JPH11234443A - Image processing system, data processing method for the image processing system and storage medium storing program readable by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve processing efficiency for the entire system by continuing the function processing specific to each system resource even on the occurrence of a fault during image processing where each system resource is compositely intermingled. SOLUTION: Even on the occurrence of a fault in a printer section 1 during a copy function processing by a scanner section 4 and the printer section 1, a CPU 8 in the image processing system continues image input processing by the scanner section 4 without interruption and stores read image data to a memory 9 so as to accept a succeeding image read request without hindrance and allows the printer section 1 to print out the stored image data when the printer section 1 is restored.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system in which a digital copying machine or an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a scanner and a printer to perform copy image processing can communicate with a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. The present invention relates to a data processing method of an image processing system and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing system in which a digital copying apparatus or an image processing apparatus capable of performing a copy image processing by communicating with a scanner and a printer can communicate with a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, a digital copying apparatus is used. If any trouble occurs in the printing function processing in the apparatus, the document is not read by the scanner function until the trouble is solved.

In an image processing apparatus capable of performing copy image processing by communicating between a scanner and a printer, if any trouble occurs in the printing function processing, control is performed so that the scanner does not read the original document until the trouble is resolved. Have been.

[0004]

Since the conventional digital copying apparatus or image processing system is configured as described above, if any trouble occurs in the printer function or the printer apparatus, the reading apparatus or the scanner function will not function. Even if there is no problem, the reading is stopped, which causes a drop in the throughput of the image processing system.

In particular, in a system that realizes a copy function by connecting a single scanner and a printer, even if the user wants to use only the scanner function, the user uses the scanner until the trouble of the printing apparatus is eliminated. You will not be able to do it.

When the printer is available as a network printer, a print command may be queued from a computer on the network during a copying operation in conjunction with the scanner.

At this time, when an error occurs in the printing unit, the remaining uncopied document is registered as a print job in a printer queue. When printing is resumed, instead of the interrupted copy job, it is input later. There is a problem that a print job is executed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to interrupt the image input processing even if a failure occurs in the printing function or the printing apparatus during the copying function processing. Without causing the image data to be read to accumulate in the memory resource, to make a transition to a state in which a subsequent image reading request can be accepted without any trouble, and to return the printing function or the printing apparatus to a printable state. In addition, by printing the stored image data, even if a failure occurs during image processing in which individual system resources are combined, it is possible to continue function processing unique to individual system resources, thereby enabling the entire system Image processing system that can significantly improve the processing efficiency as a computer, a data processing method of the image processing system, and a computer-readable program. To provide a storage medium.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading means for reading an original image, and an image reading means for storing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading means or image data inputted externally. An image processing system comprising: a printing unit that prints the image data; a storage unit that stores the image data; and an output destination of the image data to the image reading unit when the copy image processing request is issued, and Setting means for setting an input destination of image data to the printing means in the image reading means; and interrupting the copy image processing during copy image processing by the image reading means and the printing means set by the setting means. Detecting means for detecting a failure to be detected, and determining whether a cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detecting means is caused by the printing means. Determining means for determining whether the failure is caused by the reading means, and setting the image reading means by the setting means when the determining means determines that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing means. Changing means for changing the output destination of the image data from the printing means to the storage means, and changing the input destination of the image data to the printing means to the storage means, and changing the output destination of the image data by the changing means And a control unit for storing the image data during the copy image processing output from the image reading unit in the storage unit, wherein the control unit determines that the failure of the printing unit has been cleared by the determination unit. When the determination is made, the image data stored in the storage unit is transferred to the printing unit to restart the printing process.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for reading a document image via a predetermined communication medium, and a recording medium based on image data from the image reading apparatus or image data input externally. In an image processing system capable of communicating with a printing device that prints an image, a storage unit that sequentially stores externally input image data as a print job, and an output destination of image data to the image reading device when a copy image processing request is made. Set to the printing device,
Setting means for setting an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the image reading apparatus; and performing copy image processing during copy image processing by the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus set by the setting means. Detecting means for detecting a failure to be interrupted, determining means for determining whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detecting means is caused by the printing apparatus or the image reading apparatus, and the determining means Changes the output destination of the image data set by the setting unit to the image reading device from the printing device to the storage unit when it is determined that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing device. And
A change unit for changing an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the storage unit; and an image during the copy image processing output from the image reading device after changing the output destination of the image data by the change unit. Control means for storing data in the storage means as a first print job, wherein the control means stores the data in the storage means when the determination means determines that the failure of the printing apparatus has been cleared. The print job at the beginning is transferred to the printing apparatus to restart the printing process.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided image reading means for reading a document image, and printing means for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading means or image data inputted externally. In the data processing method of the image processing system, when a copy image processing request is made, an output destination of the image data to the image reading means is set to the printing means, and an input destination of the image data to the printing means is the image reading. A setting step of setting the setting means, a detecting step of detecting a failure to interrupt the copy image processing during the copy image processing by the image reading means and the printing means set by the setting step, and the detecting step It is determined whether the cause of the trouble to be interrupted detected is caused by the printing means or the image reading means. And when the determination step determines that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing unit, the output destination of the image data set for the image reading unit in the setting step is the printing unit. From the image reading unit after changing the output destination of the image data by the changing step of changing the input destination of the image data to the printing unit to the storing unit, and changing the output destination of the image data to the storing unit. An accumulation step of accumulating the image data during the copy image processing in a memory resource,
And a resuming step of transferring the image data stored in the memory resource to the printing means and resuming the printing process when it is determined in the determining step that the failure of the printing means is cleared.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for reading an original image via a predetermined communication medium, and a recording medium based on image data from the image reading apparatus or image data input externally. In a data processing method of an image processing system capable of communicating with a printing device that prints an image, an output destination of image data to the image reading device is set to the printing device when a copy image processing request is issued,
A setting step of setting an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the image reading apparatus; and performing a copy image processing during the copy image processing by the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus set by the setting step. A detecting step of detecting a failure to be interrupted, a determining step of determining whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detecting step is caused by the printing apparatus or the image reading apparatus, and the determining step When it is determined that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing apparatus, the output destination of the image data set to the image reading apparatus in the setting step is an image externally input from the printing apparatus. Change the memory resource to sequentially store data as a print job, and change the input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the memory resource. Further changing the image data, and after changing the output destination of the image data in the changing step, storing the image data being processed from the image reading apparatus during the copy image processing as the first print job in the memory resource. And a resuming step of, when it is determined in the determining step that the failure of the printing apparatus has been cleared, transferring the first print job stored in the storage unit to the printing apparatus and restarting the printing process. Things.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image reading means for reading a document image, and printing means for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading means or image data inputted externally. In a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an image processing system having an image processing system, when a copy image processing request is made, an output destination of image data to the image reading means is set to the printing means, and the printing means A setting step of setting an input destination of image data for the image reading means to the image reading means; and a failure to interrupt the copy image processing during the copy image processing by the image reading means and the printing means set by the setting step. Detecting the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detecting step by the printing unit. A determining step of determining whether the failure is caused by the image reading means, and when the determining step determines that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing means, Changing the output destination of the set image data from the printing means to the storage means, and changing the input destination of the image data to the printing means to the storage means; and An accumulation step of accumulating, in a memory resource, the image data during the copy image processing output from the image reading unit after changing the output destination;
A resuming step of transferring the image data stored in the memory resource to the printing means and resuming the printing process when it is determined in the determining step that the failure of the printing means is cleared; The program is stored in a storage medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for reading an original image via a predetermined communication medium, and a recording medium based on image data from the image reading apparatus or image data input externally. In a storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls an image processing system capable of communicating with a printing apparatus that prints an image, an output destination of image data to the image reading apparatus when a copy image processing request is made, Set to
A setting step of setting an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the image reading apparatus; and performing a copy image processing during the copy image processing by the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus set by the setting step. A detecting step of detecting a failure to be interrupted, a determining step of determining whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detecting step is caused by the printing apparatus or the image reading apparatus, and the determining step When it is determined that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing apparatus, the output destination of the image data set to the image reading apparatus in the setting step is an image externally input from the printing apparatus. Change the memory resource to sequentially store data as a print job, and change the input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the memory resource. Further changing the image data, and after changing the output destination of the image data in the changing step, storing the image data being processed from the image reading apparatus during the copy image processing as the first print job in the memory resource. And a resuming step of, when it is determined in the determining step that the failure of the printing apparatus has been cleared, transferring the first print job stored in the storage unit to the printing apparatus and restarting the printing process. A computer-readable program stored in a storage medium.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a scanner unit and a printer unit are integrated. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs image processing, and more particularly, to a composite image processing apparatus that includes a plurality of interfaces and can independently execute a facsimile function process and a printer function process that receives print data from a computer.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a printer unit which includes a predetermined printer engine, executes a print process on a storage medium based on print data output from a control unit 2, performs print processing, and records a permanent image. Print on media. Reference numeral 3 denotes a finisher, which is detachably attached to the printer unit 1 as, for example, an optional unit. The finisher 3 performs a folding process, a stapling process, and the like, and is capable of discharging print results on a plurality of bins.

The control unit 2 includes a ROM and a memory 9 (not shown), and a control program stored in the ROM or the memory 9 or an external data processing device (PC) via a computer interface (computer I / F) 7. The control program downloaded from (1) is executed to comprehensively control the copying function processing, the original image reading processing, the printing processing, the facsimile transmission / reception processing, and the like. The control unit 2 includes an expandable RAM, MPU, and CPU.
8, a control device including a chip set and the like and a memory 9 such as a hard disk. Note that C
The PU 8 and the memory 9 are connected via an internal bus (not shown).

Reference numeral 4 denotes a scanner unit, which has an external ADF, RDF
Or single sheet feed type (reading element is a contact image sensor (CI
S)), and reads a placed document or a document image to be conveyed at a set resolution. An operation unit 5 includes various keys for setting image processing modes and image processing conditions for various image processing, a display unit for displaying an image processing state, and the like. Note that the key and the display unit may be configured by a touch panel or the like in which the key and the display unit are integrated.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a facsimile interface (Fax
(I / F), which is connected to a public line to perform transmission / reception processing of facsimile data.

Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Image reading means (scanner section 4) for reading an original image configured as described above, and printing for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading means or image data inputted externally. In the image processing system having means (printer unit 1), a storage means (memory 9) for storing the image data and an output destination of the image data to the image reading means when the copy image processing is requested are set to the printing means. Setting means for setting an input destination of image data to the printing means in the image reading means (the CPU 8 controls each of the printer unit 1 and the scanner unit 4 based on a control program stored in the memory 9 or a memory resource not shown). And the image reading unit and the printing unit set by the setting unit. (A system failure is detected by a sensor (not shown) of the printer unit 1 or the scanner unit 4) for detecting a failure to interrupt the copy image processing during the copy image processing by Judgment means for judging whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing means or the image reading means (the CPU 8 determines whether the failure has occurred in the printer unit 1 based on the control program stored in the memory 9 or a memory resource (not shown) When the determination unit determines that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing unit, the determination unit determines the image reading unit by the setting unit. Changing the output destination of the set image data from the printing unit to the storage unit, and
Changing means for changing the input destination of the image data to the printing means to the storage means (the CPU 8 performs a changing process based on a control program stored in the memory 9 or a memory resource (not shown)); Control means for storing, in the storage means, the image data during the copy image processing output from the image reading means after the output destination is changed, based on a control program stored in the memory 9 or a memory resource (not shown); The CPU 8 transfers the image data stored in the memory 9 to the printer unit 1 when it is determined that the failure of the printer unit 1 has been cleared. To restart the printing process, the specified scanner unit 4 and the printer unit 1 perform the copy image processing during the copy image processing. If a failure occurs, the printer unit 1
Automatically changes the input destination of the image data to the memory 9 in the system, continues reading the interrupted original image, and changes the state to a state in which an image input request by another scanner unit 4 can be accepted. When the trouble caused by is resolved, the printing process can be restarted based on the stored image data, and the individual image input processing function by the image reading unit can be quickly restored, greatly increasing the throughput of the entire system. Can be improved.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing system according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (24) indicate each step.

First, a processing request is received through the operation unit 5 (1), and the printer unit 1 and the scanner unit 4 are reserved (2). Subsequently, the setting relating to reading of the copy request accepted in step (1) and the setting relating to printing are performed based on the reference table shown in FIG. 4 (3). The output destination of the scanner unit 4 is set to the printer unit 1 (4), and the input source of the printer unit 1 is set to the scanner unit 4 (5).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a reference table for setting image processing conditions secured in the memory 9 shown in FIG. 1, and includes various setting items for the scanner unit and the printer unit. ing.

In the above reference table, in step (3), the CPU 8 issues a copy request to the scanner unit 4.
And is used to convert and set an instruction to the printer unit 1.

Subsequently, the CPU 8 determines whether an error has occurred in the system (6). If the determination in step (6) is No, the original is read by the scanner unit 4, and the obtained image data is The data is transferred to the unit 1 (7). Subsequently, the image data read in step (7) is stored in the memory 9 in preparation for retransmission (8).

The image needs to be retransmitted when printing on both sides of the paper output in the copy mode, for example, when a failure occurs after printing on one side has already been completed.

Subsequently, the image data transferred to the printer unit 1 in step (7) is printed by the printer unit 1 (9), and the unnecessary retransmission image data is discarded from the memory 9 (10). . Steps (7) to (10) correspond to a one-page copy operation.

Subsequently, the CPU 8 determines whether all originals have been copied (11). If the determination in step (11) is Yes, the output of the scanner unit 4 and the printer unit 1 are released (12). , The process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (11) is No, the process returns to step (6).

On the other hand, in the determination in step (6),
If so, the printer unit 1 and the scanner unit 4 are stopped to stop the copying operation (13), and it is determined from the various sensor input information or the like whether or not the error occurred in the CPU 8 is the printer unit 1 (14). For example, the image data of the document not yet copied is stored in the memory 9 (18), the scanner unit 4 is released (19), and the input source of the printer unit 2 is set in the memory 9 (20). . Thereafter, the process waits for a predetermined time (21), and the CPU 8
It is determined whether or not the error occurred in (2) has been resolved (22).
If the determination is No, the process returns to step (21), and Y
If es, the print job stored in the memory 9 is printed (23), and then the output of the scanner unit 4 and the printer unit 1 are released (24), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (14) is No, the process waits for a predetermined time (15),
It is determined whether or not the error occurred in the CPU 8 has been eliminated (16). If No, the process returns to step (15). If Yes, the operations of the printer unit 1 and the scanner unit 4 are resumed, and the copy operation is resumed. (17), the process proceeds to step (11).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing system according to the present invention. When an error occurs in the printer unit 1, an original that has not been copied is stored in the memory 9. This corresponds to the storing process (detailed procedure of step (18) shown in FIG. 3). (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, the output destination of the scanner unit 4 is changed to the memory 9 (1), and the input source of the printer unit 1 is changed to the memory 9 (2). Subsequently, in step (3), the print command set in step (3) shown in FIG. 2 is generated as a print command accompanying the stored image data (3).
Subsequently, the CPU 8 determines whether there is image data that needs to be retransmitted (4). If Yes, the image data once stored in step (8) shown in FIG. 2 is stored in the storage set in step (1). The data is retransmitted to the device (5), and if No, no retransmission is performed and the process proceeds to step (6) and subsequent steps.

Subsequently, the original is read by the scanner unit 4 (6) and stored in the memory 9 (7). Next, the CPU 8 determines whether or not the image data of all the originals has been stored in the memory 9 (8). If Yes, the process is terminated. If No, the process returns to the step (6).

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Image reading means (scanner section 4) for reading the original image configured as described above, and printing for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading means or image data inputted from the outside. Or a data processing method of an image processing system having means (printer unit 1), or an image reading means for reading a document image, and an image forming method based on image data from the image reading means or externally input image data. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling an image processing system having a printing unit for printing the image data. When a copy image processing request is made, an output destination of image data to the image reading unit is sent to the printing unit. Setting and reading the image data input destination to the printing means During the setting step (steps (4) and (5) in FIG. 5) for setting the steps, and during the copy image processing by the image reading means and the printing means set by the setting step, the copy image processing is interrupted. A detecting step (step (6) in FIG. 5) for detecting a failure to be performed, and determining whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detecting step is caused by the printing unit or the image reading unit. In the determining step (step (14) in FIG. 5) and when the determining step determines that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing unit, the setting is performed on the image reading unit by the setting step. Changing means for changing the output destination of the image data from the printing means to the storage means, and changing the input destination of the image data to the printing means to the storage means (step in FIG. 3) 18) comprising,
For details, steps (1) and (2) in FIG. 5) and after changing the output destination of the image data by the changing means, store the image data during the copy image processing output from the image reading means in a memory resource. The image data stored in the memory resource is transferred to the printing unit and printed when the failure of the printing unit is determined to have been cleared by the determining step (step (7) in FIG. 5). Since there is a resuming step (step (23) in FIG. 3) for resuming the processing, if a failure occurs in the printing unit during the copy image processing by the specified image reading unit and the printing unit, the process is executed for the printing unit. Automatically changes the input destination of the image data to the storage means in the system, continues reading the interrupted document image, and transitions to a state where it can accept image input requests from other image reading means. While the trouble caused by the printing unit is eliminated, the printing process can be restarted based on the stored image data, and the individual image input processing function by the image reading unit can be promptly restored, and the entire system can be restored. As a result, the throughput can be greatly improved.

According to the above-described first embodiment, if any trouble occurs in the printing apparatus in the related art, the system throughput is reduced while the reading is stopped even if there is no problem in the image reading apparatus. However, in the present embodiment, when a failure occurs in the printing device, the printing device as the output destination of the image data set for the image reading device is released, and the memory 9 as a memory resource is released.
Automatically, the reading of the original document being read is continued, and after the reading of the original document is completed, an independent image reading request by the reading unit can be processed, greatly increasing the throughput of the entire system. Can be improved.

Similarly, conventionally, in a system in which a single scanner and a printer are connected to realize a copy function, even if a user wants to use only the scanner function, the failure of the printing apparatus is eliminated. However, the user could not use the scanner, but according to this embodiment, after storing the uncopied original in the memory, the scanner can be used independently, and the throughput of the entire system can be greatly increased. Can be improved.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the image processing system in which the scanner unit 4 and the printer unit 1 are integrated is taken as an example, the scanner device and the printer device communicate with each other via a predetermined interface (via a dedicated signal line) to copy. The present invention can also be applied to an image processing system that performs processing. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The scanner device and the printer device are connected via a predetermined interface (via a dedicated signal line). The present invention corresponds to an image processing system that performs a copying process by communicating with each other.

In the scanner section, reference numeral 501 denotes a scanner image reading device, which has the same functions as the scanner section 4 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 502 denotes a CPU,
3, the scanner program and the communication process with the printer unit are controlled in a comprehensive manner. Note that the memory 503 also functions as a spooler for temporarily storing image data output from an image sensor unit (not shown) of the image reading device 501. 50
Reference numeral 4 denotes a dedicated interface for performing communication processing with the printer according to a predetermined protocol.

An interface 505 enables communication with an external host computer (not shown).

In the printer unit, reference numeral 506 denotes a dedicated interface for performing communication processing with the scanner according to a predetermined protocol. A CPU 507 executes a control program stored in the memory 510 to comprehensively control print processing and communication processing with the scanner unit. 50
A printer engine 8 prints a permanent image by executing a predetermined print process on a recording medium. Reference numeral 509 denotes a finisher which is detachably attached to the printer unit, for example, as an optional unit, and performs staple processing, folding processing, sorting processing, and the like. Note that the memory 510 also functions as a spooler for storing image data input from the scanner unit. An interface 511 can communicate with an external host computer (not shown).

In the image processing system configured as described above, when the above-described error occurs in the printer unit, the place where the read image information of the original that has not been copied is stored is also stored in the memory 503 of the scanner. , One or both of the printer memories 510 may be used. Other processes are the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the image processing system in which the scanner unit 4 and the printer unit 1 are integrated has been described as an example, the image processing system in which the scanner device and the printer device communicate with each other via a predetermined network to perform a copy process is also used. The invention can be applied. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A scanner device and a printer device communicate with each other via a predetermined network (communication processing is performed between each other). It corresponds to an image processing system that performs processing.

In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes a server computer having a control board having a CPU, a RAM and a ROM, and a network NET based on an OS stored in a memory 602 or an internal hard disk (not shown).
It can communicate with the above client computer 604 to function as a printer server or a scanner server, and spool print data, read document image data, and the like on the memory 602. A printer 603 receives a job spooled in the memory 602 of the server computer 601 and performs print processing. 605 is a scanner,
The read document image data is transferred to the server computer 601.

Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

An image reading device (scanner 605) for reading an original image via a predetermined communication medium (network) configured as described above, and based on image data from the image reading device or image data input externally. Printing apparatus (printer 60) for printing an image on a recording medium
(3) a storage unit (memory 603) for sequentially storing image data input externally as a print job, and an output destination of image data to the image reading apparatus when a copy image processing request is issued. Setting means for setting in the printing apparatus and setting an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus in the image reading apparatus (the CPU of the server computer 601 executes a control program stored in the memory 602 or the like to perform setting processing Do)
Detection means (printer 6) for detecting a failure to interrupt the copy image processing during the copy image processing by the image reading device and the printing device set by the setting means.
03, a system failure is detected from a sensor or the like (not shown) of the scanner 605), and it is determined whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detection means is caused by the printing apparatus or the image reading apparatus. A determination unit (a determination process is performed based on a notification (status) of a system failure from a sensor (not shown) of the printer 603 or the scanner 605) and the determination unit determines that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing apparatus Changing the output destination of the image data set to the image reading device by the setting unit from the printing device to the storage device, and changing the input destination of the image data to the printing device to the storage device. (The CPU of the server computer 601 executes the control program stored in the memory 602 or the like) After the change of the output destination of the image data by the change unit, the image data under the copy image processing output from the image reading device is stored in the storage unit as the first print job. Control means (the CPU of the server computer 601 is
02 is executed by executing a control program stored in the server computer 601).
When it is determined that the failure of the printer 603 has been cleared,
Since the first print job stored in the memory 602 is transferred to the printer 603 and the printing process is resumed, the printer
In the event that a failure has occurred in the printer 3, the input destination of the image data to the printer 603 is automatically changed to the memory 602 in the system, the reading of the interrupted document image can be continued, and the subsequent image input request by the scanner 605 can be accepted. When the trouble caused by the printer 603 is resolved, the printing process can be resumed based on the accumulated first print job, and the individual image input processing function by the scanner 605 can be quickly performed. By returning, the throughput of the entire system can be greatly improved.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing system according to the present invention. When an error occurs in the printer 603, an original that has not been copied is stored as a print job. When this is done, it corresponds to the process of putting it at the head of the print queue. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.

First, when an error occurs in the printer 603, the output destination of the scanner 605 is changed to the server computer 60.
1 is set in the memory 602 (1). Subsequently, the input source of the printer 603 is stored in the memory 6 of the server computer 601.
02 is set (2). Subsequently, the set print command is generated as a print command accompanying the image data to be stored (3), and the memory 602 of the server computer 601 is generated.
It is put at the top of the upper print queue (4).

Subsequently, the scanner 605 determines whether or not there is image data that needs to be retransmitted (5). If Yes, the image data once stored in step (8) of FIG. 2 is set in step (1). Retransmitted to the memory 602 (6),
If so, the process proceeds to step (7) and subsequent steps without retransmission.

Subsequently, the original is read by the scanner 605 (7) and stored in the memory 602 of the server computer 601 (8). Next, the scanner 605 stores the image data of all the originals in the memory 60 of the server computer 601.
Then, it is determined whether or not the data is stored in No. 2 (9). If Yes, the process ends, and if No, the process returns to Step (7).

