JP2007081541A - Image input / output device, image input device, image output device, and image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device when a memory card is removed or a function is changed in a state where one function is set in an apparatus having a configuration in which an external memory card is used as a plurality of different functions. There is a problem that the function is interrupted and there is a problem that the memory card is removed, and even if the memory card is inserted again, the setting must be performed again, and the usability is deteriorated.
When a function is set or executed, a confirmation screen is displayed to allow the user to confirm that the function cannot be used when the memory card is removed and the function is changed. The memory card insertion request screen is displayed especially when the memory card is removed, and when the external memory card is assigned to a function, the function is saved as a setting inside the memory card and removed. After that, the settings are automatically restored when plugged in again.
[Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image input / output device, an image input device, an image output device, and an image processing device whose functions can be expanded using a memory card.

  As a conventional technique related to an apparatus whose function can be expanded using an external memory card, there is a printer apparatus described in Patent Document 1.

  According to Patent Document 1, normally, an image stored in a memory card can be printed, and a function that can be accessed as an external memory card when a computer is connected is assigned. When a large-size image print command is received from a computer, the print data is saved. This has the effect of increasing the image size that can be printed by having a function used as an internal RAM.

Further, the image input device described in Patent Document 2 has an effect that the size of an input image can be increased by using it as a storage area for an input image.
JP 2004-78884 A JP 2003-61029 A

  However, in these inventions, the effects of the method of using the external memory card are described, and there is no mention of a switching method for actually using these functions by switching.

  For example, when the former printer device is used as an external memory card when connected to a computer, if it is used as a print data storage memory card for a printer, the computer cannot access the external memory card. End up.

  In addition, when the memory card is removed during the printing, there is a problem that the printing is interrupted. However, there is no description in the above invention about this countermeasure.

  Furthermore, once the memory card has been removed, even if it is reinserted, settings must be made again, which may lead to poor usability.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points, and can solve a problem that occurs when using a plurality of functions in an external memory card. An image input / output device, an image input device, An object is to provide an image output apparatus and an image processing apparatus.

In order to solve these problems, in the external memory card selection device of the present invention,
A display means for displaying that this function becomes unusable when the mode is switched when a function is used, or when the memory card is removed;
If a function is used when switching functions, a means for prohibiting switching of the function,
When the external memory card is inserted, if the memory card has an extended function, a means for confirming whether to use it as an extended function,
Automatic external memory card function that saves the settings in the external memory card when the functions in the external memory card are set, and automatically sets the saved functions when it is inserted again after being removed Setting means,
Etc. to solve various problems that occur when the memory card is used as a plurality of functions.

  That is, the technical contents of the present invention can solve the above-described problems by including the following configuration.

  (1) Internal storage means that can read and write data, external storage means that is detachable and capable of reading and writing data, image input means that inputs image data, image output means that outputs image data, and the external storage means A first mode of the external storage means for enabling the image output means to output the image data stored in the image output means, and a first mode of the external storage means for saving the image input from the image input means to the external storage means. A second mode, a third mode in which the external storage means is temporarily used when an image input from the image input means is output by the image output means, and data stored in the external storage means. Of the fourth mode in which the functions of the main body can be expanded, there are at least two modes, and the external storage means mode switching means for switching and using the above modes Image output apparatus characterized by comprising and.

  (2) Internal storage means that can read and write data, external storage means that is detachable and capable of reading and writing data, image input means that inputs image data, image output means that outputs image data, and image transfer A first mode of the external storage means that enables the image output means to output image data stored in the external storage means, a communication means for the communication, an external device connected to the communication means, A second mode of the external storage means for storing the image input from the image input means in the storage means, and the external storage means when the image output means outputs the image input from the image input means. The external storage means when transferring an image input from the image input means to an external device connected by the communication means. Connected to the communication means and a fourth mode for temporarily using the external storage means when the image output means outputs the image data transferred from the external device. At least two of the sixth mode in which the contents of the external storage means can be directly read from or read from the external device and the seventh mode in which the functions of the main body can be expanded by the data stored in the external storage means. An image input / output apparatus comprising: an external storage means mode switching means for switching between and using the two modes.

  (3) Internal storage means that can read and write data, external storage means that is detachable and capable of reading and writing data, image input means that inputs image data, and images that are input to the external storage means from the image input means An external storage means for switching and using the first mode of the external storage means for storing the data and a second mode for extending the function of the main body by the data stored in the external storage means An image input device comprising mode switching means.

