JPH11184879A - Method for processing picture and device for forming picture and system for processing picture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for processing a picture, a device for forming a picture and a system for processing a picture in which when a picture is read, stored in a storage medium or a storage device, and transferred, a user can be given a change to confirm the picture quality by printing the picture, and to preserve and manage the confirmed proper picture for a prescribed period. SOLUTION: An original obtained by a user is read by a reading part 1, and the read picture data are stored in a temporary storage part 2(1), and the stored original picture data are printed on recording materials such as a recording sheet by a printing part 3 (2, 3). Afterwards, the user confirms the print quality of the duplicated object, and inputs information indicating the absence of any problem from an inputting part 6(4). The signal is transmitted to the temporary storage part 2(5), and the original picture data are stored in an outside storage part 5(6). Afterwards, the picture data of the temporary storage part 2 are deleted by a deleting part 4(7). Then, at the time of reading the picture data stored in the outside storage part 5, a mark sheet for describing prescribed information such as an identification number is printed so that retrieval can be quickly attained (8).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image processing method, and more particularly to an image processing method applicable to an image processing system formed by connecting an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image processing system using this type of image processing method, an image or character data processed by an operator on a computer is printed by an image forming apparatus, or a document read by the image forming apparatus is read. Those capable of character recognition of the above image on a computer, recording on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or MO, or transferring to another computer are already commercially available and widely used. ing.

[0003] By using such an image processing system, an operator can copy, facsimile, print,
Various services such as image filing can be used with many functions of the image forming apparatus, for example, high-speed printing speed, double-sided printing, enlargement / reduction printing, finishing processing such as stapling and bookbinding, and the like.

[0004] In order to allow an operator or the like on a network to browse a large number of temporarily acquired images of images by using such an image processing system, the images must be converted to AD.
High-speed reading using F (auto sheet feeder) etc.
A storage medium such as an MO (magneto-optical disk) or H
D (hard disk) or other external storage device,
Transfer to a computer on a network is generally performed.

[0005]

However, in the case of the above-mentioned prior art, the storage and transfer are performed continuously even if the reading of the original is not performed accurately. When reading the contents of the document from such a storage medium or the like, it has often been found that there is a reading error for the first time.

[0006] The reading errors include, for example, problems with the mounting position and inclination on the platen, problems with image quality such as density and resolution such as crushing and blurring, problems with the reading mechanism such as missing pages due to double feeding of documents, There are various problems such as these, these problems,
Even if it turns out later, it may not be possible to read the original again.

[0007] Such a temporarily obtained manuscript is a non-digitized manuscript created by a place beyond the control of the user, and may have been returned or may have a problem with the manuscript storage location. This is the case, for example, when the data is disposed immediately after being read.

[0008] Of course, if the document is small, it is possible to display and confirm the stored and transferred image data on a display such as a computer. However, when handling a large amount of document, all the image data is displayed on the display. Displaying and confirming the display is limited by the performance of the apparatus, the size of the monitor, and the like, and requires a great deal of labor both physically and physically.

When a large number of non-electronic documents are temporarily obtained, it is common practice to first copy a part or a plurality of copies and distribute or circulate the copied printed material. In such a case, the print quality is not always confirmed immediately after copying, and the problem may be discovered after the printed matter is distributed or circulated.

In this case as well, there is a case where it is impossible to obtain the original again when the problem is discovered.

In addition, the importance of the document is recognized at the distribution or circulation destination. At this point, the document may be recorded on a storage medium or transferred through a network. Since there is no original document, the copied printed matter is to be further read.

In this case, the first copying operation and the later reading and recording operation or the reading and data transfer operation are performed again even though they are the same reading operation. Was also wasteful.

Further, since the copied document is read again and converted into image data, it is a so-called grandchild copy, and depending on the contents of the document, the print quality is greatly reduced, and the value of the document may be lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to read an image and store it in a storage medium or a storage device, or to transfer the image once. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing method, an image forming apparatus, and an image processing system capable of giving a user a chance to confirm the image quality by performing printing and further storing and managing a proper image after the confirmation for a predetermined period. .

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, in an image processing method according to the present invention, there is provided a reading step of reading a document image, a temporary storing step of temporarily storing read image data, A printing step of printing the temporarily stored image data and a print image in the printing step request the user to confirm the quality of the read image data, and a confirmation step of inputting the result. And a storage step of outputting the stored image data to the storage means.

It is also preferable that the method further comprises an erasing step for erasing the image data stored in the temporary storing step after the storing step.

Preferably, after the storing step, an information output step of outputting information on the image data stored in the storing step is provided.

An information input step of inputting the information output in the information output step, and an image data output step of outputting the image data stored in the storage step based on the information input in the information input step. Is also preferable.

A reading step for reading the original image, a temporary storing step for temporarily storing the read image data, a printing step for printing the temporarily stored image data, and a printing image in the printing step are read by the user. It is characterized by comprising a confirmation step of requesting confirmation of the quality of image data and inputting the result, and a transfer step of transferring the temporarily stored image data using a transfer means after the input in the confirmation step.

It is preferable that the method further comprises an erasing step for erasing the image data stored in the temporary storing step after the transferring step.

A reading step of reading a document image; a temporary storage step of temporarily storing read image data; a confirmation step of inputting confirmation of the quality of the read image; An information output step of outputting information relating to the image data stored in the step.

It is also preferable that the image data stored in the temporary storage step has an erasing step of setting a storage term and erasing the image data whose storage term has passed.

Preferably, the information includes an identification number of the image data.

Preferably, the information includes a storage period of the image data.

An information input step of inputting the information output in the information output step, and an image data output step of outputting the image data stored in the temporary storage step based on the information input in the information input step It is also preferable to have

After the image data output step, it is preferable that the method further comprises an erasing step of erasing the image data stored in the temporary storing step.

Preferably, the information output step is a step of printing a sheet on which information on image data is described.

Preferably, the information output step is a step of printing a sheet on which information relating to image data is described, and the information input step is a step of reading the information printed on the sheet. is there.

In the information output step, the display means includes:
Preferably, in the step of displaying the information, the information inputting step is a step of inputting the information to an operation unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a reading unit for reading a document image; a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing read image data; A printing unit that prints the stored image data; and a storage unit that receives and stores the image data from the temporary storage unit. When the image read by the reading unit is stored in the storage unit, the temporary storage unit After the image data is printed by the printing unit, the quality of the print result is confirmed by a user, and then stored in the storage unit.

It is also preferable that the image processing apparatus further comprises an erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the temporary storing means after storing the image data in the storing means.

[0032] It is also preferable that the apparatus further comprises an information output means for outputting information on the image data stored in the storage means after storing in the storage means.

Information input means for inputting the information output by the information output means, and image data output means for outputting image data stored in the storage means based on the information input in the information input means. Is also preferable.

A reading means for reading the original image; a temporary storage means for temporarily storing the read image data; a printing means for printing the image data stored in the temporary storage means; Transfer means for receiving and transferring, when transferring the image read by the reading means from the transfer means, temporarily store the image data in the temporary storage means, print the image data by the printing means, and then print the image data The result is transferred to the transfer unit after the user confirms the quality of the result.

It is also preferable that the apparatus further comprises an erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the temporary storage means after transferring from the transferring means.

A reading means for reading the original image, a temporary storage means for temporarily storing the read image data, a printing means for printing the image data stored in the temporary storage means, and a storage means for storing the image data in the temporary storage means. Information output means for outputting information about image data, and temporarily stores the image data read by the reading means in the temporary storage means, prints the image data by the printing means, After the user confirms the quality, the information output means outputs the information of the image data.

