JPH11215335A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recorder where it is not required for the user when the user is at a loss as to discriminate the use of an internal storage means or the use of a storage means of an external device, such as a personal computer to store image information. SOLUTION: When a main power key 10 is depressed (S1: YES), a copy 1 key in a function selection key group 11 is depressed (S51: YES), whether or not a set recording mode is a recording mode for using a memory of a PC is discriminated (S9). When the discrimination result is YES, whether or not the PC is available is inquired of the PC (S13). When the connection to the PC and its operation are confirmed, image information read by a scanner is stored in the memory of the PC, and recording is executed based thereon. In the case of a mode where not so many storage capacity areas are in use (S9: NO), only a RAM of the recorder is used and recorded (S11).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for storing image information read by reading means such as a scanner, and recording an image on a sheet based on the stored information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when recording is performed in a mode having a large amount of image information to be stored by an image recording apparatus of this kind, particularly a small-sized recording apparatus (for example, by lowering the reading speed by a scanner, etc. When detailed image information is obtained and a high-resolution image is recorded based on the information or when color copying is performed), there are cases where the execution is impossible due to the small storage capacity of the apparatus main body. .

For this reason, the image recording apparatus is connected to an external information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or a workstation, and image information read by a scanner of the image recording apparatus is stored in a memory of the external information processing apparatus.
There has been a method of forming an image by another printer connected to an external information processing device based on the storage.

[0004]

However, in the conventional apparatus, when recording an image, whether to use only the internal memory of the image recording apparatus or the memory of an external information processing apparatus as a memory is determined. The user had to judge, which was annoying. In addition, even a familiar user may not be able to make an appropriate decision, which is very difficult for an ordinary user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to determine whether to use an internal storage means or an external apparatus storage means for storing image information. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording apparatus that does not require a user to make such a judgment even when hesitates.

[0006]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus, comprising: a reading unit that reads an image to obtain image information; Image information storage means for storing image information;
Recording means for performing recording based on the image information; recording mode selecting means for selecting an arbitrary recording mode from a plurality of recording modes; and recording for recording on the recording means in the recording mode selected by the recording mode selecting means. An image recording apparatus comprising: a command unit; and an information exchange unit that enables information exchange with an external information processing device including a central processing unit, a storage unit, and an input / output port. When a required recording mode is selected by the recording mode selection unit, a storage command unit that stores the image information in a storage unit of the external information processing device via the information exchange unit; A control means for causing the recording means to record based on the image information stored in the storage means of the information processing device and transmitted via the information exchange means; It is those with a door.

[0007] Of course, there are a plurality of "recording modes". One of the recording modes is related to at least one of reading, storing, and recording of a document necessary for recording. A certain method or procedure different from the recording mode is adopted, whereby the procedure up to recording and the state of the recorded image, such as image quality and number of copies, can be distinguished from other recording modes. "External information processing device"
For example, it is a personal computer or a workstation.

In the above-described image recording apparatus, a recording mode that requires a large storage capacity for image information (such a recording mode is not limited to a mode in which the storage capacity of image information is used at a minimum, but is appropriately determined by a manufacturer or user. In this case, the image information is automatically stored in the storage unit of the external information processing apparatus. Since the image is recorded by the recording means based on that, it is not necessary for the user to determine whether to use the image information storage means of the image recording apparatus or the storage means of the external information processing means.

In the image recording apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the recording mode requiring a large storage capacity for the image information is performed based on the read image information after reading images of a plurality of originals. A mode for recording by the recording means, a mode for recording a plurality of copies of images from the same document, a high-resolution recording mode for recording based on a resolution higher than the lowest level, and a recording mode for recording using color recording colors Is one or more recording modes. In this image recording apparatus, the above four recording modes are specified as examples of the recording mode requiring a large storage capacity for the image information.

Further, the image recording apparatus of the invention according to claim 3 is a reading means for reading an image to obtain image information, an image information storage means for storing the image information read by the reading means, and A recording unit that performs recording based on information, and an image recording apparatus that includes an information exchange unit that enables information exchange with an external information processing apparatus having a central processing unit, a storage unit, and an input / output port, When the information already stored in the image information storage unit is larger than a predetermined value, the storage unit of the external information processing apparatus stores the image information through the information exchange unit. And control means for causing the recording means to record based on the image information stored in the storage means of the external information processing device and sent via the information exchange means. .

