JPH11225255A - Image forming device, image forming method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reprint image data when what is printed does not make user satisfied by selectively deciding whether or not the image data is eliminated after print processing. SOLUTION: After the print of an A file is selected, a user is made to select whether or not it is eliminated after printing it (S1301). In the case of Yes, printing is stopped, a timer is reset and started (S1304 to 1306). Whether or not the A print is reselected is decided (S1307), and when it is not selected, whether or not the value of the timer exceeds an already defined value is decided (S1309). When it does not exceed the value of the timer, the decision of whether the A is printed is returned, and when it exceeds it, the file A is eliminated. Due to such a processing, a result that is printed out is not eliminated if it is within a set time and can be reprinted even if the user does not agree to the result by eliminating it after a fixed time without eliminating it at once after printout.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a recording medium for storing image data after a printing process within a predetermined time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A hard disk of a digital copying machine is divided into individual areas, and an image in which a PDL is developed into a bitmap from a host computer (hereinafter referred to as "host") is
Recently, a large number of devices that temporarily store data in their own area and print an image from their own area (personal box) have been available.

[0003] Further, in the personal box, there is a problem that the capacity is insufficient due to the storage of image data. As a countermeasure, when printing image data, the user is allowed to select whether or not to delete the image data after printing, and to delete the image data when the user selects to delete. Image forming apparatuses have also appeared.

[0004]

However, in the prior art, when erasure of image data is permitted after printing, the image data is erased regardless of the result of the printing. That is, there is a problem that the image is slightly thin, and the image data is erased even when the user wants to print again.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to print out image data within a predetermined time by deleting the image data not immediately after printing but after a predetermined time. By doing so, it is an object of the present invention to be able to print again when the printed one is not satisfactory. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention has the following constitution.

That is, an image forming apparatus for erasing image data after a printing process has a dividing means for dividing a storage means for storing image data into a plurality of areas, and an input means for storing the image data in a predetermined storage area. Selecting means for selecting whether or not to erase the stored image data after a lapse of a predetermined time after the printing processing, and performing printing processing of the image data stored in the predetermined area based on the selection. Means, timer means for managing the time elapsed after the end of the printing process, and erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the storage area after the time managed by the timer means has elapsed.

The timer means manages the passage of time when the erasure of the image data is selected, and the erasure means stores the stored data when a predetermined time managed by the timer means has elapsed. Delete the image data stored in the area.

[0008] The predetermined value can be set at predetermined time intervals.

If the printing of the image data is performed again before the lapse of the predetermined value, the timer means stops the accumulation of time, and the erasing means does not execute erasing of the image data.

[0010] The default value of the timer means when erasing the image data is set by the user before the start of printing.

An image forming method for erasing image data after a printing process includes a dividing step of dividing a storage step of storing the image data into a plurality of areas, and an input step of storing the image data in a predetermined storage area. A step of selecting whether to erase the stored image data after a predetermined time has elapsed after the printing processing, and a print processing for printing the image data stored in the predetermined area based on the selection. A timer step for managing the elapse of time after the end of the printing process; and an erasing step for erasing the image data stored in the storage area after the elapse of the time managed by the timer step.

The timer step manages the passage of time when the erasing of the image data is selected, and the erasing step stores the data when a predetermined time managed by the timer step has elapsed. Delete the image data stored in the area.

[0013] The setting of the predetermined value is variable at predetermined time intervals.

The timer step stops the accumulation of time when the printing of the image data is performed again before the lapse of the predetermined value, and the erasing step does not execute the erasing of the image data.

The default value of the timer step when erasing image data is set by the user before printing is started.

Further, a dividing means for dividing the storage means for storing the image data into a plurality of areas, an input means for storing the image data in a predetermined storage area, and a print processing of the stored image data, Selecting means for selecting whether or not to erase after a predetermined time has elapsed; printing means for performing printing processing of image data stored in the predetermined area based on the selection; managing time elapse after the end of the printing processing A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as timer means for performing, and an erasing means for erasing image data stored in the storage area after a lapse of time managed by the timer means. Prepare.