[0037] It is also preferred that the image data stored in the temporary storage means is provided with an erasing means for setting an expiration date and erasing the image data whose expiration date has passed.

Preferably, the information includes an identification number of the image data.

Preferably, the information includes a storage term of the image data.

Information input means for re-inputting the information output by the information output means, and image data output means for outputting image data corresponding to the information input at the information input means from the temporary storage means; Is also preferable.

It is also preferable that the image data output means has an erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the temporary storage means after outputting the image data.

Preferably, the information output means is means for printing a sheet on which information on image data is described.

Preferably, the information output means is a means for printing a sheet on which information relating to image data is described, and the information input means is a means for reading the information printed on the sheet. is there.

[0044] The information output means includes:
It is preferable that the information input means is a means for displaying the information, and the information input means is a means for inputting the information to an operation means.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, in the image processing system according to the present invention, there is provided a reading means for reading a document image, a temporary storage means for temporarily storing read image data, Printing means for printing the stored image data; transfer means for receiving and transferring the image data from the temporary storage means; and receiving means for receiving the image data transferred from the transfer means. Temporarily storing the read image in the temporary storage means,
After the image data is printed by the printing unit and the user confirms the image quality, the image data stored in the temporary storage unit is transferred from the transfer unit to the receiving unit according to a request from the receiving unit. It is characterized by.

It is also preferable to have an erasing means for setting a storage expiration date for the image data stored in the temporary storage means and erasing the image data whose expiration date has passed.

It is also preferable that the apparatus further comprises an erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the temporary storage means after the transfer of the image data by the transfer means.

[0048]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However,
The types, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to them unless otherwise specified.

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing a functional configuration of an apparatus 100 for realizing the image processing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Here, reference numeral 1 denotes a reading unit for reading an original image, 2
Denotes a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing the image read by the reading unit 1. Reference numeral 3 denotes a printing unit for printing images, 4 denotes an erasing unit for erasing data in the temporary storage unit 2, 5 denotes an external storage unit for storing data stored in the temporary storage unit 2, and 6 denotes a user And a character recognition unit 7 for recognizing characters in the image data.

First, the user causes the reading section 1 to read the obtained document. Then, the read document image data is delivered to the temporary storage unit 2 and stored (). The document image data stored in the temporary storage unit 2 is sent to the printing unit 3 and printed on a recording material such as recording paper (). When the copy of the document is printed, the operation of the apparatus is stopped until the user checks the print quality and, as a result, inputs to the input unit 6 whether or not the print quality is OK (). If not, the original is read again and printed again.

When the print quality of the copy is confirmed to be sufficient and the user inputs his / her intention through the input unit 6 (), the signal is sent to the temporary storage unit 2 (), and the signal is sent to the external storage unit 5. Document image data is stored ().

When the storage in the external storage unit 5 is properly performed, the image data in the temporary storage unit 2 is deleted by the deletion unit 4 to secure the storage capacity ().

When reading out the image data stored in the external storage section 5, a mark sheet describing predetermined information such as an identification number is printed so that the search can be performed promptly ().

By making it possible to see the contents of the original document by looking at the mark sheet, it becomes very convenient when image data is read from the external storage unit 5 later.

If the data is not properly stored in the external storage unit 5, the image data is stored in the temporary storage unit 2 for a predetermined period, and the storage period is printed on a mark sheet.

The user circulates the above-mentioned copy during the storage period printed on the mark sheet, and stores the data from the temporary storage unit 2 to the external storage unit 5 when the importance is recognized. Can be.

With such a configuration, since the user's confirmation work is performed between the time when the image data of the document is read and the time when the image data is stored in the external storage unit 5, the external storage unit 5 does not reveal that the image quality is poor, and high-quality image data is reliably stored.

Next, reading of image data using a mark sheet will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the reading section 1 reads the mark sheet. The read image data of the surface of the mark sheet is sent to the temporary storage unit 2 and stored therein (). When it is determined from the stored image data that the image is a mark sheet, the image data is sent to the character recognizing unit 7, and the content written on the mark sheet is read ().

The storage position of the image data corresponding to the mark sheet is determined from the identification number written on the mark sheet, and the image data required from the external storage unit 5 is read out to the temporary storage unit 2 (,). Then, the image data sent to the temporary storage unit 2 is printed by the printing unit 3 (). This printed matter is distributed to the user, etc. (). This is the same quality as the copy that the user has confirmed the print quality at the time of reading the manuscript. No matter how far apart you are, you can easily get a high quality copy.

Further, even when the data cannot be stored in the external storage unit, the data is stored in the temporary storage unit with a time limit, so that the storage capacity is not used more than necessary.

In the original reading stage, when the document cannot be properly stored in the external storage unit 5 and is stored in the temporary storage unit 2 with a time limit, the reading unit 1 reads the mark sheet on which the storage time limit is written, When the content is read by the character recognition unit 7, the image data stored in the temporary storage unit 2 is sent to the external storage unit 5 again. Here, when the image data is properly stored in the external storage unit 5, the identification number of the image data is newly given, and the mark sheet is printed.

[Second Embodiment] An image forming apparatus 105 to which the image processing method according to the first embodiment is applied will be described as a second embodiment with reference to FIGS. .

<System Configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image processing system incorporating the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this figure, the system is 2
It has a configuration in which two independent networks are connected by one public line.

Reference numerals 101 and 102 denote computers used by ordinary users, which can create documents and exchange e-mails with other computers connected to a network (hereinafter, LAN) 108.

The computer 102 is further connected to the scanner 103 and the printer 104 by a general-purpose interface provided.

The image read by the scanner 103 is used by pasting it on a document created on the computer 102.

The printer 104 is used to print a document or the like created on the computer 102.

The computer 102 and the scanner 103
The system of the printer 104 also exerts a simple copying function of printing an image read by the scanner 103 by the printer 104 in response to an operation from the computer 102.

Reference numeral 105 denotes an image forming apparatus which has a large liquid crystal touch panel and has both an image reading function and a printing function. Again, it is connected to the LAN 108. In addition to having a copying function as a single unit, it also has a function as an electronic filing device by connecting an external recording device such as a magneto-optical disk unit.

The image forming apparatus 105 also has a printing function for a computer or the like. Computer 101
Alternatively, when printing a document or the like created by the computer 102 or the like, the image forming apparatus 105 receives the image forming command data from the computer 101 or the computer 102 via the LAN 108 and converts the received image forming command data into a bitmap. Expand to image data,
Perform printing.

A facsimile apparatus 106 has a large liquid crystal touch panel, is connected to the LAN 108, and is connected to the public line 109. As a simple substance,
It has a simple copying function and a facsimile function of the G3 standard.
It also plays the role of gateway to 14.

A server 107 manages data of devices connected to the LAN 108 and data of users who use the devices connected to the LAN 108. For example, the use of each user's device is managed based on the permission setting of the device used by the user and the user's schedule.

The public line 109 is connected to the facsimile machine 10
6. Network 1 via facsimile machine 112
08 and the network 114. It may be a dedicated line.

A computer 110 has the same function as the computer 101.

An image forming apparatus 111 has the same function as the image forming apparatus 105.

A facsimile apparatus 112 has the same function as the facsimile apparatus 106.

Reference numeral 113 denotes a server.
Similarly to the above, it has a management function of the LAN 114.

The servers 107 and 113 can mutually provide the data of the managed device and the user.

A network 114 connects the computer 110, the image forming apparatus 111, the server 113, and the like.

