JPH11331530A - Peripheral device and its storage control method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To share a memory which is used by each function and to assure the productivity while decreasing the number of memories of a system by providing plural storage means and a control means which makes plural functions share these storage means. SOLUTION: The shared memories are sorted into the memories which require the high speeds and no capacity, the memories which require each prescribed speed and the capacity and the memories which require no high speeds and the capacity respectively in response to the speeds and capacity required for the memories which are mounted on an MFP(multi-function peripheral) device. A RAM 103 is used as a shared memory which requires a high speed and no capacity, an area of a high access speed of a hard disk 104 is used as a shared memory which requires a prescribed speed and the capacity and an area of a low access speed of the disk 104 is used as a shared memory which requires no high speed and the capacity. In other words, an image data memory which is used to each function of the MFP device and a system memory are shared with each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a peripheral device, a storage control method in the peripheral device, and a storage medium, and more specifically, for example, a copy function / facsimile (FAX).
Multi-Function Peripheral (Multi Function) with Functions, Printer Function, Scanner Function, etc.
n Peripheral: Multifunctional peripheral device, hereinafter MF
The present invention relates to a peripheral device suitable for application to P, a storage control method in the peripheral device, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a copy function, a fax function,
In an MFP having a printer function, a scanner function, and the like, a memory for image data and a system memory are used for each function. That is, in the copy function, a memory for storing image data to be rotated or reduced in the layout,
A memory and a hard disk (hereinafter abbreviated as HD) for storing image data for the electronic sorter are used. The FAX function uses the memory and HD for memory transmission, memory reception and rotation of print images, and the printer function uses PDL ( Pa
Ge Description Language (page description language) A memory for storing image data to be spooled or electronically sorted and printed, and a HD for the scanner function, a memory for storing all originals in the feeder,
D is used.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional MFP, since a memory for image data and a memory for system are mounted for each function, the cost of the MFP is reduced by the price of these many memories. There was a problem that costs increased. In addition, when a configuration is adopted in which each function of the MFP shares a memory for required image data and a system memory, in order to satisfy the writing / reading speed for the memory used by each function of the MFP. However, the memory must be configured with a high-speed RAM, and a large-capacity high-speed RAM is required to store a large-capacity document.

Further, in the case where a configuration is adopted in which the required image data memory and system memory are shared by inexpensive storage means such as an HD in each function of the MFP, each function of the MFP is used. It is impossible to satisfy the writing / reading speed for the memory, and there is a problem that the productivity of the system is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to construct a device that requires less memory than before by sharing a memory used for each function, and to guarantee the productivity of the system. An object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral device, a storage control method in the peripheral device, and a storage medium that are enabled.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 is a peripheral device having a plurality of functions, a plurality of storage means, and the plurality of storage means having the plurality of functions. And control means for sharing the same.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of functions are functions such as copying, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file, and the plurality of storage means are an image memory. , A data memory, a system memory, or the like.

In order to achieve the above object, a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the control means selectively uses storage means shared according to a required data access speed and storage capacity.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of storage units are storage units such as a random access memory and a hard disk, and the control unit requires high speed and has a small capacity. If it is not necessary, use a storage means such as a random access memory.If a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, use a high-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk. It is characterized by using a low-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk.

In order to attain the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the control means is provided for copying or scanning when it is necessary to take in an image in synchronization with a scanner when the high speed is required and the capacity is not so required. Page memory used for copying, facsimile printing, printer image printing, work memory used for printer page description language image development, and scanner for image output required in synchronization with the printer A memory and a system memory for adjusting the timing between read sensors of a plurality of colors and the timing of image data of a plurality of colors to be sent to a printer are shared.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the control means is for an electronic sorter of a copy which needs to take in all originals of a scanner feeder when the predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required. Memory, scanner memory,
The invention is characterized in that a memory for an electronic sorter that needs to capture all documents for printing by a printer is shared.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the control means comprises a system data memory, a backup data memory, a system program memory, a printer page, when the speed is low and a capacity is required. A memory for spooling a description language code, a memory for font data, and a memory for facsimile memory transmission / memory reception are shared.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the control means records data at every predetermined track of the hard disk and calculates a data transfer rate for each track from a reproduced data amount per unit time. The high-speed data transfer area and the low-speed data transfer area of the hard disk are determined based on the result.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the control means uses a high-speed access area on the hard disk when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required. When necessary, a low-speed access area of the hard disk is used.

[0015] To achieve the above object, the invention of claim 10 is characterized in that it can be connected to a network.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to an eleventh aspect is a storage control method in a peripheral device having a plurality of functions, comprising a control step of sharing a plurality of storage means by the plurality of functions. Features.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of functions are functions such as copying, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file, and the plurality of storage means are an image memory. , A data memory, a system memory, or the like.

In order to achieve the above object, a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the control step, storage means shared according to a required data access speed and storage capacity are selectively used.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of storage units are storage units such as a random access memory and a hard disk, and in the control step, high speed is required and the capacity is too small. If it is not necessary, use a storage means such as a random access memory.If a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, use a high-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk. It is characterized by using a low-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to a fifteenth aspect is characterized in that in the control step, when the high-speed operation is required and the capacity is not so required, it is necessary to take an image in synchronization with a scanner during copying or scanning. Page memory used for copying, facsimile printing, printer image printing, work memory used for printer page description language image development, and scanner for image output required in synchronization with the printer A memory for adjusting the timing between the reading sensors of multiple colors and the timing of the image data of multiple colors to be sent to the printer;
It is characterized by sharing the system memory.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is an electronic sorter for copying in which it is necessary to take in all originals in a feeder of a scanner when the predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required in the control step. It is characterized by sharing a memory, a memory of a scanner, and a memory for an electronic sorter that needs to take in all documents for printing of a printer.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that, in the control step, when the speed is low and a capacity is required, a system data memory, a backup data memory, a system program memory, a printer page A memory for spooling a description language code, a memory for font data, and a memory for facsimile memory transmission / memory reception are shared.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that, in the control step, data is recorded every predetermined track of the hard disk, and a data transfer rate for each track is calculated from a reproduction data amount per unit time. The high-speed data transfer area and the low-speed data transfer area of the hard disk are determined based on the result.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 19 is characterized in that in the control step, when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, a high-speed access area in the hard disk is used, and a low-speed area may be used. When necessary, a low-speed access area of the hard disk is used.

