JP4078186B2 - Data processing apparatus, data processing method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to control of a data processing device that receives and processes data stored in an external device via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a box function is known in which a scan image or a PDL image is temporarily stored in a hard disk of an image processing apparatus, and these images can be designated from an operation unit of the image processing apparatus, and can be printed, faxed, or the like. . There is also known a personal box function that divides a hard disk into several areas and restricts users to use for each area. When a password is input from the operation unit and matches a password set in advance in the personal box, it is permitted to save an image in the personal box or to extract an image in the personal box. Thereby, the confidentiality of each individual can be maintained.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described prior art has the following problems.
[0004]
That is, as a storage device for realizing the box function of the image processing apparatus, a medium such as a hard disk is used. However, due to the property that the image processing apparatus is shared by multiple people, the capacity of the box is immediately There was a problem that became full.
[0005]
In addition, in the case of an inexpensive image processing apparatus, a storage medium such as a hard disk cannot be used due to cost, and a configuration in which image data is stored in a box for each individual cannot be taken.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is stored in the first data stored in the first external device and in the second external device. In a state where the second data is selected, the first instruction stored in the first external device and the second data stored in the second external device are received after receiving a combination instruction from the user. It is to provide a mechanism capable of receiving data and outputting combined data obtained by combining the first data and the second data.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The data processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.
A communication unit that communicates with an external device via a network, and a plurality of data stored in the external device according to an instruction from a user based on information acquired from the first external device via the communication unit. A first selection unit that selects first data to be output in combination, and the first external device via the communication unit in a state where the first data is selected by the first selection unit. In accordance with an instruction from the user based on information acquired from a second external device different from the first data, the first selection means selected from the plurality of data stored in the second external device. A second selection unit that selects second data to be output in combination with the first data, and requests the first external device to transmit the first data selected by the first selection unit. And the first A first receiving means for receiving data and a second receiving means for requesting the second external device to transmit the second data selected by the second selecting means and receiving the second data. Receiving means; and generating means for generating combined data combining the first data received by the first receiving means and the second data received by the second receiving means; An output unit that outputs combined data generated by the generation unit; and the first data is selected by the first selection unit and the second data is selected by the second selection unit. A receiving unit that receives an instruction to combine and output the first data and the second data from a user, and the first reception in response to the receiving unit receiving an instruction of the combined output from the user. Means, said second Data transmission means, the generation means, and the output means are sequentially controlled to receive the first data, receive the second data, and combine data obtained by combining the first data and the second data, respectively. And control means for performing each process of generating the generated combined data.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. For example, the image processing apparatus (including a composite image processing apparatus), an information processing apparatus, This corresponds to an example of a system configured to be able to communicate with peripheral devices.
[0009]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image processing apparatus, which includes a reader unit 1, a printer unit 2, and a controller unit 3. The controller unit 3 includes a modem communication unit 4, a network processing unit 7, a PDL expansion unit 8, and a core unit. The core unit 10 is configured to be able to control the data processing state of each device.
[0010]
The reader unit 1 reads an image of a document set on the image processing apparatus 100, and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10 (output based on copy processing). The printer unit 2 records an image corresponding to the image data from the reader unit 1 on a recording sheet.
[0011]
The computers (PCs) 11 and 12 are configured as information processing apparatuses in the image processing system according to the present invention, and are personal computers or workstations (PC / WS). A remote PC 20 is communicably connected to the image processing apparatus 100 via the Internet 21 and the network NET.
[0012]
Further, the PDL print data is sent from the computers 11 and 12 to the core unit 10 through the network 14 and the network processing unit 7, and the PDL development unit 8 develops (rasterizes) the PDL data into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2. The data is output to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10. The printer unit 2 records an image corresponding to the image data from the core unit 10 on a recording sheet.
[0013]
A facsimile machine 14 transmits, for example, a document image read by the reader unit 1 via a public line network 15 via the core unit 10 and the modem communication unit 4. Alternatively, image data from another fax machine is received through the public line network 15, the modem communication unit 4, and the core unit 10, and the received image is printed by the printer unit 2.
[0014]
Further, examples of the storage means in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention are hard disks 30 and 36 described later in the computers 11 and 12.
[0015]
Reference numerals 35 and 37 denote display devices connected to the computers 11 and 12, which are constituted by LCD displays, for example. Reference numerals 31 and 38 denote input devices of the computer 11, which are composed of a keyboard, a pointing device (not shown), and the like. The system configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the applicable system of the present invention is not limited to the system configuration of FIG.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0017]
In FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 100 includes an image processing apparatus main body (copying apparatus main body) 100 </ b> A, a deck 150, and a circulating automatic document feeder (RDF) 180.
[0018]
The image processing apparatus main body 100A includes a platen glass 101, a scanner 102, scanning mirrors 104, 105, and 106, a lens 108, a CCD sensor (image sensor unit) 109, a photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a pre-exposure lamp 114, Cleaning device 116, transfer charger 118, 119, exposure controller 120, developing device 121, transfer belt 130, upper cassette 131, lower cassette 132, pickup rollers 133, 134, feed rollers 135, 136, registration roller 137, suction Charger 138, transfer belt roller 170, pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, fixing device 141, paper discharge roller 142, paper discharge flapper 154, reverse path 155, refeed tray 156, multiple flapper 157, transport path 158, feed Paper roller 159, path 160, discharge low 161, a first feed roller 162, a second feed roller 162a, and a reversing roller 163.