[0017]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, wherein 100 is an image forming apparatus main body, and 180 is an automatic document feeder (DF). In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass serving as a document placing table; 102, a scanner;
3. It is composed of a scanning mirror 104 and the like. The scanner is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light of the original is transmitted through the lens 108 via the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 to form an image on the CCD sensor 109. Reference numeral 120 denotes an exposure control unit composed of a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 120 receives a laser beam 129 which is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 and modulated based on an image signal on which predetermined image processing described later has been performed. Irradiates the body drum 110. Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 11
6. A pre-exposure lamp 114 is provided. In the image forming unit 126, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated by a motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and is charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112.
The laser light 129 from 20 is irradiated, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121 and is visualized as a toner image. On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 having the paper presence / absence sensor by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the feed rollers 135 and 136, and is supplied to the transfer belt by the registration rollers 137. The transferred and visualized toner image is transferred to transfer paper by the transfer charger 118.
After the transfer, the photosensitive drum is cleaned of residual toner by a cleaner device 116, and residual charges are erased by a pre-exposure lamp 114. The transfer paper after the transfer is a transfer belt 13
0, the toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, sent to the fixing device 141, and fixed by pressurizing and heating.
Is discharged outside. The main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer papers.
The lifter 151 of the deck 150 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. In addition, a multi-bypass tray 153 capable of storing 100 sheets of transfer paper is provided. Further, in FIG.
A discharge flapper 54 switches the path between the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side and the discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched by the paper discharge flapper 154 to a double-sided recording side or a multiple recording side. Also,
Reference numeral 158 denotes a lower transport path, which guides the transfer sheet sent out from the sheet discharging roller 142 to the re-feed tray 156 by turning over the transfer sheet through the reversing path 155. Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplexed recording.
By tilting the transfer paper to the left, the transfer paper
5 and directly to the lower transport path 158. Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 126 through the path 160. A discharge roller 161 is disposed near the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus. Double-sided recording (double-sided copying) and multiple recordings (multiplexed copying)
At times, the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, and the copied transfer sheet is stored in the re-feed tray 156 via the transport paths 155 and 158. At this time, at the time of double-sided recording, the multiplex flapper 157 is tilted rightward.
Tilt the multiple flapper 157 to the left. Refeed tray 15
6 is guided to the registration roller 137 of the main body via the path 160 by the sheet feeding roller 159 one by one from below. When the transfer paper is to be inverted and discharged from the main body, the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the flapper 157 is tilted rightward, and the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the transport path 1.
55, and the rear end of the transfer paper is
After passing through the transfer sheet 2, the sheet is conveyed to the second feed roller side by the reversing roller 163, and the transfer sheet is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged out of the apparatus. Reference numeral 190 denotes a paper discharge processing unit which closes the transfer paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 in a line, and transfers the transfer paper discharged one by one to the processing tray 19.
Load 3 and align. When the discharge of a part of the image formation is completed, the transfer paper bundle is stapled and discharged to the discharge tray 191 or 192 as a bundle. Output trays 191, 192
Is controlled to move up and down by a motor (not shown), and moves so that the tray to be stacked is at the position of the processing tray before the image forming operation starts.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram in the image forming apparatus 100. A CPU 171 performs basic control of the image forming apparatus 100.
The OM 174, a work RAM 175 for performing processing, and an input / output port 173 are connected by an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 173 is connected to various loads (not shown) such as a motor and a clutch for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 and inputs (not shown) such as a sensor for detecting the position of the paper. The CPU 171 performs input / output control sequentially through the input / output port 173 according to the contents of the ROM 174 to execute an image forming operation. Also, CPU1
71 has a timer function, and time management is also possible. Further, the present date and time are managed as a calendar function, and a function as a timer can be used even if a difference in the time is used. The CPU 171 includes an operation unit 17.
2 are connected, and control the display means and the key input means of the operation unit 172. The operator uses key input means
The CPU 171 switches the image forming operation mode and the display.
, The CPU 171 displays the state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the operation mode setting by key input. CP
The image processing unit 170 that processes the signal converted into the electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 and the image memory unit 3 that stores the processed image are connected to U171.