<Structure of Image Forming Apparatus> Next, the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 105 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

A CPU 201 controls the entire image forming apparatus, and operates by a real-time OS.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a RAM, which is a work memory for the operation of the CPU 201, which can be accessed from the CPU 201 at high speed.

A large-capacity HD 203 stores a plurality of applications for the CPU 201 to operate.
(Hard disk) under the control of the CPU 201.

Reference numeral 204 denotes the CPU 201 and RAM 2 described above.
02, a high-speed CPU bus connecting the HD 203 and each functional unit to be described later, to transfer data processed by the CPU 201 to each functional unit, and to transfer data between each functional unit at high speed (DMA transfer). belongs to. Generally, a VL bus or a PCI bus is used.

Reference numeral 205 denotes an image developing unit (hereinafter, RIP) that receives an image forming command input from an external interface connected to a computer described later and converts the command into a bitmap image according to the content of the command. The image forming command is input from the high-speed CPU bus 204 and outputs an image image to a high-speed image bus 216 described later. RIP types include Postscript and PC
L, LIPS, CaPSL and the like.

Reference numeral 206 denotes an image processing unit which performs a filtering process on the image image such as a smoothing process and an edge process in accordance with a processing command instructed by the CPU 201, on the image image input from the high-speed image bus 216.

In addition, the functions of the image processing unit 206 include a character recognition (OCR) function for an image input from the high-speed image bus 216 and an image separation function for separating a character part from an image part. Have.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a compression / decompression unit which applies MH, M to the image image input from the high-speed image bus 216.
R, MMR, JPEG and other image compression methods are used to compress the image data.
6 has a function of decompressing the compressed data input from these two buses in accordance with the method compressed by the functional unit and transmitting the compressed data to the high-speed image bus 216. Things.

A bus bridge 208 connects the high-speed CPU bus 204 and a low-speed CPU bus 209, which will be described later, and absorbs a difference in processing speed between the buses.
Through the bus bridge 208, the CPU 201 operating at a high speed can access a functional unit operating at a low speed connected to the low-speed CPU bus 209.

Reference numeral 209 denotes a bus configuration having a lower transfer speed than the high-speed CPU bus 204, and is a low-speed CPU bus for connecting a functional unit having a relatively low processing capacity. Generally, an ISA bus or the like is used.

Reference numeral 210 denotes a communication unit interposing the public line 211 and the low-speed CPU bus 209. When the public line 211 is an analog line, digital data sent from the low-speed CPU bus 209 can be transmitted to the public line. And a modem function for converting modulated data sent from a public line into digital data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, if the public line 211 is IS
In the case of a digital line such as a DN, a low-speed CPU bus 20
9 for converting the data sent from the digital line into a predetermined data format corresponding to the digital line, and conversely, converting the data sent from the digital line in the predetermined data format into data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus.
Has terminal adapter function.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a wired telephone line, a wireless telephone line,
It is an analog or digital public line such as ISDN.

Reference numeral 212 denotes a network unit for connecting the image forming apparatus to a network, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the network. Generally, the network to be connected includes Ethernet, token ring, and the like. In addition, when transmitting and receiving data to and from a wireless network, radio waves such as high frequency, light such as infrared light,
It has a modulation / demodulation function according to a modulated wave such as a sound wave such as an ultrasonic wave.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a network for transmitting and receiving data packets between the network unit 212 and another connected device. Further, when 108 is a wireless network, radio waves such as high frequencies, light such as infrared rays, sound waves such as ultrasonic waves,
The transmission and reception of the data packet are performed by using the method described above.

Reference numeral 214 denotes a computer interface for connecting the image forming apparatus to a computer. The computer sends a control command to the image forming apparatus via the computer interface 214, or sends a control command to the computer. This is a functional unit used to return the status of the image forming apparatus. Generally, RS-232C for serial communication, Centronics interface for parallel communication, and
SCSI interface, IEEE 1394 interface, Fiber Channel interface, S
SA interface and the like.

Reference numeral 215 denotes a display unit 2 in the image forming apparatus.
An operation unit interface for exchanging various control signals with the operation unit 222 and the operation unit 222.
Or display the image data created by the image expansion unit 205, the image processing unit 206, and the compression / decompression unit 207 on the display unit 22.
1 is a unit that performs resolution conversion for display on the liquid crystal display unit.

Reference numeral 216 denotes a high-speed bus for interconnecting image input / output buses in various image generation units (image expansion unit 205, image processing unit 206, compression / expansion unit 207), and a scanner interface 217 and a printer interface 219 described later. This is an image bus.

Reference numeral 217 denotes a scanner interface unit which performs optimal binarization of image data read by the scanner unit 218 according to the contents of processing in the subsequent process, and performs serialization in accordance with the data width of the high-speed image bus 216. -Performs parallel conversion or reads R
It has a function of converting color data of three primary colors of GB into data of CMYBk.

Reference numeral 218 denotes a scanner unit which is a visible image reading device provided with an automatic document feeder, and has an image pickup device such as an RGB three-line CCD color sensor or a one-line monochrome CCD line sensor. . The image data read by the scanner unit 218 is transferred to the high-speed image bus 216 by the scanner interface unit 217.

A printer interface unit 219 transfers image data sent from the high-speed image bus 216 to the printer unit. The printer interface unit 219 converts the bus width of the high-speed image bus 216 into a bus width that matches the gradation of the printer to be output. And a function for absorbing the difference between the printing speed of the printer and the transfer speed of the image data of the high-speed image bus 216.

A printer unit 220 prints the image data received from the printer interface unit 219 as visible image data on recording paper.
As the printer unit 220, a bubble jet printer that prints on recording paper using a bubble jet method, or an electrophotographic technology that forms an image on a photosensitive drum using a laser beam and forms an image on recording paper is used. Laser beam printers. In the case of a laser beam printer, a single color printer or a CMYBk color laser beam printer may be used.

Reference numerals 221 and 222 denote a display unit and an operation unit, respectively, which include a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached to the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. The signal input by the touch panel or the hard key is transmitted to the CPU via the operation unit interface 215 described above.
The liquid crystal display unit 201 displays the image data transmitted from the operation unit interface 215. The liquid crystal display displays a function display, image data, and the like in the operation of the image forming apparatus.

The operation unit 222 includes an input unit such as a digitizer and pen recognition unit for pen input, a microphone and voice recognition unit for voice input, and an imaging unit and image recognition unit for image input. You can do it.

Reference numeral 223 denotes a large-capacity HD (hard disk) provided for temporarily storing image data read by the scanner unit 218 and image data input by means such as communication. , CP
It is under the control of U201. The image forming apparatus 105 is provided for the purpose of outputting input image data to some medium, but is provided as temporary storage means for improving the processing speed. Here, the HD is used, but it may be configured by a memory module.

Here, reference numeral 224 denotes an MO drive. However, any storage device that stores data in a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a memory card may be used. Further, for example, a storage device that stores data in a non-removable storage medium such as an HD drive may be used.

<Operation of Image Forming Apparatus> Next, FIGS.
The operation of the image processing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows an image forming apparatus 105 according to this embodiment.
5 is a flowchart of a main routine of FIG.

When the power of the image forming apparatus 105 is turned on, C
The PU 201 initializes flags, registers, control variables, and the like, executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the RAM 202, and initializes each unit of the image forming apparatus 105 (S10).
1).

The CPU 201 performs an image data management process S102 in which the storage period of the image data temporarily stored in the HD 223 is checked and, if necessary, the image data whose storage period has expired is arranged.

FIG. 6A shows the image data management processing S1.
6 is a flowchart showing the details of a process performed in the second embodiment.

