JPH11239255A - Image processing apparatus and control method for image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To construct an excellent image output environment in which printing on another output device can be attempted without canceling a rush input image input without knowing that output is being interrupted. To do. SOLUTION: A CPU 109a of a control unit 109 determines an output state of a printer unit 104, and when the determination result indicates that the printer unit 104 is in an output suspended state, an input of image information in which output is suspended is input. Means (leader unit 1)
03, PC / WS110, network scanner 11
Hard disk 108 of image information input from 1)
The configuration is characterized in that storage in the storage is restricted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of image information sequentially input from one or a plurality of input means, and a storage medium for sequentially reading out the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the storage means. And an image processing apparatus having an output unit for sequentially outputting the image processing apparatus and a control method of the image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Due to recent multifunctional technology, a conventional digital copying machine has various input means for inputting print data and image data. For example, a scanner for reading an original image attached to the copying machine itself, a network scanner connected via a network, data from a host computer (image data, PDL data)
Can be entered.

Further, in a copying machine having a storage device for storing an image, an image input from these input means is temporarily stored in the storage device and then printed out to provide an electronic sort function or to provide a plurality of copies. The improvement of the throughput at the time of output is aimed at.

[0004]

However, since the conventional image processing apparatus has only one output unit even if there are a plurality of input units, even if the input of the image to the storage device is completed immediately, When an error such as a jam or a memory full occurs, image formation is interrupted, and an image may not be output immediately. In most cases, the image output from the host is remote output, and unlike when copying is performed in front of the copier, the user does not notice immediately when the copier is out of jam or paper. Output tends to be prolonged. There is a problem that a large amount of image data is accumulated in the storage device because image data is sent later from a user who does not know that the image formation is interrupted.

Further, since the stored image data is output after an image formation impossible state such as a paper jam or no paper is eliminated, a great amount of time is required to complete the output of the image data. However, there is a problem that the user has to wait for a long time to obtain a necessary image output.

Further, after a user inputs an image to a digital copying machine and notices that the image formation has been interrupted due to a jam or the like and outputs the image to another copying machine, the output of the already input image is performed. There is a problem in that the user forgets to cancel and receives multiple outputs in vain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to twentieth inventions according to the present invention is to determine whether or not image output is interrupted in a printer unit. Then, it is determined whether or not the detected image formation interruption reason is included in the set input prohibition reason. Based on these determinations and determination results, the image data input by the same input means as the image data whose output has been interrupted is determined. An excellent image that can be printed on another output device without canceling a rush input image without knowing that the output is being interrupted by prohibiting the input to the storage device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of constructing an output environment and a control method of the image processing apparatus.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or more input means (a reader unit 103, a PC / WS 110, a network scanner 111 shown in FIG. 1) for inputting image information; A storage unit (hard disk 108 shown in FIG. 1) for storing a plurality of image information sequentially input from one or a plurality of input units, and sequentially reading out the plurality of image information stored in the storage unit to a recording medium In an image processing apparatus having an output unit (printer unit 104 shown in FIG. 1) for sequentially outputting, a CPU 109a for judging based on a control program stored in a ROM 109c for judging an output state of image information by the output unit. ), When the output state of the image information is determined to be the interrupted state by the determination means, It is determined from which of the input means the image information has been input, and the image information input from any of the input means determined to have input the image information in the output suspended state is stored in the storage means. (A CPU 109a that performs limit control based on a control program stored in the ROM 109c).

In a second aspect according to the present invention, the control means, when the determination means determines that the output state of the image information is an interrupted state, outputs the image information in the interrupted state to any one of the input states. It is determined whether or not the image information is input from any of the input means, and the storage of the image information input from any of the input means determined to have input the image information in the output interrupted state is prohibited (stored in the ROM 109c). The CPU 109a prohibits the operation based on the control program.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, the control means determines a reason for interrupting the output of the image information when the determination means determines that the output state of the image information is an interrupted state. Restricting the storage of the image information input from any of the input means determined to have input the interrupted image information based on the determined reason for interruption in the storage means (stored in the ROM 109c) CPU 109a determines and restricts based on the executed control program).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting means (input prohibition reason setting window 500 shown in FIG. 5) for setting a plurality of input prohibition reasons when the output is interrupted. When it is determined that the output state of the image information is in the interrupted state, the reason for interrupting the output of the image information is determined, and the determined interrupt reason is compared with the input prohibition reason set by the setting unit. Then, based on the comparison result, the storage of the image information input from any one of the input units determined to have input the interrupted image information to the storage unit is restricted (ROM 109
c based on the control program stored in CPU 109
a is the determination, comparison and restriction).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the storage means for storing the output state of the image information by the output means determined by the determination means and the image information inputted from the input means controlled by the control means. One or more informing means for informing the operator of the storage state of the
(Not shown) of the touch panel 316 and the PC / WS 110 and the network scanner 111 shown in FIG.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an image reading section (reader section 103 shown in FIG. 1) for inputting image information read from a document.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes a scanner device (a network scanner 111 shown in FIG. 1) for inputting image information read from a document via a predetermined communication medium. Including.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to an information processing apparatus (PC / WS shown in FIG. 1) in which said one or more input means inputs predetermined image information via a predetermined communication medium.
110).