Next, according to FIG.
0 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the image processing unit. The original image formed on the CCD sensor 109 via the lens 108 is input as Black luminance data, and is converted into an analog electric signal by the CCD sensor 109. The converted image information is input to an analog signal processing unit (not shown), and after sample and hold, dark level correction, and the like are performed, the A / D conversion unit 501 performs analog-to-digital conversion (A / D conversion). Then, the digitized signal is subjected to shading correction (correction of variations in a sensor for reading a document and light distribution characteristics of a document illumination lamp). After that, it is sent to the log converter 502. l
The OG conversion unit 502 stores an LUT for converting the input luminance data into density data, and converts the luminance data into density data by outputting a table value corresponding to the input data. After that, the image is scaled to a desired magnification by the scaling unit 503 and input to the γ correction unit 504. When outputting the density data, the γ correction unit 504 performs conversion using an LUT in consideration of the characteristics of the printer, and adjusts the output according to the density value set in the processing unit. After that, it is sent to the binarization unit 505.
The binarization unit 505 binarizes the multi-value density data, and the density value becomes “0” or “255”. The 8-bit image data is binarized into 1-bit “0” or “1”
And the amount of image data stored in the memory is reduced. However, when the image is binarized, the number of gradations of the image is changed from 256 to two. Therefore, when image data having a large number of halftones such as a photographic image is binarized, the image is generally significantly deteriorated. Therefore, it is necessary to perform pseudo halftone expression using binary data. Here, an error diffusion method is used as a method for pseudo-halftone expression using binary data. According to this method, if the density of a certain image is larger than a certain threshold value, it is determined that the density data is “255”, and if the density of the image is equal to or less than a certain threshold value, it is determined that the data is “0”. In this method, the difference between the actual density data and the binarized data is distributed to surrounding pixels as an error signal. The distribution of the error is performed by multiplying the weighting coefficient on the matrix prepared in advance by the error generated by the binarization, and adding the result to surrounding pixels. As a result, the density average value of the entire image is stored, and the halftone can be represented in a pseudo binary manner. 2
The binarized image data is sent to the image memory unit 3,
Images are stored. Further, the image data from the computer input from the external I / F processing unit 4 is processed as binary image data by the external I / F processing unit, and thus is sent to the image memory unit 3 as it is. Image memory 3
Has a high-speed page memory and a large-capacity memory (hard disk) capable of storing a plurality of page image data. The plurality of image data stored in the hard disk are output in an order according to the editing mode specified by the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, for sorting,
The images of the document bundle read from the DF 180 are sequentially output. The image data of the document once stored is read out from the hard disk, and this is repeated several times and output. Thereby, it can play the same role as a sorter having a plurality of bins. The image data output from the image memory unit 3 is sent to a smoothing unit 506 in the printer unit 2. The smoothing unit 506 performs data interpolation so that the line ends of the binarized image become smooth, and outputs image data to the exposure control unit 120. The exposure controller 120 forms image data on transfer paper by the above-described processing.

Next, details of the image memory section 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The image memory unit writes a binary image from the external I / F processing unit 4 and the image processing unit 170 via a memory controller unit 302 to a page memory unit 301 including a memory such as a DRM, and writes the binary image to the printer unit 2. , And accesses the input / output of images to the hard disk 304 which is a large-capacity storage device. The memory controller 302 stores the DR of the page memory 301.
It generates an AM refresh signal, and arbitrates access to the page memory 301 from the image I / F processing unit 4, image processing unit 170, and hard disk 304. Further, according to the instruction of the CPU 171, the page memory unit 30
1 and the read address from the page memory unit 301 and the read direction are controlled.
Accordingly, the CPU 171 arranges a plurality of document images in the page memory unit 301 to perform layout, and controls a function of outputting to the printer unit, a function of cutting out and outputting only a part of the image, and an image rotation function.

The configuration of the external I / F processing unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the external I / F processing unit 4 fetches the binary image data of the reader unit into the external I / F processing unit via the image memory unit 3, and outputs the external I / F unit via the image memory unit 3. / F binary image data from printer unit 2
To form an image. The external I / F processing unit 4 includes a core unit 406, a facsimile unit 401, a hard disk 402 for storing communication image data of the facsimile unit, a computer interface unit 403 connected to the external computer 11, a formatter unit 404, and an image memory unit 405. Have. The facsimile unit 401 is connected to a public line via a modem (not shown), and receives facsimile communication data from the public line and transmits facsimile communication data to the public line. The facsimile unit 401 performs processing by storing a facsimile image on the hard disk 402, such as performing facsimile transmission at a designated time or transmitting image data in response to an inquiry for a designated password from a partner. As a result, once an image is transferred from the reader unit 1 to the facsimile unit 401 and the facsimile hard disk 402 via the image memory unit 3, the reader unit 1 and the image memory unit 3 are used without using the facsimile function. Fax transmission can be performed. The computer interface unit 403 is an interface unit that performs data communication with an external computer,
It has a local area network (hereinafter, LAN), a serial I / F, a SCSI I / F, a centro I / F for data input of a printer, and the like. Through this I / F,
The statuses of the printer unit and the reader unit are notified to an external computer, and the image read by the reader unit 1 is transferred to the external computer according to instructions from the computer. Also, it receives print image data from an external computer. Since the print data notified from the external computer via the computer interface unit 403 is described in a dedicated printer code, the formatter unit 404 converts the code into a raster image to be formed by the printer unit 2 via the image memory unit 3. Convert to image data. The formatter unit 404 stores raster image data in the image memory unit 40.
Perform step 5. The image memory unit is used as a memory in which the formatter unit 404 expands the raster image data, or when the image of the reader unit is sent to an external computer via the computer interface unit 403 (image scanner function). The image data sent from the image memory unit 3 is once expanded in the image memory unit, converted into a data format to be sent to an external computer, and then converted into a computer interface unit 403.
Also used when sending data from The core unit 406 includes a facsimile unit 401, a computer interface unit 403, and a formatter unit 40.
4. Control and manage the data transfer between the image memory unit 405 and the image memory unit 3. Thus, even if the external I / F processing unit 4 has a plurality of image output units or the image memory unit 3 has only one image transfer path, the core unit 40
Under the management of No. 6, exclusive control and priority control are performed, and image output is performed.