[0019]
Reference numeral 107 denotes reflected light, and the reflected image is formed on the CCD sensor 109 via the lens 108 as a reflected image of the original image. A laser beam 129 forms an image on the CCD sensor 109, undergoes predetermined image processing on the photoelectrically converted image data, and then modulates a semiconductor laser provided in the exposure control unit 120 based on the image data. Is generated by
[0020]
190 is a finisher that can be connected as an option, and stacks transfer sheets printed by the image processing apparatus 100. A path 193 is a path for receiving a transfer sheet printed by the image processing apparatus 100. The roller 197 sends the transfer paper conveyed from the path 193 to the path 195 or 196. The paper discharge flapper 194 is moved downward to send it to the path 195, and the paper discharge flapper 194 is moved upward to send it to the path 196. When the paper passes through the path 196, the paper is discharged to the bin 192 by the roller 198. When the pass 195 is taken, the paper is discharged to the bin 191 as it is. For example, when copying is performed, the transfer sheet is discharged to the bin 191, and when PDL printing is performed, the sheet is discharged to the bin 192, thereby improving user convenience.
[0021]
The paper deck 150 includes a lifter 151 and a paper feed roller 152. Reference numeral 153 denotes a manual sheet feeder. Reference numeral 180 denotes an RDF, which feeds a document sheet separated from a stacked document bundle onto the platen glass 101 of the image processing apparatus 100 and discharges it to a predetermined position.
[0022]
In detail, the reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the platen glass 101 to the CCD sensor 109 in FIG. 2, and the printer unit 2 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the photosensitive drum 110 to the reversing roller 163 in FIG. To do.
[0023]
First, the reader unit 1 will be described in detail.
[0024]
The platen glass 101 functions as a document table. The scanner 102 includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner 102 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), whereby the reflected light 107 of the original is imaged on the CCD sensor 109 through the lens 108 through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106. It is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 109, A / D conversion and shading correction are performed by a scanner image processing unit (not shown) near the CCD sensor 109, and a gate array 326 of FIG. And stored in the memory 324 as digital image data.
[0025]
Next, the printer unit 2 will be described in detail.
[0026]
The exposure control unit 120 includes a semiconductor laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 120 reads digital image data stored in the memory 324 of the core unit 10 from the memory 324, and a gate array 326 of the core unit 10 to be described later is digital. The image data is converted into a video signal and sent to the printer unit through the I / F 325.
[0027]
The photosensitive drum 110 is irradiated with laser light 129 modulated based on the video signal. Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, transfer chargers 118 and 119, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided.
[0028]
In the image forming unit 126 centering on the photosensitive drum 110, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow by a motor (not shown), and after being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, The laser beam 129 from the exposure control unit 120 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image.
[0029]
On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pick-up rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the feed rollers 135 and 136 and fed to the transfer belt by the registration rollers 137 and visualized. The toner image is transferred onto transfer paper by transfer chargers 118 and 119.
[0030]
After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 110 is cleaned of residual toner by the cleaning device 116, and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114. After the transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the transfer belt 130, the toner is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, sent to the fixing device 141, and fixed by pressurization and heating. Discharged outside.
[0031]
The adsorption charger 138 adsorbs the transfer sheet sent from the registration roller 137 to the transfer belt 130. The transfer belt roller 170 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130 and at the same time, is paired with the adsorption charger 138 to charge the transfer paper to the transfer belt 130 by adsorption.
[0032]
The image processing apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 that can store, for example, 4000 transfer sheets. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. Further, the image processing apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a multi-manual feed 153 that can accommodate, for example, 100 transfer sheets.
[0033]
The paper discharge flapper 154 switches the path between the duplex recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched from the double-sided recording side to the multiple recording side by this paper discharge flapper 154.
[0034]
The multiple flapper 157 switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting the multiple flapper 157 to the left, the transfer paper is guided directly to the transport path 158 without passing through the reverse path 155. The paper feed roller 159 feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 110 side through the path 160.
[0035]
The discharge roller 161 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus. During double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, the recorded (copied) transfer paper is passed through the reverse path 155, and the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left. Then, the paper is stored in the paper refeed tray 156 in a state of being turned upside down through the transport path 158.
[0036]
Further, at the time of multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left, the recorded (copied) transfer paper is passed through the transport path 158, and then the refeed tray 156. To store. The transfer sheets stored in the refeed tray 156 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 137 of the main body via the path 160 by the sheet feed roller 159.
[0037]
When the transfer paper is reversed and discharged from the main body, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and the recorded (copied) transfer paper is transported to the transport path 155 side. After the rear end passes through the first feed roller 162, it is conveyed to the second feed roller 162 a side by the reverse roller 163, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged outside the apparatus. Further, the transfer paper discharged out of the apparatus is conveyed to the finisher 190.
[0038]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the core unit 10 of the image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0039]
In FIG. 3, the core unit 10 includes interface units (I / F) 320, 322, 328 and 327, data processing units 321 and 326, a CPU 323 (each control unit), and a memory 324.
[0040]
More specifically, the image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 321 via the I / F 322. The data processing unit 321 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing. The image data transferred to the data processing unit 321 is stored as digital image data in the memory 324 through the CPU 323. Further, in accordance with a control command from the operation unit 500, the data is transferred to the printer unit 2 through the CPU 323, the data processing unit 326, and the I / F 327. Alternatively, the data is transferred to the modem communication unit 4 and the network processing unit 7 via the interface unit 320.
[0041]
Also, code data representing an image input via the network processing unit 7 is transferred to the CPU 323 via the I / F 320. When the CPU determines that the image is a PDL code, the PDL code is converted to the I / F 320. Then, it is transferred to the PDL developing unit 8 where it is developed into image bitmap data. This image bitmap data is stored in the memory 324 through the I / F 320 and the CPU 323. Thereafter, the data is transferred to the printer unit 2 through the CPU 323, the data processing unit 326, and the I / F 327 and printed.
[0042]
The fax image data from the modem communication unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 326 via the I / F 320 and CPU 323 and then transferred to the printer via the I / F 327.
