JPH1084452A - Composite image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a multifunction device having a copy print mode, a printer print mode, and a facsimile reception print mode,
It is an object of the present invention to reduce the waiting time for an operator who intends to make a copy, and to provide usability similar to that of a single-function copying machine without being conscious of the multifunction peripheral. SOLUTION: When a print unit 7 instructs execution of a copy print mode from an operation unit 5 during execution of a printer print mode or a facsimile reception print mode,
The printer print mode or the facsimile reception print mode is temporarily interrupted at a break between print pages, and the copy print mode is executed with priority. After the copy print mode ends, the execution of the printer print mode or the facsimile reception print mode is not started until a predetermined time has elapsed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus in which a copying function is combined with a printer function and a facsimile function, and more particularly to a method of prioritizing each function in a printing process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing process in a composite image processing apparatus having a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, if one of these three functions starts using the print processing unit of the apparatus. Until the function releases the print processing unit, other functions have to wait for use of the print processing unit.

[0003]

For this reason, for example, even if the operator attempts to copy during facsimile reception, the operator does not know when facsimile reception will end and the operator will be in front of the apparatus until printing of the received image is completed. I had to wait.

In the printing process as a printer function, a very large number of pages are sometimes printed, and as described above, there is a drawback that the printer cannot be used as a copying machine during the printing process. Was.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to reduce the waiting time for an operator who wants to make a copy, and to provide usability similar to that of a single-function copying machine without being aware of the fact that the machine is a multifunction machine. .

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a facsimile communication means connected to an external information processing apparatus for inputting print information, a facsimile communication means for transmitting / receiving a facsimile image signal connected to a communication line, and the facsimile communication. Storage memory means for temporarily storing a received image received by the means,
An operation unit for giving an operation instruction to the apparatus by a user; a first print mode for printing print information input from the document reading unit; and print information input from the external information processing device via a connection unit. A second print mode for printing;
A printing unit having a third print mode for printing print information received by the facsimile communication unit and stored in the storage memory unit; and a system control unit for controlling each of the units. Means for executing the second print mode or the third print mode when the operation means instructs execution of the first print mode during execution of the second print mode or the third print mode in the print means. The third print mode is temporarily stopped at a break of a print page, and the first print mode is preferentially executed.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Prior to the description of the present embodiment, the immediacy required for the printing process of three functions of copy, printer and facsimile reception will be considered.

First, the printing of a facsimile reception image does not allow the recipient to predict the reception time, so that there is no inconvenience at least as a priority of the printing process.

[0009] In addition, since copying is performed by an operator who actually operates the apparatus, processing should be performed with the highest priority.

[0010] Further, the printer is a printing process by remote control via a connected information processing device.
The operator does not wait for the output end in front of the present apparatus, and generally, this processing is processed as a background job of the information processing apparatus. Another task can be performed.

From the above, it is appropriate that the priority of the printing process is copy printing> printer printing> facsimile reception printing.

Therefore, in accordance with this priority order, even if a printer or facsimile reception is being printed, if a copy execution operation is performed, the printing process up to that point is temporarily stopped at a break in the print page, and the copy operation is stopped. Process preferentially.

Further, a copy print output sheet operated by an operator is stacked on a print output sheet of a printer or a facsimile reception before the interruption, on a recording paper discharge tray. It is easy because the operator intervenes on the spot.

After the copying operation is stopped, the interrupted printer printing or facsimile reception printing is restarted. A predetermined period of waiting time is provided until the printing is restarted.

The first reason is that, when copying a book-shaped original, the copying operation is temporarily interrupted because a manual operation of turning the pages of the original for each copy is performed. Therefore, if the copy execution operation is performed again within the predetermined period, the copy operation can be continuously performed, which has an effect of preventing the print output from being mixed for each page. Of course, there is also an effect of improving the throughput of the copy operation by preventing another print execution for each copy operation.