Next, the operation section for setting the copying operation of the image forming apparatus described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
621 is a power lamp indicating that the power is on. The power switch 613 turns on and off the light 621 in accordance with the power ON / OFF switching. A numeric keypad 622 is used to set the number of images to be formed and to input numerical values for mode setting. On the facsimile setting screen, it is used to input a telephone number. Reference numeral 623 denotes a clear key, which clears the settings entered using the numeric keys. Reference numeral 616 denotes a reset key for returning the set number of images to be formed, an operation mode, a mode such as a selected paper feed stage to a default value. A start key 614 starts an image forming operation when the start key 614 is pressed. At the center of the start key 614, there are red and green LEDs (not shown) indicating whether or not start is possible. If start is not possible, the red LED is lit, and if start is possible, the green LED is lit. . A stop key 615 is used to stop the copying operation. Reference numeral 617 denotes a guide key. When another key is pressed after pressing this key, a description of a function that can be set by the key is displayed on the display panel.
To cancel the guide display, the guide key 61
This is done by pressing 7. A user setting key 618 allows the user to change the settings of the image forming apparatus when this key is pressed. The settings you can change are
For example, the time until the setting is automatically cleared, the setting of the default value of the mode when the reset key is pressed, and the like. Reference numeral 619 denotes an interrupt key. When this key is pressed during an image forming operation, other image forming operations are stopped, and copying can be performed without using the automatic document feeder 180. Reference numeral 620 denotes a display panel composed of a liquid crystal or the like, and the display content changes according to the setting mode in order to facilitate detailed mode setting. The surface of the display panel is a touch sensor. FIG. 6 shows an example of a setting screen for the copy operation mode. In FIG. 6, keys 624 to 634 are displayed in the display panel 620. By touching the displayed positions of the keys, it is determined that the key is pressed, and the mode is set. Reference numeral 627 denotes a paper stage selection key. When this key is depressed, a display for setting from which of the cassettes 131 and 132 paper is to be fed is displayed on the display panel 6.
Perform 20. Keys 628 to 634 are used to set the copy magnification of the copy operation. Reference numeral 626 denotes an application mode setting key. When this key is pressed, a screen for setting an application function mode such as a multiplex operation, a reduced layout mode, and a cover / insert mode is displayed on the display panel. For example, as shown in FIG. The setting keys for the various application function modes are displayed, and the application modes can be set. Reference numeral 624 denotes a setting key for double-sided operation. For example, a “single-sided mode” for performing double-sided output from a single-sided original, a “two-sided mode” for performing double-sided output from a double-sided original,
Three types of two-sided mode, that is, “two-sided mode” for outputting two single-sided images from a two-sided original, are set. A sort key 625 is used to set the operation mode of the sheet discharging processing device 190 and the output paper sorting mode using the image memory when the key is pressed. If you can not set the key mode of the display in addition to the normal display of the key in the display panel,
By making the display line a dotted line (shaded), it indicates that the key cannot be operated. Further, in the example of FIG. 6, above the display panel 620, the display of the set contents of the copying operation and the current operation state are displayed. Also, at the upper left of the screen, there is a display indicating which screen of this function screen is in each of the function modes to be described later. In the example of FIG. 6, the setting screen of copy A is shown. In the example of FIG. 6, the characters are indicated by characters, but symbols indicating the respective characters may be used. Further, below the display panel 620, the operation state of another function mode described later is displayed within a range that can be displayed in one line. The example of FIG. 6 indicates that the copy B is being output to the printer unit. Next to the application mode key 626 in the display panel 620, there is a key that can be changed by the user.
Up to 2 function keys that can be set on the application mode setting screen
Up to one can be registered. By displaying the setting key of the applied mode at the position shown in the figure, the registered mode can be set more easily. These keys are collectively called a favorite function key, and the setting thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8A is a screen for setting the item of the favorite function key 1. This screen displays the user setting key 618
After pressing, the setting is displayed by selecting the setting of the favorite function key 1 in the setting item. By selecting an item on the screen of FIG. 8A and pressing an OK key, a function key to be displayed as a favorite function key can be selected. A new key is displayed on the screen as in the example of FIG.