After the CPU 201 performs memory area reservation, register and flag processing, etc. necessary for executing the image data management processing routine, the CPU 201 transfers the image data management table from the HD 203 or HD 223 to the RAM 2.
02 or read into the cache memory inside the CPU 201 and search for the desired image data in the image data management table (S121).

This image data management table is shown in FIG.
Shown in Generally, the identification number, the storage term, and the address in the storage unit (including the storage medium) are a table in which the information is associated. Those stored in the MO are also managed in this table, but have no expiration date.

The CPU 201 checks the storage period of the image data recorded in the first table of the image data management table (S122).
The document or the image data file corresponding to the table temporarily stored in the table 203 is deleted (S1).
23), the corresponding table in the image data management table is deleted, and the corrected image data management table is written into the HD 203 (S124).

On the other hand, if the storage period has not yet expired, the corresponding file needs to be stored yet.
Proceed to S125.

The CPU 201 repeats a series of processes from S121 until there is no table for which the storage expiration date should be checked (S125).

If there is no longer a table for checking the storage expiration date (S125), the image data management processing routine S102 ends, and the flow advances to S103 in FIG.

When the image data management processing routine S102 ends, it is determined whether the user of the image forming apparatus 105 has selected the copy & file mode via the operation unit 222 (S103). If it is selected, the CPU 201 sets a copy & file mode flag secured in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 or the HD 203 (S104). On the other hand, when the copy & file mode is not selected (S103), the process proceeds to S105 without setting the copy & file mode flag.

The CPU 201 sets (S10)
6) If the start key included in the operation unit 222 is selected (S105), a copy processing routine is performed (S105).
107).

In the copy processing routine, the original is read and scanned by the scanner unit 218, and the read image data is stored in the HD 223. Thereafter, the content of the document is determined. If it is determined that the document is a document to be printed, printing is performed on recording paper by the printer unit 220. If it is determined that the document is a mark sheet, it is necessary for processing in a file processing routine described later. Setting of various flags.

If the predetermined time has elapsed without the start key being selected (S106), the copy & file mode flag is released (S113), and the process returns to S102.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the processing performed in the copy processing routine S107.

The CPU 201 has a scanner unit 218
And scans the original, and transfers the read image data to the HD2 via the scanner I / F 217 and the high-speed image bus 216.
23 (S131).

The CPU 201 sends the high-speed image bus 2
16, image processing unit 206, reads out image data via high-speed CPU bus 204 and performs predetermined image processing,
It is determined whether the document is a mark sheet (S13).
2).

If it is determined that the document is a mark sheet (S132), codes and characters written at predetermined positions on the document are read to obtain detailed information (S13).
5).

In the case of the write mode for recording image data on the storage medium based on the result of reading the information on the mark sheet, the number of the image data stored in the HD 223 is set (S136), and the write flag is set (S136).
137).

In the case of the reading mode in which the image data is read from the storage medium and printed, the number of the image data recorded on the storage medium is set (S136), and the reading flag is set (S137).

After setting the read / write flag, the copy processing routine S107 ends.

On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that the original is not a mark sheet (S132), the CPU 201 reads out the image data stored in S131 from the HD 223, sends it to the printer unit via the high-speed image bus 216 and the printer I / F 219, and records the image data. Printing on paper (S13
3).

The CPU 201 repeats a series of processes from S131 until there are no more documents to be scanned (S134).

When there are no more documents to be scanned (S134), the copy processing routine S107 is terminated.
Proceed to S108.

After performing the copy processing routine S107, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the copy & file mode flag is set (S108). If the copy & file mode flag has been set, subsequently, in the copy processing routine S107, it is determined whether or not the read / write flag has been set (S10).
9). If the read / write flag was set,
It is determined that the file processing routine needs to be performed, and S1
Proceed to 11.

In S108, if the copy & file mode flag is not set, it is determined that there is no need to perform the file processing routine, and the flow advances to S112.

If the read / write flag is not set in S109, the CPU 201
In step 1, a display for inquiring whether or not the copy output result is appropriate is performed.

If the user of the image forming apparatus 105 determines that there is no problem in the print content, print position, image quality, etc. of the copy in which the image data is printed by the printer unit,
What is necessary is just to select the affirmation key such as “Yes” included in the operation unit 222. In this case, an input for recognizing the copy output result is performed (S110).
Is determined to be valid, a write flag is set, and a file processing routine S111 is performed.

If an input that does not approve the copy output result is performed (S110), the process returns to S105. Thus, the user of the image forming apparatus 105 can start over from the copy operation again.

In the file processing routine S111, if the write flag has been set, the HD 223
The image data temporarily stored in the MO drive 224 is recorded on the MO attached to the MO drive 224. If the read flag has been set, a process of reading the image data recorded on the storage medium mounted on the MO drive 224 and printing it by the print unit is performed. in this way,
File processing is performed as required by a predetermined method.

FIG. 8 shows the file processing routine S11.
3 is a flowchart showing the process in 1 in detail.

The CPU 201 has the HD 203 and / or H
From D223, the image data management table is read into the RAM 202 or the cache memory inside the CPU 201, and the image data management table is searched (S141).

If the table corresponding to the image data to be read from or written to the storage medium is in the image data management table, the CPU 201
It is determined that there is image data to be processed (S14).
2) Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a storage medium corresponding to the MO drive 224 is mounted (S143). If the storage medium has not been mounted, the display unit 221 displays a message prompting the user to mount the storage medium for a predetermined time (S144) until the storage medium is mounted.

If the storage medium has not been loaded during the predetermined time (S144), the CPU
After giving a predetermined warning by an image, voice, or text according to 1 (S145), predetermined data required for mark sheet printing is set (S146), and the storage term and identification number of the image data temporarily stored in the HD are set. Print a mark sheet in which predetermined information is described by characters and codes (S15)
1).

When the mark sheet printing S151 is completed, the file processing routine S111 ends.

If the recording butterfly is mounted (S14)
3) The CPU 201 determines the read / write flag set in S137 of the above-described copy processing routine (S147).

If the write flag has been set (S
147), the image data temporarily stored in the HD is transferred to the high-speed image bus 216, the compression / decompression unit 207, and the high-speed CPU bus 20.
4. A process of recording on the storage medium mounted on the MO drive 224 via the bus bridge 208 and the low-speed CPU bus 209 is performed (S148).

If the recording is completed normally (S14
9) The image data temporarily stored in the HD 223 is deleted, and the contents described in the image data management table are updated (S150).

Then, as a search sheet for the image data recorded on the storage medium, a mark sheet describing predetermined information such as the identification number of the image data is printed (S151).

If the recording is not completed normally (S1
49), after giving a predetermined warning using an image, a sound, or a text on the display unit 221 (S145),
Predetermined data required for mark sheet printing is set (S1
46) Then, a mark sheet in which predetermined information such as a storage period and an identification number of the image data temporarily stored in the HD is described in characters and codes is printed (S151).

When the mark sheet printing S151 has been completed, the file processing routine S111 is terminated, and the processing in FIG.
Proceed to 112.

On the other hand, if the read flag has been set (S147), the corresponding image data is read from the storage medium mounted on the MO drive 224 (S152).
Low-speed CPU bus 209, bus bridge 208, high-speed CP
U bus 204, compression / expansion unit 207, high-speed image bus 21
6. Printing is performed on recording paper by the printer unit 220 via the printer I / F 219 (S153).

If the printing is normally performed (S15
4), end the file processing routine S111 and proceed to S112 in FIG.