  (4) Internal storage means that can read and write data, external storage means that is detachable and capable of reading and writing data, image input means for inputting image data, communication means for transferring images, and the communication means A second mode of the external storage means for storing the image input from the image input means to the external storage means; and an image input from the image input means is connected by the communication means. A second mode in which the external storage means is temporarily used when transferring to the external device, and a third mode in which the contents of the external storage means can be directly read from or read from the external device connected to the communication means. And at least two modes of the main mode that can be expanded by the data stored in the external storage means, and the above modes are switched. An image input apparatus characterized by comprising an external storage means mode switching means for use.

  (5) Internal storage means that can read and write data, external storage means that is detachable and capable of reading and writing data, image output means that outputs image data, and image data stored in the external storage means is output to the image A first mode of the external storage means that can be output by the means, and a second mode in which the function of the main body can be expanded by the data stored in the external storage means, for switching and using the mode An image output apparatus comprising an external storage means mode switching means.

  (6) Internal storage means that can read and write data, external storage means that is detachable and capable of reading and writing data, image output means that outputs image data, communication means for transferring images, and communication means A first mode of the external storage means that allows the image output means to output the image data stored in the external storage means; and the image data transferred from the external equipment is the image A second mode in which the external storage means is temporarily used when outputting by the output means, and a third mode in which the contents of the external storage means can be directly read from or read from the external device connected to the communication means There are at least two modes among the modes and the fourth mode in which the functions of the main body can be expanded by the data stored in the external storage means. Be provided with an external storage unit mode switching means for using Te image output apparatus characterized by.

  With the image input device according to the present invention, it is possible to solve a problem that occurs when using a plurality of functions in an external memory card, and to provide a user with a device that is easier to use.

  Also, by storing the mode set in the external memory card inside the memory card, the mode can be automatically set when the memory card is inserted.

  In this embodiment, the scanner, the printer, and the image processing apparatus having these combined functions are specialized. However, the effect of the present invention is also effective in an apparatus having another configuration.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the main body.

  101 is a document table for placing a document for reading an image; 102 is a document table cover for pressing the placed document; 103 is a paper feed tray for placing paper for printing; 104 is a paper output tray for outputting and stacking printed paper, 105 is a connector for attaching / detaching an external memory card, 106 is a group of operation buttons for operating the apparatus, and 107 is a user's operation of the apparatus. It is a display panel for confirming operation and giving operation instructions.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a connector for connecting a cable for connecting this apparatus and an external computer, 109 is a connection cable, and 110 is a speaker unit.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of this embodiment.

  In this figure, 201 is a CPU, 202 is an internal RAM, and 203 is a ROM in which a control program of this apparatus is stored.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes a storage unit, to which an external memory card can be attached and detached.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes a printer unit, and 206 denotes a scanner unit. Reference numeral 207 denotes a user interface unit, and 208 denotes a speaker unit.

  A communication unit 209 is connected to the control unit, and is connected to an external computer through the communication unit 209.

  The CPU controls to realize the following five functions.

<Copy function>
The CPU 201 temporarily stores the image input from the scanner unit 206 in the internal RAM 202 and transmits the image to the print unit 205 to control copying the image. Further, when a mode for setting an external memory card, which will be described later, as an expansion RAM is set, control is performed to temporarily store the input image in the external memory card.

<Scan function>
The CPU 201 temporarily stores the image input from the scanner unit 206 in the internal RAM 202, and controls the image to be transferred to a connected external computer or stored in an external memory card through the communication unit 209. Further, when an image is transferred to an external computer, if a mode for setting an external memory card, which will be described later as an expansion RAM, is set, the input image is controlled to be temporarily stored in the external memory card. .

<Print function>
The CPU 201 receives print data transmitted from an external computer connected to the communication unit 209, temporarily stores it in the internal RAM 202, transmits it to the printer unit 205, and controls to print.

  In addition, when a mode for setting an external memory card (to be described later) as an expansion RAM is set, control is performed to temporarily store the received image in the external memory card.

<Direct print function>
The CPU 201 reads the data stored in the external memory card inserted in the storage unit 204, temporarily stores it in the internal RAM 202, and transmits it to the printer unit 205 to directly print the data stored in the memory card. Can do.

<PC storage function>
The CPU 201 accesses the external memory card inserted in the storage unit 204, and can directly access the contents of the external memory card from the external computer by transferring the access request from the external computer connected to the communication means 209. To.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes a group of operation buttons and a display panel connected to the CPU 201, from which the user instructs and confirms the functions such as copying, scanning, printing, and direct printing described above.