In FIG. 6, reference numerals 601 to 612 and 632 to
Reference numeral 634 denotes a key and an LED display for switching the display of the processing section in order to set each function of the copying operation and the system operation using the image forming apparatus 100. 601, 60
4,607,610,634 are keys for switching each function. This key is composed of a translucent key button, and inside the key there is a display lamp (not shown) such as an LED. When the operation screen is selected by pressing these keys, the lamps inside the keys are turned on. This lamp inside each key is controlled so that only the lamps inside the keys of the selected operation function screen are turned on, and the lamps inside the other keys are turned off. A green LED is arranged to the right of each key (603, 606, 609, 612, 633).
The ED represents the operation status of each function by controlling the lighting of the LED. For example, the copy B LED 606
Is controlled to be turned off during standby, and is controlled to blink when copy B is being output, as in the example of FIG. When the copy B image is stored in the hard disk 304 of the image memory and the print operation of the copy B is not performed, the lighting is controlled. Similarly, for example, L for fax
In the ED 609, blinking is controlled during a communication operation, a printing operation, and a reading operation, and lighting control is performed when a facsimile unit hard disk 402 has a fax image. A red LED is arranged to the left of each key (6
02,605,608,611,632), this LED
Indicates that an abnormal state of each function has occurred by controlling the lighting of the LED. For example, copy B LED 605
The LED 605 is controlled to blink when the copy B has a paper-out interruption or an abnormality such as JAM occurs. At this time, copy B
By pressing the function key 604 and switching the display of the operation unit to copy B, the status of copy B is displayed on the display panel, and the details of the abnormal status can be confirmed. These function switching keys can be pressed at any time regardless of the operation status of each function, and can switch the operation unit. As in the present embodiment, when the copy A function and the copy B function can be switched, keys other than the keys on the display panel such as the stop key, start key, and reset key described above are function switching keys 601 and 604. Is operated for the function selected by. For example, in the example of FIG.
Even if the stop key is pressed while the copy A operation screen is displayed, the copy operation cannot be stopped for the copy B output operation. To stop the copy B copying operation, the copy B function key 604 is pressed, and then the stop key 615 is pressed, so that the output of the copy B is stopped. Further, the data set by the user setting key 618 has data on each of the screens where the copy A and copy B operation units are selected, and the setting change can be performed independently on each screen.

A personal box according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 304 denotes a hard disk of an image storage unit of the electronic sorter, which temporarily stores image data for electronic sorting and deletes the image data at the end of a job.
0 and P in your personal box number
It is divided into a personal box area 901 which is an area for printing image data developed from a DL image.

The PDL image received from the host is transferred to an external I / O
The image data developed by the F processing unit is stored in the personal box area of the hard disk corresponding to the personal box number designated by the host 1000, and the user later inputs the PDL stored in his / her personal box from the host operation unit 1000. The developed image data can be printed from the image.

For example, in the case of a 1 GB hard disk,
300 MB is used separately from the temporary area, and 700 MB is used separately from the personal box area. Also, as shown in FIG.
When the number of personal boxes is 10, the box area that each individual can hold is 70 MB.

The host 1000 manages the area division of the hard disk 304 and the assignment of personal boxes.

Each personal box is numbered,
Each can be identified. For example, box 9
02, 903, 904, and 905 are box numbers 0, 1, 2, and 9, respectively.

In the example shown in the figure, the box for Tanaka is 1, and the user named Tanaka
If you want to put a PDL document in your own box from 0,
Specify box number 1 on the host.

FIG. 10 shows a basic screen of the personal box of the operation unit.

Reference numeral 1901 denotes a main screen of the personal box of the operation unit of the digital copying machine, which is opened when a personal box key of the processing unit is pressed. As shown in the figure, the number of personal boxes is from 00 to 09.
Are prepared, and P is received from the host for each individual.
The DL data is stored in a personal box of a hard disk in a form developed into a raster image by an electronic sorter. Also, a name is given to each personal box number on a screen of an operation unit (not shown). For example, in the case of box number 01, the name "box of Tanaka" is given, and it can be identified that the box is used by a person named Tanaka. The percentage displayed at the far right of each box column indicates the percentage of the hard disk capacity of the entire personal box area used by that box. For example, box number 01 indicates that if the hard disk capacity of the personal box area is 700 MB, 2% of the hard disk capacity uses about 14 MB. Reference numeral 1902 denotes a button for viewing the job stored in the box number 00. Similarly, 1903
1904, 1905 are box numbers 01, 02, 03
Button for viewing the job stored in the. For example, a person named Tanaka at the host writes the application document data to his box number 1,
When the file is transferred to be saved, the personal box number 0 is displayed on the personal box screen 1901 of the operation unit later.
By pressing the first button 1903, printing of the document is started. Reference numerals 1906 and 1907 denote up and down scroll keys. By pressing these keys, the screen can be scrolled, and the names and used capacity of the box numbers 00 to 09 can be viewed. Reference numeral 1908 denotes a close key. By pressing this key, the user can return to the main screen in FIG. 19
Reference numeral 09 denotes a fax status key. By pressing this key, the status of fax transmission / reception can be confirmed.
Reference numeral 1910 denotes a password input unit for keeping personal information secret. The individual user enters each password into the input unit 1910 ("XXXXXXXX" is shown as an example in FIG. 10), and an OK button 1911 is displayed.
By pressing, it is possible to refer to the contents of the selected personal box (FIG. 11).