If printing is not performed normally (S1
54) After the CPU 201 gives a predetermined warning using images, sounds, and texts on the display unit 221 (S155),
The file processing routine S111 ends, and S11 in FIG.
Proceed to 2.

After performing the file processing routine S111, if the process is to be continued (S112), the process returns to S105, and a series of processes is repeated.

If the series of processing operations from S105 is once terminated, the copy & file mode flag is cleared (S113), and the process returns to S102.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 4, by performing the operations shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 to 8, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Can be.

[Third Embodiment] FIGS. 9, 10 and 1
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show a system 30 for realizing an image processing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the first embodiment.

Here, reference numeral 11 denotes a reading unit for reading a document image;
A temporary storage unit 12 temporarily stores the image read by the reading unit 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a printing unit that prints an image, 14 denotes an erasing unit that erases data in the temporary storage unit 12, 15 denotes a data transfer unit that transfers data accumulated in the temporary storage unit 12, and 16
Is an input unit for the user to communicate his / her intention to the device 300; 17 is a character recognition unit for recognizing characters in the image data;
Reference numeral 18 denotes a data receiving unit for receiving the transferred data by the user.

First, the user sends the obtained document to the reading unit 11.
To read. Then, the read document image data is transferred to and stored in the temporary storage unit 12 (). The document image data stored in the temporary storage unit is sent to the printing unit 13 and printed on a recording material such as recording paper (). When a copy of the document is printed, the operation of the apparatus is stopped until the user checks the print quality and, as a result, inputs to the input section 16 whether or not the print is OK (). If not, the original is read again and printed again.

When it is confirmed that the print quality of the copy is sufficient and the user inputs his / her intention through the input unit 16 (), the signal is sent to the temporary storage unit 12 (), and the data is transmitted by the data transfer unit 15. The document image data is transferred to some data receiving units 18 ().

When the transfer by the data transfer unit 15 is properly performed, the image data in the temporary storage unit 12 is deleted by the deletion unit 14 to secure the storage capacity ().

The data receiving unit 18 has a corresponding user, and each user can arbitrarily receive the image data of the document from the data receiving unit 18.

If the transfer from the data transfer unit 15 is not properly performed, or if the transfer is not performed intentionally, the image data is stored in the temporary storage unit 12 for a predetermined period, and the storage period is marked by a mark sheet. Print on

It is very convenient to read out the image data from the temporary storage unit 12 later by making it possible to see the contents of the original document by looking at the mark sheet.

The user can circulate the above-mentioned copy during the storage period printed on the mark sheet, and can transfer the data again from the data transfer unit 15 when its importance is recognized.

With such a configuration, a user's confirmation work is performed between the time when the image data of the document is read and the time when the image data is stored in the external storage unit 5, so that the data transfer unit is later provided. It is not discovered that the image quality is poor when the image data is transferred from No. 15, and high-quality image data is reliably transferred.

Next, transfer of image data using a mark sheet will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the reading section 11 reads the mark sheet. The read image data of the mark sheet surface is sent to the temporary storage unit 12 and stored therein (). When it is determined from the stored image data that it is a mark sheet,
The image data is sent to the character recognizing unit 17, and the content written on the mark sheet is read ().

From the identification number written on the mark sheet, the storage position of the image data corresponding to the mark sheet is determined, and the image data required from the temporary storage unit 12 is transferred from the data transfer unit 15 to the data reception unit 18 (
,). As a result, a high-quality copy can be easily transferred even when there is an interval between when the document is obtained and when the transfer of the document is actually required.

However, the transfer using the mark sheet cannot be performed after the storage period of the temporary storage unit 12 has passed, and therefore, the transfer procedure must be performed within the storage period printed on the mark sheet.

Next, a case where the user requests transfer from the data transfer unit 15 to the data reception unit 18 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the user wants to view the image data stored in the temporary storage section 12 in the above process, the user inputs an identification number of the requested data to the data receiving section 18 (). This input signal is sent to the data transfer unit 15 (), and a search is made as to whether there is image data of the corresponding number in the temporary storage unit 12 (). Here, if the image data is still within the storage expiration date and the image data exists at a time of 12 billion, the image data is sent to the data transfer unit 15 (), and is transferred from the data transfer unit 15 to the data reception unit 18. ().

With such a system, a user can receive high-quality original image data from a remote place at a timing different from that at the time of original reading, even for an original that can be obtained only temporarily. .

Further, similarly to the first embodiment, since a time limit is set and stored in the temporary storage unit 12, the storage capacity is not used more than necessary.

[Fourth Embodiment] An image processing system to which the image processing method according to the third embodiment is applied will be described as a fourth embodiment with reference to FIGS.

The image processing system according to the present embodiment is mainly a combination of the image forming apparatus 105 and the computer 101 via a network.

<System Configuration> The image processing system 300 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the configuration shown in FIG. Further, the configuration of the image forming apparatus incorporated therein is the same as that shown in FIG. Therefore, the description is omitted here, and even in the following description,
These figures are taken into consideration.

<Configuration of Computer> Next, a schematic configuration of a computer incorporated in the image processing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A CPU 301 controls the entire computer.

Reference numeral 302 denotes a RAM serving as a work memory for the operation of the CPU 301, which can be accessed from the CPU 301 at high speed.

A large capacity H stores a plurality of applications for the CPU 301 to operate.
D (hard disk), which is under the control of the CPU 301 described above.

Reference numeral 304 denotes the aforementioned CPU 301 and RAM
A high-speed CPU bus connecting the functional units 302, the HD 303, and other functional units to be described later, to transfer data processed by the CPU 301 to the functional units, and to transfer data between the functional units at high speed (DMA transfer). belongs to. Generally, a VL bus or a PCI bus is used.

A bus bridge 308 connects the high-speed CPU bus 304 and a low-speed CPU bus 309, which will be described later, and absorbs a difference in processing speed between the buses.
Through this bus bridge 308, the CPU 301 operating at high speed can access the functional unit operating at low speed connected to the low-speed CPU bus 309.

Reference numeral 309 denotes a low-speed CPU bus having a bus configuration having a lower transfer speed than the high-speed CPU bus 304, and is a bus for connecting functional units having a relatively low processing capability. Generally, an ISA bus or the like is used.

Reference numeral 310 denotes a communication unit which interposes the public line 311 and the low-speed CPU bus 309. When the public line 311 is an analog line, digital data sent from the low-speed CPU bus 309 can be transmitted to the public line. And a modem function for converting modulated data sent from a public line into digital data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, if the public line 311 is
In the case of a digital line such as a DN, a low-speed CPU bus 30
9 for converting the data sent from the digital line into a predetermined data format corresponding to the digital line, and conversely, converting the data sent from the digital line in the predetermined data format into data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus.
Has terminal adapter function.

Reference numeral 311 denotes a wired telephone line, a wireless telephone line,
It is an analog or digital public line such as ISDN.

Reference numeral 312 denotes a network unit for connecting the image forming apparatus to the network 108 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the network 108.
Connected networks are generally Ethernet,
Token ring and the like.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a network such as an Ethernet, a token ring, an ATM-LAN, or the like.

[0191] Reference numeral 314 denotes a computer interface for connecting the server and peripheral devices. Generally, RS-232C for serial communication, Centronics interface for parallel communication, and SCS
I interface, IEEE 1394 interface,
Fiber Channel interface, SSA interface, and the like.

Reference numeral 321 denotes a display unit including a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, and the like, and displays necessary characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with the execution of a program by the CPU 301.

An operation unit 322 includes a keyboard, a microphone, and the like. The operation unit 322 inputs various settings necessary for the operation of the server and inputs various operation instructions to the CPU 301.

