JPH11272437A - Picture processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture processing system for preferentially picture- outputting a close job on a network. SOLUTION: This picture processing system is provided with a picture outputting means 2 which outputs a picture to a recording medium (output sheet) based on any picture information inputted from an original picture inputting means 1 which converts an original picture into a picture signal, and inputs it, or plural picture information sources 3. Also, this device is provided with a control means 10 which preferentially picture-outputs a close job on a network at the time of changing the priority order of the output of a picture to be outputted, and operating picture output.

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 for processing a plurality of data processing functions in an image processing apparatus which performs image processing by connecting a reader unit and a printer unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of data processing functions in an external device connected via a predetermined communication medium to an image processing apparatus for performing image processing by connecting a reader section and a printer section, that is, facsimile reception. The ability to process images,
2. Description of the Related Art There has been proposed an image processing system that combines a processing function of processing an image received from a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a “PC”), a function of processing a document image input from a reader unit, and the like.

[0003] This makes it possible to freely combine a function of outputting read image information, image information received by facsimile function processing, or image information from a personal computer or the like to a recording medium such as recording paper.

In this case, when the read image information, the image information received by the facsimile function processing, or the image information from a personal computer or the like is printed by a printer, a predetermined priority order is set for each user and for each job type. It is proposed to control the printing of each image information according to the set priority order.

[0005]

However, since the priorities are set by the operation unit, if the printing priority of the user who uses the image processing apparatus is low, the priority order is set low. If a print with a higher priority is being executed, the user may wait until the print is completed, or after changing the priority by himself / herself and raising the priority, a user close to the printer may receive the print request. There is a problem that an operation of restarting printing is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide an image processing system having a control unit for outputting an image by giving priority to a job having a short distance on a network.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: original image input means for converting an original image into an image signal and inputting the image signal; In an image processing system having an image output unit that outputs an image to a recording medium based on any image information input from a source, when performing image output by changing the priority of each output image output And a control unit for outputting an image by giving priority to a job having a short distance on a network.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first aspect, the job having a short distance on the network is a copy job.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first aspect, an image output device used in the output image output mode is a sheet post-processing apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first aspect, an image output device used in the output image output mode is a double-sided tray.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing system according to the first aspect, further comprising means for storing a distance on the network. It is characterized by being.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus has an image input device (hereinafter, referred to as a "reader unit") 1 for converting a document into image data, and a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes. Image output device (hereinafter, referred to as "printer unit") 2 for outputting a visible image on recording paper 2
And An external device 3 having various functions electrically connected to the reader unit 1 is connected to the image processing apparatus. The reader unit 1 includes a reader control unit CONT1, and the printer unit 2 includes a printer control unit CONT2.

The external device 3 includes a facsimile unit 4 connected to a telephone line, a file unit 5 storing data, an external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5, a computer such as a microcomputer PC or a workstation WS. And a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to a LAN (Local Area Network), a formatter unit 8 for converting information from the computer into a visible image, and storing information from the reader unit 1 and a computer. An image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing information sent from the server, a core unit 10 as control means for controlling the above-described functions, and the like are provided.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

The reader unit 1 of the image processing apparatus is arranged at the upper part of the main body, and the printer unit 2 is arranged below the reader unit 1. The reader unit 1 includes a document feeder 101 for feeding a document, a document table glass surface 102 on which the document fed by the document feeder 101 is placed, and a glass surface 102.
A scanner 103 for reading the original placed on the scanner 103; a scanner unit 104 for moving the lamp 103; a mirror 105 provided on the scanner unit 104 for reflecting light reflected from the original in a predetermined direction; Mirrors 106 and 107 for reflecting the light reflected by the mirror 105 in a predetermined direction, a lens 108 for converging the light reflected from the mirror 107, a CCD image sensor unit 109 for receiving the light converged by the lens 108, and an image processing unit 110 is provided. This image processing unit 110
Executes image processing set by various operation units, has an image memory, and has a function of rotating an image output direction. The rotation of the image is performed by the formatter unit 8 in the same manner as described later.

The image processing apparatus 110 has an external switching circuit as a selector for switching a signal from the reader unit 1 to the printer unit 2 or the external device 3. The external switching circuit also has a function of selecting one of a signal from the reader unit 1 and a signal from the external device 3 and connecting to the printer unit 2.