  An execution program for realizing all the above functions is stored in the ROM 203 connected to the CPU 201 and is temporarily copied to the internal RAM 202 and executed at the time of execution.

  In this apparatus, the external memory card has a mode used as an expansion memory card of internal RAM and a function expansion module in addition to the PC storage / direct print function.

  The extended RAM mode used as an extended memory card for the internal RAM is effective when reading is interrupted due to insufficient capacity of the internal RAM when a large image is read from the scanner unit. And high-speed scanning becomes possible.

  In addition, when a print instruction is issued from an external computer, the primary storage capacity of the print data is increased, and a large amount of data can be stored at one time, so that high-speed processing is possible.

  Further, when copying by combining these, it is possible to increase the speed for the same reason as described above.

  The extended function by the external memory card is a user operation assist function by voice in this embodiment.

  In this function, audio data corresponding to each operation stored in advance in an external memory card is reproduced at the time of operation, and user assistance is performed.

  The memory card includes a file having an extension “ini” corresponding to the model name, and includes “SOUND_SUPPORT = ENABLE” or “SOUND_SUPPORT = DISABLE”. The main body checks the presence or absence of this file when the memory card is inserted, and if there is a dat file and “SOUND_SUPPORT = ENABLE”, a dialog box is displayed to confirm to the user whether to enable this function. .

  If the extension of this function is enabled by the user, an audio file with the following name corresponding to each operation stored in advance in the memory card is reproduced by the speaker unit 208.

  Scanning. wav, cancel. wav, copy. wav, print. wav ....

  In addition, a file having an extension “dat” according to the model name has one of “STORAGE_MODE = NORMAL”, “STORAGE_MODE = EXTERNAL_RAM”, and “STORAGE_MODE = EXTENTION”, and NORMAL is set, or When the file does not exist, the apparatus handles the external memory card as the direct print / PC storage mode, and handles the external RAM mode when EXTERNAL_RAM is set. Further, when the EXTENTION is set, the extended function mode is controlled. This value is rewritten when the mode is changed by the user according to the procedure described later.

  3 is an operation panel diagram using an operation panel and buttons. 301 is a copy button, 302 is a scan button, 303 is a photo button, 304 is a liquid crystal screen, 305 is a monochrome button, 306 color button, and 307 is for interrupting the operation. , 308 is a menu button for changing the setting of the apparatus, 309 is a cross key for selecting a menu and designating the number of prints, and 310 is an OK button.

  Three buttons, a copy button 301, a scan button 302, and a photo button 303, are buttons for shifting to the respective modes.

  When the copy button 301 is pressed, the apparatus shifts to the copy mode. By operating the cross key in this state, the number of copies can be specified and the density can be adjusted. The determination can be made by pressing the OK button 310. it can.

  By pressing the color button 305 and the monochrome button 306, copying corresponding to the button is started.

  When the scan button 302 is pressed, the apparatus shifts to the scan mode. When an external computer is connected, an image can be automatically read by the color button 305 and the monochrome button 306, and the image can be transferred to the connected external computer. In addition, when an external computer is not connected, an image can be stored in the inserted external memory card.

  When the photo button 303 is pressed, the apparatus shifts to the direct print mode.

  When an external memory card storing print data is inserted, an image is displayed on the display panel. When a plurality of images are stored in the external memory card, the image can be selected with the cross key and can be determined by pressing the OK button 310.

  Printing of the selected image is started by pressing the color button 305 and the monochrome button 306.

  Next, content actually displayed on the liquid crystal panel will be described with reference to FIG.

  401 is a screen in the copy mode described above, 402 is a screen in the direct print mode, and 403 is a screen in the scan mode.

  When a print command is transmitted from an external computer connected to the apparatus, the print mode is set and the panel displays 404.

  Next, the operation when a memory card is inserted will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  When the memory card is inserted, the memory card is searched for a file having the extension “dat” in accordance with the model name described above (step S501). When the file is confirmed, and any one of “STORAGE_MODE = NORMAL”, “STORAGE_MODE = EXTERNAL_RAM”, and “STORAGE_MODE = EXTENTION” is found, the corresponding mode is set (step S502), and the process ends.

  If the file is not found or is not described, it is determined whether or not a function expansion module is contained in the memory card (step S503). If a function expansion module is included, a function addition dialog is displayed (step S504), and the user determines whether to expand this function (step S505).