[0025] To achieve the above object, the invention of claim 20 is characterized in that it is applied to a peripheral device connectable to a network.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 21 is a storage medium for supplying a program to a peripheral device having a plurality of functions, wherein the control step of causing the plurality of functions to share a plurality of storage means is provided. Characterized by storing a program having the same.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 22 is characterized in that the plurality of functions are functions such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, file, and the like, and the plurality of storage means is an image memory. , A data memory, a system memory, or the like.

In order to achieve the above object, a twenty-third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the control step of the program, storage means shared according to a required data access speed and storage capacity is selectively used.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 24 is that the plurality of storage means are storage means such as a random access memory and a hard disk, and the control step of the program requires high speed. Use a storage means such as a random access memory if the capacity is not necessary.Use a high-speed access area in the storage means such as a hard disk if a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required. In such a case, a low-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk is used.

[0030] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 25 is characterized in that, in the control step of the program, when the high speed is required and the capacity is not so much required, the copy which needs to take in an image in synchronization with a scanner. Page memory used at the time of scanning or scanning, page memory used at the time of copying, facsimile printing, or printer image printing that requires image output in synchronization with the printer, work memory used for printer page description language image development,
A memory and a system memory that match the timing between the reading sensors of a plurality of colors provided in the scanner and the timing of the image data of a plurality of colors to be sent to the printer are shared.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to a twenty-sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the control step of the program, when the predetermined speed is required and the capacity is required, a copy of the original which needs to take in all the originals in the feeder of the scanner is required. An electronic sorter memory, a scanner memory, and an electronic sorter memory that need to capture all documents for printing by a printer are shared.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 27 is characterized in that, in the control step of the program, when the speed is low and a capacity is required, a system data memory, a backup data memory, a system program memory, It is characterized in that a memory for spooling a page description language code of a printer, a memory for font data, and a memory for facsimile memory transmission / memory reception are shared.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 28 is characterized in that, in the control step of the program, data is recorded in predetermined tracks of the hard disk, and data transfer for each track is performed based on a reproduction data amount per unit time. A high-speed data transfer area and a low-speed data transfer area of the hard disk are determined based on a result of calculating the speed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 29 is characterized in that, in the control step of the program, when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, a high-speed access area in the hard disk is used, When a sufficient capacity is required, a low-speed access area of the hard disk is used.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 30 is characterized in that the program is supplied to a peripheral device connectable to a network.

[0036]

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

[1] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an MFP according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a copy function / facsimile (F
AX) function, a printer function, and a scanner function.
(Hard disk) 104, printer 105, scanner 106, UI (user interface) 107, Fax
108, NIC (Network Interface Card)
109 and a compression / decompression unit 110. In the figure, reference numeral 111 denotes a line, and 112 denotes a network.

The structure of each unit will be described in detail.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a central processing unit that controls the entire system, and executes processing shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 10 and FIG. 13 described below based on a control program stored in the ROM 102. The ROM 102 is a read-only memory and stores a control program for the CPU 101, fixed data, and the like. The RAM 103 is a random access memory, and is used as a temporary storage of various data, a work memory of the CPU 101, and the like.

The HD 104 is used for storing various data. The printer 105 prints out an image under the control of the CPU 101. The scanner 106 reads an image from a document. The UI (user interface) 107
It consists of a keyboard and a pointing device, etc.
Used for inputting various instructions and various data. Fax10
8 performs facsimile communication with the outside via the line 111. NIC (Network Interface Card) 10
Reference numeral 9 controls communication between the MFP and the network 112. The compression / decompression unit 110 compresses image data and decompresses compressed image data.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a conceptual example in which the program and related data of the present invention are supplied from a storage medium to the apparatus. The program and related data of the present invention are supplied by inserting a storage medium 1601 such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM into an insertion slot 1603 of a storage medium drive provided in the apparatus main body 1602. Thereafter, by temporarily installing the program of the present invention and related data from the storage medium 1601 to the hard disk,
The program can be loaded from the hard disk to the RAM and executed. However, directly install the floppy disk or CD-R without installing it on the hard disk.
It is also possible to load from OM to RAM and execute it.

That is, in the first embodiment of the present invention (the second embodiment of the present invention described later), the CPU 101 (C
2 to 10 and 13 based on the control program stored in the ROM 102 (ROM 1402).
Is executed, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 16, the program of the present invention and related data stored in the storage medium are loaded into the RAM 103 of the MFP. And CP
The present invention can be realized by the U101 executing the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 10 and 13 based on the program loaded in the RAM 103.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the storage contents of the storage medium storing the program and related data of the present invention. A storage medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM is composed of storage contents such as volume information 1501, directory information 1502, a program execution file 1503, and a program-related data file 1504. The program of the present invention is described in FIGS.
0, which is program-coded based on the flowchart of FIG.

Next, a copy operation in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
The ax operation, print operation, and scan operation are shown in FIGS.
0, FIG. 13 and FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the processing by the electronic sorter function for copying in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. I have.

When an operator performs a copy operation via the UI 107 (step S201), the scanner 10
6 scans the original placed on the feeder and converts it into electronic data (step S202). CPU 101
Is synchronized with the data transfer rate from the scanner 106.
While storing the original data in the AM 103, the printer 10
The print data is sent to the printer 5 in synchronization with the print speed and printed (step S203). Further, the CPU 101 includes a RAM 103
Is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 110 (step S204), and is stored in a high-speed data accessible area in the HD 104 (step S20).
5).

The scanner 106 scans the data of all the originals placed on the feeder, and when the reading of the data into the HD 104 is completed (YE in step S206).
S), the CPU 101 extracts the scanned document data one by one from the HD 104 and decompresses the data by the compression / decompression unit 110 (step S208). Further, the CPU 101 transfers the data decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 110 to the RAM 103 (step S209), and transfers the data from the RAM 103 to the printer 1
Then, the print data is transferred in synchronization with the print speed, and printing is completed (step S210). Then, it is determined whether or not five copies have been completed (step S270).
If the copy has not been completed, the flow returns to step S208, and if the copy has been completed, the series of processes described above is completed.