FIG. 11 shows a screen for displaying jobs stored in one personal box.

A screen 930 displays jobs stored in a personal box of a certain individual.
Is pressed when the entered password can be verified. For example, box number 0
The first owner, named Tanaka, enters a password known only to him and verifies it.
0 screen can be seen.

Reference numerals 923 and 924 denote jobs in which a PDL document is entered by designating the personal box number from the host. For example, in 923, 11:30 on March 8
2 shows that the document "Plan A" has been entered into this box by the host. Here, “printed” on the right indicates that the document has been printed at least once since it was placed in the personal box. Others may indicate that the document could not be properly boxed, such as "NG", for example, when the hard disk is full. In 924, 2 on March 11
At 1:14, it is shown that the document "B meeting material" was put into this box from the host. Here, "printable" on the right side indicates that the document has not been printed yet since the document is put in the personal box, and that printing is possible. For example, by touching this line, the line of this job is inverted as shown at 924 in FIG. 916 is a detailed information key,
The job details of the reversed line are displayed. In this case, job information such as "copy three copies on both sides of A4 paper" set in the print window of the host application is displayed in detail. On this display screen, it is also possible to change the job information, for example, by changing the number of copies from 3 to 5, for example.
Reference numeral 917 denotes a print key. When this button is pressed, the screen shifts to a selection screen (FIG. 12) for selecting whether or not to delete the file after printing the job of the reversed line. Here, after the selection is made from the display unit, the print data stored in the raster image of the job of the inverted line is
When transferring data from the host to the personal box, printing is started according to the specified print job settings. Reference numeral 918 denotes an erase key, which is pressed when erasing a job on an inverted line. Up and down scroll keys 919 and 920 scroll the screen when displaying a large number of jobs that cannot be displayed on one screen. 922 is
This is a fax status key. By pressing this key, the status of fax transmission / reception can be confirmed. Reference numeral 921 denotes a close key.
Press to return to 1.

FIG. 12 shows a screen for selecting whether or not to delete the data after printing out when printing out the data of the selected image.

FIG. 12 shows a screen for selecting whether or not to delete the data after the printout. Pressing the “Yes” button 1201 starts printing, and after the printing is completed, the data is deleted for a predetermined time. Later, in this case, it will be erased after 3 hours.

When "yes" 1201 is selected, the image data to be printed is moved to the temporary area 900 of the hard disk 304 and becomes the erasure target described below.

Pressing the "No" button 1202 starts printing, and the data is not erased after the printout unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing when the printing of the file A is selected.

After the print of the file A is selected,
First, in step 1301, the user is prompted to select whether or not to erase the file A in FIG. 12 after printing. At this time, if the file is not deleted, that is, “No” 1202 is selected in FIG. 12 (S1301-
No), the process advances to S1302 to start printing of A,
A normal print operation is performed.

If it is selected to erase A after printing in S1301 (S1301-Yes), that is, if "yes" 1201 is selected in FIG. 12, S13
The process advances to step S1305 to wait for the end of the printing in step S1304, and then advances to step S1305. In S1305, the timer is reset, and in S1306, the timer is started. Thereafter, in S1307, it is determined whether or not the print of the A is selected again, and when the print is selected (S1307).
In 1307-Yes), the timer is stopped in S1308, and the process returns to S1301. If print is not selected (S1307-No), the flow advances to S1309 to determine whether the value of the timer has exceeded a predetermined value (corresponding to three hours in this case). If not exceeded, the process returns to S1307 to determine whether A is printed. If the value of the timer exceeds the predetermined value in S1309 (S1309-Yes), the file A
Is erased.

According to such a process, after the printout, the data is not deleted immediately but is deleted at a fixed time, so that even if the result of the printout is unsatisfactory to the user, the setting can be made. If it is within the time, the data is not erased and printing can be performed again.

Next, a case where the interval until the erasure is changed will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a screen which is opened when the setting of the interval for data erasure is selected from a user mode or the like (not shown).