  If expansion is instructed by the user, this function is added to the menu, this setting is stored in the memory card (step S506), the display indicates that other functions cannot be used (step S507), and the process ends. .

  If the extension is canceled by the user, a dialog indicating that the extended function is canceled is displayed (step S508), and it is determined whether an image is stored in the memory card (step S509).

  If there is an image, a dialog asking the user whether to perform direct printing is displayed (step S510), a printing instruction by the user is determined (step S511), and if there is an instruction, printing processing is performed (step S512). ).

  If there is no image on the memory card, or if there is no print instruction from the user even if there is an image on the memory card, the processing is terminated.

  FIG. 6 shows the transition of the liquid crystal screen when the memory card is inserted.

  Reference numeral 601 denotes a screen displayed while the memory card is being read after the memory card is inserted.

If there is a mode setting saved in the memory card, the following setting screen according to it,
Extended RAM function display (601),
User assistance function by voice (602),
Direct print / PC storage (603)
Is displayed, and the process ends when OK is pressed.

  If there is no saved mode setting, the presence / absence of a function expansion module in the memory card is confirmed, and if there is, a function expansion addition instruction screen 605 is displayed.

  If OK is pressed on this screen, the function is expanded and a screen 602 is displayed to display that other functions cannot be used. On the other hand, if cancel is pressed, if there is printable data in the memory card, the direct print mode screen selection / print screen is displayed (603).

  In addition, when an extended function is not found when the memory card is inserted and there is printable data in the memory card, the function addition is not performed on the function expansion addition instruction screen 602, but printable data is included. Also in this case, the screen selection / printing screen in the photo direct mode is displayed (603).

  Next, the operation when the photo button is pressed will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  When the photo button is pressed, it is determined whether or not a memory card is inserted (step S701). If it is not inserted, an error indicating no memory card is displayed (step S702), and the memory card is awaited. (Step S703). If a memory card is inserted, it is determined whether mode setting information is present in the memory card (step S704). If there is, a mode stored in the memory card is set (step S705).

  If it is determined in step S701 that a memory card is inserted, or if there is no mode setting information in the memory card in step S704, it is determined whether the memory card is used for function expansion ( In step S706), if it is not used as an extended function, it is determined whether the memory card is used as an extended RAM (step S707). If it is not used as an expansion RAM, it is confirmed whether or not printable data is contained in the memory card (step S708). If it is contained, the direct print mode image selection and print screen is displayed (step S709). ). If printing is instructed by the user on this screen, printing processing is performed (step S710), and the process ends.

  If there is no printable data in the memory card in step S708, the process ends.

  If the memory card is used as an extended function in step S706, a display indicating that the memory card is already used as an extended function is displayed (step S711), and whether to change the memory card mode to the direct print mode is displayed. A dialog is displayed (step S712). Then, the user determines whether or not the function has been changed to the normal mode (step S713). If the function has been changed, the function is deleted from the menu, the function setting is stored in the memory card (step S714), and step S708. Proceed to

  If the memory card is used as an expansion RAM in step S707, the content indicating that the memory card has already been used is displayed (step S715), and the process proceeds to step S712.

  The display transition when the photo button is pressed will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the photo button is pressed, a memory card reading screen (801) is displayed, and when a memory card is not found, a screen without a memory card (802) is displayed. When a memory card is found, it is divided into three cases.

  If the memory card is operating in the direct print / PC storage mode, an image reading screen is displayed (803), and if an image is found, the direct print screen (804) is entered. If not found, return to the screen before pressing the photo button.

  If the memory card is used as an expansion RAM, the contents of the fold are displayed (805).

  Further, when the memory card is used as an audio user assistance function, the contents of the occasion are displayed (806).

  In either case, if the OK button is pressed, a screen for allowing the user to select whether to shift to the memory card function selection screen for changing the function of the memory card is displayed (807). Shifts to the memory card function selection screen (808) (and returns to the screen before the photo button is pressed when the stop is pressed and canceled by the user).

  Here, if the user selects the direct print / PC storage function and presses OK, it displays that the direct print / PC storage function has been selected (809), and if OK is pressed, reads the image 803. The middle screen shifts to display (when the stop is pressed here and canceled by the user, the screen returns to the screen before pressing the photo button).

  The operation when removing the memory card will be described with reference to FIG.