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined image information input by the information processing device includes image information described in a predetermined page description language (PDL data, page description language), A developing means (computer interface unit 107 shown in FIG. 1) for developing image information described in a predetermined page description language input by the information processing apparatus into image information that can be output by the output means is provided. .

In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the predetermined communication medium is a network (a network 1 shown in FIG. 1).
12).

An eleventh invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the singular or plural input means is an operation unit (the operation unit 10 shown in FIG. 1).
2) and includes an image reading unit (reader unit 104 shown in FIG. 1) for inputting image information read from a document in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit, and the setting unit is provided in the operation unit (FIG. The input prohibition reason setting window 500 shown in FIG. 5 is a touch panel 316 of the operation unit 102 shown in FIG.
Displayed on the screen).

In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an operation section (an operation section not shown), and converts image information read from a document in accordance with an instruction from the operation section to a predetermined value. The setting means includes a scanner device (the network scanner 111 shown in FIG. 1) for inputting via a communication medium, and the setting means is provided on the operation unit (the input prohibition reason setting window 500 shown in FIG. 5 is a display unit not shown). Displayed on the screen).

A thirteenth invention according to the present invention is the information processing apparatus (PC / W shown in FIG. 1), wherein said one or more input means inputs predetermined image information via a predetermined communication medium.
S110), and the setting means is provided in the operation unit of the information processing apparatus (the input prohibition reason setting window 500 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on a display unit (not shown)).

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an operation unit having a display unit (the operation unit 102 having a touch panel 316 shown in FIG. 3), and an instruction from the operation unit is provided. And an image reading unit (reader unit 104 shown in FIG. 1) for inputting image information read from a document by the user. The notification unit displays a message on the display unit to prohibit image input from the image reading unit. Is what you do.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an operation section having a display section,
A scanner device (a network scanner 111 shown in FIG. 1) for inputting image information read from a document via a predetermined communication medium in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit; Is displayed to prohibit image input.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means inputs image information described in a predetermined page description language (page description language) via a predetermined communication medium. Device (PC / WS11 shown in FIG. 1)
0), and the notifying means displays a message to the effect that image input from the information processing device is prohibited on a display unit of the information processing device.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or more input means (reader unit 104,
PC / WS110, network scanner 111),
A storage unit (hard disk 108 shown in FIG. 1) for storing a plurality of image information sequentially input from the single or a plurality of input units, and a plurality of the image information stored in the storage unit which are sequentially read out and stored in a recording medium. In the method for controlling an image processing apparatus having an output unit (the printer unit 104 shown in FIG. 1) for sequentially outputting the image information, a determination step (step (1) in FIG. 6) for determining the output state of the image information by the output unit If it is determined that the output state of the image information is the interrupted state, it is determined which of the input means the image information in the output interrupted state has been input (step (3) in FIG. 6), and the output is performed. A prohibition step of prohibiting storage of the image information input from any of the input means determined to have input the interrupted image information in the storage means (step (FIG. 6) )) And those having a.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the prohibiting step, when it is determined that the output state of the image information is an interrupted state, the reason for the interruption of the output of the image information is determined (step in FIG. 6). (2)) Then, based on the determined interruption reason, the storage of the image information input from any of the input units determined to have input the image information in the interrupted state is prohibited. Is what you do.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when the output state of the image information is determined to be the interrupted state, the reason for interrupting the output of the image information is determined, A comparison step (step (2) in FIG. 6) for comparing the input inhibition reason with the input inhibition reason. In the inhibition step, based on the comparison result, it is determined that the interrupted image information has been input. The image information input from the input means is prohibited from being stored in the storage means.

A twentieth invention according to the present invention provides a notifying step of notifying an operator of an output state of image information by said output means and a storage state of image information input from said input means in said storage means. (Step (4) in FIG. 6).

[0028]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a digital copying machine will be described as an example.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a digital copying machine main body, an operation unit 102, a reader unit 103, and a printer unit 104.
Consists of The operation unit 102 is used for inputting various settings such as a processing mode and operating the digital copier main body 101 and the image input / output control unit 105.