As described above, when data synchronized with the scanner 106 or the printer 105 is used, the RAM 103 that matches the speed is used. Uses the high-speed data transfer area of the HD 104.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an M-mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a fax memory transmission process in the FP.

When a fax transmission operation is performed by the operator via the UI 107 (step S401), the scanner 106 scans a document placed on the feeder,
The data is converted into electronic data (step S402). CPU1
01 stores original data in the RAM 103 in synchronization with the data transfer speed from the scanner 106 (step S4).
03). Further, the CPU 101 compresses the document data stored in the RAM 103 by the compression / decompression unit 110 (step S404) and stores the data in a low-speed data access area in the HD 104 (step S405).

The data of all the originals placed on the feeder is scanned by the scanner 106, and when the reading of the data into the HD 104 is completed (YE in step S406).
S), the CPU 101 extracts the scanned document data from the HD 104, transfers the data to the line 111 by fax 108 (step S407), and ends the fax 108 memory transmission.

As described above, when the data synchronized with the scanner 106 is used, the RAM 103 that matches the speed is used, and when the data transfer speed of the compressed data of the document and the communication line of the Fax 108 is not so high. Uses the low-speed data transfer area of the HD 104.

FIG. 5 shows M according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a memory reception process of Fax in the FP.

When the data is received by the fax 108 from the line 111 (step S501), the CPU 101 stores the received data in the low-speed data transfer area of the HD 104 (step S502). When the receiving of all the received data into the HD 104 is completed (YES in step S503), the CPU
101 reads out the received data from the HD 104 and decompresses it by the compression / decompression unit 110 (step S504). Further, the CPU 101 writes the data decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 110 into the RAM 103 (step S505),
The data is output by the printer 105 (step S50).
6) Terminate the fax 108 memory reception.

As described above, when the fax image is received from the line 111, the data rate is not so high, so that the low-speed data transfer area of the HD 104 is used and the data is output in synchronization with the printer 105. Uses the RAM 103 that can keep up with the speed.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing network print processing in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

P from the network 112 by the NIC 109
When receiving the DL data (step S601), the CPU
101 stores the received data in the low-speed data transfer area of the HD 104 (step S602). The CPU 101
When the receiving of all the received data into the HD 104 is completed (YES in step S603), the PD is stored in the RAM 103.
The L data is expanded (step S604), and the expanded data is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 110 (step S60).
5). Further, the CPU 101 stores the data compressed by the compression / decompression unit 110 in the high-speed data transfer area of the HD 104 (Step S606).

When the loading of all the PDL expanded data into the HD 104 is completed (YE in step S607)
S), the CPU 101 decompresses the data by the compression / decompression unit 110 (step S608), and stores the decompressed data in the RAM.
103 is written (step S609). Furthermore, CPU
In step S610, the data is output from the printer 105 (step S610), and the network printing ends.

As described above, when data synchronized with the printer 105 is used, the RAM 103 that matches the speed is used. When the data is PDL compressed data and the speed is not so fast and the data amount is large, the HD 104 is used. Use the high-speed data transfer area of
If the data rate is not so fast and there is a data amount, the low-speed data transfer area of the HD 104 is used.

FIG. 8 shows M according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating transmission processing of a network scan in the FP.

When a fax transmission operation is performed by the operator via the UI 107 (step S801), the scanner 106 scans a document placed on the feeder,
The data is converted into electronic data (step S802). CPU1
01 stores original data in the RAM 103 in synchronization with the data transfer speed from the scanner 106 (step S8).
03). Further, the CPU 101 compresses the document data stored in the RAM 103 by the compression / decompression unit 110 (step S804) and stores the data in a low-speed data access area in the HD 104 (step S805).

The data of all the originals placed on the feeder is scanned by the scanner 106, and when the reading of the data into the HD 104 is completed (YE in step S806).
S), the CPU 101 extracts the scan document data from the HD 104, transfers the data to the network 112 by the NIC 109 (step S807), and ends the transmission of the network scan.

As described above, when data synchronized with the scanner 106 is used, the RAM 103 matching the speed is used. When the data is compressed data of an original and the data transfer speed required for network communication is not so fast, , The low-speed data transfer area of the HD 104 is used.

FIG. 9 shows M according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a network scan reception process in the FP.

When the NIC 109 receives the data from the network 112 (step S901), the CPU 101 stores the received data in the low-speed data transfer area of the HD 104 (step S902). When the capture of all received data into the HD 104 is completed (YE in step S903)
S), the CPU 101 reads the received data from the HD 104 and decompresses the data by the compression / decompression unit 110 (step S9).
04). Further, the CPU 101 writes the data decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 110 into the RAM 103 (step S
905), the data is output by the printer 105 (step S906), and the reception of the network scan ends.

As described above, when a scanned image is received from the network 112, the data rate is not so high, so that the low-speed data transfer area of the HD 104 is used and the data is output in synchronization with the printer 105. Uses the RAM 103 that can keep up with the speed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a copy process of a color copier equipped with, for example, four photosensitive drums according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement state of each CCD sensor of the scanner of the color copying machine. In the figure, reference numerals 1101 to 1103 indicate CCD sensors. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement state of each photosensitive drum of the color copying machine. In the figure, 1201 to 1204
Are B (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), Y
(Yellow) photosensitive drum 1205 indicates a transfer belt. The function of the color copier is the same as that of the scanner 10 shown in FIG.
6. It can be realized by the printer 105.

When a copy operation is performed by the operator via the UI 107 (step S1001), the scanner 1
Reference numeral 06 scans the document placed on the feeder and converts it into electronic data (step S1002). CPU1
01 stores original data in the RAM 103 in synchronization with the data transfer speed from the scanner 106 (step S1).
003). In this case, the scanner that realizes the function of the color copier is provided with RGB (red, green, blue) as shown in FIG.
CCD sensors 1101, 1102, and 1103 are not in the same place, and the image data read from the CCD is
It has a delay between CD lines and is loaded into the RAM 103 at different timings of RGB.