[0043]
The CPU 323 performs the above-described control according to the control program stored in the memory 324 and the control command received from the operation unit 500 via the I / F 328. The memory 324 is also used as a work area for the CPU 323.
[0044]
As described above, in the present image processing apparatus, centering on the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3, reading of a document image, printing of an image, transmission / reception of an image, storage of an image, input / output of data from a computer, etc. It is possible to perform processing that combines functions.
[0045]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 500 of the image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the screen is configured by a touch panel, and the function is executed by touching the frame of the displayed function.
[0046]
In FIG. 4, a copy mode key 524 is a key to be pressed when performing a copying operation. When the copy mode key 524 is pressed, a copy mode screen 530 is displayed.
[0047]
The extended function key 501 enters a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, frame erase setting, etc., by pressing this key 501.
[0048]
Reference numeral 540 denotes a status line, which displays a message indicating the device status and print information. In the case of the display example shown in FIG. 4, “copying” is indicated.
[0049]
An image mode key 502 enters a setting mode for performing shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking on a copy image. A user mode key 503 can register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen.
[0050]
The applied zoom key 504 enters a mode for independently scaling the X and Y directions of a document, and a zoom program mode for calculating a scaling factor from the document size and copy size. An M1 key 505, an M2 key 506, and an M3 key 507 are keys that are pressed when calling a mode memory registered in each of them. An option key 509 is a key for setting an optional function such as a film projector for copying directly from the film.
[0051]
A sorter key 510 is a key for setting sort, non-sort, and group. A document mixed key 511 is a key to be pressed when setting A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size documents together in the document feeder.
[0052]
An equal magnification key 512 is a key to be pressed when the copy magnification is set to 100%. The reduction key 514 and the enlargement key 515 are keys that are pressed when performing standard reduction and enlargement. A paper selection key 513 is a key to be pressed when selecting a copy paper. The density keys 518 and 520 are darkly copied every time the density key 518 is pressed, and lightly copied every time the density key 520 is pressed.
[0053]
When the density keys 518 and 520 are pressed, the display of the density display unit 517 changes from side to side. An AE key 519 is a key to be pressed when automatic density adjustment copying is performed for a document having a dark background such as a newspaper.
[0054]
The HiFi key 521 is a key that is pressed when copying a document having a high halftone density such as a photographic document. The character emphasis key 522 is a key that is pressed when it is desired to highlight characters in copying a character document.
[0055]
A guide key (? Key) 523 is a key to be pressed when the function of a certain key is unknown, and an explanation of the key is displayed. A fax key 525 is a key to be pressed when performing fax.
[0056]
The box key 526 is a key that is pressed when operating the storage device of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. A printer key 527 is a key to be pressed when the print density is changed or when detailed print output information of PDL data from a remote host computer is to be referred to. A history key 550 is pressed to display history information of a printed job. For example, information such as an end time, a user name, a file name, and the number of copies of the print job is displayed. Reference numeral 501 denotes a storage function key, 528 denotes an ID key, 508 denotes a call key, and 516 denotes a zoom key.
[0057]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a box basic screen displayed on the operation unit 500 of the image processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the box stores a scanned image and image data of the image processing apparatus 100. The storage area of the image data is actually a storage unit of an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus 100 via a network. Secured.
[0059]
That is, the image data area is not secured in the image processing apparatus. Therefore, FIG. 5 shows a state in which the image data area stored in the hard disk of each information processing apparatus (PC) is directly referred to from the operation unit 500 of the image processing apparatus 100 through the network NET.
[0060]
A box screen 400 is displayed when the box key 526 is pressed on the basic screen 500A. 401 is No. 401. 1 box key. By pressing the 1 box key 401, a list of image data stored in “¥¥ kato-pc ¥ box” in the hard disk 30 of the PC 11 can be displayed.
[0061]
No. 403 is No. 1 box address. The entity of one box indicates that the image data is stored in the hard disk 30 of the PC 11, for example, “¥¥ kato-pc ¥ box”.
[0062]
Similarly, 402 is No. 2 box key. By pressing the 2-box key, a list of image data stored in the hard disk 36 of the PC 12 can be displayed. No. 404 is No. 404. 2 box address. The entity of the 2-box indicates that the image data is stored in the hard disk 36 of the PC 12, for example, “¥¥ tanaka-pc ¥ box”.
[0063]
Reference numeral 405 denotes a down scroll key. Press to scroll down and display other boxes when there are 3 or more. Each time it is pressed, the box No. Is displayed one step further. Reference numeral 406 denotes an upper scrow key. Is displayed, shifted to the next lower number.
[0064]
A return key 407 is pressed to close the box screen 400 and return to the main screen 500A.
[0065]
6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a box processing screen displayed on the operation unit 500 of the image processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. In the box basic screen illustrated in FIG. This corresponds to the display screen displayed on the operation unit 500 of the image processing apparatus when the 1-box key 401 is pressed.
[0066]
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 481 denotes an image data list, in which data of “estimate.doc” and “File0001.jpg” is stored in the hard disk 30 in the PC 11, that is, the address “¥¥ kato-pc ¥ box”. It shows that.
[0067]
Reference numeral 482 denotes an up scroll key, and reference numeral 483 denotes a down scroll key, which is pressed when scrolling and displaying a list of image data other than the displayed image data one by one. Reference numeral 484 denotes a scan key, which scans a document scanned by the reader unit 1 of the image processing apparatus, and displays box No. 484. 1. That is, this button is pressed when transmitting scanned image data to “¥¥ kato-pc ¥ box”.
[0068]
A print key 485 is a key that is pressed when printing image data in a box. For example, when printing “estimate.doc”, the place where the document name is displayed is touched and reversed, and then By pressing the print key 485, the “estimate.doc” stored in the hard disk 30 in the PC 11 can be printed by the image processing apparatus 100.