The second reason is to secure time for the operator to remove the copy output sheet from the recording sheet discharge tray. If the interrupted printer printing or facsimile reception printing is resumed immediately after the end of the copying operation, the next print output comes out to the output tray when the operator is handling the recording paper in the output tray, and the operator receives the next print output. This also has the effect of avoiding the risk of cutting the operator's hand at the end of the discharged recording paper in some cases.

On the other hand, facsimile reception printing and printer printing are both operations in which no operator is present on the spot. Therefore, if the other printing operation is interrupted and executed during any one of a series of printing operations, the respective print outputs are mixed in the paper discharge tray, and it becomes very difficult to sort them. Would.

Therefore, although the prioritization is performed as described above, the facsimile reception printing and the printer printing continue the printing process until a series of printing operations is completed.

The "sequential printing" for facsimile reception printing refers to an image received in one reception operation, and its determination is easy. On the other hand, in printer printing, print information from an external device is simply printed, so it is difficult to judge “a series of printing”. Therefore, when new print information is not input for a predetermined period after printing of one page is completed, it is determined that the “series of printing” is completed.

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration in this embodiment.

The system control unit 1 controls the operation of the present system, and includes a logical operation unit (CPU), a ROM for storing control programs, and an R for storing control parameters.
It is composed of AM and the like.

The document reading section 2 scans the document line-sequentially, reads the image of the document, converts the read image into an electric signal, and outputs the signal. The printer interface unit 3 is connected to an external information processing device and inputs print information as a printer.

The facsimile transmission / reception unit 4 is connected to a public communication line and performs a facsimile image transmission / reception operation. The operation unit 5 has an instruction input unit for an operator to give an operation instruction to the apparatus, and a display unit for displaying a state of the apparatus.

The image storage memory section 6 temporarily stores facsimile transmission / reception images and image data when copying a plurality of copies.

The printing unit 7 prints on a recording sheet the image read by the document reading unit 2, the print information input from the printer interface unit 3, and the facsimile reception image received by the facsimile transmission / reception unit 4. .

The external information processing apparatus 10 is a computer or the like connected to the image processing apparatus via the printer interface unit 3. When an operator operates the external information processing apparatus 10 to give a print instruction, the external information processing apparatus 10 receives an external command. The information processing device 10 outputs the corresponding print information to the printer interface unit 3.

The external line switching device 20 performs a line switching operation of a public communication line connected to the facsimile transmission / reception section 4 of the image processing apparatus.

Next, the basic operation of each printing process related to the present invention will be described.

<One copy operation> When an operator inputs an instruction to execute a copy from the operation unit 5, the system control unit 1 controls the original reading unit 2 to read an original image line by line. The read image signals are sequentially input to the printing unit 7, and the reading operation and the printing operation are synchronized to perform parallel processing.

If the printing unit 7 is occupied by another operation when the copy execution instruction is input, the user is granted the right to use the printing unit 7 after waiting for processing of one page being printed. Acquire and start copy operation.

After one copy operation is completed, the right to use the printing unit 7 is kept for a predetermined period. Then, after the elapse of the predetermined period, if there is a print process temporarily suspended for the copy process, the right to use the printing unit 7 is returned to the process. If there is no interruption processing, the printing unit 7 will be in an idle state until a new printing processing occurs.

<Multiple copy operation> As the multiple copy operation, there is also a method of repeating the above one copy operation a specified number of times, and this method is generally used.
A method for an X-type ADF (automatic document feeder) will be described.

When an operator inputs an instruction to execute a plurality of copies from the operation unit 5, the system control unit 1 controls the original reading unit 2 to read the original image line by line and reads the read image signal. Are sequentially compression-encoded and stored in the storage memory 6.

When the reading of the original is completed, the read image data that has been compression-encoded and stored in the storage memory 6 is decoded, developed into the original image signal, and printed by the printing unit 7. This decryption / printing process is repeated a specified number of times.