Next, the CPU 101 reads the respective photosensitive drums 1204 of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and B (black) from the RAM 103 in accordance with the timing of the photosensitive drums as shown in FIG. ~ 120
1, the print image data is sent to the printer 105 in synchronization with the print speed and printed (step S1).
004).

As described above, when copying is performed by a color copying machine, each of the RGB CCD sensors 110 on the scanner side is used.
Even if the image positions of 1 to 1103 do not match, the RAM 103
Alignment is possible above. When the image data is sent from the RAM 103 to the printer 105, the phase of the four-color image data is shifted when the image data is sent from the RAM 103 to the printer 105. The phases of the four colors can be matched. These four photosensitive drums 1201-1
The printing by 204 can be performed not only in the case of copying but also in the case of color printing.

Next, M according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
A method for determining the HD high-speed data transfer area / low-speed data transfer area in the FP will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of determining the high-speed data transfer area / low-speed data transfer area of the HD in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The HD 10 is input by the operator via the UI 107.
4 is performed (step S13).
01), the CPU 101 sends data to the HD 104,
Data is stored every predetermined track (step S13)
02). Next, the CPU 101 transfers data from the HD 104 to the RAM 1 from a predetermined track every predetermined unit time.
03 (step S1303), the data transfer speed for each track is determined by counting the number of data for each track of the data transferred to the RAM 103, and a high-speed data transfer region and a low-speed data transfer region for data transfer are determined (step S1303). Step S1104), the determination process ends.

As described above, data is stored in the HD 104 at predetermined intervals in advance, and the data transfer speed of the HD 104 is calculated based on the amount of data reproduced in a unit time. Determine the low-speed data transfer area.

As described above, according to the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the RAM for storing data
103, an HD 104 for storing data, a printer 105 for printing an image, and a scanner 106 for reading an image
And a fax 108 for performing memory transmission / memory reception, and a RAM 10 when high speed is required and a small capacity is not required.
Use 3 if you need a certain speed and need more capacity
And a CPU 101 that uses a high-speed access area in the HD 104 and uses a low-speed access area in the HD 104 when a low-speed and high-capacity capacity is required.
The following functions and effects are obtained.

The memory to be shared is divided according to the speed and capacity required of the memory mounted on the MFP system. In particular, the shared memory is required to have a high speed and not require a large capacity. It is configured to be divided into those that require speed and capacity and those that require low speed and need capacity.

If the image needs to be taken in synchronization with the scanner 106, a page memory at the time of copying or scanning must be output in synchronization with the printer 105, and the image must be output in synchronization with the printer 105. A page memory and a printer 10 for copying when not necessary, when printing a fax 108, and when printing an image using a printer 105.
5, a work memory for developing a PDL image, a memory for adjusting the timing between the CCD sensors of each color of the scanner 106 and the timing of each color of the printer 105 for a plurality of colors such as colors, a system memory, and the like.

Assuming that a predetermined speed is required and that a capacity is required, all the originals in the feeder of the scanner 106 must be taken in. The memory for the electronic sorter for copying, the memory in the scanner 106, and all the documents to be printed by the printer 105 are taken in. There are memories for electronic sorters that must be kept.

It is assumed that a low-speed and high-capacity memory is required, such as a system data memory, a backup data memory,
System program memory, PDL of printer 105
Code spool memory, font data memory,
There is a memory for fax 108 memory transmission / memory reception, and the like.

Therefore, those which require high speed and do not need much capacity use, for example, the RAM 103, and those which require a certain speed and need capacity use the high-speed access area in the HD 104, and Those requiring a large capacity use a low-speed area of the HD 104 for access.

That is, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the image data memory and the system memory used by each function of the MFP can be shared, and the MFP requires less memory than the conventional one. This has the effect that it becomes possible.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the shared memory is divided according to the speed and capacity required of the memory mounted on the MFP system. Need high capacity and low capacity, need high speed and need high capacity,
The configuration in which the capacity is divided into those requiring a large capacity even at a low speed has an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

[2] Second Embodiment FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an MFP according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The MFP according to the second embodiment of the present invention has, for example, a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, a printer function, and a scanner function, and has a CPU 1401, a ROM 1402, and a RAM 140.
3, HD (hard disk) 1404, printer 140
5. Scanner 1406, UI (user interface)
1407, Fax 1408, NIC (Network Interface Card) 1409, compression / decompression unit 1410,
Bus SW 1413, Bus 1 1414, Bus 2 141
5 is provided. In the figure, 1411 is a line, 1
412 indicates a network.

The structure of each section will be described in detail.
Reference numeral 01 denotes a central processing unit that controls the entire system, and executes processing similar to that of the first embodiment based on a control program stored in the ROM 1402. R
The OM 1402 is a read-only memory,
The control program 401 and fixed data are stored. R
The AM 1403 is a random access memory, and is used as a temporary storage of various data, a work area of the CPU 1401, and the like.

The HD 1404 is used for storing various data. The printer 1405 prints out an image under the control of the CPU 1401. The scanner 1406 reads an image from a document. UI (User Interface) 1
Reference numeral 407 includes a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like, and is used for inputting various instructions and various data.
The Fax 1408 performs facsimile communication with the outside via the line 1411. An NIC (network interface card) 1409 is connected to the MFP and the network 1412.
And performs communication control between them. Compression / expansion unit 1410
Performs compression of image data and expansion of compressed image data.

The bus SW 1413 is connected to the CPU 1401, R
A crossbar SW to which each of the OM 1402, the RAM 1403, the bus 1 1414, and the bus 2 1415 can be connected. The printer 1405 and the scanner 1406 are
It is configured so that connection can be made from either of the buses 1 and 1414 and the bus 2 and 1415.

In the MFP according to the second embodiment of the present invention, each operation of copy, fax, print, and scan is performed via the bus SW1413, but the main data flow is the same as that of the first embodiment. It is. Although not particularly shown in FIG. 14, the low-speed data transfer area of the HD 1404 stores system data, backup data, a system program, and PDL font data of the printer 105 on the assumption that the data may be low-speed and requires a large capacity. This makes it possible to use the memory efficiently.