The reader unit 103 reads an image of a document,
Image data corresponding to the original image is input to the image input / output control unit 105.
Output to The image data output to the image input / output control unit 105 is temporarily stored in the hard disk 108 via the control unit 109. The printer unit 104 includes the control unit 10
9, an image corresponding to the image data extracted from the hard disk 108 is recorded on a recording paper. The configurations of the reader unit 103 and the printer unit 104 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

The image input / output control unit 105 includes the reader unit 10
3, a facsimile unit 106, a computer interface unit 107, a hard disk 108,
It comprises a control unit 109.

The facsimile unit 106 decompresses the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the decompressed image data to the control unit 109, and compresses the image data transferred from the control unit 109. Then, the compressed image data is transmitted via a telephone line. The compressed image data received by the facsimile unit 106 can be temporarily stored on the hard disk 108.

The computer interface unit 107
Personal computer or workstation (PC
/ WS) 110, or an interface between the scanner or network scanner 111 and the control unit 109, and code data (image data, PDL (Page Descriptor) representing an image transferred from the PC / WS 110.
image data (p.Language, page description language) data) and image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 104 via a predetermined communication medium transferred from the scanner or the network scanner 111, for example, a network, a Centronics cable, a 232C cable, or the like. The data is developed into bitmap data and stored in the hard disk 108 via the control unit 109. Here, the computer interface unit 107 is connected to the network 11
2 is connected to the PC / WS 110 and the network scanner 111.

Although not shown, the PC / WS 110
Are a display unit for displaying various information, a keyboard and a pointing device for receiving input from a user, and a CP.
U, RAM, ROM, network interface, etc. The network scanner 111 includes a reading unit that reads a document image, an operation panel that receives input from a user, a display unit that displays various information, a CPU,
It has a RAM, ROM, and network interface.

The control unit 109 includes a reader unit 103, a facsimile unit 106, a computer interface unit 107,
The data flow between the hard disks 108 is controlled. A CPU 109a controls the entire control unit 109 based on a program stored in the ROM 109c. Reference numeral 109b denotes a RAM, which functions as a work memory or the like for the CPU 109. Reference numeral 220 denotes a sorter, which will be described later in detail.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the configuration of the reader unit 103 and the printer unit 104 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a document feeder which feeds a document one by one on a platen glass 202 in the final order, and after the reading operation of the document is completed, the platen glass 202.
The upper original is discharged. Reference numeral 204 denotes a scanner unit. When a document is conveyed onto the platen glass 202, a lamp 203 is turned on to start moving, and the document is exposed and scanned. The reflected light from the original at this time is reflected on mirror 2
05, 206, 207 and lens 208
The image is led to an image sensor (hereinafter referred to as a CCD) 209.

The CCD 209 reads the image of the document scanned in this manner, and after subjecting the image data output from the CCD 209 to a predetermined process, the printer unit 10
4 and the control unit 109 of the image input / output control unit 105.

Reference numeral 221 denotes a laser driver for driving the laser light emitting section 210. This laser driver 22
1 causes the laser light emitting unit 210 to emit laser light based on the image data output from the image input / output control unit 105. A photosensitive drum 211 is irradiated with a laser beam emitted by a laser driver 221 to form a latent image corresponding to the laser beam. Reference numeral 212 denotes a developing device, which is a photosensitive drum 211.
Is developed by attaching a developer to the portion of the latent image formed on the substrate.

Reference numerals 213 and 214 denote cassettes on which recording paper is placed. A transfer unit 215 is a cassette 213 and a cassette 214 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation.
The developer adhered to the photosensitive drum 211 is transferred to the recording paper fed and conveyed from any of the above. Reference numeral 216 denotes a fixing unit which applies heat and pressure to the recording paper on which the developer is transferred by the transfer unit 215 and is conveyed to fix the developer onto the recording paper.

Reference numeral 218 denotes a flapper for switching the recording paper transport path. A paper discharge roller 217 is a roller that discharges the recording paper outside the apparatus (here, the sorter 220). Reference numeral 220 denotes a sorter that sorts the recording paper discharged by the paper discharge rollers 217 into respective bins and staples the sorted recording paper. In addition,
When no sorting is set, the sorter 220 stores the recording paper in the uppermost bin.

When double-sided recording is set,
After the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 217, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 217 is reversed, and the flapper 218 is rotated.
To the re-feeding conveyance path 219. When multiplex recording is set, the recording paper is guided to the re-feed conveyance path 219 by the flapper 218 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 217. The recording paper guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 219 is supplied to the transfer unit 215 at the timing described above.

FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the operation unit 102 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a main power lamp, which is turned on when the power is turned on. A power switch (not shown) is disposed on a side surface of the main body, and controls power supply to the main body. Reference numeral 302 denotes a preheating key which is pressed when switching ON / OFF of the preheating mode.

A copy mode key 303 is pressed to select a copy mode from a plurality of functions. 30
A fax mode key 4 is pressed to select a fax mode from a plurality of functions. A personal box key 305 is pressed when selecting a personal box mode from a plurality of functions. A detailed description of the personal box function will be given in FIG. 4 described later.

Reference numeral 306 denotes a copy start key which is pressed to instruct the start of copying. Reference numeral 307 denotes a stop key which is pressed when copying is interrupted or stopped. A reset key 308 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode when pressed during standby. A guide key 309 is pressed to display a description of each function on the touch panel 316. A user mode key 310 is pressed by a user to change the basic settings of the system.

Reference numeral 311 denotes an interrupt key which is depressed when the user wants to interrupt the copying and execute the copying. Reference numeral 312 denotes a numeric keypad, which is a key group to be pressed when a numerical value is input. A clear key 313 is depressed when clearing a numerical value. Reference numeral 314 denotes a one-touch dial key. In this embodiment, 20 keys are arranged. When any one-touch dial key is pressed during facsimile transmission, a telephone number registered for each key is automatically dialed. .

Reference numeral 315 denotes a set of two lids. Each key part of the one-touch dial key 314 is hollowed out to form a double lid. With a sensor switch not shown,
A first state in which the two lids are closed, a second state in which only the first lid is open, and a third state in which the two lids are open are detected. The operation of the key of the one-touch dial key 314 is determined by the combination with the open / closed state of these three types of lids. In this embodiment, the key is 20 × 3 =
It has the same effect as the presence of 60 pieces. 316 is a touch panel, which is composed of a combination of a liquid crystal screen and a touch sensor,
An individual setting screen is displayed for each mode, and various detailed settings can be made by touching the drawn keys.

FIG. 4 shows the hard disk 10 shown in FIG.
8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a logical method of using No. 8; FIG. In addition,
In this embodiment, the storage area of the hard disk is logically divided into a temporary area and a personal box area, which will be described later, according to the intended use.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a temporary area.
A storage area for temporarily storing PDL expanded data and image data from a scanner. By temporarily storing image data in this area, it is possible to change the output order of image data or perform one-time scanning even when outputting multiple copies. Enables multiple output processing. Reference numeral 402 denotes a personal box area, which is a storage area for using a personal box function, and is stored in a small number of registered storage areas such as personal box areas 403 to 406 (hereinafter referred to as boxes). Has been split.

In the present embodiment, the personal box function refers to a storage area (box 403) of the hard disk 108 of the digital copying machine from a host such as a personal computer or a scanner when printing a confidential document or the like.
To 406) to transfer an image, and to output an image on a sheet are performed from the operation unit 102 of the digital copier main body.

The boxes 403 to 406 are assigned to each user or department of the company, and each box can be given a box name and a password. The user can access each box by designating the box name, and unless a correct password is input, the user cannot actually view the document or the like stored in the box or output it to paper.

FIG. 5 shows the touch panel 316 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image input prohibition reason setting screen at the time of output interruption displayed on the display unit of the PC / WS 110 illustrated in FIG. 1. Here, description is given assuming that the information is displayed on the touch panel 316.

In the figure, reference numeral 500 denotes an input prohibition reason setting window, which is a screen for selecting and setting prohibition reasons such as troubles, errors, and alarms for which image input to the digital copying machine 101 should be prohibited. Reference numeral 501 denotes an input prohibition reason display field. In the present embodiment, as examples, “jam”, “no toner”, “door open”, “sorter finisher alarm”, “staple alarm”, “paper out”,
Input prohibition reason items such as “memory full” and “service error” are displayed.

Reference numeral 502 denotes a toggle button. When a check mark is displayed in the toggle button, the check mark disappears when the toggle button is pressed, and when the check mark is pressed when the check mark is not displayed, a check mark is displayed. You.

Reference numeral 503 denotes a down button, and 504 denotes an up button. By pressing this button, the input prohibition reason display column 501 scrolls to display an input prohibition reason item that cannot be displayed. An end (close) button 505 is pressed to end the setting input and close the input prohibition reason setting window 500.