In this image recording apparatus, when the information already stored in the image information storage means is larger than a predetermined value, the image information is automatically stored in the storage means of the external information processing apparatus. Since the image is recorded based on it,
There is no need for the user to determine whether to use the image information storage means of the image recording apparatus or the storage means of the external information processing means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus, wherein a recording mode requiring a large storage capacity for image information is selected by the recording mode selection means or already stored in the image information storage means. If the information being performed is greater than a predetermined value, the information processing apparatus further includes an operation confirmation unit that confirms whether the external information processing apparatus is operating.
The storage command means is means for storing the image information in the storage means of the external information processing device via the information exchange means when the operation of the external information processing device is confirmed.

This image recording apparatus takes into consideration the case where the apparatus and the external information processing apparatus do not operate together. That is, when it is determined that it is better to use the storage means of the external information processing device for storing the image information (that is, in the above two cases), the operation of the external information processing device is confirmed and the operation can be confirmed. If so, automatically perform such a record. Also in this image recording apparatus, the user does not need to determine whether to use the image information storage means of the image recording apparatus or the storage means of the external information processing means. When the operation of the external information processing device cannot be confirmed, the operation confirmation means may be capable of issuing an operation command for the operation.

In the image recording apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, if the operation of the external information processing apparatus is not confirmed by the operation confirmation means, the image recording apparatus attempts to store the image information in the image information storage means. If that succeeds, the recording is executed by the recording means.

In this image recording apparatus, when the operation of the external information processing apparatus cannot be confirmed by the operation confirmation means,
Even after issuing the operation command to the external information processing apparatus, if the operation cannot be confirmed, the recording of the image information in the storage means of the external information processing apparatus is abandoned, and the image recording apparatus itself,
Attempt to record an image. If the attempt is not successful, connection and operation of the external information processing apparatus to the image recording apparatus may be artificially performed, and image formation may be performed again.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facsimile apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as the present apparatus) which is an embodiment of an image recording apparatus of the present invention, together with a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as “PC”) connected to the apparatus. It is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG.
1, a ROM 2 storing a control program for executing various recording modes (definition is already described) and the like, a RAM 3 having a storage area for image information and the like, and an input / output port 4
Are connected by a bus 5, and an input / output port 4 is connected to a main power supply capable of supplying electric power enabling execution of printing by the scanner 6, the printer 7, the display 8, the handset 9, and the printer 7. A key 11, a function selection key group 12 composed of a key group to which each function is assigned, a start key 13 for starting each function, and various recording modes for selecting a function to be executed from a telephone function, a printing function, and the like. Mode setting keys 14 (keys for determining the resolution and the number of recording copies) necessary for the
5 is connected, and a public line 21
Connected to

The apparatus 10 includes a PC 50, that is, a PC 50 having a CPU 51, a memory 53, an input / output port 55, a display 56 as an output unit, and a keyboard 57 as an input / output unit. A communication line such as a cable 3 as part of the exchange means
0 is connected. The memory 53 is a ROM
And a RAM.
An extremely large capacity is used as compared with M3. With the above-described configuration, the apparatus 10 is capable of performing various functions such as a telephone, a printer, a copying machine, etc., in addition to a function as a facsimile.

The process of forming a duplicate image of a document by the apparatus 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Since this apparatus 10 is used as a facsimile or a telephone, a small amount of power is always applied to receive a signal from another device. In this state, the CPU 1 continues to wait until the main power key 11 for obtaining power required for executing copying, facsimile transmission, and the like is pressed (S1).
1: NO. “S” means a step. Hereinafter, the same applies). Upon confirming that the main power key 11 has been pressed (S1: YE
S), and continue to wait until one of the function selection keys 12 is pressed (S3: NO). When it is confirmed that any key of the function selection key group 12 is pressed (S3: YES), it is determined whether or not the pressed key is a copy key (S5). If the pressed key is not a copy key (S5: NO). Then, the processing of the selected key is executed (S7), and this processing ends.