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

An image reading device (scanner 605) for reading an original image via a predetermined communication medium (network) configured as described above, and based on image data from the image reading device or externally input image data. Printing apparatus (printer 60) for printing an image on a recording medium
And 3) a data processing method of an image processing system capable of communicating with the image reading apparatus, or an image reading apparatus for reading an original image via a predetermined communication medium, A storage medium storing a computer readable program that controls an image processing system capable of communicating with a printing apparatus that prints an image on a recording medium, wherein when a copy image processing request is made, A setting step (steps (4) and (5) in FIG. 2) of setting an output destination to the printing apparatus and setting an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the image reading apparatus; During the set copy image processing by the image reading device and the printing device, a failure to interrupt the copy image processing may occur. A detecting step (step (6) in FIG. 2) to be notified and a determining step (FIG. 2) for determining whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detecting step is caused by the printing apparatus or the image reading apparatus. Step (14)), and when it is determined in the determining step that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing apparatus, the image data set for the image reading apparatus in the setting step is A change step of changing an output destination to a memory resource for sequentially storing image data externally input from the printing apparatus as a print job, and changing an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the memory resource (FIG. 8) Steps (1) and (2)) and after changing the output destination of the image data in the changing step, the image during the copy image processing output from the image reading device Storing the data as the first print job in the memory resource (step (8) in FIG. 8); and determining that the failure of the printing apparatus has been cleared by the determining step. (Step (23) in FIG. 2) for transferring the first print job stored in the printer to the printing device and restarting the printing process. When a failure occurs in the printing apparatus, the input destination of the image data to the printing apparatus is automatically changed to a storage unit in the system, the reading of the interrupted document image is continued, and the image input by the subsequent image reading apparatus is performed. While transitioning to a state that can accept requests,
When the trouble caused by the printing device is resolved, the printing process can be restarted based on the first print job stored, and the individual image input processing function of the image reading device can be quickly restored, and the entire system can be restored. Throughput can be greatly improved.

According to the above-described embodiment, when the printing device also functions as a network printer and the storage device built in the device or on the network functions as a print queue of the printing device, the printing device performs the copy operation. When a failure occurs and the image data read by the image reading device is stored in the storage device as a print job, it is registered at the top of the created print queue, so that the printer can be used as a network printer. In this case, even if a print command is queued from a computer on the network during a copy operation in cooperation with the scanner, printing processing can be performed from a copy job interrupted when printing is resumed.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the image processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the image processing system according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, 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, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and 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. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes 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 instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0068]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided an image processing system comprising: image reading means for reading a document image; and printing means for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading means or image data input externally. A storage unit for storing the image data, an output destination of the image data to the image reading unit is set to the printing unit when a copy image processing request is made, and an input destination of the image data to the printing unit is the image reading unit. Setting means for setting, during copying image processing by the image reading means and the printing means set by the setting means, detecting means for detecting a failure to interrupt the copying image processing, and the detecting means Judgment to determine whether the detected cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing unit or the image reading unit And an output destination of the image data set by the setting unit to the image reading unit when the determination unit determines that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing unit. From the storage means, and, a change means for changing the input destination of the image data to the printing means to the storage means, after changing the output destination of the image data by the change means,
Control means for accumulating the image data during the copy image processing output from the image reading means in the storage means, wherein the control means has determined by the determination means that the failure of the printing means has been cleared. In this case, since the image data stored in the storage unit is transferred to the printing unit and the printing process is restarted, a failure occurs in the printing unit during the copy image processing by the specified image reading unit and the printing unit. In this case, the input destination of the image data to the printing unit is automatically changed to the storage unit in the system, the reading of the interrupted document image is continued, and the image input request by the other image reading unit is accepted. At the time when the trouble caused by the printing unit is resolved while making the transition, the printing process can be restarted based on the accumulated image data, Another specific image input processing function to return promptly, it is possible to greatly improve the throughput as a whole system.

According to the second invention, an image reading apparatus for reading an original image via a predetermined communication medium, and an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading apparatus or image data inputted from the outside. In an image processing system capable of communicating with a printing device for printing, a storage unit for sequentially storing image data input externally as a print job, and an output destination of image data to the image reading device when a copy image processing request is made. Set on the device, and
Setting means for setting an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the image reading apparatus; and interrupting the copy image processing during copy image processing by the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus set by the setting means. Detecting means for detecting a failure to be performed, determining means for determining whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detecting means is caused by the printing device or the image reading device, and the determining means comprises: When it is determined that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing device, the output destination of the image data set for the image reading device by the setting unit is changed from the printing device to the storage unit, Changing means for changing the input destination of the image data to the printing apparatus to the storage means; and after changing the output destination of the image data by the changing means. And control means for storing to the storing means the image data in the copy image processing output from the image reading apparatus as the first print job,
The control means transfers the first print job stored in the storage means to the printing apparatus when the determination means determines that the failure of the printing apparatus has been cleared, and resumes the printing process. If a failure occurs in the printing device during copy image processing between the reading device and the printing device,
The input destination of the image data to the printing apparatus is automatically changed to a storage unit in the system, the reading of the interrupted document image is continued, and the state is changed to a state where an image input request by a subsequent image reading apparatus can be accepted. When the trouble caused by the printing device is resolved, the printing process can be resumed based on the accumulated print job at the beginning, the individual image input processing function by the image reading device can be quickly restored, and the entire system can be restored. As a result, the throughput can be greatly improved.