Reference numeral 1401 displays the value of the current interval until the print is erased. Pressing 1402 increases the number displayed on 1401 by one (up to 100) and pressing 1403 decreases it by one (to 1). Here, when 1404 is pressed, a value corresponding to the time of the number displayed in 1401 is stored as a default value for data deletion. On this screen,
When 1405 is pressed, the screen returns to the user mode screen (not shown).

As described above, in the present embodiment, in the printing process of the image data stored in the predetermined storage area, it is possible to selectively determine whether to delete the image data after the printing process.

When the erasure is selected and the image data is printed, the timer means manages the elapse of a predetermined time after the end of the print processing, and the erasure means erases the image data after the elapse of the predetermined value.

That is, in the present embodiment, the image data to be printed is not deleted immediately after the printing process, but the image data to be printed is saved for a predetermined time, and the printing is performed even when a printing request is made again. It is possible to do.

[Second Embodiment] The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
The display screen of the job stored in one personal box will be described. FIG. 11 shows a screen for displaying jobs stored in one personal box.

A screen 930 displays jobs stored in a personal box of a certain individual.
Is displayed when the OK key is pressed and the password is verified. For example, a person named Tanaka, who is the owner of box number 01, enters a password known only to himself and verifies the password, whereby the screen 930 can be viewed. Reference numerals 923 and 924 indicate a job in which a PDL document is entered by designating the personal box number from the host. For example, at 923, at 11:30 on March 8,
This indicates that the host has put the document "Project A" into this box. Here, “printed” on the right indicates that the document has been printed at least once since it was placed in the personal box. Others
For example, "NG" may indicate that the document could not be properly boxed, for example, when the hard disk was full. In 924, 2 on March 11
At 1:14, it is shown that the document "B meeting material" was put into this box from the host. Here, "printable" on the right side indicates that the document has not been printed yet since the document is put in the personal box, and that printing is possible. For example, by touching this line, the line of this job is reversed as shown in the figure. Reference numeral 916 denotes a detailed information key for displaying the details of the job on the reversed line. this is,
For example, job information such as "copy three copies on both sides of A4 paper" set in the print window of the host application is displayed in detail. On this display screen,
Depending on the user's convenience, the job information can be changed, for example, the number of copies is changed from three to five. Reference numeral 917 denotes a print key. When this button is pressed, a screen for selecting whether or not to delete the file after printing the job of the inverted line and setting a deletion interval (FIG. 15)
Move to Here, after the selection 917 is performed on the display unit, when the print data of the job of the reversed line, which is stored as a raster image, is transferred from the host to the personal box, the print data is set according to the specified print job setting contents. , Start printing. Reference numeral 918 denotes an erase key, which is pressed when erasing a job on an inverted line. 9
Reference numerals 19 and 920 denote up and down scroll keys, which scroll the screen when displaying a large number of jobs that cannot be displayed on one screen. Reference numeral 922 denotes a fax status key. By pressing this key, the status of fax transmission / reception can be confirmed. Reference numeral 921 denotes a close key.
Press this button to return to the personal box screen 901 of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a screen for selecting whether or not to erase the data after printing out when printing out the data of the selected image, and for setting the interval when erasing.

In FIG. 15, the upper part is displayed so as to set the time until the data after the printout is erased (1).
501). Here, reference numeral 1501 denotes a value (time) of an interval until erasure to be set. By pressing 1502, 15
The number of 01 increases by one, and pressing 1503 gives 1
The number displayed at 502 is reduced by one. here,
When the OK button 1504 is pressed, the interval from the end of printing to the deletion is set to be equivalent to the time displayed in 1501, and printing is started. In this screen, 1
If 505 is pressed, this file is not erased after printing, and printing is started.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing when the printing of the file A is selected.

After the print of the file A is selected,
First, in step 1500, the user selects whether or not to erase the file A after printing in FIG. 15 and sets the interval for erasing the file. At this time,
Do not delete the file, that is, "do not delete" in FIG.
If is selected, the flow advances to S1501 to start printing of A, and a normal printing operation is performed. If the user selects to erase A after printing in S1500, that is, if “OK” 1504 is selected in FIG.
The flow advances to 1502 to set the interval until erasure to a value corresponding to the display time of 1501 in FIG. 15, and to S1503 to start printing.

In step S1504, the process waits for the printing to be completed, and proceeds to step S1505. In S1505, the timer is reset, and in S1506, the timer is started. Then, in S1507, it is determined whether or not the print of A is selected again. If the print is selected (S1507-Yes), the timer is stopped in S1508, and the process returns to S1501.

If no print is selected, S
Proceeding to 1509, it is determined whether or not the value of the timer has exceeded the set value. If not exceeded here (S1
In step 509-No), the process returns to S1507 to determine whether A is printed. If the value of the timer exceeds the set value in S1509 (S1509-Yes), the file A is deleted.

According to the present embodiment, erasing is performed immediately after printing out without erasing immediately after printing out, so that erasing is performed at a fixed time after printing out, so that even if the result of printing out is unsatisfactory to the user, If it is within the set time, it is not erased and printing can be performed again.

[0060]

[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 (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

An object of the present invention is to provide a system or an apparatus with a recording medium on which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus.
And MPU) by reading and executing the program code stored in the recording medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.

As a recording 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 recording 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 instructions 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 processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the recording medium, the recording medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts. Each module shown will be stored in a recording medium. That is, at least “timer module 1701”, “erase module 1”
702, the selection module 1703, and the print module 1704 may be stored in the recording medium.

[0067]

In the printing process of the image data stored in the predetermined storage area, it is possible to selectively determine whether to delete the image data after the printing process. When the deletion is selected and the printing process of the image data is performed, the timer unit manages the elapse of a predetermined time after the printing process is completed, and after the elapse of the predetermined value, the erasing unit deletes the image data.

That is, according to the present invention, the image data to be printed is stored within a predetermined time, and the image data is printed even when a print request is made again, instead of erasing the image data immediately after the printing process. It is possible to do that.

[0069]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system block diagram.

FIG. 4 is an image processing block diagram of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an image memory block diagram.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen of a copy operation application mode of the image forming apparatus.

8A is a screen for setting an item of a favorite function key 1, and FIG. 8B is a view showing an example of a screen on which a new key is displayed.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a personal box.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a personal box basic display on the display unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of each personal box.

FIG. 12 is a screen for selecting whether to delete image data after printing image data in the personal box after printing is selected in the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart after printing of image data in the personal box is selected in the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a screen for setting an interval when deleting image data after printing image data in a personal box in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a screen for selecting whether or not to erase image data after printing image data in a personal box after a print is selected in the second embodiment, and revising an interval at which to erase the image data.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of processing after printing of image data in a personal box is selected in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a memory map of a recording medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 Image forming apparatus 102 Scanner 103 Document illumination lamp 170 Image processing unit 171 CPU 172 Operation unit 174 ROM 175 RAM 301 Page memory 302 Memory controller 304 Hard disk 620 Display panel 900 Temporary area 901 Personal box area

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for erasing image data after a printing process, comprising: a dividing unit that divides a storage unit that stores the image data into a plurality of areas; and a storage unit that stores the image data in a predetermined storage area. An input unit, a selection unit that selects whether or not to delete the stored image data after a lapse of a predetermined time after the printing process, and a printing process of the image data stored in the predetermined area based on the selection. Printing means for performing, a timer means for managing the elapse of time after the end of the printing process, and an erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the storage area after the elapse of the time managed by the timer means. An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. The timer means manages the lapse of time when the deletion of the image data is selected, and the erasure means saves the data when a predetermined time managed by the timer means has elapsed. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data stored in the area is deleted. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined value is variable at predetermined time intervals. 4. When the image data is printed again before the predetermined value elapses, the timer means stops the accumulation of time, and the erasing means does not execute the erasure of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a default value of said timer means when erasing image data is set by a user before printing is started. 6. An image forming method for erasing image data after a printing process, comprising: a dividing step of dividing a storage step of storing the image data into a plurality of areas; and storing the image data in a predetermined storage area. An input step, a selection step of selecting whether or not to delete the stored image data after a lapse of a predetermined time after the printing processing, and a printing processing of the image data stored in the predetermined area based on the selection. A printing step to be performed; a timer step to manage a lapse of time after the end of the printing processing; and an erasing step to erase image data stored in the storage area after the lapse of time managed by the timer step. An image forming method comprising: 7. The timer step manages the passage of time when erasing of the image data is selected, and the erasing step saves the data when a predetermined time managed by the timer step elapses. 7. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein the image data stored in the area is deleted. 8. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined value is variable at predetermined time intervals. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the timer step stops the accumulation of time if the printing of the image data is performed again before the predetermined value has elapsed, and the erasing step does not execute the erasing of the image data. The image forming method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein 10. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein a default value of said timer step when erasing image data is set by a user before starting printing. 11. A dividing unit for dividing a storage unit for storing image data into a plurality of areas, an input unit for storing the image data in a predetermined storage area, and after printing the stored image data, Selecting means for selecting whether or not to delete after a predetermined time has elapsed; printing means for performing printing processing of image data stored in the predetermined area based on the selection; managing time elapse after the end of the printing processing And a erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the storage area after a lapse of time managed by the timer means. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to function.