As described above, according to the MFP according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the RAM for storing data
1403, an HD 1404 for storing data, a printer 1405 for printing an image, a scanner 1406 for reading an image, and a Fax 14 for performing memory transmission / memory reception
08, RAM 1403 is used when high speed is required and a small capacity is not required. When a predetermined speed is required and the capacity is required, a high-speed access area in the HD 1404 is used. Is HD1404
CPU using low-speed access area in CPU
1 has the following functions and effects.

The memory to be shared is divided according to the speed and the capacity required of the memory mounted on the MFP system. In particular, the shared memory is required to have a high speed and a small capacity. It is configured to be divided into those that require speed and capacity and those that require low speed and need capacity.

As a device requiring high speed and not requiring much capacity, an image must be taken in synchronization with the scanner 1406, a page memory at the time of copying or scanning, and an image must be outputted in synchronization with the printer 1405. Page memory when copying, printing Fax 1408, or printing images from printer 1405, work memory for PDL image development of printer 1405, CCD for each color of scanner 1406 for multiple colors such as color
There are a memory and a system memory for adjusting the timing between the sensors and the timing of each color of the printer 1405.

Assuming that a predetermined speed is required and that a capacity is required, a copy electronic sorter memory, a memory of the scanner 1406, and a print document of the printer 1405, which must take in all the originals of the feeder of the scanner 1406, are taken in. There are memories for electronic sorters that must be kept.

It is assumed that a low-speed and high-capacity memory is required, such as a system data memory, a backup data memory,
System program memory, PD of printer 1405
There are an L-code spooling memory, a font data memory, a Fax 1408 memory transmission / memory reception memory, and the like.

Therefore, the one that requires high speed and does not require much capacity uses, for example, the RAM 1403, and the one that requires a certain speed and requires a large capacity uses a high-speed access area in the HD 1404. Those requiring a large capacity use a low-speed access area in the HD 1404.

That is, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the image data memory and the system memory used by each function of the MFP can be shared, and the MFP requires less memory than the conventional one. This has the effect that it becomes possible.

Further, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the shared memory is divided according to the speed and capacity required of the memory mounted on the MFP system. Need high capacity and low capacity, need high speed and need high capacity,
The configuration in which the capacity is divided into those requiring a large capacity even at a low speed has an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or to an apparatus including a single device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing the reading.

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

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

Further, when the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer are actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

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, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0099]

As described above, according to the peripheral device of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral device having a plurality of functions, a plurality of storage means, and the plurality of functions having the plurality of functions. Since the control unit has the control unit for sharing the storage unit, the following effects can be obtained. It is possible to share a storage device (for example, a storage device for image data, a storage device for a system, etc.) used by each function of the peripheral device, and to configure a peripheral device that requires less storage device than before. There is an effect.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, the plurality of functions are functions such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file, and the plurality of storage means are the image memory. Since it is a storage means such as a data memory and a system memory, the following effects can be obtained. The storage means such as image memory, data memory, system memory, etc., used for the respective functions of the peripheral device such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file can be shared. There is an effect that a peripheral device can be configured.

According to the peripheral device of the third aspect of the present invention, since the control means selectively uses the storage means shared according to the required data access speed and storage capacity, the following effects are obtained. By dividing the shared storage means according to the speed and capacity required of the storage means in the peripheral device, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, the plurality of storage means are storage means such as a random access memory and a hard disk, and the control means requires high speed and has a small capacity. If it is not necessary, use a storage means such as a random access memory.If a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, use a high-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk. The use of a low-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk has the following effects. The storage means shared by the peripheral devices is configured so that the system is configured to be divided into those requiring high speed and not requiring much capacity, those requiring a predetermined speed and requiring capacity, and those requiring low speed and requiring capacity. Has the effect of being able to assure productivity.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, when the high-speed operation is required and the capacity is not so much required, the control means may perform copying or scanning when it is necessary to take in an image in synchronization with a scanner. Page memory used for copying, facsimile printing, printer image printing, work memory used for printer page description language image development, and scanner for image output required in synchronization with the printer Since the memory and the system memory for adjusting the timing between the reading sensors of a plurality of colors and the timing of the image data of a plurality of colors to be sent to the printer are shared, the following effects are obtained. The storage means shared by the peripheral devices is configured so that the system is configured to be divided into those requiring high speed and not requiring much capacity, those requiring a predetermined speed and requiring capacity, and those requiring low speed and requiring capacity. Has the effect of being able to assure productivity.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, when the predetermined speed is required and the capacity is required, the control means is for an electronic sorter of a copy which needs to take in all originals of a scanner feeder. Memory, scanner memory,
Since the memory for the electronic sorter that needs to take in all the documents for printing of the printer is shared, the following effects can be obtained. The storage means shared by the peripheral devices is configured so that the system is configured to be divided into those requiring high speed and not requiring much capacity, those requiring a predetermined speed and requiring capacity, and those requiring low speed and requiring capacity. Has the effect of being able to assure productivity.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, when the speed is low and a capacity is required, the control means may store a system data memory, a backup data memory, a system program memory, and a printer page. Since the memory for spooling the description language code, the memory for font data, and the memory for facsimile memory transmission / memory reception are shared, the following effects are achieved. The storage means shared by the peripheral devices is configured so that the system is configured to be divided into those requiring high speed and not requiring much capacity, those requiring a predetermined speed and requiring capacity, and those requiring low speed and requiring capacity. Has the effect of being able to assure productivity.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, the control means records data at every predetermined track of the hard disk, and calculates a data transfer speed for each track from a reproduction data amount per unit time. Since the high-speed data transfer area and the low-speed data transfer area of the hard disk are determined based on the result, the following effects are obtained. In the same manner as described above, the storage means used by each function of the peripheral device can be shared, and the effect that it is possible to configure a peripheral device that requires less storage means than before and the speed required for the storage means can be achieved. By dividing the data transfer area of the storage means such as the hard disk to be shared according to the capacity, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the control means uses a high-speed access area in the hard disk when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required. If necessary, a low-speed access area of the hard disk is used, so that the following effects can be obtained. The storage means such as a hard disk shared by peripheral devices can be divided into those that require a predetermined speed and require capacity, and those that require low-speed and require large capacity, so that system productivity can be guaranteed. The effect is as follows.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, since it can be connected to a network, the following effects can be obtained. A storage unit (for example, a storage unit for image data, a storage unit for a system, etc.) used for each function of the peripheral device connectable to the network can be shared,
There is an effect that it is possible to configure a peripheral device that requires less storage means than before. Further, in the peripheral device connectable to the network, the storage means to be shared is divided according to the speed and capacity required for the storage means. Particularly, the storage means to be shared requires high speed and does not require much capacity. , Those that require a certain speed and need capacity,
The configuration in which the capacity is divided into those requiring a large capacity even at a low speed has an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the storage control method for a peripheral device of the present invention, a storage control method for a peripheral device having a plurality of functions, wherein the plurality of functions share a plurality of storage means. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained. It is possible to share a storage device (for example, a storage device for image data, a storage device for a system, etc.) used by each function of the peripheral device, and to configure a peripheral device that requires less storage device than before. There is an effect.