On the input prohibition reason setting window 500 as described above, for example, when the user wants to prohibit the input of an image when the output interruption reason is jam, the user presses the toggle button 502a of the jam 501a of the input prohibition reason setting window 500. By displaying a check mark, image input is prohibited when a jam occurs. Similarly, if the user does not want to prohibit image input when the output interruption reason is door open, the user presses the toggle button 502b of the door open 501b of the input prohibition reason setting window 500 to remove the check mark, thereby opening the door. When an error occurs, image input can be performed.

When displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the PC / WS 110, the pointer displayed on the display unit is operated by a pointing device (not shown) or the like to operate the toggle button 502, the down button 503, the up button 5
04, By clicking the end button 505, the same settings as above can be input.

The details of each input prohibition reason item displayed in the input prohibition reason display column 501 are as follows.

“Jam” refers to a state where the recording paper cannot be conveyed by the printer unit 104. The state where the document cannot be conveyed by the document feeder 201 may be included. “No toner” refers to a state in which the amount of the developer (toner) stored in the developing device 212 decreases and printing cannot be continued. “Door open” refers to a state in which a door or the like (not shown) in the printer unit 104 is opened.

The "sorter finisher alarm" refers to a state in which a normal paper discharge operation cannot be performed, for example, the recording paper output from the sorter 220 cannot be discharged due to a jam in the sorter 220. The “staple alarm” indicates a state where a stapler (not shown) in the sorter 220 cannot be stapled due to “no stapler”, “clogged stapler”, or the like.

"No paper" means the cassettes 213 and 214
Indicates that the recording paper has run out. “Memory full” indicates a state in which data from the reader unit 102, the PC / WS 110, and the network scanner 111 cannot be written to the hard disk 108. “Service error” indicates a state in which an error that cannot be resolved by the user has occurred.

The image input / output control unit 105 and the digital copier main body 101 are provided with sensors (not shown) for detecting the states of the image processing apparatus including the above-mentioned states. The control unit 109 and the printer unit 104 are notified. At this time, if the printer unit 104 determines that it is impossible to continue image formation in the printer unit 104 based on the detected state, it interrupts the image forming operation and notifies the control unit 109.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, PC / WS via the reader unit 103 and the computer interface unit 107
A control procedure 110 (input prohibition control when output is interrupted) when an image input is requested from the network scanner will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The flowchart corresponds to the control procedure in the control unit 109 shown in FIG.
Is executed by the CPU 109 based on the control program stored in the. In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, upon receiving an image input processing request from the reader unit 103 or the computer interface unit 107, the control unit 109 determines whether or not image output in the printer unit 104 is currently interrupted (1).
If it is determined that the image output has not been interrupted, the process proceeds to step (5). If it has been determined that the image output has been interrupted, it is determined whether or not the cause of the image output interruption is set in advance as an item that inhibits image input. It is determined (2), and if it is determined that it is not set in advance, the process proceeds to step (5), and if it is determined that it is set, the process proceeds to step (3).

The setting of the interruption reason is performed by the PC / W via the operation unit 102 and the computer interface unit 107.
This can be done from the input prohibition reason setting window 500 shown in FIG. 5 displayed on a display unit (not shown) of S110.

Next, in step (3), it is determined whether or not the image data whose output has been interrupted has been input from the same input device as the image to be input. ), And if it is determined that the input means is different, the procedure proceeds to step (5).

Then, in step (4), the image input processing request is rejected (that is, the image data from the same input means as the image data whose output is interrupted is
08 is not input (stored) in the case of input data from the reader unit 103, the fact that the image output is suspended and the image input is prohibited is displayed on the operation unit 102, and the input data is input via the computer interface unit 107. PC / WS11 via the computer interface unit 107
0 or is transmitted to the network scanner 111 and the processing is terminated. Note that the PC / WS 110 or the network scanner 111 displays on the display unit a message indicating that image input is prohibited during the interruption of image output received from the image processing apparatus.

On the other hand, in step (5), input of image data from the PC / WS 110 and the network scanner 111 via the reader unit 103 or the computer interface unit 107 is permitted, and the input image data is stored in the hard disk 108. The process ends. Thus, when the image output is interrupted, the input of the image to the storage device (hard disk 108) from the same input unit as the input unit to which the image data whose output has been interrupted is not received.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, when an image is not output immediately due to an error such as a jam in the image processing apparatus or a memory full when a print is to be output from a PC / WS, for example, If the image causing the error is image data from another PC / WS, the image data to be printed out from the PC / WS is not stored in the image processing apparatus, and an error is returned to the PC / WS. Unlike the case where an error is stored in the image processing apparatus, it is possible to immediately try printing with another output unit without canceling the job.