If it is determined that the pressed key of the function selection key group 12 is a copy key (S5: YE
S) Then, it is determined whether or not the mode using the large-capacity memory 53 provided in the PC 50 is set by operating any one of the mode setting keys 14. That is,
It is determined whether or not a recording mode in which a large memory capacity is expected is selected (S9). Specifically, it is determined whether or not i) a mode for executing high-resolution copying, ii) a mode for executing color copying, and iii) a mode for creating a plurality of copies. Note that, for example, even when making a plurality of copies, if the original document is a single sheet, a large amount of memory is not actually required, but in this embodiment, at this stage, Since the number of original documents is unknown, it is temporarily determined that a large amount of memory is required when making copies of a plurality of copies. 3 above
If any other recording mode is set (S9: NO), in the present embodiment, the CPU 1 determines that the mode does not use the memory 53 of the PC 50.

The CPU 1 of the apparatus is connected to the memory 5 of the PC 50
3 is determined to be the recording mode using (S
9: YES), via the cable 30 to the PC 50,
An inquiry is made as to whether or not the power of the C50 is turned on, and whether or not the PC 50 and the apparatus 10 are connected (S13).
If it is confirmed that a response is received from C50, that the power is on, and that it is connected to the apparatus 10 (S
15: YES), and instructs the PC 50 to "scan the image by the scanner 6 and transmit the image information to the memory 53 of the PC 50" (S17).

Next, when the start key 13 is not pressed and there is no reading start instruction (S19: NO), if the start key 13 is pressed and the reading start instruction is given (S19: YES), reading is performed. The scanner 6 reads one line of the original placed at each position (S21),
The read image information is transmitted to the PC 50 via the cable 30.
(S23). Next, it is determined whether reading of the entire original page has been completed (S25).
If the reading is not completed (S25: N
O) The above steps S21 to S25 are repeated to read the image of the entire page of the document and send it to the memory 53. When the reading of one entire page of the document is completed (S25: YES), a page end command is sent to the PC 50 (S27). Thereafter, it is determined whether there is a next original (that is, the next page) (S29). If there is an original (S29: YES),
Until there are no more originals (S29: NO), S21 to S
By repeating step 29, all originals are read, and the image information is stored in the large-capacity memory 53 of the PC 50. If there is no document to be newly read (S29: NO), the next S
Shift to the process of 31

In S31, the CPU 1 issues a recording start instruction to the printer 7 and the PC 50, respectively.
Then, from the PC 50, only a predetermined amount of the already stored image information is transmitted to the device 10, and the device 50 receives the image information and stores it in the image information storage area of the RAM 3 of the device 10 (S33). ). The CPU 1 records on the printer 7 based on the received and recorded image information, and the recorded image information is deleted from the image information recording area of the RAM 3.

Thereafter, the CPU 1 determines whether or not recording for one page has been completed (S37).
If there is a page command in the information stored in step 3, CP
A flag is set in a register in U1, and in step S37, the process is performed by referring to the flag.
If the recording of one page has not been completed (S37: N
O) Until the recording of one page is completed (S37: YE)
S), the processes of S33 to S37 are repeated. CPU1
Indicates that the recording of one page has been completed (S3
7: YES), it is determined whether or not image information of the next page exists (S39), and if image information of the next page exists (S3).
9: YES), S33 to S39 are repeated until the end of recording for all pages is confirmed.

If it is confirmed that the recording of all pages has been completed (S39: NO), a print end command is transmitted to the PC 50 side (S41), and this processing ends. PC50 is S41
, All the image information is deleted from the memory 53.

In step S9 shown in FIG. 2, a recording mode other than the recording mode in which the memory 53 of the PC 50 needs to be used, for example, in the lowest resolution mode, one black-and-white copy is created for one document. If it is determined that the recording mode (normal mode) is set (S9: N
O), copy processing using the RAM 3 of the apparatus 10 (S
Go to 11).