According to the storage control method for a peripheral device of the present invention, the plurality of functions are functions such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file. , Image memory,
Since the storage means is a data memory, a system memory, or the like, the following effects can be obtained. The storage means such as image memory, data memory, system memory, etc., used for the respective functions of the peripheral device such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file can be shared. There is an effect that a peripheral device can be configured.

According to the storage control method for a peripheral device of the present invention, in the control step, the shared storage means is selectively used according to the required data access speed and storage capacity. It works. By dividing the shared storage means according to the speed and capacity required of the storage means in the peripheral device, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the storage control method for a peripheral device of the present invention, the plurality of storage means are storage means such as a random access memory and a hard disk, and the control step requires high speed. If a small capacity is not needed, use a storage means such as a random access memory.If a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, use a high-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk. When necessary, a low-access area in a storage unit such as a hard disk is used, so that the following effects are obtained. The storage means shared by the peripheral devices is configured so that the system is configured to be divided into those requiring high speed and not requiring much capacity, those requiring a predetermined speed and requiring capacity, and those requiring low speed and requiring capacity. Has the effect of being able to assure productivity.

According to the storage control method for a peripheral device of the present invention, in the control step, when the high speed is required and the capacity is not so much required, it is necessary to capture an image in synchronization with a scanner. Page memory used for copying and scanning, page memory used for copying, facsimile printing, and printer image printing that require image output in synchronization with the printer, and work memory used for printer page description language image development In order to share a memory and a system memory for adjusting the timing between the reading sensors of the plurality of colors provided in the scanner and the timing of the image data of the plurality of colors to be sent to the printer,
The following effects are obtained. The storage means shared by the peripheral devices is configured so that the system is configured to be divided into those requiring high speed and not requiring much capacity, those requiring a predetermined speed and requiring capacity, and those requiring low speed and requiring capacity. Has the effect of being able to assure productivity.

According to the storage control method of a peripheral device of the present invention, in the control step, when the predetermined speed is required and the capacity is required, the copy which needs to take in all the originals in the feeder of the scanner. The following effects are achieved by sharing the electronic sorter memory, the scanner memory, and the electronic sorter memory that needs to capture all the documents for printing by the printer. The storage means to be shared in the peripheral device is one that requires high speed and does not require much capacity, one that requires a predetermined speed and requires capacity,
The configuration in which the capacity is divided into those requiring a large capacity even at a low speed has an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the storage control method for a peripheral device according to the present invention, in the control step, when the capacity is required even at a low speed, a memory for system data, a memory for backup data, and a memory for system program. Since the memory for spooling the page description language code of the printer, the memory for font data, and the memory for facsimile memory transmission / memory reception are shared, the following effects are obtained. The storage means shared by the peripheral devices is configured so that the system is configured to be divided into those requiring high speed and not requiring much capacity, those requiring a predetermined speed and requiring capacity, and those requiring low speed and requiring capacity. Has the effect of being able to assure productivity.