In particular, in the case of a print output such as a PC / WS, the user does not immediately notice the interruption of the output unlike the copy operation standing in front of the image processing apparatus, and even if he notices, the distance to the image processing apparatus is short. In some cases, it is often not immediately performed to cancel the cause of interruption such as a jam, so that it is effective to inhibit image input during image output interruption.

Further, by setting the input prohibition reason when the output is interrupted, if the output is interrupted due to the memory full condition, unlike the interruption due to the jam, there is a high possibility that the error is immediately eliminated. Detailed settings, such as not prohibiting, can be provided to the user.

Therefore, when the image output is interrupted, the input from the same input means to the storage device is not accepted. For example, when an image is output from the host in PDL print, other PDL print image data is being output.
If the output is interrupted due to a jam or the like, since the image is not input from the host to the storage device, the output is selected by selecting another output device such as a copying machine or a printer without canceling the input image. Processing can be performed.

The presence or absence (on / off) of execution of the input prohibition control when the output is interrupted is determined by the operation unit 102 or the PC / W.
The setting can be made from S110 or the network scanner 111, and when this setting is turned on, the control unit 109
Performs the input prohibition control at the time of output interruption shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when this setting is turned off, the control unit 109 does not perform the input prohibition control when the output is interrupted as shown in FIG. 6 and the input image is unconditionally input (stored) to the hard disk 108. You may comprise.

Thus, printing of a non-urgent document can be input (stored) in the hard disk regardless of the interruption state, and the user can efficiently shift to other work.

Further, the presence or absence (on / off) of the execution of the input prohibition control when the output is interrupted may be set for each input means.

For example, when the input inhibition control is set to OFF for the reader unit 103 and the PC / WS 110 is set to ON, the image input from the reader unit 103 is unconditionally set to the hard disk 10.
8, the input image from the PC / WS 110 is processed based on the input prohibition control procedure at the time of output interruption shown in FIG.

As a result, an input image by a user standing in front of the reader unit 103, that is, a user who can immediately notice the output interruption and release the interruption state is unconditionally input (stored) to the hard disk 108. An input image by a user who is trying to input image information from the WS 110, that is, a user who is away and does not immediately notice output interruption is processed based on the input inhibition control procedure at the time of output interruption shown in FIG. It is possible to respond flexibly.

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

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

The computer executes the readout program code, not only to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment, but also to execute an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

As described above, it is possible to prevent the same information input from the same input means from being redundantly stored in the storage medium during the interruption of the output, thereby avoiding the situation where the same information is stored in the storage area and compressed. On the other hand, after the output interruption is eliminated, it is possible to efficiently output only the effectively accumulated information.