According to the third and fifth aspects, image reading means for reading an original image, and printing means for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading means or image data inputted externally A data processing method of an image processing system having: or image reading means for reading a document image; and printing means for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading means or image data input externally. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an image processing system having: a copy image processing request, when setting an image data output destination to the image reading means to the printing means, and A setting step of setting an input destination of image data to a printing unit in the image reading unit; During copying the image processing and the image reading means which is set by the setting step by said printing means,
A detection step of detecting a failure to interrupt the copy image processing; and a determination step of determining whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detection step is caused by the printing unit or the image reading unit. When it is determined by the determining step that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing unit, the output destination of the image data set for the image reading unit in the setting step is determined by the printing unit. A changing step of changing to an accumulating means and changing an input destination of image data to the printing means to the accumulating means; and, after changing the output destination of the image data in the changing step, outputting the image data from the image reading means. An accumulation step of accumulating the image data being processed in the copy image processing in a memory resource; and a case where it is determined in the determination step that the failure of the printing unit is cleared. A resuming step of transferring the image data stored in the memory resource to the printing unit and restarting the printing process, so that the printing unit fails during the copy image processing by the specified image reading unit and the printing unit. Occurs, the input destination of the image data to the printing unit is automatically changed to the storage unit in the system, the reading of the interrupted document image can be continued, and an image input request by another image reading unit can be accepted. While transitioning to the state,
When the trouble caused by the printing unit is resolved, the printing process can be restarted based on the stored image data, and the individual image input processing function of the image reading unit can be promptly restored to reduce the throughput of the entire system. It can be greatly improved.

According to the fourth and sixth aspects of the present invention, an image reading apparatus for reading an original image via a predetermined communication medium, and a recording medium based on image data from the image reading apparatus or image data input externally. In a data processing method of an image processing system capable of communicating with a printing device that prints an image, or an image reading device that reads an original image via a predetermined communication medium, and image data from the image reading device or external input. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling an image processing system capable of communicating with a printing apparatus that prints an image on a recording medium based on image data to be read. An output destination of image data to an apparatus is set to the printing unit, and image data to the printing unit is set. A setting step of setting an input destination to the image reading means; and a detection of detecting a failure to interrupt the copy image processing during the copy image processing by the image reading apparatus and the printing means set in the setting step. And a determining step of determining whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detection step is caused by the printing device or the image reading device; and a factor of generating the failure to be interrupted by the determining process. A memory for sequentially storing, as a print job, an image data externally input from the printing apparatus as an output destination of the image data set for the image reading apparatus in the setting step when it is determined that the printing is performed by the printing apparatus; A change step of changing the input destination of the image data to the printing apparatus to the memory resource; and After the output destination of the image data is changed, the storage device stores the image data, which is being output from the image reading device, during the copy image processing as the first print job in the memory resource; If the image reading device and the printing device determine that the failure of the image reading device has been cleared, the image reading device and the printing device perform a process of transferring the first print job stored in the storage unit to the printing device and restarting the printing process. When a failure occurs in the printing apparatus during the copy image processing, the input destination of the image data to the printing apparatus is automatically changed to a storage unit in the system, the reading of the interrupted document image is continued, and the subsequent image is read. At the time when the failure caused by the printing device is resolved while the image input request by the reading device is The print processing can be restarted based on the above, the individual image input processing function of the image reading device can be quickly restored, and the throughput of the entire system can be greatly improved.

Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the printing function or the printing apparatus during the copying function processing, the image input processing is continued without interruption, and the read image data is stored in the memory resources, and the subsequent processing is performed. When the print function or the printing apparatus returns to a printable state, the stored image data can be printed, and the individual system resources can be combined. Even if a failure occurs during image processing, the function processing unique to each system resource can be continued, so that the processing efficiency of the entire system can be significantly improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing system according to the present invention.

4 is a diagram showing an example of a reference table for setting image processing conditions secured in a memory shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image processing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer part 2 Control part 3 Finisher 4 Scanner part 5 Operation part 6 Facsimile interface 7 Computer interface 8 CPU 9 Memory

Claims (6)