According to the storage control method for a peripheral device of the present invention, in the control step, the data is recorded at every predetermined track of the hard disk, and the data for each track is obtained from the reproduction data amount per unit time. Since the high-speed data transfer area and the low-speed data transfer area of the hard disk are determined based on the result of calculating the transfer speed, the following effects are obtained. In the same manner as described above, the storage means used by each function of the peripheral device can be shared, and the effect that it is possible to configure a peripheral device that requires less storage means than before and the speed required for the storage means can be achieved. By dividing the data transfer area of the storage means such as the hard disk to be shared according to the capacity, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the storage control method for a peripheral device of the present invention, in the control step, when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, a high-speed access area of the hard disk is used, However, when a large capacity is required, the following effect is obtained because the low-speed access area of the hard disk is used. The storage means such as a hard disk shared in the peripheral device is configured to be divided into those requiring a predetermined speed and a capacity, and those requiring a capacity which may be a low speed,
There is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the storage control method for a peripheral device of the present invention, since the present invention is applied to a peripheral device connectable to a network, the following effects can be obtained. A storage device (for example, a storage device for image data, a storage device for a system, etc.) used by each function of a peripheral device connectable to a network can be shared, and a peripheral device that requires less storage device than before can be configured. This has the effect that it becomes possible. Further, in the peripheral device connectable to the network, the storage means to be shared is divided according to the speed and capacity required for the storage means. Particularly, the storage means to be shared requires high speed and does not require much capacity. By constructing the system into those requiring a predetermined speed and requiring a capacity and those requiring a low speed and requiring a large capacity, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium for supplying a program to a peripheral device having a plurality of functions, wherein a control step of causing the plurality of functions to share a plurality of storage means is provided. Since the stored program is stored, the following effects are obtained. By supplying the storage medium of the present invention to a peripheral device and executing a program of the storage medium, a storage unit (for example, a storage unit for image data, a storage unit for a system, and the like) used for each function of the peripheral device is provided. There is an effect that it is possible to configure a peripheral device that can be shared and requires less storage means than before.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, the plurality of functions are functions such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file, and the plurality of storage means is an image memory. Since it is a storage means such as a data memory and a system memory, the following effects can be obtained. By supplying the storage medium of the present invention to a peripheral device and executing a program of the storage medium, an image memory and a data memory used for each function of the peripheral device such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file. Thus, it is possible to share a storage device such as a system memory, and it is possible to configure a peripheral device that requires less storage device than before.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, in the control step of the program, the storage means shared according to the required data access speed and storage capacity is selectively used, so that the following effects are obtained. To play. The storage medium of the present invention is supplied to a peripheral device to execute a program of the storage medium, and the shared storage device is divided according to the speed and capacity required of the storage device in the peripheral device. There is an effect that the productivity can be guaranteed.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, the plurality of storage means are storage means such as a random access memory and a hard disk, and the control step of the program requires high speed. Use a storage means such as a random access memory if the capacity is not necessary.Use a high-speed access area in the storage means such as a hard disk if a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required. In such a case, the following effect is obtained because a low-access area in the storage means such as a hard disk is used. The storage medium of the present invention is supplied to the peripheral device to execute the program of the storage medium, and the storage means shared by the peripheral device requires high speed and does not require much capacity. By constructing the system so that it can be divided into low-speed ones and low-speed ones that require a large capacity, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, in the control step of the program, when the high-speed operation is required and the capacity is not so much required, a copy which needs to take in an image in synchronization with a scanner is required. Page memory used when printing or scanning, page memory used when copying, facsimile printing, or printer image printing that requires image output in synchronization with the printer, work memory used for printer page description language image development, Since the memory and the system memory for adjusting the timing between the reading sensors of the plurality of colors provided in the scanner and the timing of the image data of the plurality of colors to be sent to the printer are shared, the following effects are obtained. The storage medium of the present invention is supplied to the peripheral device to execute the program of the storage medium, and the storage means shared by the peripheral device requires high speed and does not require much capacity. By constructing the system so that it can be divided into low-speed ones and low-speed ones that require a large capacity, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, in the control step of the program, when the predetermined speed is required and the capacity is required, a copy of the document which needs to take in all the originals of the scanner feeder is required. Since the memory for the electronic sorter, the memory for the scanner, and the memory for the electronic sorter that needs to capture all the documents for printing from the printer are shared, the following effects are obtained. The storage medium of the present invention is supplied to the peripheral device to execute the program of the storage medium, and the storage means shared by the peripheral device requires high speed and does not require much capacity. By constructing the system so that it can be divided into low-speed ones and low-speed ones that require a large capacity, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, in the control step of the program, when the speed is low and a capacity is required, a memory for system data;
Since the memory for the backup data, the memory for the system program, the memory for spooling the page description language code of the printer, the memory for the font data, and the memory for transmitting / receiving the facsimile memory, the following effects are obtained. The storage medium of the present invention is supplied to the peripheral device to execute the program of the storage medium, and the storage means shared by the peripheral device requires high speed and does not require much capacity. By constructing the system so that it can be divided into low-speed ones and low-speed ones that require a large capacity, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

[0126] According to the storage medium of the present invention, in the control step of the program, data is recorded at predetermined tracks of the hard disk, and data transfer for each track is performed based on a reproduction data amount per unit time. Since the high-speed data transfer area and the low-speed data transfer area of the hard disk are determined based on the speed calculation result, the following effects are obtained. By supplying the storage medium of the present invention to the peripheral device and executing the program of the storage medium, the storage device used for each function of the peripheral device can be shared in the same manner as described above. By dividing the data transfer area of the storage means such as a hard disk to be shared according to the effect that it is possible to configure a peripheral device that can be used and the speed and capacity required for the storage means, the productivity of the system can be improved. There is an effect that can be guaranteed.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, in the control step of the program, when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, a high-speed access area in the hard disk is used, When a sufficient capacity is required, the following slow effects are obtained because a low-speed access area of the hard disk is used. The storage medium of the present invention is supplied to a peripheral device to execute a program of the storage medium, and a storage means such as a hard disk shared by the peripheral device requires a predetermined speed and requires a large capacity, and may be a low speed and requires a large capacity. By configuring the system so that the system can be divided into different systems, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, since the program is supplied to a peripheral device connectable to a network, the following effects can be obtained. By supplying the storage medium of the present invention to a network-connectable peripheral device and executing a program of the storage medium, a storage unit (for example, a storage unit for image data, The storage device for the system can be shared, and there is an effect that a peripheral device that requires less storage device than before can be configured. Further, in the peripheral device connectable to the network, the storage means to be shared is divided according to the speed and capacity required for the storage means. Particularly, the storage means to be shared requires high speed and does not require much capacity. By constructing the system into those requiring a predetermined speed and requiring a capacity and those requiring a low speed and requiring a large capacity, there is an effect that the productivity of the system can be guaranteed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an MFP according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a copy electronic sort process in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a copy electronic sort process in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating fax memory transmission processing in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a memory reception process of Fax in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a network print process in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a network print process in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a network scan transmission process in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a network scan receiving process in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a copy process of the color copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement state of each CCD sensor of the scanner of the color copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement state of each photosensitive drum of the color copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a high-speed data transfer area / low-speed data transfer area of the HD in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an MFP according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of storage contents of a storage medium storing a program and related data of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a conceptual example in which a program and related data of the present invention are supplied from a storage medium to an apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101, 1401 CPU 102, 1402 ROM 103, 1403 RAM 104, 1404 Hard disk 105, 1405 Printer 106, 1406 Scanner 107, 1407 UI 108, 1408 FAX 109, 1409 NIC 110, 1410 Compression / expansion unit 111, 1411 Line 112, 1412 Network 1413 Bus SW 1414 Bus 1 1415 Bus 2