The printer unit 2 includes an exposure control unit 201 for inputting and modulating a signal output from the external switching circuit of the image processing unit 110, a photosensitive member 202 to which a signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201 is irradiated, A developing device 203 for developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 202, transfer paper loading units 204 and 205 for loading the transfer paper, and an image developed by the developing device 203 is transferred to a transfer paper as an output paper as a recording medium. A transfer unit 206 for transferring, a fixing unit 207 for fixing the transferred image, a paper discharge unit 208 for discharging the fixed transfer paper to the outside of the image processing apparatus, and an image output for receiving the transfer paper output from the paper discharge unit 208 A sorter 220 serving as a sheet post-processing device, which is a device, and a transport direction switching unit 20 that transports the transfer paper on which the image is fixed by the fixing unit 207 to the discharge unit 208 and then reverses the transport direction Is composed of a transport direction switching unit 209 re-feed for the transfer sheet stacking unit 210 or the like for feeding the transfer unit 206 of the transfer sheet is inverted again.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an operation panel provided in the reader unit 1 of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG.
, An operation panel includes a display unit 301 for displaying an operation state and a message of the image processing apparatus, a numeric keypad 302 for inputting numbers such as the number of copies, and a start key 303.
Etc. are provided. The display unit 301 is a touch panel, and functions as a selection key by touching the surface.

The operation will be described below.

The conditions for copying are set by the operation unit 301 of the operation panel and the ten keys 302 shown in FIG. 3, and the start key 303 is pressed. When the start key 303 is pressed, the originals placed on the original feeder 101 shown in FIG. 2 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original platen glass surface 102. When a document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the platen glass surface 102, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves rightward in the drawing to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the original is reflected by mirrors 105, 106, 1
The reflected light is input to the CCD image sensor unit 109 via the lens 108.

The electric signal connected to the printer unit 2 by the external switching circuit of the image processing unit 110 is transmitted to the exposure control unit 201
The light signal is converted into a modulated optical signal and is irradiated on the photoconductor 202. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiated light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking unit 204 or 205 in synchronization with the leading end of the developed image on the photoconductor 202, and the developed image is transferred to the photoconductor 202 in the transfer unit 206.

Then, the transferred image is fixed on transfer paper in a fixing unit 207, and then discharged from a paper discharge unit 208 to the outside of the image processing apparatus. The transfer paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 is discharged to the corresponding bin when the sort function is working in the sorter 220, or the uppermost bin of the sorter when the sort is not working. Is discharged.

Next, a method of outputting (transferring) sequentially read images to both sides of one output sheet (transfer sheet) will be described.

After the transfer paper fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208, the direction of the transfer paper is reversed, and the transfer paper for re-feeding is transferred via the conveyance direction switching unit 209. The sheet is conveyed to the paper stacking unit 210. Then, when the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above-described process. On the other hand, as for the transfer paper, the transfer paper that has been transferred (output) is fed from the transfer paper stacking unit 210 for refeeding, and is transferred to the back surface of the transfer paper. That is, two original images can be output (transferred) on the front surface and the back surface of the same transfer paper. The transfer paper having the image transferred on both sides is discharged to a double-sided tray as a sheet post-processing device which is an image output device.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation mode of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

First, in FIG. 4, after the power of the image processing apparatus is turned on, initialization is performed (step S1). In this initial setting, an operation mode selection key is displayed on the display unit 301 of the operation panel, and the mode is selected by touching the panel above the selection key. It is determined whether the selected mode is the copy mode (step S).
2) If the copy mode is selected, the process proceeds to step A. If the copy mode is not selected, it is determined whether or not the selected mode is the fax transmission mode (step S).
3) In the fax transmission mode, the process proceeds to step B. If the facsimile transmission mode is not selected, it is determined whether or not the mode is the file mode (step S4). If the mode is the file mode, the process proceeds to step C. If the file mode is not selected, the input mode from the computer interface as an external input (external input mode) It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S5). In the case of the input mode from the computer interface, the process proceeds to step D. If the input mode from the computer interface is not detected, it is determined whether the mode is the fax reception mode (step S6). If the mode is the fax reception mode, the process proceeds to step E. If the mode is not detected, the process returns to the determination whether the mode is the copy mode ( Step S2), Steps S2 to S6
Is repeatedly executed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart when the copy mode is selected in step S2 of FIG.