When a copy execution instruction is input and the printing unit 7 is being used by another operation, the printing unit 7
, And waits until the processing of one page in the middle of printing is completed, and then starts the copying operation.

After the end of one copy operation, the right to use the printing unit 7 is kept for a predetermined period. Then, after the elapse of the predetermined period, if there is a print process temporarily suspended for the copy process, the right to use the printing unit 7 is returned to the process. If there is no interruption processing, the printing unit 7 will be in an idle state until a new printing processing occurs.

<Printer Operation> When the printing section 7 of the apparatus is in a usable state, the apparatus notifies the external information processing apparatus 10 of the ready status via the printer interface section 3 and can receive print information. Indicates that there is.

When the printing section 7 is used for another printing process, the apparatus notifies the external information processing apparatus 10 of the busy status via the printer interface section 3 and the print information cannot be received. Is shown.

When in the ready state, the external information processing device 10 outputs print information to the printer interface unit 3. Upon detecting the input of the print information, the printer interface 3 acquires the right to use the print unit 7, converts the print information into an image signal, outputs the generated image signal to the print unit 7 line by line, and Prints on recording paper.

After printing one page, the interface unit 3 keeps the right to use the printing unit for a predetermined period, and within this period, if the input of new print information is detected, the operation as a printer is continued. I do.

On the other hand, if there is no new print information input during this period, the right to use the print section is abandoned. However, when the transfer of the usage right is requested for the copy operation during the printing process, the usage right of the printing unit 7 is transferred after the printing of one page being printed is completed.

<Facsimile Reception Operation> The facsimile reception operation includes a “reception operation” for storing a received image in the storage memory 6 while performing the reception operation and a “print operation” for printing the received image stored in the storage memory 6. Each job operates as two independent jobs.

In the "reception operation", the facsimile transmission / reception unit 4 receives a modulated coded image signal transmitted from the other party facsimile transmission device via the public communication line, performs demodulation processing, and performs encoding. Output image signal.

The system controller 1 sequentially decodes the encoded image signal once, confirms that there is no error in the received signal, performs predetermined compression encoding processing again, and
To be stored. Each time the reception of one page is completed, a print request is registered in a “reception print queue” that manages the print processing order of facsimile reception images.

The “print operation” is the “receive print queue”
Is constantly monitored to determine whether or not there is a received image to be printed. When there is an image to be printed and the printing unit 7 is in a usable state, printing of the received image is started. .

If the image to be printed is a received image for which the receiving operation has already been completed, printing of all pages received by the communication is executed continuously, and when printing of all pages is completed, the printing unit Waives the right to use.

On the other hand, when the printing of one page is completed, if the image is part of the communication that is still in the middle of the receiving operation, the receiving operation ends, and until the printing of all the received pages is completed. Holds the right to use the print department.

However, when the transfer of the usage right is requested for the copy operation during the printing process, the usage right of the printing unit 7 is once transferred after the printing of one page being printed is completed.

FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the operation of each of the three functions of the composite image processing apparatus, namely, the copy function, the printer function, and the facsimile reception function, and the printing processing of the printing unit 7.

First, each symbol in the figure has the following meaning.

Tw1 = predetermined time until the copy function relinquishes the right to use the printing unit 7 after the copy operation is completed Tw2 = until the printer function relinquishes the right to use the printing unit 7 after printing one page by the printer operation Cx = the x-th page of the copy output Px = the x-th page of the printer output Rm (n / N) = the output of the n-th page in the total page number N in the m-th reception operation of the facsimile reception output The operation of the printing process, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described for each function with time.

<Copy Function> In the copy operation of FIG. 2, first, T1 to T4 are in a ready state waiting for input of a copy execution instruction, and at T5, the input of the copy execution instruction is detected, and the right to use the printing unit is obtained. Request acquisition of

Next, in T6, the process waits until the processing of the currently printed one page is completed, and in T7 to T8, the right to use the printing unit is acquired and the copy C1 is executed. At T9,
Until the time Tw1 has elapsed, while the right to use the printing unit 7 is held, the system waits for the input of the next copy execution instruction.

Next, at T10, the input of a new copy execution instruction is detected, and at T11-12, copy C2 is executed. In T13 to T15, the input of the next copy execution instruction is waited while maintaining the right to use the printing unit 7 until the time Tw1 has elapsed.

At T16, since the time Tw1 has elapsed,
Return the usage right to the printer process that interrupted the print process. Then, in T17 to T24, it waits for the input of the next copy execution instruction.

At T25, the input of a new copy execution instruction is detected, and a request to acquire the right to use the printing unit 7 is made. T26
Then, it waits until the output of one page being printed is completed. In T27 to T28, the right to use the printing unit 7 is acquired, and the copy C3 is executed.

Then, in T29 to T31, the input of the next copy execution instruction is waited while the right to use the printing unit 7 is held until the time Tw1 has elapsed. At T30, since the time Tw1 has elapsed, the use mechanism of the printing unit 7 is returned to the facsimile reception print processing in which the processing has been interrupted. After this, T31-
44 Wait for input of next copy execution instruction.

<Printer Function> In the printer operation of FIG. 2, first, T1 and T2 are waiting for input of print data. In T3 to T4, the right to use the printing unit 7 is acquired, and the print information P1 is printed. In T5 to T6, the print information P2 is continuously printed.

In T7 to T15, the copy function is switched to the printing unit 7
Since the use right of the printing unit has been requested, the use right of the printing unit is temporarily transferred. Then, the interface is kept in a busy state until the usage right is returned, and the external information processing apparatus 10
From inputting the print information of the next page.

At T16, in response to the return of the right to use the printing section 7, the interface is shifted to a ready state in which print information can be received.

In T17 and T18, the print information P3 is printed. In T19 to T20, the print information P
Print 4.

In T21 to T22, input of print information of the next page is waited while the right to use the printing unit 7 is held until the time Tw2 elapses.

In T23 to T35, the right to use the printing section 7 is abandoned after the lapse of the time Tw2. As a result, this time, the facsimile reception print function acquires the right to use. That is, since the printing unit 7 is not in the idle state, the interface is set to the busy state, and the input of the print information of the next page from the external information processing apparatus 10 is suppressed.

Then, at T36, the facsimile reception print function abandons the right to use the printing unit 7, and the printing unit 7 enters the idle state, so that the interface is shifted to the ready state. In T37 to T38, the right to use the printing unit 7 is acquired, and the print information P5 is printed.

In T39 to T40, input of print information of the next page is waited while the right to use the printing section 7 is held until the time Tw2 elapses. In T41 to T44, the right to use the printing unit 7 is abandoned after the lapse of the time Tw2.
As a result, this time, the facsimile reception print function acquires the right to use. That is, since the printing unit 7 is not in the idle state, the interface is set to the busy state, and the input of the print information of the next page from the external information processing apparatus 10 is suppressed.

<Facsimile Reception Function> In the facsimile reception operation shown in FIG. 2, T1 to T4 are waiting for an incoming call. In T5-8, the first page R1 is answered in response to the incoming call.
(1) is received and stored in the storage memory 6 as code data.

In T9 to T11, the second page R1 (2) is similarly received and stored in the storage memory 6 as code data. At T12 to T13, the third page R1 (3) is similarly received and stored in the storage memory 6 as code data. In T14 to T16, the fourth
The page R1 (4) is received and stored in the storage memory 6 as code data.

In T17-T26, the system waits for an incoming call. T27 ~
Respond to the incoming call at 28 and receive the first page R2 (1),
It is stored in the storage memory 6 as code data. T29-3
In the case of 0, the second page R2 (2) is similarly received and stored in the storage memory 6 as code data. Thereafter, in T31 to T44, incoming call is further waited.

<Facsimile Printing Function> In waiting for facsimile printing in FIG. 2, first, at T9, R1 (1/1) is registered in the print waiting queue. At T12, R1 (2/2) is registered in the print queue. Also, T
At 14, R1 (3/3) is registered in the print waiting queue. Further, at T17, R1 (4
/ 4) is registered.

In T23 to T24, the right to use the printing section 7 is acquired, and R1 (1/4) is printed. In T25-26,
Subsequently, R1 (2/4) is printed. After this, T27
Then, since the use right of the printing unit 7 is requested from the copy function, the printing process is temporarily stopped, and the usage right of the printing unit 7 is transferred.

At T29, R2 (1
/ 1) is registered. At T31, R2 (2/2) is registered in the print waiting queue.

In T32 to T33, since the right to use the printing unit 7 has been returned, the page R1 (3 /
4) Print out. In T34 to T35, R1
Print (4/4).

At T36, since printing of all pages of one reception has been completed, the right to use the printing unit 7 is abandoned. After this, T
In 41 to 42, the right to use the printing unit 7 is acquired, and R2 (1
/ 2) is printed. Further, in T43 to T44, R2 (2/2) is continuously printed.

<Operation of Printing Unit> Regarding the output contents of the printing unit in FIG. In T3-4, the printer output "P1" is printed. In T5-6,
The printer output “P2” is printed.

Next, in T7 to T8, the copy output "C1"
Is printed, and from T9 to T10, only the copy output is received until the time Tw1 elapses.
In addition, in T11 to T12, the copy output “C2” is printed, and in T13 to T15, only the copy output is received until the time Tw1 elapses.

Thereafter, at T16, since the time Tw1 has elapsed, the apparatus enters an idle state in which any printing is accepted. Then, in T17 to T18, the printer output "P3"
Print.

In T19 to T20, the printer output "P4"
Print. In T21 to T22, the printer is kept in an idle state in which a continuous printer output or a high-priority copy output is received until the time Tw2 elapses.

In T23 to T24, since the time Tw2 has elapsed, the facsimile reception output "R1 (1/4)" is printed. In T25 to T26, the facsimile reception output "R1 (2/4)" is printed.

In T27 to T28, in response to the request for the right to use the printing section 7 from the copy function, the facsimile reception output is temporarily interrupted, and the copy output "C3" is printed. T29-3
At 1, the idle state in which only the copy output is received is maintained until the time Tw1 elapses.

In T32 to T33, since the time Tw1 has elapsed, the suspended facsimile reception output “R1 (1 /
4) "is printed. In T34 to T35, the facsimile reception output "R1 (4/4)" is printed. T36
Then, since printing of all the received pages is completed, the printer enters an idle state in which all print requests are received.

In T37 to T38, the printer output "P5"
Print. In T39 to T40, an idle state for receiving continuous printer output or high-priority copy output is maintained until the time Tw2 elapses.

In T41 to T42, since the time Tw2 has elapsed, the facsimile reception output "R2 (1/2)" is printed. In T43 to T44, the facsimile reception output "R2 (2/2)" is printed.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the first embodiment, the time Tw1 elapses as a condition for accepting the output of the printer or the facsimile reception after the printing of the copy output is completed. However, in the second embodiment, in addition to this condition, The operation unit is provided with a unit for inputting an instruction of “copy end”, and when the instruction is input, the copy function is immediately executed by the printing unit 7.
It is configured to give up the right to use.

According to this method, print output of other functions can be started without waiting for the lapse of the time Tw1, and the throughput of the apparatus can be improved.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In a multifunction device such as a copy, printer, facsimile, etc., even if contention of printing means between functions occurs, by accepting the copy function with the highest priority, a single function copier can be handled. There is an effect that the operator can use the present apparatus with the same feeling.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing processing states of a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile reception function in the above-described embodiment, and an operation relationship with a printing unit.