[Claims] An image reading means for reading a document image;
An image processing system comprising: a printing unit that prints an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading unit or image data input externally; a storage unit that stores the image data; Setting means for setting the output destination of the image data to the image reading means to the printing means, and setting the input destination of the image data to the printing means to the image reading means; and Detecting means for detecting a failure to interrupt the copy image processing during copy image processing by the image reading means and the printing means; and causing the print means to determine the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detection means. Determining means for determining whether the error is caused by the image reading means; When it is determined that the output is performed by the printing unit, the output destination of the image data set by the setting unit to the image reading unit is changed from the printing unit to the storage unit, and the image for the printing unit is changed. Changing means for changing an input destination of data to the storage means; and storing the image data during the copy image processing output from the image reading means after the change of the output destination of the image data by the changing means. The control means transfers the image data stored in the storage means to the printing means when the determination means determines that the failure of the printing means has been cleared, and performs a printing process. The image processing system characterized by restarting. 2. An image reading device for reading a document image via a predetermined communication medium, and a printing device for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading device or image data input externally. An image processing system capable of communication, a storage unit for sequentially storing externally input image data as a print job, and setting an output destination of image data to the image reading device to the printing device when a copy image processing request is made; and Setting means for setting an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the image reading apparatus; and during the copying image processing by the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus set by the setting means, the copy image processing is performed. Detecting means for detecting a failure to be interrupted, and the printing apparatus detecting the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detecting means A determination unit that determines whether the failure is due to the image reading device, and when the determination unit determines that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is due to the printing device, Changing means for changing the output destination of the image data set for the printing apparatus from the printing apparatus to the storage means, and changing the input destination of the image data to the printing apparatus to the storage means; Control means for storing the image data under the copy image processing output from the image reading device after the change of the output destination in the storage means as a first print job; and When the determination unit determines that the failure of the printing apparatus has been cleared, the first print job stored in the storage unit is transferred to the printing apparatus and stamped. An image processing system for resuming printing processing. 3. An image reading means for reading a document image,
A printing unit for printing an image on a recording medium based on the image data from the image reading unit or the image data input from the outside, the data processing method of the image processing system comprising: A setting step of setting an output destination of image data to the printing unit, and setting an input destination of image data to the printing unit to the image reading unit; and the image reading unit and the printing set in the setting step. A detecting step of detecting a failure to interrupt the copy image processing during the copy image processing by the means, and determining whether a cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detection step is caused by the printing means or the image reading means. A determining step of determining whether the failure is caused by the printing unit, When it is determined that the image data is to be output, the output destination of the image data set for the image reading unit in the setting step is changed from the printing unit to the storage unit,
A change step of changing the input destination of the image data to the printing means to the storage means; and an image during the copy image processing output from the image reading means after the change of the output destination of the image data in the change step. An accumulation step of accumulating data in a memory resource; and, if it is determined in the determination step that the failure of the printing means has been cleared, the image data stored in the memory resource is transferred to the printing means and printing processing is resumed. A data processing method for an image processing system, comprising: 4. An image reading apparatus for reading a document image via a predetermined communication medium, and a printing apparatus for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading apparatus or image data input externally. In a data processing method of an image processing system capable of communication, when a copy image processing request is made, an output destination of image data to the image reading device is set to the printing device, and an input destination of image data to the printing device is the image. A setting step of setting the reading apparatus; a detecting step of detecting a failure to interrupt the copy image processing during the copy image processing by the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus set in the setting step; It is determined whether the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the process is caused by the printing device or the image reading device. A determining step, when the cause of the failure to be interrupted is determined to be caused by the printing apparatus in the determining step, the output destination of the image data set for the image reading apparatus in the setting step is printed. A step of changing image data externally input from the apparatus to a memory resource for sequentially storing the print data as a print job, and a step of changing an input destination of image data to the printing apparatus to the memory resource; After the change of the output destination, an accumulation step of accumulating the image data being processed from the image reading apparatus during the copy image processing as the first print job in the memory resource; If it is determined that the print job has been released, the first print job stored in the storage unit is transferred to the printing apparatus and printing processing is resumed. Image processing data processing method of the system, characterized in that it has a resume step, the causing. 5. An image reading means for reading a document image,
A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an image processing system having a printing unit for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading unit or image data input from the outside, A setting step of setting an output destination of image data to the image reading unit to the printing unit at the time of requesting image processing, and setting an input destination of image data to the printing unit to the image reading unit; A detection step of detecting a failure to interrupt the copy image processing during the copy image processing by the set image reading means and the printing means; and A determining step of determining whether the printing is performed by the printing unit or the image reading unit; When it is determined that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is caused by the printing unit, the output destination of the image data set for the image reading unit in the setting step is changed from the printing unit to the storage unit. And
A change step of changing the input destination of the image data to the printing means to the storage means; and an image during the copy image processing output from the image reading means after the change of the output destination of the image data in the change step. An accumulation step of accumulating data in a memory resource; and, if it is determined in the determination step that the failure of the printing means has been cleared, the image data stored in the memory resource is transferred to the printing means and printing processing is resumed. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, the program comprising: 6. An image reading apparatus for reading a document image via a predetermined communication medium, and a printing apparatus for printing an image on a recording medium based on image data from the image reading apparatus or image data input externally. In a storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a communicable image processing system, an output destination of image data to the image reading device is set to the printing device when a copy image processing request is made, and the printing is performed. A setting step of setting the input destination of image data to the image reading apparatus to the image reading apparatus; and during the copy image processing by the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus set in the setting step, the copy image processing should be interrupted. A detection step of detecting a failure, and the cause of the failure to be interrupted detected by the detection step is transmitted to the printing apparatus. A determining step of determining whether the failure is caused by the image reading device; and determining that the cause of the failure to be interrupted is determined by the printing device in the determining step. The output destination of the image data set for the printer is changed to a memory resource for sequentially storing image data externally input from the printing apparatus as a print job, and the input destination of the image data to the printing apparatus is set to the memory resource. A changing step of changing, and after changing the output destination of the image data in the changing step, storing the image data being processed from the image reading apparatus during the copy image processing in the memory resource as a first print job. And, if it is determined in the determination step that the failure of the printing apparatus has been cleared, the top stored in the storage unit. Storage medium from which a computer stores readable program characterized by having a resume step of the print job is resumed printing process is transferred to the printing device.