[0088]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, one or a plurality of input means for inputting image information, a storage means for storing a plurality of image information sequentially input from the one or more input means, and the plurality of information stored in the storage means Output means for sequentially reading out the image information of the image information and sequentially outputting the image information to a recording medium, a judgment means for judging an output state of the image information by the output means, If the status is determined to be suspended,
It is determined which of the input means the image information in the output interrupted state is input from, and the storage of the image information input from any of the input means determined to have input the image information in the output interrupted state Control means for restricting storage in the means, so that the input image information from the same input means as the image information whose output is interrupted during the interruption of the output of the printer unit is restricted, and the The user can select another output device and try to output an image without canceling the input urgent image information without knowing that the output is interrupted.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the control unit determines that the output state of the image information is in the interrupted state, the control unit determines whether the image information in the interrupted state is in any one of the states. It is determined whether or not the image information is input from any of the input means, and the storage of the image information input from any of the input means determined to have input the image information in the output suspended state is prohibited. The user can select another output device and try to output an image without canceling the input urgent image information without knowing that the output is interrupted.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the determining means determines that the output state of the image information is in the interrupted state, the control means determines the reason for interrupting the output of the image information. Judgment, based on the determined reason for interruption, since the storage of the image information input from any of the input means determined to have input the image information of the interrupted state is limited, When the print output is interrupted, the input of the image data from the input unit to which the interrupted image data has been input can be automatically restricted based on the interrupt reason.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided setting means for setting a plurality of input prohibition reasons when the output is interrupted, and the control means determines that the output state of the image information is interrupted by the determination means. Is determined, the reason for interruption of the output of the image information is determined, the determined interruption reason is compared with the input prohibition reason set by the setting unit, and based on the comparison result, Since the storage of the image information input from any of the input units determined to have input the interrupted image information to the storage unit is limited, the input unit to which the image data in the interrupted state is input is limited. The user can freely set the reason for interrupting the print for which the input of the image data should be restricted, and a printing environment intended by the user can be constructed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the output state of the image information by the output means determined by the determination means and the image information input by the input means controlled by the control means are described. Since one or a plurality of notifying means for notifying the operator of the storage state in the storage means is provided, it is possible to notify the user of the interruption of the print output and the inhibition of the input to the storage device.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the one or more input means includes an image reading section for inputting image information read from a document, the image information input from the image reading section can be obtained. When the print output is interrupted, input of image information from the image reading unit to the storage unit can be restricted.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes a scanner device for inputting image information read from a document via a predetermined communication medium. When the print output of the image information input from the scanner device connected to the scanner device is interrupted, the input of the image information from the scanner device to the storage unit can be restricted.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an information processing device for inputting predetermined image information via a predetermined communication medium. When printout of image information input from a connected information processing apparatus is interrupted, input of image information from the information processing apparatus can be restricted.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined image information input by the information processing device includes image information described in a predetermined page description language, and is input by the information processing device. Is provided to develop image information described in a predetermined page description language into image information that can be output by the output means, so that when the print output of the image information input from the information processing apparatus is interrupted, Further, it is possible to restrict the input of image information developed from the page description language input from the information processing device to the storage unit.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined communication medium includes the network, during the output interruption, the same input means as the image information whose output is interrupted is input via the network. Input of image information can be restricted.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an image reading section for inputting image information read from a document in accordance with an instruction from the operation section. Since the setting unit is provided in the operation unit, it is possible to input an input prohibition reason when output is interrupted from the operation unit of the image reading unit.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means has an operation section, and reads image information read from a document in accordance with an instruction from the operation section via a predetermined communication medium. Since the setting unit is provided in the operation unit, it is possible to input an input prohibition reason when the output is interrupted from the operation unit of the scanner device.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an information processing device for inputting predetermined image information via a predetermined communication medium, and the setting means includes: Since it is provided in the operation unit of the information processing device, it is possible to input the input prohibition reason when the output is interrupted from the information processing device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an operation section having a display section, and an image for inputting image information read from a document in accordance with an instruction from the operation section. A reading unit is included, and the notifying unit displays a message on the display unit to prohibit image input from the image reading unit, so that the user of the image reading unit is notified of the prohibition of image information input of the image processing apparatus. Can be notified accurately.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an operation section having a display section, and transmits image information read from a document in accordance with an instruction from the operation section to a predetermined communication section. A scanner device for inputting via a medium, and the notifying means displays a message to the effect that image input from the scanner device is prohibited on the display unit, so that a user of the scanner device receives image information of the image processing device. Can be accurately notified of the prohibition situation.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the singular or plural input means includes an information processing device for inputting image information described in a predetermined page description language via a predetermined communication medium. The notifying unit displays a message indicating that image input from the information processing apparatus is prohibited on the display unit of the information processing apparatus. Can be notified accurately.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, one or more input means for inputting image information, a storage means for storing a plurality of image information sequentially input from the one or more input means, An output unit for sequentially reading out the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the storage unit and sequentially outputting the plurality of pieces of image information to a recording medium, a determination method for determining an output state of the image information by the output unit Step, and when it is determined that the output state of the image information is in the interrupted state, it is determined from which of the input means the image information in the output interrupted state is input, and the image information in the output interrupted state is input. Prohibiting the storage of the image information input from any of the input means determined to have been performed in the storage means. You can attempt select and image output another output device without canceling the image information of urgent entered without knowing.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the prohibiting step, when it is determined that the output state of the image information is an interrupted state, the reason for interrupting the output of the image information is determined. Based on the determined reason for interruption, the image information input from any one of the input units determined to have input the interrupted image information is prohibited from being stored in the storage unit. It is possible to select another output device and try to output an image without canceling the urgent image information input without knowing that the information is being output.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when the output state of the image information is determined to be the interrupted state, the reason for interrupting the output of the image information is determined, and the determined reason for the interrupt is determined. A comparison step of comparing the set input prohibition reason with the input prohibition reason, wherein the prohibition step is input from any of the input units determined to have input the interrupted image information based on the comparison result. Since the storage of the image information in the storage unit is prohibited, the user can freely set the reason for the print interruption in which the input of the image data from the input unit into which the image data in the interrupted state should be restricted,
A printing environment intended by the user can be constructed.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the operator is notified of the output state of the image information by the output unit and the storage state of the image information input from the input unit in the storage unit. Since the notification step is provided, the user can be notified of whether the print output has been interrupted and whether input to the storage device has been prohibited.

Therefore, without canceling the rush input image input without knowing that the output is being interrupted,
The present invention has the advantage that an excellent image output environment in which printing can be attempted with another output device can be established.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a logical method of using the hard disk shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the touch panel shown in FIG. 3 or the P shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image input prohibition reason setting screen displayed when an output is interrupted displayed on a C / WS display unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 Digital copier main body 102 Operation unit 103 Reader unit 104 Printer unit 105 Image input / output control unit 107 Computer interface unit 108 Hard disk 109 Control unit 110 PC / WS 111 Network scanner

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Kadoo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc.

Claims (20)

[Claims] A plurality of input means for inputting image information; a storage means for storing a plurality of image information sequentially input from the one or more input means; and a plurality of the plurality of image information stored in the storage means. An image processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that sequentially reads out image information and sequentially outputs the image information to a recording medium; a determination unit that determines an output state of the image information by the output unit; Is determined to be in the interrupted state, it is determined whether the image information in the output interrupted state is input from any of the input means, and any of the image information in the output interrupted state is determined to have been input Control means for restricting storage of the image information input from the input means in the storage means. 2. The control means, when the determination means determines that the output state of the image information is the interrupted state, determines which of the input means the image information in the interrupted state has been input. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein storage of the image information input from any one of the input units determined to have input the image information in the output suspended state to the storage unit is prohibited. . 3. The control unit, when the determination unit determines that the output state of the image information is in an interrupted state, determines a reason for interrupting the output of the image information, and determines the reason for the determined interruption. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein storage of image information input from any one of the input units determined to have input the interrupted image information based on the input image information in the storage unit is restricted. apparatus. 4. A setting means for setting a plurality of input prohibition reasons at the time of interruption of the output, wherein the control means sets the image when the output state of the image information is determined to be an interruption state by the determination means. The reason for interruption of output of information is determined, the reason for interruption determined is compared with the reason for input prohibition set by the setting means, and it is determined that the image information in the interrupted state has been input based on the comparison result. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein storage of the image information input from any one of the input units in the storage unit is restricted. 5. An operator is provided with an output state of image information by said output means determined by said determination means and a storage state of image information input from said input means controlled by said control means in said storage means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising one or more informing means for informing. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more input units include an image reading unit that inputs image information read from a document. 7. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more input means includes a scanner device for inputting image information read from a document via a predetermined communication medium. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more input means includes an information processing apparatus for inputting predetermined image information via a predetermined communication medium. 9. The predetermined image information input by the information processing device includes image information described in a predetermined page description language, and is described by a predetermined page description language input by the information processing device. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a developing unit that expands the image information into image information that can be output by the output unit. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined communication medium includes a network. 11. The one or more input units include an operation unit, and include an image reading unit that inputs image information read from a document in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image processing apparatus is provided. 12. The setting means, wherein the one or more input means includes a scanner device having an operation unit, and inputting image information read from a document via a predetermined communication medium in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image processing device is provided in the operation unit. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more input units include an information processing device that inputs predetermined image information via a predetermined communication medium, and the setting unit is provided in an operation unit of the information processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: 14. The singular or plural input means includes an operation section having a display section, and includes an image reading section for inputting image information read from a document in accordance with an instruction from the operation section, The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a message indicating that image input from the image reading unit is prohibited is displayed on the display unit. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more input units include an operation unit having a display unit, and include a scanner device that inputs image information read from a document via a predetermined communication medium in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notifying unit displays a message indicating that image input from the scanner device is prohibited on the display unit. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more input units include an information processing device that inputs image information described in a predetermined page description language via a predetermined communication medium. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a message indicating that image input from the information processing apparatus is prohibited is displayed on the display unit. 17. One or a plurality of input means for inputting image information, a storage means for storing a plurality of image information sequentially input from the one or more input means, and the plurality of the plurality of image information stored in the storage means A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: an output unit that sequentially reads out image information and sequentially outputs the image information to a recording medium; If it is determined that the image information is in the interrupted state, it is determined whether the image information in the output interrupted state has been input from any of the input means, and any of the inputs determined to have input the image information in the output interrupted state A prohibition step of prohibiting storage of the image information input from the means in the storage means. 18. The prohibiting step, when it is determined that the output state of the image information is the interrupted state, determines a reason for interrupting the output of the image information, and based on the determined reason for the interrupt, 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein storage of the image information input from any one of the input units determined to have input the interrupted image information in the storage unit is prohibited. . 19. When it is determined that the output state of the image information is in the interrupted state, the reason for interrupting the output of the image information is determined, and the determined interrupt reason is compared with the set input prohibition reason. The prohibition step is a step of storing image information input from any of the input units determined to have input the interrupted image information in the storage unit based on the comparison result. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the control is prohibited. 20. A notifying step for notifying an operator of an output state of the image information by the output unit and a storage state of the image information input from the input unit in the storage unit. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 17.