[Tax of sign]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... System control part, 2 ... Original reading part, 3 ... Printer interface part, 4 ... Facsimile transmission / reception part, 5 ... Operation part, 6 ... Image storage memory part, 7 ... Printing part.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An original reading means for reading an image of an original, a connecting means connected to an external information processing apparatus for inputting print information, an operating means for giving a user an operation instruction to the apparatus, A printing unit having a first print mode for printing input print information and a second print mode for printing print information input from the external information processing device via a connection unit; And a system control unit for controlling, wherein the system control unit is configured to execute the first print mode when the operation unit instructs execution of the first print mode during execution of the second print mode in the print unit. A composite image processing apparatus, wherein the second print mode is temporarily stopped at a break of a print page, and the first print mode is preferentially executed. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system control unit sets the interrupted second print mode or a new second print mode until at least a first predetermined time elapses after the end of the first print mode. A composite image processing apparatus, wherein execution of a print mode is not started. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system control means means that a first predetermined time elapses after the end of the first print mode, or that the first print mode is continued by the operation means. Until there is an input, said interrupted second print mode or a new second print mode
Wherein the execution of the print mode is not started. 4. A document reading device for reading a document image, a facsimile communication device connected to a communication line for transmitting and receiving a facsimile image signal, a storage memory device for temporarily storing a received image received by the facsimile communication device, An operation unit for giving an operation instruction to the apparatus by a user; a first print mode for printing print information input from the document reading unit; and a print mode received by the facsimile communication unit and stored in the storage memory unit A printing unit having a third print mode for printing information; and a system control unit for controlling each of the above units. The system control unit executes the third printing mode in the printing unit. When the execution of the first print mode is instructed from the operation unit, the third print mode is set at a break of a print page. A composite image processing apparatus which temporarily suspends execution of the first print mode with priority. 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the system control unit sets the interrupted third print mode or a new third print mode until at least a first predetermined time elapses after the end of the first print mode. A composite image processing apparatus, wherein execution of a print mode is not started. 6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the system control means means that a first predetermined time elapses after the end of the first print mode, or that the operation means causes the continuation end of the first print mode. Until there is an input, said interrupted third print mode or a new third print mode
Wherein the execution of the print mode is not started. 7. A document reading means for reading an image of a document, a connection means connected to an external information processing device for inputting print information, a facsimile communication means connected to a communication line for transmitting and receiving a facsimile image signal, A storage memory for temporarily storing a received image received by the facsimile communication unit, an operation unit for giving a user an operation instruction to the apparatus, a first print mode for printing print information input from the document reading unit, A second print mode for printing print information input from the external information processing device via a connection unit, and a third print mode for printing print information received by the facsimile communication unit and stored in the storage memory unit. A printing unit having a printing mode, and a system control unit for controlling each of the above units, wherein the system control unit is When the operation means instructs execution of the first print mode during execution of the second print mode or the third print mode, the second print mode or the third print mode is executed. Wherein the first print mode is preferentially executed in the first print mode. 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, after the first print mode ends, the interrupted second print mode or the third print mode until at least a first predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, the composite image processing apparatus does not start execution of a new second print mode or a third print mode. 9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the system control means means that a first predetermined time elapses after the end of the first print mode, or that the operation means causes the first print mode to be continued. A composite image processing apparatus, wherein execution of the interrupted second print mode or third print mode, or execution of a new second print mode or third print mode is not started until an input is made. 10. The system according to claim 7, wherein after the second print mode ends, at least a second predetermined time elapses after the end of the second print mode. A composite image processing apparatus wherein execution is not started. 11. The system according to claim 7, wherein the system control unit executes the third print mode during execution of the third print mode.
A composite image processing apparatus wherein the execution of the second print mode is not started until printing of all pages of the received image received by one receiving operation is completed.