[0069]
A transmission key 486 is pressed when the image data in the box is designated and transmitted by FAX, transmitted to another apparatus, or transmitted to a hard disk of another PC. For example, when “File0001.jpg” is desired to be transmitted, the place where the document name is displayed is touched to invert it, and then the transmission key 486 is pressed, so that “File0001.jpg” is stored in the hard disk 30 in the PC 11. jpg "can be extracted to the image processing apparatus, from which it can be faxed, transmitted to another apparatus, or transmitted to the hard disk of another PC.
[0070]
Reference numeral 487 denotes a return key which is pressed to close the box processing screen 480 and return to the box basic screen 400.
[0071]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first box function processing state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an example of the data processing state of the transmission storage means and the reception means constituting the present invention.
[0072]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a data processing example by the core unit 10. In addition, S101-S110 show each step.
[0073]
In step S101 shown in FIG. 8, a box to be operated is first designated. This corresponds to an operation of pressing the box keys 401 and 402 in FIG. Next, in step S102, the box processing screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and it is determined whether the scan key 484 is pressed. If it is determined that the scan key 484 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S104.
[0074]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the scan key 484 is pressed, in step S103, the scan image 450 is received from the reader unit 1 in the form of jpeg format (transfer data 451 shown in FIG. 7), I / F 322, data Through the processing unit 321, the CPU 323, the I / F 320, and the network processing unit 7, the data is transferred to the hard disk 30 of the PC 11 as the transfer data flow 452 shown in FIG.
[0075]
In this case, the scan file name is once created with an arbitrary file name, for example, “File0001.jpg” on the image processing apparatus side. However, if there is a file name with the same name in the box to be stored, it is stored with another file name, for example, “File0002.jpg”.
[0076]
Next, in step S104, the image data name is designated and reversed on the box screen shown in FIG. 6, and it is determined whether the print key 485 is pressed. If it is determined that the print key 485 is not pressed, step S107 is performed. Proceed to the following.
[0077]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the print key 485 has been pressed, it is determined in step S105 whether or not the document designation, that is, the display location of the file name of the image data to be printed shown in FIG. If it is determined that the target image print data 455 is read, the target image print data 455 is read from the hard disk 30 and converted into data in the PDL format, and then transferred to the image processing apparatus 100 as the data transfer flow 456 shown in FIG. The data is transferred to the processing unit 7, I / F 320, and PDL development unit 8, converted from PDL to bitmap format image, and the printer unit as a data transfer flow 457 through the I / F 320, CPU 323, data processing unit 326, and I / F 327. Bitmap image data is transferred to 2 and printed by the printer unit 2. To cement.
[0078]
The target image print data 455 is created by an application in the PC 11 based on the data creation flow 454 shown in FIG. The target image print data may be scan image data 450. Similarly, the image print data is read from the hard disk 30, and the scan image data is used as it is in the data transfer flow 456 in the network processing unit 7, I / F 320, CPU 323, data processing unit 326, The image is transferred to the printer unit 2 through the I / F 327 in the data transfer flow 457 and printed by the printer unit 2.
[0079]
Next, in step S107, it is determined whether or not the transmission key 486 has been pressed.
[0080]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that the transmission key 486 has been pressed, it is determined in step S108 whether the document designation, that is, whether the display location of the file name of the image data to be transmitted shown in FIG. If it is determined that the touch has been made, the target image print data 455 is read from the hard disk 30 in step S109, and the CPU 323 causes the memory 324 to pass through the network processing unit 7 and the I / F 320 in the data transfer flow 456 shown in FIG. Once received.
[0081]
The transmission protocol and the destination are registered in advance in the memory 324 of the image processing apparatus. If the transmission protocol and the destination are a FAX and a telephone number, the image is sent to the destination FAX 14 via the modem communication unit 4 and the public line network 15. Is transmitted (see data transfer flow 460 in FIG. 7).
[0082]
If the transmission protocol is a network protocol and the destination is a network address (such as an IP address) of a PC, the image in the memory 324 is transmitted to another PC 12 through the I / F 320 and the network processing unit 7.
[0083]
Further, when the transmission protocol is a network protocol and the destination is a storage location of a hard disk of a PC, for example, “¥¥ tanaka-pc ¥ box”, the image in the memory 324 is transferred through the I / F 320 and the network processing unit 7. The data is stored in the hard disk 36 of another PC 12.
[0084]
In step S110, it is determined whether the return key 407 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed. If it is determined that the key is pressed, the process ends. If it is determined that the key is not pressed, step S102 is performed. Return to.
[0085]
As a result, even if the image processing apparatus 100 does not include a hard disk or the like, the PC-side hard disk functions as a remote box of the image processing apparatus 100 and is equivalent to the image processing apparatus 100 including a box such as a hard disk. Box function processing can be realized at low cost.
[0086]
[Second Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the document or image managed on the hard disk of the computer 11 is registered or output by the box function of the image processing apparatus 100 as the information to be output. Even if they are managed separately and independently on the 12 hard disks, information managed by each computer 11 and computer 12 is selected from the operation screen on the image processing apparatus 100, and the selected information is combined. It may be controlled to print or send to the outside. The embodiment will be described below.
[0087]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12.
[0088]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the image processing apparatus showing the second embodiment of the present invention. In the operation screen shown in FIG. An example of an operation screen of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus when a 1-box key 401 is pressed is shown.
[0089]
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 601 denotes an image data list, which indicates that data “File0001.jpg” is stored in the hard disk 30 in the PC 11, that is, the address “¥¥ kato-pc ¥ box”.
[0090]
Reference numeral 602 denotes an up scroll key, and reference numeral 603 denotes a down scroll key, which is pressed when scrolling and displaying a list of image data other than the displayed image data one by one.