  When it is detected that the memory card has been removed, it is determined whether or not the memory card is being used as an audio user assistance function (step S901). If the memory card is being used, this function cannot be used by removing the memory card. It is displayed that it becomes possible (step S902), and a confirmation screen as to whether or not to continue to use the additional function by the memory card is displayed, and the user is made to select (step S903). If this function is to be used continuously, a memory card insertion request screen is displayed (step S904), waits until it is inserted (step S905), and if the insertion is confirmed, the process ends.

  If the user selects not to continue using this function in step S903, this function is disabled and a message indicating that the function cannot be used is displayed (step S906).

  If the memory card is not used as an expansion function in step S901, it is determined whether the memory card is used as an expansion RAM (step S907). If the memory card is used as an external RAM, the memory card is determined. The fact that the expansion RAM becomes unusable due to the removal is displayed (step S908), and a confirmation screen as to whether or not to continue to use the expansion RAM function by the memory card is displayed to allow the user to select (step S909). If this function is to be used continuously, a memory card insertion request screen is displayed (step S910), waits until it is inserted (step S911), and if the insertion is confirmed, the process ends.

  If the user selects not to continue using this function in step S909, this function is disabled and a message indicating that the function cannot be used is displayed (step S912).

  If the memory card is not used as an expansion function in step S901, and if the memory card is not used as an expansion RAM in step S907, the process ends without performing any particular display.

  The display on the main body operation screen when the memory card is removed will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the memory card is taken out and used as an audio user assistance function, a display indicating that the function is invalidated by taking out is displayed, and the user is allowed to select whether to invalidate the function (1002). ).

  Similarly, when it is used as an expansion RAM, a display is made that the function as the expansion RAM is invalidated by the extraction, and the user is allowed to select whether to invalidate the function (1001).

  If stop is pressed in these displays (1001, 1002) and the continuous use of the function used by the user is canceled, the mode of the memory card is set to the direct print / PC storage function, and this is set. A message indicating that the memory card has been displayed is displayed (1003), and the screen before the memory card is removed is returned to.

  If OK is pressed and the user instructs to continue using the function used from the beginning, a memory card reading screen is displayed (1004). If the memory card cannot be read, a memory card insertion request is displayed. A screen is displayed and waiting for insertion (1005). If the memory card is inserted, the setting for continuously using the function assigned to the memory card is performed, and the screen before the memory card is taken out is returned.

  A procedure for switching the mode of the memory card by the main body will be described with reference to FIG.

  By pressing a menu button on the operation panel of the main body, the highest menu 1101 is displayed.

  When maintenance / various settings are selected from these, and OK is pressed, a second-tier menu 1102 is displayed. Further, when various settings are selected from these and the user presses OK, a third-tier menu 1103 is displayed. By selecting the memory card setting, the memory card function selection screen 1104 at the fourth level is displayed.

  The “speech user assistance function” in this menu is grayed out as in 1105 when no memory card is inserted.

  A display screen on the computer when the memory card mode is changed when the memory card is used as a PC storage in an externally connected computer will be described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 1201 denotes a PC storage displayed on the Windows (registered trademark) OS. The storage is recognized and displayed as a removable disk E. Here, when the mode of the memory card is set by the user to a mode other than the direct print / PC storage mode, the mode is switched as shown in 1202, and the contents that the function being used cannot be used are displayed.

  After that, because the PC storage is lost, the removable disk E disappears from the folder as indicated by 1203.

The perspective view of the device explained in this embodiment Hardware configuration diagram of an apparatus described in this embodiment The figure which shows the main body user interface of the apparatus demonstrated by this embodiment Diagram showing the operation panel display in each operation mode Flow chart when inserting a memory card User interface screen transition diagram when a memory card is inserted Flow chart showing the operation when the photo button is pressed Transition of the main unit user interface screen when the photo button is pressed Flow chart showing operation when removing memory card Transition diagram of main unit user interface when removing memory card Screen transition diagram showing the memory card function selection procedure from the main unit user interface Computer screen transition diagram when changing memory card function while using PC storage

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Document base 102 Document base cover 103 Paper feed tray 104 Paper discharge tray 105 Connector 106 Operation button group 107 Display panel 108 Connector 109 Connection cable 110 Speaker unit

Claims (12)