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A peripheral device having a plurality of functions, comprising: a plurality of storage means; and a control means for causing the plurality of functions to share the plurality of storage means. 2. The plurality of functions include functions such as copying, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file.
2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage units are storage units such as an image memory, a data memory, and a system memory. 3. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein said control means selectively uses storage means shared in accordance with a required data access speed and storage capacity. 4. The plurality of storage means are storage means such as a random access memory and a hard disk, and the control means includes a storage means such as a random access memory when high speed is required and a small capacity is not required. Use a high-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, and use a low-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk when a low speed is sufficient and a capacity is required. 4. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is used. 5. The control means according to claim 1, wherein when the high-speed operation is required and the capacity is not so required, the image is synchronized with a scanner, a page memory used at the time of copying or scanning, and a printer. Page memory used for copying, facsimile printing, or printer image printing that requires output, work memory used for printer page description language image development, timing between multiple color reading sensors of the scanner, and transmission to the printer 5. The peripheral device according to claim 4, wherein a memory for adjusting the timing of the image data of a plurality of colors and a system memory are shared. 6. The control means according to claim 1, wherein, when the predetermined speed is required and the capacity is required, the electronic sorter memory of the copy which needs to take in all the originals of the scanner feeder, the memory of the scanner, and all the documents for printing of the printer. 5. The peripheral device according to claim 4, wherein a memory for an electronic sorter that needs to capture the data is shared. 7. The control means includes a memory for system data, a memory for backup data, a memory for a system program, a memory for spooling a page description language code of a printer, and a memory for font data when the low speed is sufficient and a capacity is required. 5. The peripheral device according to claim 4, wherein a memory for facsimile memory transmission / memory reception is shared. 8. The high-speed data transfer area of the hard disk based on a result of calculating a data transfer speed for each track from a reproduction data amount per unit time while recording data at predetermined tracks of the hard disk. 5. The peripheral device according to claim 4, wherein a low-speed data transfer area is determined. 9. The control means uses a high-speed access area on the hard disk when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, and uses a low-speed access area on the hard disk when the capacity is low and the capacity is required. The peripheral device according to claim 4, wherein the peripheral device is used. 10. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is connectable to a network. 11. A storage control method in a peripheral device having a plurality of functions, the method comprising a control step of sharing a plurality of storage units with the plurality of functions. 12. The plurality of functions are functions such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file, and the plurality of storage means are storage means such as an image memory, a data memory, and a system memory. 12. The storage control method in a peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The storage control method for a peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein in the control step, shared storage means is selectively used according to a required data access speed and storage capacity. 14. The plurality of storage units are storage units such as a random access memory and a hard disk. In the control step, when high speed is required and a small capacity is not required, a storage unit such as a random access memory is used. Use a high-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, and use a low-speed access area in a storage means such as a hard disk when a low speed is sufficient and a capacity is required. 14. The storage control method in a peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the storage control method is used. 15. In the control step, when the high speed is required and the capacity is not so required, an image needs to be taken in synchronization with a scanner, a page memory used at the time of copying or scanning, and an image synchronized with a printer. Page memory used for copying, facsimile printing, or printer image printing that requires output, work memory used for printer page description language image development, timing between multiple color reading sensors of the scanner, and transmission to the printer 15. The storage control method in a peripheral device according to claim 14, wherein a memory for adjusting the timing of the image data of a plurality of colors and a system memory are shared. 16. In the control step, when the predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, a memory for an electronic sorter of a copy which needs to take in all originals in a feeder of a scanner;
15. The storage control method for a peripheral device according to claim 14, wherein the memory of the scanner and the memory of the electronic sorter which need to take in all the documents for printing of the printer are shared. 17. In the control step, when the capacity is sufficient even at the low speed, a memory for system data, a memory for backup data, a memory for a system program, a memory for spooling a page description language code of a printer, and a memory for font data. 15. The storage control method in a peripheral device according to claim 14, wherein a memory for facsimile memory transmission / memory reception is shared. 18. In the control step, data is recorded at every predetermined track of the hard disk,
15. The storage control method according to claim 14, wherein a high-speed data transfer area and a low-speed data transfer area of the hard disk are determined based on a result of calculating a data transfer speed for each track from a reproduction data amount per unit time. . 19. In the control step, a high-speed access area in the hard disk is used when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, and a low-speed access area in the hard disk is used when a low speed is sufficient and a capacity is required. 19. The storage control method in a peripheral device according to claim 14, wherein: 20. The storage control method in a peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the storage control method is applied to a peripheral device connectable to a network. 21. A storage medium for supplying a program to a peripheral device having a plurality of functions, the storage medium storing a program having a control step of causing the plurality of functions to share a plurality of storage units. . 22. The plurality of functions include functions such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, and file, and the plurality of storage units include storage units such as an image memory, a data memory, and a system memory. 22. The storage medium according to claim 21, wherein: 23. The storage medium according to claim 21, wherein in the control step of the program, storage means shared according to a required data access speed and storage capacity is selectively used. 24. The plurality of storage means are storage means such as a random access memory and a hard disk. In the control step of the program, when high speed is required and a small capacity is not necessary, a random access memory or the like is used. Use the storage means, use a high-speed access area in the storage means such as a hard disk when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required, and use a low-speed access area in the storage means such as a hard disk when a low speed is sufficient and the capacity is required. The storage medium according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein a storage area is used. 25. In the control step of the program, when the high speed is required and the capacity is not so required,
Page memory used for copying and scanning when images need to be synchronized with the scanner, page memory and printer used for copying, facsimile printing, and printer image printing that require image output in synchronization with the printer A work memory used for developing a page description language image, a memory for adjusting timing between read sensors of a plurality of colors provided in a scanner and timing of image data of a plurality of colors to be sent to a printer, and a system memory. Item 25. The storage medium according to Item 24. 26. In the control step of the program, when the predetermined speed is required and the capacity is required, all the originals in the feeder of the scanner need to be taken in. The memory for the electronic sorter, the memory in the scanner, and the print in the printer. 25. The storage medium according to claim 24, wherein a memory for an electronic sorter that needs to take in all the documents is shared. 27. In the control step of the program, when the speed is low and a capacity is required, a memory for system data, a memory for backup data, a memory for a system program, a memory for spooling a page description language code of a printer, a font, 25. The storage medium according to claim 24, wherein a data memory and a facsimile memory transmission / memory reception memory are shared. 28. In the control step of the program, data is recorded at predetermined tracks of the hard disk, and the high-speed data of the hard disk is calculated based on a result of calculating a data transfer speed for each track from a reproduction data amount per unit time. The storage medium according to claim 24, wherein a transfer area and a low-speed data transfer area are determined. 29. In the control step of the program, a high-speed access area in the hard disk is used when a predetermined speed is required and a capacity is required. 29. The storage medium according to claim 24, wherein a low-speed area is used. 30. The program according to claim 21, wherein the program is supplied to a peripheral device connectable to a network.
30. The storage medium according to any one of claims to 29.