[0091]
A scan key 608 scans a document scanned by the reader unit 1 of the image processing apparatus. 1. That is, this button is pressed when transmitting scanned image data to “¥¥ kato-pc ¥ box”.
[0092]
A print key 609 is a key to be pressed when printing image data in a box. For example, when printing “File0001.jpg”, the place where the document name is displayed is touched to be inverted, and then the print is performed. By pressing the key 609, “File0001.jpg” stored in the hard disk 30 in the PC 11 can be printed by the image processing apparatus.
[0093]
A transmission key 610 is pressed when designating image data in a box and performing FAX transmission, transmission to another apparatus, or transmission to a hard disk of another PC. For example, when “File0001.jpg” is to be transmitted, the place where the document name is displayed is touched to invert it, and then the transmission key 610 is pressed, so that “File0001” stored in the hard disk 30 in the PC 11 is displayed. .Jpg "can be pulled out to the image processing apparatus, from which it can be faxed, sent to another device, or sent to the hard disk of another PC.
[0094]
A return key 611 is pressed to close the screen 600 and return to the screen 400. Reference numeral 604 denotes a selection key. The column of the document name displayed in the image data list 601 is touched to invert the display, and then the selection key 604 is pressed to select the document name. When a plurality of documents are selected, similarly, the other document name columns displayed in the image data list 601 are touched and highlighted, and then the selection key 604 is pressed to similarly select the documents. Select. When selected, a “*” mark is displayed at the right end where the document name is displayed.
[0095]
Reference numeral 605 denotes a selection clear key which is pressed when the document selected with the selection key 604 immediately before is removed from the selected state. Reference numeral 606 denotes a clear all selected key, which is pressed when all documents selected by the select key 604 are removed from the selected state.
[0096]
At this time, the document selected on the other box screen is also excluded from the selected state. Reference numeral 607 denotes a selected document number display unit, which displays the total number of documents in a selected state. This displays the total number including the documents selected on the other box screens.
[0097]
10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the image processing apparatus showing the second embodiment of the present invention. In the operation screen shown in FIG. An example of a screen on the operation unit of the image processing apparatus when a 2-box key 402 is pressed is shown.
[0098]
In FIG. 10, reference numeral 631 denotes an image data list, which indicates that data “minutes.txt” is stored in the hard disk 36 in the PC 12, that is, the address “¥¥ tanaka-pc ¥ box”. .
[0099]
Reference numeral 632 denotes an up scroll key, and reference numeral 633 denotes a down scroll key, which is pressed when a list of image data other than displayed image data is scrolled up or down one by one.
[0100]
A scan key 638 scans a document scanned by the reader unit 1 of the image processing apparatus. 2. That is, this button is pressed when the scanned image data is transmitted to “¥¥ tanaka-pc ¥ box”.
[0101]
The print key 639 is a key to be pressed when printing image data in a box. For example, when printing “minutes.txt”, the place where the document name is displayed is touched and inverted, and then By pressing the print key 639, the “minutes.txt” stored in the hard disk 36 in the PC 12 can be printed by the image processing apparatus.
[0102]
The transmission key 640 is pressed when the image data in the box is designated and transmitted by FAX, transmitted to another apparatus, or transmitted to the hard disk of another PC. For example, when it is desired to transmit “minutes.txt”, the location where the document name is displayed is touched to highlight it, and then the transmission key 640 is pressed to store “the minutes” stored in the hard disk 36 in the PC 12. The “minutes.txt” can be extracted to the image processing apparatus, and from there, can be transmitted by FAX, transmitted to another apparatus, or transmitted to the hard disk of another PC.
[0103]
A return key 641 is pressed to close the screen 630 and return to the screen 400. Reference numeral 634 denotes a selection key. The document name column displayed in the text data list 631 is touched to invert the display, and then the selection key 634 is pressed to select the document name.
[0104]
When selecting a plurality of documents, similarly, after touching the column of other document names displayed in the text data list 631 and pressing the selection key 634, the documents are similarly selected. . In the selected state, the part displaying the document name is highlighted.
[0105]
Reference numeral 635 denotes a selection clear key which is pressed when the document selected with the selection key 634 immediately before is removed from the selected state. Reference numeral 636 denotes a clear all selected key which is pressed when all documents selected by the select key 634 are removed from the selected state.
[0106]
At this time, the document selected on the other box screen is also excluded from the selected state. Reference numeral 637 denotes a selected document number display section, which displays the total number of selected documents. This displays the total number including the documents selected on the other box screens.
[0107]
Thus, it is shown that two documents “File0001.jpg” and “minutes.txt” are finally selected by the operation procedure on the operation screen shown in FIGS.
[0108]
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second box function processing state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and illustrates an example of a data processing state of a plurality of data receiving means and a combining means constituting the present invention.
[0109]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a data processing example by the core unit 10. S201 to S206 indicate each step.
[0110]
First, in step S201, the box No. One document (image data) is selected. The selection operation is as described with reference to FIG. 9. For example, “File0001.jpg” is selected from the image data list.
[0111]
“File0001.jpg” receives a scanned image 480 scanned from the reader unit 1 in the form of a jpeg format (see the data transfer flow 470 shown in FIG. 11), an I / F 322, a data processing unit 321, a CPU 323, an I / F 320, The data is stored in the hard disk 30 of the PC 11 through the network processing unit 7 (see the data transfer flow 470 shown in FIG. 11). From the operation unit, it is performed through the box screen 401.
[0112]
Next, in step S202, the box No. Select the second document. The selection operation is as described with reference to FIG. 10, and for example, “minutes.txt” is selected.
[0113]
The “minutes.txt” is text format data generated by an application on the PC 12 and is a text document 481 stored in the hard disk 36.
[0114]
In step S203, it is determined whether the print key 609 or the print key 639 is pressed. If it is determined that the print key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S205.
[0115]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the print key 609 or the print key 639 is pressed, in step S204, the selected two pieces of output information, for example, an image and a document, “File0001.jpg”, “minutes”. .Txt "and print.
[0116]
Specifically, the scanned document 480 in the hard disk 30 is pulled out and temporarily stored in the network processing unit 7, I / F 320, CPU 323, and memory 324 (see data transfer flow 472 in FIG. 11).
[0117]
Next, the text document 481 in the hard disk 36 is converted into data in PDL format, and then transferred to the network processing unit 7, I / F 320, and PDL development unit 8 to develop a bitmap, and through the I / F 320 and CPU 323. The data is temporarily stored in the memory 324 (see the data transfer flow 474 in FIG. 11).
[0118]
Then, these two documents are transferred as one document (combined data 482 in FIG. 11) to the printer unit 2 and printed together (see the data transfer flow 475 shown in FIG. 11), and the process is terminated.
[0119]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the print key has not been pressed, it is determined in step S205 whether the transmission key 610 or the transmission key 640 has been pressed. If it is determined that the print key has not been pressed, the process ends. To do.
[0120]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that the transmission key 610 or the transmission key 640 is pressed, in step S206, the two selected information (document and image), “File0001.jpg”, “minutes” are displayed. .Txt ”are combined and transmitted to the designated destination, and the process ends.
[0121]
Specifically, the scanned document 480 in the hard disk 30 is pulled out and temporarily stored in the network processing unit 7, I / F 320, CPU 323, and memory 324 (see data transfer flow 472 in FIG. 11).
[0122]
Next, the text document 481 in the hard disk 36 is converted into the PDL format, transferred to the network processing unit 7, I / F 320, and PDL development unit 8, and bitmap-developed, and temporarily stored in the memory 324 through the I / F 320 and CPU 323. Store. (Data transfer flow 474 shown in FIG. 11).
[0123]
At the time of transmission, the protocol and the destination are registered in advance in the memory 324 of the image processing apparatus, and if they are a FAX and a telephone number, the destination is FAX 14 through the modem communication unit 4 and the public line network 15. The two documents stored in the memory 324 are collectively transmitted as one document by FAX (see the data transfer flow 476 shown in FIG. 11).
[0124]
When the transmission protocol is a network protocol and the destination is a network address (such as an IP address) of a PC, the two images stored in the memory 324 are regarded as one image (see the data transfer flow 476 in FIG. 11). , To the other PC 12 through the I / F 320 and the network processing unit 7.
[0125]
Further, when the transmission protocol is a network protocol and the destination is a storage location of a hard disk of a PC, for example, “¥¥ sato-pc ¥ box”, two images in the memory 324 are taken as one image and the I / F 320, The data is stored in the hard disk 19 of another PC 18 through the network processing unit 7.
[0126]
Then, these two documents are transferred as one document (combined data 482 in FIG. 11) to the printer unit 2 and printed together.
[0127]
Also, the scanned document 480 scanned from the reader unit 1 is received in the jpeg format (see the data transfer flow 470 shown in FIG. 11), and through the I / F 322, the data processing unit 321, the CPU 323, the I / F 320, and the network processing unit 7. Are stored in the hard disk 30 of the PC 11 (see the data transfer flow 471 shown in FIG. 11). The operation at this time is performed through the box screen 401 on the operation unit.
[0128]
[Third Embodiment]
In each of the above embodiments, a case has been described in which no restriction is imposed on data writing to the computers 11 and 12 or printing of information in the registered box. However, access restriction on an area secured as a box function is described. It may be provided so that security can be enhanced. The embodiment will be described below.
[0129]
Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15.
[0130]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user identification information input screen in the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, this corresponds to a case where user authentication is performed for a box function operation by inputting a password. .
[0131]
In FIG. 13, a password input screen 700 is a password input screen that opens when the scan key 608 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed.
[0132]
That is, when the scan key 608 is pressed, the scanned image 805 scanned by the reader unit 1 is stored in the hard disk 30 of the PC 11. At this time, writing to the hard disk 30 of the PC 11 is restricted by a password.
[0133]
The screen shown in FIG. 13 is also opened when a document is designated and the print key 639 is pressed on the operation screen shown in FIG.
[0134]
That is, by pressing the print key 639, the text document 827 stored in the hard disk 36 in the PC 12 is read and printed by the printer unit 2. At this time, the document is read from the hard disk 36 of the PC 12, Both the writing of documents to the hard disk 36 is restricted by a password.
[0135]
Reference numeral 701 denotes a password display unit, which displays a * mark each time a numeric value up to 7 digits is entered using a numeric keypad (not shown). Reference numeral 702 denotes a clear key which is pressed to clear the input password. Reference numeral 703 denotes an OK key which is pressed when authenticating with the entered password. Reference numeral 704 denotes a return key which is pressed when returning to the screen before transitioning to this screen.
[0136]
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second box function processing state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and describes an authentication transmission storage process and an authentication reception process.
[0137]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a data processing example by the core unit 10. In addition, S301-S311 show each step.
[0138]
First, in step S301, a box is designated. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 key 401 is pressed. In step S302, it is determined whether the scan key 608 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed. If it is determined that the scan key 608 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S305.
[0139]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the scan key 608 has been pressed, the user is prompted to enter a password in step S303. That is, the operation screen display shown in FIG. 13 is entered and a password is entered.
[0140]
The input password 806 is transferred from the image processing apparatus to the PC 11 through the network processing unit 7 (see the data transfer flow 801 shown in FIG. 14), and compared with the password 807 registered in advance in the hard disk 30 of the PC 11. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 14, since the input password is “123” and the registration password is “123”, for example, the computer 11 authenticates and the authentication result is OK through the network processing unit 7 through the PC 11. To the image processing apparatus 100 (see the data transfer flow 802 shown in FIG. 14). Then, the process proceeds to step S304.
[0141]
If it is determined in step S303 that the input password does not match the registered password, that is, the authentication is NG, the process proceeds to step S311. This authentication is an authentication of the write authority to the hard disk 30 of the PC 11. No authentication is required for the read from the hard disk 30.
[0142]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the input password matches the registered password, the document set in the reader unit 1 is scanned in step S304, and the I / F 322, data processing unit 321, CPU 323, I The scanned image 805 is stored in the hard disk 30 of the PC 11 through the / F 320 and the network processing unit 7 (data transfer flow 804 shown in FIG. 1).
[0143]
In step S305, it is determined whether the print key 639 is pressed. If it is determined that the print key 639 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S308, and if it is determined that the print key 639 is pressed. Prompts the user for a password. That is, the operation screen display shown in FIG. 13 is entered and a password is entered.
[0144]
The input password 821 is transferred from the image device 100 to the PC 12 through the network processing unit 7 (see the data transfer flow 822 shown in FIG. 14), and compared with the password 830 registered in advance in the hard disk 36 of the PC 12. .
[0145]
In the case of the example shown in FIG. 14, since the input password is “456” and the registration password is “456”, OK authentication is performed in step S306, and the fact that the authentication result is OK is received from the PC 12 through the network processing unit 7. The data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100 (data transfer flow 823 shown in FIG. 14). If the authentication is NG in step S306, the process proceeds to step S311.
[0146]
In step S307, the document data 827 created by the application of the PC 12 (see the data creation flow 820 shown in FIG. 14) is transferred to the image processing apparatus through the network processing unit 7 in the PDL format (shown in FIG. 14). Data transfer flow 824), the PDL development unit 8 develops the PDL into a bitmap image through the I / F 320, and the printer unit 2 prints through the I / F 320, the CPU 323, the data processing unit 326, and the I / F 327 (FIG. 14). ), The process proceeds to step S311.
[0147]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S305 that the print key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S308, where it is determined whether the transmission key 640 is pressed. If it is determined that the print key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S311.
[0148]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that the send key 640 has been pressed, the user is prompted to enter a password. That is, the operation screen display shown in FIG. 13 is entered and a password is entered.
[0149]
At this time, the input password 821 is transferred from the image processing apparatus to the PC 12 through the network processing unit 7 (see the data transfer flow 822 shown in FIG. 14), and compared with the password 830 registered in advance in the hard disk 36 of the PC 12. . In the case of the example shown in FIG. 14, the input password is “456” and the registration password is “456”, so that authentication is performed, and that the authentication result is OK is transmitted from the PC 12 to the image processing apparatus through the network processing unit 7. (Refer to the data transfer flow 823 shown in FIG. 14). If the input password and the registered password do not match, that is, if the authentication is NG, the process proceeds to step S311.
[0150]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that the authentication is OK, in step S310, the document data 827 created by the application of the PC 12 (see the data creation flow 820 shown in FIG. 14) is converted into the network in PDL format. The image data is transferred to the image processing apparatus 100 through the processing unit 7 (see the data transfer flow 824 shown in FIG. 14), the PDL development unit 8 develops the PDL from the bitmap through the I / F 320, and the I / F 320 passes through the I / F 320. Once stored in the memory 324, the designated document is transmitted, and in step S311, it is determined whether the return key 611 or 641 has been pressed. If it is determined that the key has not been pressed, the process returns to step S302 and is pressed. If it is determined that there is, the process ends.
[0151]
Hereinafter, in FIG. 2 key 402 is pressed so that the box No. An example of the above processing that transitions to the screen of FIG. 10 when 2 is specified will be described.
[0152]
In FIG. 10, the display unit of “minutes.txt” is touched and reversed, and the transmission key 640 is pressed. If not, the process proceeds to step S311. In step S306, the user is prompted to enter a password. That is, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 13 and the password is input. The input password 821 is transferred from the image processing apparatus to the PC 12 through the network processing unit 7 (data transfer flow 822 shown in FIG. 14), and compared with the password 830 registered in advance in the hard disk 36 of the PC 12.
[0153]
In the case shown in FIG. 14, since the input password is “456” and the registration password is “456”, authentication is performed, and the fact that the authentication result is OK is transmitted from the PC 12 to the image processing apparatus through the network processing unit 7 ( Data transfer flow 823 shown in FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S310.
[0154]
If the input password and the registered password do not match, that is, if the authentication is NG, the process proceeds to step S311.
[0155]
This authentication is an authentication as to whether or not there is a Read and Write right to the hard disk 12. In step S310, the document data 827 created by the application of the PC 12 (data creation flow 820 shown in FIG. 14) is transferred to the image processing apparatus through the network processing unit 7 in the PDL format (data transfer flow shown in FIG. 14). 824), the PDL developing unit 8 develops the PDL into a bitmap image through the I / F 320, and temporarily stores it in the memory 324 through the I / F 320.
[0156]
In this embodiment, when transmitting, the protocol and destination are registered in advance in the memory 324 of the image processing apparatus, and if they are a FAX and a telephone number, the modem communication unit 4 and the public line network 15 are used. The image stored in the memory 324 is fax-transmitted to the partner FAX 14 (data transfer flow 825 shown in FIG. 14).
[0157]
Further, when the transmission protocol is a network protocol and the destination is a network address (such as an IP address) of a PC, the image stored in the memory 324 is transmitted to another PC 18 through the I / F 320 and the network processing unit 7.
[0158]
If the transmission protocol is a network protocol and the destination is the storage location of the hard disk of the PC, for example, “¥¥ sato-pc ¥ box”, the image in the memory 324 is transferred through the I / F 320 and the network processing unit 7. The data is stored in the hard disk 19 of another PC 18 (data transfer flow 825 in FIG. 14).