Internal storage means that can read and write data;
Removable external storage means that can read and write data;
Image input means for inputting image data;
Image output means for outputting image data;
The first mode of the external storage means that enables the image data stored in the external storage means to be output by the image output means, and the external that stores the image input from the image input means to the external storage means A second mode of the storage means, a third mode in which the external storage means is temporarily used when the image input means outputs an image input from the image input means, and a storage in the external storage means Has at least two modes out of the fourth mode in which the functions of the main body can be expanded by the recorded data,
An external storage means mode switching means for switching and using the mode;
An image input / output device comprising: Internal storage means that can read and write data;
Removable external storage means that can read and write data;
Image input means for inputting image data;
Image output means for outputting image data;
A communication means for transferring images;
An external device connected to the communication means;
The first mode of the external storage means that enables the image data stored in the external storage means to be output by the image output means, and the external that stores the image input from the image input means to the external storage means A second mode of the storage means, a third mode in which the external storage means is temporarily used when the image input means outputs the image input from the image input means, and the image input means When the input image is transferred to the external device connected by the communication unit, the fourth mode in which the external storage unit is temporarily used and the image data transferred from the external device are transmitted by the image output unit. When outputting, the fifth mode in which the external storage means is temporarily used and the contents of the external storage means are read directly from the external device connected to the communication means, or read. A sixth mode that allows come out of the seventh mode expandable functionality of the body by data stored in the external storage unit has at least two modes,
An external storage means mode switching means for switching and using the mode;
An image input / output device comprising: Internal storage means that can read and write data;
Removable external storage means that can read and write data;
Image input means for inputting image data;
The external storage means has a first mode for storing the image input from the image input means, and a second mode for extending the function of the main body by data stored in the external storage means. ,
An external storage means mode switching means for switching and using the mode;
An image input apparatus comprising: Internal storage means that can read and write data;
Removable external storage means that can read and write data;
Image input means for inputting image data;
A communication means for transferring images;
An external device connected to the communication means;
A second mode of the external storage means for storing the image input from the image input means in the external storage means, and when transferring the image input from the image input means to an external device connected by the communication means A second mode in which the external storage means is temporarily used, a third mode in which the contents of the external storage means can be directly read from or read from an external device connected to the communication means, and the external storage means It has at least two modes among the fourth modes that can expand the function of the main body with the data stored in
An external storage means mode switching means for switching and using the mode;
An image input apparatus comprising: Internal storage means that can read and write data;
Removable external storage means that can read and write data;
Image output means for outputting image data;
The first mode of the external storage means that enables the image data stored in the external storage means to be output by the image output means, and the second mode that can extend the function of the main body by the data stored in the external storage means Has a mode,
An external storage means mode switching means for switching and using the mode;
An image output apparatus comprising: Internal storage means that can read and write data;
Removable external storage means that can read and write data;
Image output means for outputting image data;
A communication means for transferring images;
An external device connected to the communication means;
The first mode of the external storage means that enables the image data stored in the external storage means to be output by the image output means, and when the image data transferred from the external device is output by the image output means A second mode in which the external storage means is temporarily used; a third mode in which the contents of the external storage means can be directly read from or read from an external device connected to the communication means; and the external storage means It has at least two modes among the fourth modes that can expand the functions of the main body with the stored data,
An external storage means mode switching means for switching and using the mode;
An image output apparatus comprising: The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Detecting means for detecting removal of the external storage means;
A display means for displaying that if the mode being used becomes unusable when removal is detected by the detecting means, the display means that it is unusable;
Confirmation means to confirm that it will become unusable,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
When the mode is switched by the external storage means mode switching means, if the used mode becomes unusable, mode switching prohibiting means for prohibiting mode switching by the external storage means mode switching means,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
When the mode is switched by the external storage means mode switching means, if the mode that has been used becomes unusable, a display means for displaying that it becomes unusable,
Confirmation means to confirm that it will become unusable,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An external storage means connection detection means for detecting that the external storage means is connected;
An extension function detection means in the external storage means for detecting the presence or absence of an extension function when a connection is detected by the connection means;
Control means for controlling the mode switching means of the external storage means when the extended function is detected by the extended function detection means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An external storage means connection detection means for detecting that the external storage means is connected;
An extension function detection means in the external storage means for detecting the presence or absence of an extension function when a connection is detected by the connection means;
An extended function automatic setting means for automatically setting the extended function in the external storage means when the extended function is detected by the extended function detection means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Mode storage means for storing the mode information in which the external storage means is used inside the external storage means;
Detecting means for detecting that the external storage means is connected;
Mode information determination means for determining mode information stored in the external storage means by the mode storage means when a connection is detected by the connection detection means of the external storage means;
Mode automatic setting means for automatically setting the mode determined by the mode information determination means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: