosensitive drum 7
1 is driven by a main motor 78. Also, near the sheet cassettes 81a and 81b, sheet remaining amount detection sensors 89a and 89b for detecting the remaining amount of sheets stored in each cassette are provided.

The document feeder 500 includes a document feed tray 51
The document set on the document glass 19 is automatically conveyed to the reading position on the document glass 19, and after the document is converted into an image signal by the scanning system 10, the document is transferred from the reading position to the document discharge unit 511.
To be discharged.

Normally, one or a plurality of documents are set on the document feed tray 510 with the surface to be read facing upward, and the side regulating plate is adjusted to the width of the document. Then, the paper feed rollers 501 are sequentially arranged from the lowermost original of the set originals.
Roller 502 and the separating pad 50
3 and transported one by one to the reading position. The conveyed document passes through the intermediate roller 504, and after the registration sensor 512 and the width size sensor 513 detect the document, the skew is corrected by the registration roller 505. Immediately after the trailing edge of the original has passed the left end of the original scale 512, the original transport belt 506 slightly reverses and stops.

Thus, the right end of the original is placed on the original scale 5
The document is placed at a reading position on the document glass 19 in contact with the edge of the document 12. At this time, the leading edge of the next document has reached the registration roller 505, so that the transport time of the next document is reduced.

When the original is set at the reading position on the original glass 19, the scanning of the original by the scanning system 10 is performed. When the reading of the document is completed, the document is transferred to the document conveying belt 5.
The sheet is conveyed to the left by 06, the conveyance direction is changed by the reversing roller 507, and the sheet passes above the switching claw 508 and is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 511.

In the case of a double-sided document, when the reading operation of the first side is completed, the document is once conveyed to the left by a document conveying belt 506, and once reversed by a reversing roller 507, the document is re-conveyed. The left end of the switching claw 508 moves upward so that the document is sent out onto the document glass 19, and the document conveyance belt 506 is inverted, whereby the second surface (back surface) of the document is set to the reading position. The document whose second surface has been read is conveyed to the left by the document conveying belt 506, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 511 via a reversing roller 507, a switching claw 508, and a discharge roller 509.

A re-feed unit 600 is installed on the side of the printing unit 3 as an additional device for automating double-sided copying. It has a function of performing back conveyance and sending it back to the printing unit 3.

In the one-sided copy mode, the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 621 through the sheet re-feed unit 600. On the other hand, in the two-sided copy mode, the left end of the switching claw 601 is moved upward by a solenoid (not shown), and the sheet discharged from the discharge roller 87 reaches the forward / reverse roller 603 through the transport roller 602. . When the trailing edge of the sheet reaches the sheet sensor 604, the normal reversing roller 603 starts reversing. As a result, the sheet is returned to the printing unit 3. The returned sheet is conveyed to the timing roller 84 through the horizontal conveyance rollers 88a, 88b, and 88c and waits. Here, when a plurality of sheets are continuously fed, the sheets are conveyed one after another and sent to the re-feed unit 600 with a predetermined sheet interval such that the respective sheets do not overlap each other. Since the transport path length of the paper is constant, the number of papers in one circulation by the re-feed unit 600 and the horizontal transport rollers 88a to 88c (the maximum number of circulations) depends on the paper size.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the control unit 10 of the copying machine 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a 0. The control unit 100
PU (Central Processing Unit) 1 to 7 (101 to 1
07), ROM (Read Only Me
mory) 111-117, R used for work areas, etc.
AM (Random Access Memory) 121 to 127, I / O 131 to 13 for controlling each sensor and each drive circuit
8, and the serial I / O 141. In addition, CPU
3 (103) is provided in the memory unit 30.

The CPU 1 (101) controls input and display of signals from various operation keys on the operation panel. Further, the CPU 2 (102)
Control of each part within 0 and drive control of the scanning system 10 are performed. The CPU 4 (104) controls the print processing unit 40, the laser optical system 60, the image forming system 70, and the main motor 78. The CPU 5 (105) performs a process for adjusting the overall timing of the control unit 100 and setting an operation mode.

The CPU 3 (103) controls the memory unit 30 to temporarily store the read image data in an image memory 304 to be described later, reads out the image data, and transmits the read image data to the print processing unit 40.

The memory unit 30 has a function of interfacing with an external device, and communicates image data and control data. Note that the paper size detection sensor 89
The signals from a and 89b are input to the I / O 133, and the CPU 4 (104) reads the data to manage the size of the copy sheet. CPU6 (106)
Controls the document transport by the document transport unit 500.
The CPU 7 (107) controls the sheet re-feed unit 600.

Next, the reading section 2 and the image signal processing section 20
Will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the reading unit 2. The reading unit 2 is a CCD (Charge Coupled D)
evice) 16, scan motor 18, timing control unit 21 for synchronizing image reading, scanner position sensor 22 for detecting positions of first scanner 11 and second scanner 14, amplifier 23, image monitor memory 24 , A
/ D converter 25, shading correction unit 26, density conversion unit 27, electrical scaling unit 28, editing and processing unit 29, CPU 2
(102), a ROM 112, and a RAM 122.

The timing control section 21 supplies an image reading synchronization signal to each section. The CCD 16 photoelectrically converts the image information of the document and outputs an electric signal. The electric signal is amplified and controlled by the amplifier 23 and is converted into an 8-bit digital signal by the A / D converter 25. The signal from the A / D converter 25 is subjected to processing for removing distortion by the optical system and the CCD by the shading correction unit 26. Next, the density conversion section 27 converts the reflection data of the document into density data and performs gamma correction. The signal from the density converter 27 is input to the electric scaling unit 28, and the magnification is electrically changed in the main scanning direction based on the set magnification information. Thereafter, image editing processing is performed in the editing processing section 29, and the processed image data is supplied to the print processing section 40 and the memory unit section 30.

The image monitor memory 24 stores the CPU 2 (10
According to the instruction in 2), the image data for one line is stored.
Further, the CPU 2 (102)
6. Setting of parameters for the density conversion unit 27, the electric scaling unit 28, and the editing and processing unit 29, scanning control by driving the scanner motor 18, communication control with the host CPU 5 (105), and overall control of the reading unit 2. Perform

Next, a method of detecting the size of the original and the direction in which the original is placed will be described. Since the document cover that covers the upper surface of the document is made of a material having a low reflectance, a portion where the amount of reflected light when scanning the document is large is determined as the document area. Incidentally, since there is almost no reflected light amount from the portion where there is no original, the original area can be determined even when scanning is performed with the original cover opened.

The CPU 2 (102) is connected to the host CPU 5
When a document size detection operation instruction is received from (105) via the serial I / O 141, a preliminary scan is performed.
The CPU 2 (102) controls the scanner motor 18 based on the scanner position information from the scanner position sensor 22, and causes the scanners 11 and 14 to scan in the sub-scanning direction. At the timing synchronized with the sub-scanning, the content of the image data is read, and the document size and the portrait / landscape orientation are detected from the content and the scanner position information.
It is transmitted to the host CPU 5 (105) via / O141. The CPU 2 (102) is the host CPU 5 (105)
When the image is read, the speed of the scan motor 18 is also controlled at the scanner speed corresponding to the magnification information based on the magnification information transmitted from the scanner.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the memory unit 30. The memory unit 30 includes a CPU
3 (103), a binarization processing unit 302 for creating binary data based on parameter settings by the CPU 3 (103), a multi-port image memory having a capacity of image data for two pages of A4 size at 400 dpi 30
4. Compressor 311 and decompressor 3 that can operate independently
12, a code memory 306 having multiple ports, a rotation processing unit 307, and a CPU 3 (10
The multi-value processing section 308 for generating multi-value data based on the parameter setting according to 3), the scaling section 309, the external IF section 310, and the switching direction of image data transfer to the external IF section 310. A switching unit 315 is included.

The switching unit 315 switches the transfer direction for transmitting and receiving image data to and from an external device via the external IF unit 310. These controls are performed by the CPU 3 (10
3) is performed. Also, the CPU 3 (103)
It also transmits and receives information for control via the external IF unit 310.

When the image data is written into the image memory 304, the code processing unit 305 reads and compresses the image data to create code data, and writes the code data into the code memory 306. In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 3 (103), the code data written in the code memory 306 is read and decompressed to create image data, and this image data is stored in the image memory 30.
Write to 4.

When one page of image data is generated in the image memory 304 by decompression, the CPU 3 (103)
Reads the image data from the image memory 304 and outputs it to the rotation processing unit 307. The rotation processing unit 307 performs rotation processing on the image data as necessary, and
08. The multi-value processing unit 308 converts the binary image data into multi-value image data and outputs it to the scaling unit 309. The scaling unit 309 performs electrical scaling processing in both the main scanning and sub-scanning directions on multi-valued image data and outputs the result. The compression section 311 and the expansion section 312 can operate independently and in parallel. Data transfer between the compression unit 311 and the decompression unit 312 and the code memory 306 is as follows.
Each is performed by DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer.

In the above-described temporary storage of the document image, the code memory 306 is managed by a management table MT1 provided in the RAM 123.

When the digital copier 1 is not connected to an external device and cannot transmit image data, the CPU 3
If (103) determines that the free space of the code memory 306 is insufficient, it sends a compression completion report to the CPU 5 (105) to which a parameter indicating that compression is impossible is added. Thus, the CPU 5 (105) knows that the code memory 306 has reached the memory full state. In a state where the digital copying machine 1 is connected to an external device and the memory of the external device can be used, the CPU 3 (1
03) determines that the free space of the code memory 306 is likely to be insufficient, and transfers the image data being read or the image data already stored in the code memory to the connected external device. .

The image data transferred to the memory of the external device is provided when the free space of the code memory of the digital copying machine 1 is sufficient, or when the free space of the code memory is sufficient and the digital copying machine 1 When the print conditions are satisfied, the data is stored in the code memory 306 via the external IF unit 310 and the switching unit 315.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the relationship between the management table MT 1 and the code memory 306. The code memory 306 is divided into memory areas in units of 32 Kbytes, and each area has a code for each page so that writing (at the time of reading operation) and reading (at the time of printing operation) can be simultaneously controlled. Data is stored.

The management table MT1 includes a code memory 30
6, a page number (document image number) P of image data added in the writing order (document scanning order)
N, the number of the connected area, and various additional information (image registration number, compression method, data length, etc.) necessary for the compression / expansion processing are stored. The code memory 306 operates based on these information. Is managed.

The "previous link" in FIG. 6 (a) indicates a forward link of an area of 32 Kbytes in each page, and when this is "00", 1
Indicates that this is the first storage area for page data.
"Post-link" indicates the connection in the backward direction of the area for each 32 KB in each page, and when "FF", it indicates the last area.

When the compression unit 311 reads out image data from the image memory 304 and compresses the image data, the CPU 3 (103) refers to the information in the management table MT1 and
By controlling 1, the compression unit 311 stores the code data in the code memory 306. When generating image data from code data, the decompression unit 312 uses the code memory 30
The code data is sequentially read out from # 6. The information in the management table MT1 is deleted when the information of the corresponding page is normally read out by the decompression unit 312 and the number of copies (the number of copies) specified by the operator is completed.

Next, with respect to the operation sequence of the digital copying machine 1, the flow of request commands (Q), reports (A), and data transmitted and received among the CPUs 1 to 7 (101 to 107) will be described. Transmission and reception of data and the like between CPUs is performed via the serial I / O 141.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic sequence of a memory write operation. In the case of a memory writing operation, the image signal processor 20 to the image memory 304 in the memory unit 30
The read image data is transferred to.

First, C that controls the entire sequence
The PU 5 (105) requests the CPU 3 (103) for memory preparation. In response, CPU3 (103)
Corresponds to the image signal processing unit 2
Setting of a bus connection state for transferring image data from 0 to the image memory 304, setting of a mode for binarization processing, start address of a writing area to the image memory 304,
And XY length information and the like are set.

When these settings are completed and the memory preparation is completed, the CPU 3 (103) notifies the CPU 5 (105) of the completion of the memory preparation. CPU5 (105)
Requests reading from the CPU 3 (103) and the CPU 2 (102), the image processing unit (the program executed by the CPU 2 (102)) in the CPU 2 (102) is scanned by the document scanning unit (the program executed by the CPU 2 (102)). ) Requires a scan. When scanning is started by the document scanning unit and the scanners 11 and 14 move to reach the image area, the read data (image data) is converted into an image signal by the control of the CPU 3 (103) according to a preset image processing mode. The data is transferred from the processing unit 20 to the memory unit 30.

When the scanning is completed and the end of reading is notified from the CPU 2 (102) and the CPU 3 (103), the CPU 5 (105) requests the CPU 3 (103) to compress the data. In response, CPU 3 (1
03) is a read address from the image memory 304, XY
Length information, write address to code memory 306, and mode of compression (eg, arithmetic coding, MH
(Modified Huffman) method) is set in the compression unit 311 and each unit is started. Thereby, the compression unit 311
Is performed, and the code data is stored in the code memory 3.
06. When the compression process by the compression unit 311 is completed, the CPU 3 (103) notifies the CPU 5 (105) of the completion of the compression.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic sequence of a memory read operation. In the memory reading operation, the image memory 30
The image data is read from the printer 4, and a copy image is printed on a sheet based on the image data.

The CPU 5 (105) is connected to the CPU 3 (10
Request data expansion to 3). CPU3 (10
3) sets the read address from the code memory 306, the data amount, the write address to the image memory 304, the XY length information, the expansion mode (for example, the arithmetic coding system, the MH system), and the like in the expansion unit 312. To start each unit. Thus, the decompression process is performed by the decompression unit 312, and the image data is written to the image memory 304.

When the decompression process by the decompression unit 312 is completed, the CPU 3 (103) notifies the CPU 5 (105) of the completion of the decompression.

When the decompression process is completed, the CPU 5 (10
5) provides the CPU 3 (103) with the image memory 30
4 transmits a memory preparation request for reading image data. In response to this, the CPU 3 (103) sets the connection state of the bus for outputting image data from the image memory 304 to the print processing unit 40 to the memory unit unit 30, the setting for the rotation process, the image memory The start address of the read area from 304 and the XY length information are set.

When these settings are completed and memory preparation is completed, and the CPU 5 (105) receives the notification,
5 (105) is the CPU 3 (103) and the print processing unit 4
Request printing for 0. Print processing unit 40 to C
A paper feed report is sent to the PU 5 (105) to notify the paper transport state, and then the image data read from the image memory 304 is output to the print processing unit 40 to perform printing.

When printing by the print processing unit 40 is completed, the CPU 3 (103) and the print processing unit 40
A print completion report and an ejection completion report are sent to U5 (105). Upon receipt of these reports, the CPU 5 (105)
A memory clear request is sent to (103).

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the operation panel. On the operation panel, a liquid crystal touch panel 201 for status display and various mode settings, a numeric keypad 202 for inputting numerical conditions for copying (number of sheets, magnification, etc.), a clear key 203 for returning numerical conditions to standard values, A panel reset key 204 for initializing the copy mode, a stop key 205 for instructing to stop copying, a start key 206 for instructing to start copying, and a key for designating a single-sided or double-sided original. Original designation key 207,
A copy mode key 208 for switching between two-sided copy and one-sided copy, a document reading start key 209 for starting reading of the next user's document during image output, and a document reading stop key for stopping only reading of the document. 210,
A registration key 211 and the like for registering the read original (image data registered as one job) in the memory are arranged.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to the present invention. The controller 4 as an example of an external device is connected to the digital copying machine 1 via an external device connection connector 90 and an external cable 91. The controller 4 is connected to a copier 1 '(copier having a memory function equivalent to that of the copier 1) and the like via a computer 5 and a controller 4' via a general-purpose network such as Ethernet.

As an operation of the entire system, for example,
Data created on the computer 5 is sent to the controller 4 in accordance with a print command from the computer 5. The controller 4 performs a process of converting data (postscript data or the like) transmitted from the computer 5 into raster data. For this purpose, a memory capable of storing image data of at least one document is provided. When converted into image data by the controller 4, the image data is sent to the digital copying machine 1. The digital copying machine 1 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data.

When reading the image data, the copying machine 1
Upon recognizing that the free space of the code memory of the copying machine 1 is insufficient, the image data is transmitted to the
The data is transferred to the memory in the copying machine 1 '. Thereafter, when the memory capacity of the copying machine 1 is sufficient, or when the conditions for printing the image data transferred to the copying machine 1 'in the copying machine 1 are satisfied, the copying machine 1' transfers the image data to the copying machine. Return to 1. The present invention is not limited to this type of system, but encompasses a system that provides a similar effect, such as a system in which a facsimile is connected via a modem and a telephone line.

FIG. 11 shows a CP for controlling the operation panel.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of U1 (101). After the power is turned on, when the CPU 1 (101) starts processing, first, initialization is performed to initialize the RAM 121, registers inside the CPU, and the like (# 11). Thereafter, a value defining the length of one routine (# 12 to # 16) is set in the internal timer (# 12), and key input processing for accepting a key operation from the operation panel is performed (# 13). Then, a display corresponding to the key operation is displayed on touch panel 201 (# 14).

Thereafter, the end of the internal timer is determined. If the end of the internal timer is ended, the process returns to step # 12 to repeat the above processing. When an interrupt is received from the serial I / O 141, communication with another CPU is appropriately performed.

FIG. 12 shows C for controlling the printing section 3.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of PU4 (104). First, after initial setting of the RAM 124 and the registers inside the CPU (# 41), one routine (# 42 to # 42) is performed.
# 48) A value defining the length is set in the internal timer (# 42), control of the development / transfer system (# 43), control of the transport system (# 44), control of the fixing system (# 45), After the control of the print processing section 40 (# 46), the end of the internal timer is determined (# 48). When the internal timer ends, the process returns to step # 42 to repeat the above processing.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing C for controlling the entire copying machine 1.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of PU5 (105). First, after initial setting of the RAM 125 and the registers inside the CPU (# 51), one routine (# 52 to # 52) is performed.
(# 59) The value defining the length is set in the internal timer (# 52), and the CPU 1 is set via the serial I / O 141.
The data input from (101) (data set by operating the operation panel keys) is analyzed (# 5).
3). Then, an operation mode is determined based on the analysis result (# 54), and an interrupt switching process is performed (# 55). Interrupt switching means that the reception of an interrupt from an external device, an operation panel, or the like is appropriately switched to receive only a necessary interrupt.
Next, a command to be executed is determined according to the operation mode, and data to be transmitted as a command to each CPU is determined (# 56). The determined command is sent to the serial I /
It is set to O141 and sent to each CPU (# 57), and the termination of the internal timer is determined. When the internal timer has expired, the process returns to step # 52 to repeat the above processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of CPU 3 (103) for controlling memory unit unit 30. First, after initial setting of the RAM 123 and the registers inside the CPU (# 61), the CPU 5 (1
05) is received. As described above, the status transmission process (# 63), the image memory writing process (# 64), the compression control process (# 65), the decompression control process (# 66), and the image memory reading process (# 6)
7) is repeated to manage the image data.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a memory capacity identification processing procedure included in the image memory writing processing (# 64) in FIG. When proceeding to the memory capacity identification process,
First, the state A is checked (# 600).
In this state A, "0" is set in the initial state. If it is determined in step # 600 that the state A is "0", the flow advances to step # 602 to check the free space of the code memory 306, and set the value of the free space to X1. Next, the capacity of the image data written in the image memory 304 is confirmed, and the value is set to Y1 (# 605). Then, from the value of Y1 set in step # 605, the capacity of the code data after being compressed at the worst case compression rate expected in the compression processing in compression section 311 is calculated, and the value is set as Z1. ($ 61
0).

Next, the value of Z1 is compared with the value of X1 (# 615). When Z1 is larger than X1, that is, when it is recognized that the free space of the code memory 306 is likely to be insufficient, the process proceeds to step # 620. Also, X
1 is larger than Z1, that is, the code memory 30
If it is recognized that there is enough free space in
On.

In step # 615, Z1 is equal to X1
If it is determined that the value is larger than the predetermined value, a confirmation process is performed to determine whether there is an external device that can transfer image data via the controller 4. This processing is executed by the CPU 3 (103).
Executes the program, the external IF unit 31
0 is performed. If there is no external device that can transfer image data (# 620, No), the process proceeds to # 625, and the CPU 5 determines that the capacity of the code memory 306 is full.
A process for reporting to (105) is performed and return is performed.

If there is an external device that can transfer image data (# 620, Yes), the state A is set to "1"(# 622), and the routine returns.

If it is determined in step # 600 that state A is "1", step # 630
Then, the image data transfer process to the external device is performed. Details of this processing will be described later. Then, step # 6
In step 27, it is checked whether or not the image data transfer process has been completed. If not, the process returns. If it is determined in step # 627 that the transfer has been completed, state A is set to "0"(# 628), and the process returns.

According to the above-described processing, it is possible to transfer image data to an external device via the external I / F when a shortage of free space in the code memory is detected.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for transferring image data to an external device (# 630) in FIG. First, the state B is checked (# 63
5). In the state B, "0" is set in the initial state. If the state B is "0" in step # 635, the process proceeds to step # 640, and a request for temporarily stopping reading of image data of the next job is issued to the CPU 2 (10
Send to 2). Then, the state B is set to "1"(# 6
45) Return.

If it is determined in step # 635 that the state B is "1", the flow advances to step # 650 to write various information (device information, job number information, page number information, etc.) into the management table MT1. Image memory 3
After the image data stored in the image data 04 is compressed by the compression unit 311, the switching unit 315 and the external IF unit 31
0 to the external device. Various types of information written in the management table MT1 correspond to the management table MT1 shown in FIG.
Is written in the area of the additional information. The device information refers to information such as copy mode information and the number of copies input from the operation panel, the job number information refers to a serial number added to a job registered by the operation panel, and the page number information refers to a page number in the job. Indicates the page number. The various information written in the management table is used when receiving the transferred image data.

Next, in step # 655, it is determined whether or not the transfer of the image data has been completed. If the transfer has not been completed, the routine returns. Step # 65
If it is determined in 5 that the transfer has been completed, the state B is set to "2"(# 660), and the routine returns. If the state B is determined to be "2" in step # 635, the flow advances to step # 665 to send a request to resume reading of the image of the next job to CPU 2 (102). Then, the state B is set to "0"(# 670), and the routine returns.

By the above processing, the read image can be transferred to the external device. FIG. 17 is a modification example 1 of the image data transfer to the external device described with reference to FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of FIG. First, state B
Is checked (# 636). In the state B, "0" is set in the initial state.

If the state B is "0" in step # 636, the flow advances to step # 640 to execute a request process for temporarily stopping reading of the next image data by the CPU.
2 (102). Then, the state B is set to "1"(# 645), and the routine returns.

If it is determined in step # 636 that the state B is "1", the flow advances to step # 651 to check the image data management table MT1 stored in the code memory 306. The image data to be transferred to the external device is selected based on the confirmation result (# 65
6). For example, there is a method of selecting a registered job with a low job priority, or a method of selecting a job with a small amount of image data to be transferred to an external device. Here, what is managed for each job is
This is because management is easy when the image data is returned to the copying machine 1 again and the printing process is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention includes those in which similar effects can be obtained by other selection methods. Next, state B
Is set to "2"(# 660), and the routine returns.

If it is determined in step # 636 that state B is "2", step # 666 is executed.
Then, the image data of the job selected in step # 656 is sent to the external device. Then, it is checked whether or not the image data transfer has been completed (# 670), and if not completed, the process returns. If it is determined in step # 670 that the data transfer has been completed, state B is set to "3"(# 675), and the process returns.

If it is determined in step # 636 that state B is "3", the flow advances to # 665, and
The CPU 2 (10
Send to 2). Then, the state B is set to “0” (# 67
0), return.

By the above processing, the code memory 30
6 can be transferred to an external device.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the second modification of the transfer of image data to an external device described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing step # 65 in FIG.
Since 0 is replaced by $ 652 and other processes are the same, the detailed description of the overlapping processes will not be repeated.

At # 652, after writing various information (device information, job number information, page number information, etc.) in the management table MT 1, and compressing the image data stored in the image memory 304 by the compression unit 311 , To the selected external device via the switching unit 315 and the external IF unit 310. However, when there are a plurality of external devices that can transfer image data, it is assumed that one of them is already selected in # 620 of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the third modification of the image data transfer to the external device described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a view showing step # 65 in FIG.
Since 0 is replaced by $ 653 and other processes are the same, the detailed description of the overlapping processes will not be repeated.

At # 653, various information (device information, job number information, page number information, etc.) is written in the management table MT 1, and the image data of the job selected from the image data stored in the image memory 304 is written. After performing compression processing by the compression unit 311, the data is transferred to an external device via the switching unit 315 and the external IF unit 310. However,
As for the image data of the job to be transferred, it is assumed that the job to be transferred is already selected from the plurality of jobs in # 620 of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure for returning image data included in the image memory read processing (# 67) of FIG. First, state C is checked (# 700). In this state C, "0" is set in the initial state. In step # 700, state C
Is determined to be "0", step # 70
Proceed to 5 to check whether there is image data previously transferred to the external device. If there is no transferred image data, the process returns. If there is transferred image data in step # 705, the process proceeds to step # 710, where the capacity of the image data transferred to the external device is confirmed based on the additional information of the management table MT1, and the value is substituted into X2.
Then, the free space of the code memory 306 is confirmed, and the value is substituted into Y2 (# 715).

Next, at step # 720, the values of Y2 and X2 are compared to determine whether Y2 is greater than X2. If Y2 is not greater than X2,
The process returns because the free space of the code memory 306 is insufficient. In step # 720, if Y2 is larger than X2, state C is set to "1"(# 725), and the routine returns.

If it is determined in step # 700 that the value of state C is "1", the process proceeds to $ 800,
It issues a request to send back the transferred image data to the external device that previously transferred the image data, and receives the image data.

At step # 900, it is determined whether or not the image data has been returned. If the return of the image data has been completed (# 900, Yes), the state C is set to "0".
(# 950), and the process returns. Step # 9
At 00, if the image data has not been returned (# 900, No), the process returns.

According to the above processing, when free space is generated in the code memory, a request for returning image data to an external device is issued, and the image data can be received.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the first modification of the image data return described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 shows steps # 705 and # 710 of FIG.
Since the processing is the same except that step # 708 is added between, the detailed description of the overlapping processing will not be repeated. In step # 708, it is checked whether the output order of the previously transferred image data is in order. If it is determined in step # 708 that the output order of the image data has not been reached, the image data return process ends. If it is determined in step # 708 that the image data is to be output, the process proceeds to step # 710.

According to this processing, when there is free space in the memory and it becomes the order to output the transferred image data, a request for returning the image data is issued to the external device connected via the external I / F. Image data can be received.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the second modification of the image data return described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a view showing steps # 705 and # 710 in FIG.
Are the same except that step # 707 is added between the steps # 1 and # 2, and therefore, detailed description of the overlapping processing will not be repeated.
At step # 707, it is determined whether or not the desired external device is ready. Step # 707
If the desired external device is not ready, the process returns. If the desired external device is ready in step # 707, the process proceeds to step # 710.

By the above processing, when free space is generated in the memory, a request for returning image data to an external device connected via the external I / F can be issued, and the image data can be received.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the third modification of the image data return described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 shows steps # 705 and # 710 in FIG.
Are the same except that steps # 708 and # 709 are added between them, and therefore detailed description of the overlapping processing will not be repeated. In step # 708, it is checked whether the output order of the previously transferred image data is in order. If it is determined in step # 708 that the output order of the previously transferred image data has not been reached, the process returns.
If it is determined in step # 708 that the previously transferred image data is in the output order, the process proceeds to step # 7.
In step 09, it is checked whether the desired external device is ready. If it is determined in step # 709 that the desired external device is not ready, the process returns. If it is determined in step # 709 that the desired external device is in the ready state, the process proceeds to step # 710.
With the above processing, when there is free space in the code memory 306 and it becomes the order to output the transferred image data, a return request is issued to the external device connected to the network,
Image data can be received.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the controller 4. The controller 4 includes an external interface 1 (400), an interpreter unit 401, a memory unit 402, an electric scaling unit 403, and an external interface 2 (404).

The external interface 1 (400) transmits and receives data to and from the computer 5. The interpreter 401 performs processing for translating data (for example, PostScript data) transmitted from the computer 5 and converting the data into raster data. Memory unit 40
Reference numeral 2 stores image data converted to raster data. When the image data for one page is stored, the copying machine 1
The control for outputting the image to is performed. The image data output from the memory unit 402 is scaled by the electric scaling unit 403 and sent to the copying machine 1 via the external interface 2 (404) for communicating with the copying machine 1. The electric scaling unit 403 scales the image at the electric scaling ratio in the sub direction based on the magnification adjustment data (speed adjustment data) sent from the copying machine 1 and sends the image to the copying machine 1. The CPU 410 includes an external interface 1 (400), an interpreter 401,
It controls the memory unit 402, the electric scaling unit 403, and the external interface 2 (404). The controller 4 can transmit and receive the compressed image data as it is under the control of the copying machine 1.

[Second Embodiment] The structure and functions of a digital copying machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14 and FIGS. Since it is the same as a digital copying machine (only FIG. 15 differs), detailed description will not be repeated. FIG.
15 is a flowchart showing a memory capacity identification processing procedure included in the image memory writing processing (# 64) in FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating steps # 620, # 622,
And $ 625 have been replaced by $ 621,
Since other processes are the same, detailed description of the overlapping processes will not be repeated. At step # 621, confirmation processing of the external device connected via the external I / F is performed.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for checking the external device (# 621) in FIG.
This processing is performed via the external IF unit 310 by the CPU 3 (103) executing the program. First, the copier 1 checks whether or not an external device is connected via the external I / F (# 100
5). If it is not connected to an external device, the flow advances to step # 1025 to notify the CPU 5 (105) that the capacity of the code memory 306 is full and return.

If it is determined in step # 1005 that an external device is connected, it is determined whether or not there is a device having a free memory space larger than the value of Z1 among the connected external devices. (# 1010).

In step # 1010, if there is no device having a free memory capacity larger than the value of Z1, the process proceeds to # 1025, and the CPU 5 (105) is notified that the capacity of the code memory 306 is full. ($ 10
25) Return.

In step # 1010, if there is a device having a free memory space larger than the value of Z1, an external device to which image data is transferred is selected (# 101).
5), state A is set to "1"(# 1020), and the routine returns.

With the above processing, it is possible to determine whether there is an external device to which image data can be transferred.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a modification of the external device confirmation described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is the same as FIG. 26 except that step # 1010 in FIG. 26 is replaced with steps # 1006 to # 1008, and therefore detailed description of the overlapping processing will not be repeated.
At step # 1006, a process for checking the management table MT1 of the image data stored in the code memory 306 is performed. Based on the confirmation result, a process of selecting image data to be transferred to the external device is performed (# 100
7). This selection method includes, for example, a method of selecting a registered job with a low job priority and a method of selecting one job with a small amount of image data to be transferred to an external device. Here, the reason why the management is performed for each job is that the image data is returned to the copying machine 1 again and the management is easy when the printing process is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention includes those in which similar effects can be obtained by other selection methods.

Next, in step # 1008, it is checked whether or not there is an external device having a free space larger than the capacity of the selected job. Step # 1
In 008, when there is no external device having a free space larger than the capacity of the selected job, the CPU 5 (1) determines that the capacity of the code memory 306 is full.
05) (# 1025) and return.

In step # 1008, if there is an external device having a free space larger than the capacity of the selected job, an external device to which image data is to be transferred is selected (# 1015), and step # 1020 Proceed to.

With the above processing, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an external device to which image data can be transferred.

As described above, the present invention can transfer image data to an external device connected via an external I / F even when the free space of the memory becomes insufficient while reading a document. It is possible to continue reading the manuscript,
An image forming apparatus having excellent operability can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram (part 1) illustrating a configuration of a control unit 100 of the copying machine 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram (part 2) illustrating a configuration of a control unit 100 of the copying machine 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reading unit 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory unit 30.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a management table MT1 and a code memory 306.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic sequence of a memory write operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic sequence of a memory read operation.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an operation panel.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration including a digital copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a CPU 1 for controlling an operation panel.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a CPU 4 that controls a printing unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a CPU 5 for performing overall control of the copying machine 1;

14 shows a CPU for controlling a memory unit 30. FIG.
13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of No. 3;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a memory capacity identification processing procedure included in the image memory writing processing (# 64) of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for transferring image data to an external device in FIG. 15 (# 630).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a first modification of transferring image data to an external device.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a second modification of transferring image data to an external device.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure according to a third modification of transferring image data to an external device.

20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for returning image data included in the image memory read processing (# 67) of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a first modification of returning image data.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a second modification of returning image data.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a third modification of returning image data.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the controller 4.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a memory capacity identification processing procedure included in the image memory writing processing (# 64) of FIG. 14;

26 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for confirming an external device on the network in FIG. 25 (# 621).

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a modification of the external device check.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier 2 Reading part 3 Printing part 4, 4 'controller 5 Computer 10 Scanning system 20 Image signal processing part 30 Memory unit part 40 Print processing part 50 Laser optical system 70 Image forming system 101-107 CPU 111-117 ROM 121- 127 RAM 500 Document feeder 600 Refeed unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] A reading unit for reading an image of a document; a storage unit for storing image data output from the reading unit; a management unit for managing a free space of the storage unit; A communication unit for communicating image data with the device, and transmitting the image data to an external device via the communication unit when the management unit recognizes the lack of free space in the storage unit, A control unit for receiving image data transmitted to an external device via the communication unit when the management unit recognizes that the free space of the storage unit is sufficient. 2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein said management unit checks a state of an external device by said communication unit when said management unit recognizes a shortage of free space in said storage unit, and determines whether an external device capable of transmitting said image data is available. When it is determined that the image data exists, the image data is transmitted to the external device via the communication unit.If the management unit recognizes that the storage unit has a free space, the communication unit 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state of the external device is confirmed, and when it is determined that the image data can be received, the image forming apparatus receives the image data transmitted to the external device via the communication unit. 3. The control means, when the management means recognizes that the storage means has free space, and satisfies a predetermined condition for forming an image of the transmitted image data, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus receives the image data transmitted through the communication unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data transmitted to the external device by the communication unit is image data stored in a storage unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data transmitted to the external device by the communication unit is image data of a document currently read by the reading device. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image data stored in the storage unit is image data of one job.