The processing in S11 is specifically as follows (see FIG. 5). First, the process waits until the start key 13 is pressed (S57: NO). If the start key 13 is pressed (S57: YES), one line of the original placed at the reading position is read (S59). The information of the read image is stored in the image information storage area of the RAM 3 of the apparatus 10 (S61). Next, it is determined whether or not reading of the entire original page has been completed (S63). If the reading has not been completed (S63: NO), the above-mentioned S59 to S63 are repeated. If it is determined that the reading of the entire original page has been completed (S63: YES), a recording start instruction is issued to the printer 7, the recording is executed by the printer 7, and the recorded image information is erased from the RAM 3 ( S65).

Thereafter, the next original to be read (that is,
It is determined whether or not there is a next page (S67). If there is a next original (S67: YES), the above-mentioned steps S59 to S67 are performed.
Is repeated. If there are no more originals to be read (S67: NO), the process ends.

If it is not confirmed at step S15 shown in FIG. 3 that the PC 50 is powered on (S15: N
O), a power-on signal is output to the PC 50 (S51), an inquiry is made to the PC 50 again (S53), and if a response from the PC 50 is confirmed (S55: YES), the power of the PC 50 is turned on and this apparatus Since the connection is made to the PC 10, the processing after S17 (that is, the copy processing using the memory 53 of the PC 50) is executed.

If the response from the PC 50 cannot be confirmed in S55 (S55: NO), an error display indicating that the PC 50 is not connected to the apparatus 10 or the power plug of the PC 50 is disconnected from the insertion port is displayed. 8 (S56), and in this state, the PC 50 is
Since it is impossible to use this mode together with 0, no matter what recording mode is selected, a copy execution process only in the apparatus 10 will be attempted from S71 described below (see FIG. 6).

That is, the process waits until the start key 13 is pressed (S71: NO). If the start key 13 is pressed (S71: YES), one line of the document arranged at the reading position is read (S73). Attempt to store the image information in the image information storage area of the RAM 3 of the device 10 (S75). If there is not enough space in the image information storage area of the RAM 3 to store it (S77: N
O), end this processing. In this case, copying is executed again after the power is supplied by inserting the power plug into the insertion port, or after the PC 50 and the apparatus 10 are connected.

If the image data can be stored in the image information storage area of the RAM 3 (S77: YES), it is determined whether the reading of the entire page of the document has been completed (S79). (S79: NO), the processes of S73 to S79 are repeated until reading of one page of the document is completed. Manuscript 1
If reading of the entire page is completed (S79: YES), it is determined whether there is a next page to be read (S81). If there is a next page (S81: YES), there is no page to be read. The processes of S73 to S81 are repeated until this. If there are no more pages to be read (S81: NO), the RAM 3
Based on the image information stored in the printer 7, printing is performed in the printer 7 in accordance with the printing mode (S83), and the process ends.

According to the apparatus described above, when the user selects a specific recording mode that may increase the storage capacity of image information, the CPU 1 of the apparatus 10
An operation command is automatically issued to the PC 50 by the
It is checked whether or not the device 50 and the apparatus 10 are connected. If the connection and operation are confirmed,
Image information is stored in the memory 53 of the printer 50, and an image is recorded by the printer 7 based on the image information. Therefore, the user does not need to determine whether to use the RAM 3 of the apparatus 10 or the memory 53 of the PC 50 even in the recording mode in which the storage capacity of the image information may increase.

Further, when the connection between the apparatus 10 and the PC 50 or the operation of the PC 50 is not confirmed, even in the recording mode in which the necessity of a large storage capacity is anticipated, the copying using only the apparatus 10 can be performed. As a trial, the device 10
The recording mode may be realized even when the connection between the PC and the PC 50 or the operation of the PC 50 is not confirmed.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can take various forms. For example, instead of S9 (the process of confirming whether the mode requires the memory of the PC) in the above-described embodiment, whether or not the image information is already stored in the image information storage area of the RAM 3 in the apparatus 10 at a certain ratio or more is determined. When the image information is not stored in a certain ratio or more, the copy is performed only in the RAM 3 of the apparatus 30. Otherwise, the copy using the memory 53 of the PC 50 is preferentially performed. May be executed.

Further, when making copies of a plurality of originals, the memory 53 of the PC 50 is stored in the memory 53 of the PC 50 even when a recording mode for recording an image on paper based on the stored originals or a photograph mode is selected. May be preferentially executed. Further, the apparatus may be wirelessly exchanged information with the PC without using the cable 30 as a communication line.

[0037]

As described above in detail, according to the image recording apparatus of the first aspect, when a recording mode in which the storage capacity of the image information is likely to be increased is selected by the user, the automatic operation is performed. Since the priority is given to using the storage means of the external information processing apparatus, the user determines whether to use the image information storage means of the image recording apparatus or to use the storage means of the external information processing means. No need.

In the image recording apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the case of four specific recording modes requiring a large storage capacity for image information, the image recording apparatus preferentially uses the storage means of the external information processing apparatus. Can be recorded.

According to the image recording apparatus of the third aspect,
If a large amount of image information is already stored in the image information storage means, the user automatically gives priority to using the storage means of the external information processing apparatus. It is not necessary to determine whether to use the storage means of the external information processing means.

According to the image recording apparatus of the fourth aspect,
When a recording mode or the like that may increase the storage capacity of image information is selected, the operation of the external information processing device can be confirmed. When the operation of the external information processing device can be confirmed, desired recording is performed. Can be automatically implemented.

According to the image recording apparatus of the fifth aspect,
If the operation of the external information processing device cannot be confirmed, the image recording device itself can try to record an image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, together with a personal computer connected to the device.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a process of forming a duplicate image of a document by the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a process of forming a duplicate image of a document by the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a process of forming a duplicate image of a document by the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of a process of forming a duplicate image of a document by the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a process of forming a duplicate image of a document by the apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 6 Scanner 7 Printer 10 This device 12 Function selection key 13 Start key 14 Mode setting key 50 Personal computer 53 Memory.

Claims (5)

[Claims] A reading unit that reads an image to obtain image information; an image information storage unit that stores the image information read by the reading unit; a recording unit that records based on the image information; Recording mode selecting means for selecting an arbitrary recording mode from the recording modes, recording instruction means for causing the recording means to record in the recording mode selected by the recording mode selecting means, a central processing unit, a storage means, an input / output port, And an information exchange unit that enables information exchange with an external information processing device having: a case where a recording mode that requires a large storage capacity for image information is selected by the recording mode selection unit. A storage command unit that stores the image information in a storage unit of the external information processing device via the information exchange unit; Stored in the storage means of the parts information processing apparatus, on the basis of the information exchange means image information transmitted through the image recording apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for recording by said recording means. 2. A recording mode which requires a large storage capacity for the image information is a mode in which images of a plurality of originals are read and then recorded by the recording means based on the read image information. 7. A recording mode for recording a plurality of images, a high-resolution recording mode for recording based on a resolution higher than the lowest level, and a recording mode for recording using color recording colors. 2. The image recording device according to 1. A reading unit that reads an image to obtain image information; an image information storage unit that stores the image information read by the reading unit; a recording unit that performs recording based on the image information; An image recording apparatus comprising: an information exchange unit that enables information exchange with an external information processing apparatus having a processing unit, a storage unit, and an input / output port, wherein the information already stored in the image information storage unit is a predetermined one. If the value is larger than the value, the image information is stored in the storage unit of the external information processing device via the information exchange unit, and stored in the storage unit of the external information processing device. An image recording apparatus, comprising: control means for causing the recording means to record based on the image information sent via the information exchange means. 4. When a recording mode requiring a large storage capacity for image information is selected by said recording mode selection means, or when information already stored in said image information storage means is larger than a predetermined value. Has an operation confirmation means for confirming whether or not the external information processing apparatus is operating, and the storage command means, when the operation of the external information processing apparatus is confirmed, the image information, 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image recording apparatus is means for storing in said external information processing apparatus storage means via information exchange means. 5. When the operation of the external information processing device is not confirmed by the operation confirming means, an attempt is made to store the image information in the image information storing means. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein recording is performed.