First, an input from the start key 303 (FIG. 3) is waited (step S11). Next, the start key 30
When 3 is pressed, copy conditions are set based on information from the display unit 301 and the ten keys 302 of the operation panel (step S12). Thereafter, a print priority subroutine to be described later is called (step S13). When returning from the print priority subroutine, a paper feeding process is executed (step S14), and the reader unit 1 reads a document (step S15). Printing is performed by the printer unit 2 (step S16). Thereafter, the printing process for a predetermined number of copies or a predetermined number of copies is repeated, and it is determined whether or not the copying is completed (step S17). If the copying is not completed, the process returns to step S12, and if the copying is completed, the process returns to step S1 in FIG. Return to the initial setting process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart when the fax transmission mode is selected in step S3 of FIG.

First, initialization for fax transmission is performed (step S21), information input from the display unit 301 and ten keys 302 of the operation panel is read, and fax transmission conditions are set (step S22).
Wait for an input from step 03 (step S23). When the start key 303 is pressed, the document is read by the reader unit 1 (step S24), and the image data is transferred to the facsimile unit 4
(FIG. 1) (step S25). Facsimile part 4
Performs fax transmission via a telephone line according to a set format and a determined protocol. Then, after the fax transmission is completed, the process returns to the initial setting process of step S1 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart when the file mode is selected in step S4 of FIG.

First, initialization setting of file operation is performed, a mode selection of file recording or retrieval is displayed on the operation panel, and a key input is awaited (step S31). When the recording key is selected, the recording conditions are set (step S
32), the manuscript is read from the reader unit 1 (step S3).
3) The data is sent to the file unit 5 (FIG. 1) and recorded in the file external storage device 6 (step S34), and the process returns to the initial setting process of step S1 in FIG. When the file search key is selected in step S31, search conditions are set (step S35), a file is searched from the external storage device 6 (step S36), and a print priority subroutine described later is called (step S37). After returning from the print priority subroutine, the recording medium is fed (step S38), the data is read (step S39), and printing is performed by the print unit 2 (step S40). Thereafter, the printing process for a predetermined number of copies or a predetermined number of copies is repeatedly performed, and it is determined whether or not all the printing has been completed (step S41). If all the printing has not been completed, the process returns to step S37, and all the printing has been completed. When this is done, the process ends, and the process returns to the initial setting process of step S1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart when command data is externally input to the computer interface in step S5 of FIG.

First, a command is received by the computer interface unit 7 (FIG. 1) of the external device 3 (step S51). At this time, if the command is received via the LAN, the command reception is returned to the command transmission destination and the response is waited. The distance on the LAN is measured based on the time until the reply, or the distance on the LAN is determined based on the address of the transmission destination. The received command transmits data to the formatter unit 8 via the core unit 10 in FIG. 1 and interprets the data, and develops information in a bitmap memory (step S52).

Thereafter, a print priority order subroutine to be described later is called (step S53). When returning from the print priority order subroutine, a recording medium is fed (step S54), and data is read (step S5).
5) Printing is performed (step S56). Thereafter, the printing process for the predetermined number of copies or the predetermined number of copies is repeated, and it is determined whether or not all the printing is completed (step S57). If the printing is not completed, the process returns to step S53, and if the printing is completed, the process is completed. Then, step S shown in FIG.
It returns to the initial setting process of No. 1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart when a fax is received in step S6 of FIG.

First, the fax is received by the fax unit 4
(FIG. 1) (step S61). Thereafter, a print order priority subroutine, which will be described later, is called (step S62). When returning from the print order priority subroutine, a recording medium is fed (step S63). Printing is performed by the copy unit 2 (step S64). Thereafter, the printing process for the predetermined number of copies or the predetermined number of copies is repeated, and it is determined whether or not all the printing is completed (step S65). If the printing is not completed, the process returns to step S62, and if the printing is completed, the process is completed. Then, step S in FIG.
It returns to the initial setting process of No. 1.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing configuration of the image processing system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 10, the fax transmission processing unit 1
1, a file processing unit 12, a copy processing unit 13, an external input processing unit 14, a fax reception processing unit 15, a print priority determination unit 16, and the like. The facsimile transmission processing unit 11 corresponds to the facsimile transmission mode processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, and includes a facsimile transmission key input unit 11A and a facsimile transmission sequence 11B. The file processing unit 12 corresponds to the file processing mode processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, and includes a file print / registration key input unit 12A, a determination unit 12B for determining whether printing is necessary, and a file reading sequence 12
C, a file print sequence 12D. The copy input processing unit 13 corresponds to the copy mode processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, and includes a copy start key input unit 13A and a copy print sequence unit 13B. The external input processing unit 14 corresponds to the input mode processing of the computer interface shown in FIG. 8, and includes an input unit 14A from an external interface and a print sequence unit 14B. The facsimile reception processing unit 15 corresponds to the facsimile reception mode processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, and includes a facsimile reception input unit 15A and a facsimile print sequence unit 15B.

The print priority determining section 16 is provided in the core section 10 (FIG. 1) as control means, and includes print sequence sections 12D and 13B of the processing sections 12 to 15;
The priority is determined from the print requests from 14B and 15B, print OK is returned to the sequence unit with the highest priority at that time, and the processing is performed. While the print priority determining unit 16 is performing the print priority determining process, each sequence unit is waiting for printing. Therefore, in the image processing system, the print priority determination unit 16 always determines the print priority before making a paper feed request from each print sequence unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the print priority order subroutine in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5, 7 to 9.

First, it is determined whether the mode is the copy mode (step S71). If the mode is not the copy mode, it is next determined whether the mode is the printer mode (step S72). In the printer mode, the priority of the printer job is determined based on whether or not the distance on the network is short for each printer job (step S73). When the priority of the printer job is high, that is, the printer job with the short distance on the network is determined. In the case of, it is determined whether or not the copy mode is being executed (step S74). As the printer job whose distance on the network is short, there is a case where the operator is near the image processing apparatus and wants to execute printing. When the copy mode is not being executed in step S74, it is determined whether or not it is the paper feed timing (step S76), and the process returns when the paper feed timing comes. Similarly, when it is determined in step 71 that the copy mode has been set, the paper feed timing is reached (step S
76), and return. When the priority of the printer job is not high in the determination in step S73, and when it is determined in the determination in step S74 that the copy mode is being executed, it is determined whether the print sequence in operation is completed. (Step S75) If the print sequence is not completed, the determination is repeated, and if the print sequence is completed, it is determined whether or not it is the paper feed timing (Step S76), and when the paper feed timing is reached, the process returns. In this way, by giving priority to printing a printer job having a short distance on the network, that is, printing of a user close to the image processing apparatus (printer), the waiting time of a user close to the printer is reduced.

[0046]

As described above, according to the image processing system of the first aspect, either one of the original image input means for converting an original image into an image signal and inputting the image signal or a plurality of image information sources In an image processing system having an image output unit that outputs an image to a recording medium based on image information, when changing the priority of each output image output and performing image output, a job with a short distance on a network is output. By providing the control unit that outputs images with priority, it is possible to increase the priority of a printer job having a short distance on the network as a printer job, and to reduce the waiting time of a user who is closer.

According to the image processing system of the present invention, the job waiting for the operator can be shortened by giving priority to the job close to the operator as the job having a short distance on the network. Thus, workability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2 of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an operation panel provided in a reader unit 1 of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation mode of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart when a copy mode is selected in step S2 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart when a fax transmission mode is selected in step S3 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart when a file mode is selected in step S4 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart when command data is externally input to the computer interface in step S5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart when a fax is received in step S6 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing configuration of the image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of a print priority subroutine in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5, 7 to 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 reader unit 2 printer unit 3 external device 4 facsimile unit 5 file unit 6 external storage device 7 computer interface 8 formatter unit 9 image memory unit 10 core unit (control unit) 11 fax transmission processing unit 12 file processing unit 13 copy processing unit 14 External interface processing unit 15 Fax reception processing unit 16 Print priority determination unit 101 Document feeder 102 Document glass plate 104 Scanner unit 105 to 107 Mirror 109 CCD image sensor unit 301 Display unit (operation panel) 302 Numeric keypad (operation panel) 303 Start key (operation panel) PC / WS Computer

Claims (5)

[Claims] An image output unit that outputs an image to a recording medium based on any image information input from a plurality of image information sources; An image processing system, comprising: control means for outputting an image with priority given to a job having a short distance on a network when performing image output by changing the priority of each output image output. Processing system. 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the job whose distance on the network is short is a copy job. 3. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image output device used in the output image output mode is a sheet post-processing device. 4. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image output device used in the output image output mode is a double-sided tray. 5. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising means for storing a distance on the network, wherein the job whose operator is near is a job whose distance on the network is short.