<Operation of Image Processing System> The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 13 shows an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
It is a flowchart of the main routine of 05.

When the power of the image forming apparatus 105 is turned on, C
The PU 201 initializes flags, registers, control variables, and the like, executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the RAM 202, and initializes each unit of the image forming apparatus 105 (S16).
1).

The CPU 201 has a scanner unit 218
After reading the original, and / or after developing the image development command input via the network unit 212 by the image development unit 205, the storage period of the image data temporarily stored in the HD 223 is checked, and if necessary, An image data management process S162 for organizing image data whose storage period has expired is performed.

This image data management processing routine S162
The details of this process are the same as those described in the flowchart of FIG. 6, and the description thereof will be omitted here. .

Following the image data management processing, the CPU 201
Is the computer 10 connected to the network 108
1 in response to a request from the HD 22 of the image forming apparatus 105.
Then, a remote data transfer process for transferring the image data temporarily stored in No. 3 is performed (S163).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail the processing performed in the remote data transfer processing routine S163.

The CPU 201 performs an authentication process in response to an access request (including an identification number of image data) from the computer 101 connected to the network 108 (S181) (S182).

This authentication processing is for confirming whether or not the user is permitted to use various services of the image forming apparatus 105 via the network. Performed to maintain data security.

As a result of the authentication, if there is a problem (S182),
The CPU 201 notifies the user of the computer 101 who intends to receive various services of the image forming apparatus 105 via the LAN 108 for invalidation (S18).
5), the remote data transfer processing routine S163 ends.

As a result of the authentication, if it is determined that there is no problem in providing various services (S182), the HD 203
And / or R in the image data management table from the HD 223.
The image data is read into the cache memory in the AM 202 or the CPU 201, and the image data management table is searched based on the requested image data identification number (S183).

If the image data of the identification number requested by the computer 101 does not exist in the image data management table (S184), the user of the computer 101 is notified of the invalidation via the LAN 108 (S1).
85), the remote data transfer processing routine S163 ends, and the flow advances to S164 in FIG.

If the image data having the identification number requested by the computer 101 exists in the image data management table (S184), the destination of the image data specified by the computer 101 is set (S186), and the HD2
The image data temporarily stored in the high-speed image bus 21
6. The image data is transferred to the designated image data transfer destination, for example, the computer 101 via the compression / decompression unit 207, the high-speed CPU bus 204, the bus bridge 208, the low-speed CPU bus 209, the network unit 212, and the LAN 108 (S187). . If from computer 101,
When a plurality of image data transfer destinations are specified, the image data is transferred to each of the specified plurality of destinations.

If the image data transfer is successful (S18)
8) After deleting the document or image data file temporarily stored in the HD 223, deleting the corresponding table in the image data management table, and writing the corrected image data management table in the HD 203 (S18).
9), end the remote data transfer processing routine S163, and proceed to S164 of FIG.

If the image data transfer has failed (S18)
8) For the user of computer 101, LAN
An error notification is made via S108 (S190), the remote data transfer processing routine S163 ends, and the process proceeds to S164 in FIG.

At S164, it is determined whether or not the user has selected a copy & data transfer mode via operation unit 222. If the copy & data transfer mode is selected, the CPU 201
The copy & data transfer mode flag secured in the predetermined area 203 is set (S165). On the other hand, if the copy & data transfer mode is not selected, the process proceeds to S166 without setting the copy & data transfer mode flag.

[0210] The CPU 201 determines whether or not (S16)
7) If the start key included in the operation unit 222 is selected (S166), a copy processing routine is performed (S166).
168).

In the copy processing routine S168,
After the original is scanned by the scanner unit 218 and the read image data is stored in the HD 223, if it is determined that the original is to be printed based on the result of the determination of the original content, the printer unit 220 prints on the recording paper. If it is determined that the document is a mark sheet, a flag necessary for processing in a data transfer processing routine described later is set.

If the predetermined time has elapsed without the start key being selected (S166), the copy & file mode flag is released (S113), and the flow returns to S162.

FIG. 15 shows this copy processing routine S168.
5 is a flowchart showing in detail the processing performed in step (a).

The CPU 201 has a scanner unit 218
And scans the read image data via the scanner I / F 217 and the high-speed image bus 216 into the HD 223.
(S201).

[0215] The CPU 201 is connected to the high-speed image bus 216, the image processing unit 206, and the high-speed CPU bus 204 from the HD 223.
Then, the image data is read out and the predetermined image processing is performed, and it is determined whether or not the original is a mark sheet (S202).

If it is determined that the document is a mark sheet (S202), codes and characters written at predetermined positions of the document are read to obtain detailed information (S20).
5).

In the case of the image transfer mode for transferring image data to any computer connected via a network based on the result of reading the information on the mark sheet, the HD 22
3 is set to the number of the image data temporarily stored (S20).
6).

Further, when a predetermined destination is described in the mark sheet (S207), the destination is set by designating a computer connected via a network as the destination according to the content of the description (S208).

After setting the image data number S206 and, if necessary, setting the image data transfer destination S208, the CPU 201 sets a data transfer flag (S209).

When the data transfer flag is set,
The copy processing routine S168 ends, and S16 in FIG.
Go to 9.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the document is not a mark sheet (S202), the CPU 201 reads out the image data stored in S201 from the HD 223, sends it to the printer unit via the high-speed image bus 216 and the printer I / F 219, and records the image data. Print on paper (S20
3).

The CPU 201 repeats a series of processes from S201 until there is no document to be scanned (S204).

When there are no more originals to be scanned (S204), the copy processing routine S168 ends, and
The process proceeds to S169 in FIG.

At S169, CPU 201 determines whether or not the copy & data transfer mode flag is set. If the copy & data transfer mode flag has been set here, subsequently, the copy processing routine S1
At 68, it is determined whether or not the data transfer flag is set (S170). If the data transfer flag has been set, it is determined that the data transfer processing routine needs to be performed, and the process proceeds to S173.

In S169, if the copy & data transfer mode flag is not set, it is determined that it is not necessary to perform the data transfer processing routine, and the flow advances to S175.

If the data transfer flag is not set in S170, CPU 201 causes display 221 to display an inquiry as to whether the copy output result is appropriate.

If the user of the image forming apparatus 105 determines that there is no problem in the print content, print position, image quality, etc. of the copy in which the image data has been printed by the printer unit,
What is necessary is just to select the affirmation key such as “Yes” included in the operation unit 222. In this case, since an input for confirming the copy output result is performed (S171), the CPU 201 determines that the image data temporarily stored in the HD is valid, and
Using the operation unit 222, the display unit 221 displays an inquiry as to whether or not to transfer image data to an arbitrary computer connected to the network.

The user of the image forming apparatus 105 operates the operation unit 2
If it is determined that image data is to be transferred to an arbitrary computer connected to the network using the command 22, it is good to select a positive key such as “Yes” included in the operation unit 222. In this case, since an input for performing data transfer is performed (S172), the CPU 201 sets the data transfer flag and performs the data transfer processing routine S173.

If an input for not transferring image data to an arbitrary computer connected via a network is made by using the operation unit 222 (S172), predetermined data necessary for mark sheet printing is set and temporarily stored in the HD 223. A mark sheet in which predetermined information such as a storage term and an identification number of the stored image data is described by characters and codes is printed (S174).

[0230] Thus, the user of the image forming apparatus 105 inputs the identification number printed on the mark sheet from any computer connected via the network before the storage period printed on the mark sheet has passed, and the user is authenticated. As a result, the image data read in the copy processing S168 can be taken into the computer by remote data transfer.

If an input that does not recognize the copy output result is performed (S171), the flow returns to S166. Thus, the user of the image forming apparatus 105 can start over from the copy operation again.

In the data transfer processing routine S173, if the data transfer flag has been set, the HD2
The image data temporarily stored in the storage device 23 is transferred to an arbitrary computer connected via a network.

FIG. 16 shows the data transfer processing routine S
It is a flowchart which shows the process in 173 in detail.

The CPU 201 has the HD 203 and / or H
From D223, the image data management table is read into the RAM 202 or the cache memory inside the CPU 201, and the image data management table is searched (S221).

If there is no table corresponding to the image data to be transferred in the image data management table, the CPU 201 determines that there is no image data to be processed (S222), and the display unit 221 displays the image or audio data. After giving a predetermined warning in writing (S22
3), end the data transfer processing routine S173.

If there is a table corresponding to the image data to be transferred in the image data management table, the CPU 201 determines that there is image data to be processed (S222), and then the CPU 201 connects to the network. It is determined whether or not the setting of the transfer destination for designating the computer as the transfer destination is performed (S124).

If the transfer destination has been set (S2
24), and proceed to S228.

If the transfer destination has not been set (S
224), the CPU 201 causes the display unit 221 to display an input screen for setting a transfer destination (S225).

The user of the image forming apparatus 105 operates the operation unit 2
22 allows one or more arbitrary computers connected via a network to be designated as the transfer destination.

If the input of the transfer destination is performed (S22
6) The destination of the designated image data is set according to the input contents (S227), and the image data temporarily stored in the HD 223 is transferred to the high-speed image bus 216 and the compression / decompression unit 20.
7, high-speed CPU bus 204, bus bridge 208, low-speed CPU bus 209, network unit 212, LAN 10
8, the image data transfer destination designated by the image data,
For example, it is transferred to the computer 101 (S228). If a plurality of image data transfer destinations are specified, the image data is transferred to each of the specified number of nights.

If the image data transfer is successful (S22
9) After deleting the document or image data file temporarily stored in the HD, deleting the corresponding table in the image data management table, and writing the corrected image data management table in the HD 203 (S230). , The data transfer processing routine S173 ends, and S1 in FIG.
Go to 75.

When the image data transfer has failed (S22
9) Or, when the transfer destination is not set (S2
26) After the CPU 201 gives a predetermined warning using images, sounds, and texts on the display unit 221 (S231),
Predetermined data required for mark sheet printing is set (S2
32) Then, a mark sheet in which predetermined information such as a storage period and an identification number of the image data temporarily stored in the HD 223 is described by characters and codes is printed (S233).

When the mark sheet printing S233 has been completed, the data transfer processing routine S173 is terminated, and FIG.
Proceed to S175.

At S175, an input as to whether or not to continue the process is waited. If the process is to be continued, the process returns to S166 to repeat a series of processes.

If the series of processing operations from S166 is once ended, the copy & data transfer mode flag is cleared (S176), and the flow returns to S162.

FIG. 17 shows the computer 10 according to the present embodiment.
6 is a flowchart of a first main routine.

The operation of the computer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power of the computer 101 is turned on, C
The PU 301 initializes flags, registers, control variables, and the like, executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the RAM 302, and initializes each unit of the computer 101 (S24).
1).

The CPU 301 receives an input from a key, a touch panel, a digitizer or the like of the operation unit 322 (S24).
2) If the command is not a command input for executing remote data transfer but a command input for executing another process (S243), various processes corresponding to the input command are executed (S243). S244), after performing various processes, S2
Return to 42.

If the input from the keys, the touch panel, the digitizer, etc. of the operation unit 322 is an input for executing remote data transfer (S243), the CP
U301 uses the keys, touch panel, digitizer, and the like of the processing unit 322 to operate the HD2 of the image forming apparatus 105.
If the identification code for identifying the image data temporarily stored in the storage device 23 is input (S245) and the image data transfer destination is set (S246), the LAN 108
, An access request is made to the image forming apparatus 105 (S247). The identification code input here is included in the mark sheet output when the user of the image forming apparatus 105 reads and copies the document based on the operation procedure in the copy & data transfer mode, together with the storage period of the image data. This is the identification number of the printed image data.

The CPU 301 determines whether or not (S24)
9) When the communication from the image forming apparatus 105 is received via the LAN 108 (S248), according to the contents of the communication (S250), if the image data is the requested image data, the data is received (S254). If the notification is that there is no image data with the identification number, the notification content is displayed (S
251).

If there is no communication from the image forming apparatus 105 within a predetermined time (S249) (S248), an error notification is sent to the image forming apparatus 105 via the LAN 108 (S258), and the process returns to S242. .

If necessary, the flow returns to S248 to repeat the data reception (S255). If the image data transfer is successful (S256), a completion notification is sent to the image forming apparatus 105 via the LAN. (S25)
7), and return to S242.

After the contents of the communication from the image forming apparatus 105 are displayed (S251), if an input to continue the remote data transfer is made by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like of the operation unit 322 (S252), the process proceeds to S245. Return and repeat a series of processing.

If an input for not continuing the remote data transfer is made (S252), a predetermined warning is displayed on the display unit 321 (S253), and the process returns to S242.

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus including one device (for example, , A copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.).

That is, in the description of the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 105 or the image forming apparatus 105
And the computer 101 are described as a single unit. However, there is no problem even if each unit has a single or plural combination.

In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 105 and the computer 101 are combined, the image forming apparatus 105 is used for storing images, and the computer 101 is used as a client.
Of course, there is no problem if the image forming apparatus 105 is used as a scanner and a printer, the server 107 is used for storing images, and the computer 101 is used as a client.

Further, in the above description of the embodiment, the copy & file mode and the copy & data transfer mode are individually described. However, these two modes are combined and any of the modes is arbitrarily selected. Of course, there is no problem even if the configuration can be selected and executed.

In the description of the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which, after copying a document, the storage term and identification number of image data are printed and output on a mark sheet. Even if the storage term and the identification number of the image data are displayed on the unit 221,
Of course there is no question.

Further, it is of course possible to notify the predetermined computer of the storage period and identification number of the image data after copying the original.

Further, in the description of the embodiment, an example has been described in which the storage period and the identification number of the image data are printed and output on the mark sheet after copying the original, but not limited to the mark sheet. Of course, as long as the storage period and the identification number are printed so that they can be discriminated by humans and / or machines, there is no problem in any printing form.

The storage period of the image data can be set to a different period for each individual user or each document content.

The operation unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 105
2, and / or a configuration in which the storage period is changed by an operation from the computer 101 does not pose a problem.

Further, if the image data file or the data transfer fails, it is judged that there is a high possibility that the temporarily stored image data is taken out again, and there is no problem in extending the storage period.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus. Can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

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

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

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

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

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

[0272]

According to the present invention, when an image is read and stored in a storage medium or a storage device or transferred, the user is once printed and given an opportunity to confirm the image quality. It is possible to provide an image processing method, an image forming apparatus, and an image processing system capable of storing and managing a proper image after the confirmation for a predetermined period.

That is, with respect to the image data that has been read and temporarily stored, there are problems with the mounting position and inclination on the platen,
Various problems such as problems of image quality such as density and resolution such as crushing and blurring, and problems of a reading mechanism such as missing pages due to double feeding of documents can be eliminated. Then, after it is confirmed that the image data is suitable for recording or transfer, the read image data can be stored in a storage medium, or the read image data can be transferred via a network.

Further, a copying operation, a reading and recording operation, or a reading and data transfer operation can be performed as a series of operations.

Further, since information such as the identification number and the storage expiration date of the temporarily read and stored image data is printed and output as a mark sheet or the like, the mark sheet or the like is simply read as a manuscript or written on the mark sheet. The re-recording work and the data transfer work can be easily performed simply by setting the existing information from the client computer.

Then, information such as the identification number and the storage expiration date of the read image data is printed and output as a mark sheet or the like, and the image data whose storage expiration date has expired is deleted based on the storage expiration date of the image data. By doing so, it is possible to realize both effective use of the image data storage capacity of the image forming apparatus and convenience of confirming the storage expiration date.

[0277]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an apparatus for realizing an image processing method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an apparatus for realizing the image processing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system incorporating an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating details of a process performed in an image data management process of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of processing performed in a copy processing routine of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of processing in a file processing routine of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a system for realizing an image processing method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a system for realizing an image processing method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a system for realizing an image processing method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a computer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a main routine of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating details of processing performed in a remote data transfer processing routine of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of processing performed in a copy processing routine of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating details of processing in a data transfer processing routine of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a main routine of the computer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101, 102, 110, 121 Computer 103 Scanner 104 Printer 105, 111 Image forming apparatus 106, 112 Facsimile machine 107, 113 Server 108, 114 Network 109, 211, 311 Public line 201, 301 CPU 202, 302 RAM 203, 223, 303 HD 204, 304 High-speed CPU bus 205 Image expansion unit 206 Image processing unit 207 Compression / expansion unit 208, 308 Bus bridge 209, 309 Low-speed CPU bus 210, 310 Communication unit 212, 312 Network unit 214, 314 Computer I / F 215 Processing unit I / F 216 High-speed image bus 217 Scanner I / F 218 Scanner unit 219 Printer I / F 220 Printer units 221 and 321 Display unit 222, 22 smell section 224 MO drive

Claims (33)

[Claims] A reading step of reading a document image; a temporary storage step of temporarily storing read image data; a printing step of printing the temporarily stored image data; and a print image in the printing step, which is read by a user. An image processing method comprising: a confirmation step of requesting confirmation of image data quality and inputting the result; and a storage step of outputting temporarily stored image data to a storage unit after the input in the confirmation step. . 2. An image processing method according to claim 1, further comprising an erasing step of erasing the image data stored in said temporary storing step after said storing step. 3. The image processing method according to claim 1, further comprising an information output step of outputting information on the image data stored in the storage step after the storage step. 4. An information input step for inputting the information output in the information output step, and an image data output for outputting the image data stored in the storage step based on the information input in the information input step. The image processing method according to claim 1, 2, or 3, further comprising: 5. A reading step for reading a document image, a temporary storing step for temporarily storing read image data, a printing step for printing the temporarily stored image data, and a printing image in the printing step, which are read by a user. A confirmation step of requesting confirmation of the quality of the image data and inputting the result; and a transfer step of transferring temporarily stored image data using a transfer unit after the input in the confirmation step. Processing method. 6. An image processing method according to claim 5, further comprising an erasing step of erasing the image data stored in said temporary storing step after said transferring step. 7. A reading step of reading a document image, a temporary storage step of temporarily storing read image data, a confirmation step of inputting confirmation of the quality of the read image, and the temporary storage after input in the confirmation step. An information output step of outputting information relating to the image data stored in the step. 8. The image processing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of setting a storage term for the image data stored in said temporary storage step, and erasing the image data whose storage term has expired. An image processing method according to one of the above. 9. The image processing method according to claim 3, wherein the information includes an identification number of the image data. 10. The image processing method according to claim 3, wherein the information includes a storage term of the image data. 11. An information input step for inputting the information output in the information output step, and image data for outputting image data stored in the temporary storage step based on the information input in the information input step. The image processing method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising: an output step. 12. The image processing method according to claim 11, further comprising an erasing step of erasing the image data stored in the temporary storing step after the image data outputting step. 13. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the information output step is a step of printing a sheet on which information on image data is described. 14. The information output step is a step of printing a sheet on which information related to image data is described, and the information input step is a step of reading information printed on the sheet. The image processing method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein 15. The information output step is a step of displaying the information on a display means, and the information input step is a step of inputting the information to an operation means. Claim 11 or Claim 12
The image processing method according to 1. 16. A reading device for reading a document image, a temporary storage device for temporarily storing read image data, a printing device for printing the image data stored in the temporary storage device, and an image data from the temporary storage device. And storing the image read by the reading unit in the storage unit, temporarily storing the image in the temporary storage unit, printing the image data by the printing unit, and then printing the image data. An image forming apparatus, wherein the quality of a result is confirmed by a user and then stored in the storage unit. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an erasing unit for erasing the image data stored in said temporary storage unit after storing the image data in the storage unit. 18. An image forming apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising information output means for outputting information on the image data stored in said storage means after storing in said storage means. 19. An information input means for inputting the information output by the information output means, and an image data output for outputting image data stored in the storage means based on the information input in the information input means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, 17 or 18, further comprising: 20. A reading device for reading a document image, a temporary storage device for temporarily storing read image data, a printing device for printing the image data stored in the temporary storage device, and an image data from the temporary storage device. Transfer means for receiving and transferring, when transferring the image read by the reading means from the transfer means, temporarily store the image data in the temporary storage means, print the image data by the printing means, and then print the image data An image forming apparatus wherein the quality of a result is confirmed by a user and then transferred to the transfer unit. 21. An image forming apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising an erasing means for erasing the image data stored in said temporary storage means after transferring from said transfer means. 22. A reading means for reading a document image; a temporary storage means for temporarily storing read image data; a printing means for printing the image data stored in the temporary storage means; Information output means for outputting information about the image data, and the image data read by the reading means is temporarily stored in the temporary storage means, and the image data is printed by the printing means. An image forming apparatus, wherein information of image data is output by the information output means after a user confirms quality. 23. An image processing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an erasing means for setting a storage expiration date for the image data stored in said temporary storage means and erasing the image data whose expiration date has passed. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said information includes an identification number of image data. 25. The storage medium according to claim 18, wherein said information includes a storage term of the image data.
2. The image forming apparatus according to 1. 26. An information input means for re-inputting the information output by the information output means, and an image data output for outputting image data corresponding to the information input in the information input means from the temporary storage means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 25, comprising: 27. The image forming apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising an erasing unit for erasing the image data stored in the temporary storage unit after outputting the image data by the image data output unit. 28. An image forming apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said information output means is means for printing a sheet on which information on image data is described. 29. The information output means for printing a sheet on which information relating to image data is described, and the information input means for reading information printed on the sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, wherein 30. The information output means is a means for displaying the information on a display means, and the information input means is a means for inputting the information to an operation means. Claim 26 or 27
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 31. A reading device for reading a document image, a temporary storage device for temporarily storing read image data, a printing device for printing the image data stored in the temporary storage device, and an image data from the temporary storage device. Transfer means for receiving and transferring, and receiving means for receiving the image data transferred from the transfer means, wherein the image read by the reading means is temporarily stored in the temporary storage means, and the image data is printed. Means for printing by means for transferring the image data stored in the temporary storage means from the transfer means to the receiving means in accordance with a request from the receiving means after the user checks the image quality. system. 32. An image processing apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising an erasing means for setting a storage time limit for the image data stored in said temporary storage means and erasing the image data whose storage time limit has passed. system. 33. An image processing apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising an erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the temporary storage means after the image data is transferred by said transfer means.
3. The image processing system according to 2.