[0159]
In step S311, it is determined whether the return key 611 or the return key 641 has been pressed. If not, the process returns to step S302. If pressed, the process is terminated.
[0160]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.
[0161]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0162]
Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed Icons may also be stored.
[0163]
Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0164]
The functions shown in FIGS. 8, 12, and 15 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.
[0165]
As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.
[0166]
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.
[0167]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, or the like can be used.
[0168]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0169]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0170]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.
[0171]
Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification, but the following embodiments. Needless to say, is also included. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 23 will be described.
[0172]
[Embodiment 1]
An image processing apparatus (image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1) connected to the information processing apparatus (computers 11 to 12 shown in FIG. 1) via a network, a storage unit of the information processing apparatus, and an operation unit (see FIG. 1). 1 and the operation unit of the image forming apparatus transmit image data of the image processing apparatus to the information processing apparatus via network means (network NET shown in FIG. 1), and storage means of the information processing apparatus The image data stored in the storage means of the information processing apparatus is transferred to the image processing apparatus by the network means by the transmission storage means (network processing section 7 shown in FIG. 1) and the operation section of the image processing apparatus. An image forming system comprising receiving means (network processing unit 7 shown in FIG. 1) for receiving.
[0173]
[Embodiment 2]
The image forming system according to the first embodiment, wherein the image data of the image processing apparatus is scanned image data generated by scanning from a document.
[0174]
[Embodiment 3]
The image forming system according to the first embodiment, wherein the image data stored in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus is image data generated by the information processing apparatus.
[0175]
[Embodiment 4]
The image forming system according to the first embodiment, wherein the image data received by the receiving unit is printed by the image processing apparatus.
[0176]
[Embodiment 5]
The image forming system according to the first embodiment, wherein the image data received by the receiving unit is fax-transmitted from the image processing apparatus.
[0177]
[Embodiment 6]
The image forming system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the image data received by the receiving means is transmitted to another information processing apparatus.
[0178]
[Embodiment 7]
The image forming system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the image data received by the receiving unit is transmitted to another information processing apparatus and stored in a storage unit of the other information processing apparatus.
[0179]
[Embodiment 8]
An image processing apparatus connected to the first information processing apparatus (computer 11 shown in FIG. 1), the second information processing apparatus (computer 12 shown in FIG. 1) via a network, and the first information processing apparatus. 1 storage means (hard disk 30 shown in FIG. 1), second storage means (hard disk 36 shown in FIG. 1) in the second information processing apparatus, operation unit of the image processing apparatus, and image processing apparatus The first image data stored in the first storage means and the second image data stored in the second storage means are designated by the operation unit, and these image data are designated by the network means by the network means. Data receiving means (network processing unit 7 shown in FIG. 1) received by the image processing apparatus and combining means (FIG. 1) for combining the first and second image data received by the second receiving means by the image processing apparatus. Shown in Image forming system characterized by having a A portion 10) and the.
[0180]
[Embodiment 9]
The image forming system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the first image data or the second image data is scanned image data generated by scanning from a document.
[0181]
[Embodiment 10]
The image forming system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the first image data or the second image data is image data generated by the information processing apparatus.
[0182]
[Embodiment 11]
The image forming system according to the eighth embodiment, wherein the image data received and combined by the receiving unit is printed by the image processing apparatus.
[0183]
[Embodiment 12]
9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the image data received and combined by the receiving unit is transmitted by FAX from the image processing apparatus.
[0184]
[Embodiment 13]
The image forming system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the image data received and combined by the receiving means is transmitted to another information processing apparatus.
[0185]
[Embodiment 14]
The image forming system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the image data received and combined by the receiving unit is transmitted to another information processing apparatus and stored in a storage unit of the other information processing apparatus.
[0186]
[Embodiment 15]
An image processing apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus via a network, a storage means of the information processing apparatus, a password stored in the storage means of the information processing apparatus, and an access authority for image data stored in the storage means of the information processing apparatus An operation unit of the image processing apparatus;
In accordance with the contents of the access authority, the password input by the operation unit of the image processing apparatus is collated with the password stored in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus. Authentication transmission storage means (network processing section 7 and core section 10 shown in FIG. 1) for transmitting image data of the processing apparatus to the information processing apparatus over the network and storing it in the storage means of the information processing apparatus; Depending on the contents, the password entered by the operation unit of the image processing apparatus is collated with the password stored in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus. Authentication receiving means for receiving the image data stored in the storage means by the network means to the image processing apparatus (network processing shown in FIG. 1) 7, an image forming system characterized by having a core portion 10) and the.
[0187]
[Embodiment 16]
The image forming system according to the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the image data of the image processing apparatus is scanned image data generated by scanning from a document.
[0188]
[Embodiment 17]
The image forming system according to the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the image data stored in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus is image data generated by the information processing apparatus.
[0189]
[Embodiment 18]
The image forming system according to the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the image data received by the receiving means is printed by the image processing apparatus.
[0190]
[Embodiment 19]
The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the image data received by the receiving means is transmitted by FAX from the image processing apparatus.
[0191]
[Embodiment 20]
The image forming system according to embodiment 15, wherein the image data received by the receiving means is transmitted to another information processing apparatus.
[0192]
[Embodiment 21]
The image forming system according to the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the image data received and combined by the receiving unit is transmitted to another information processing apparatus and stored in a storage unit of the other information processing apparatus.
[0193]
[Embodiment 22]
The access authority is an authority to read image data in the storage device of the information processing apparatus or an authority to write image data into the storage device of the information processing apparatus, and indicates an access authority indicating whether a password is required. Embodiment 16 The image forming system according to embodiment 15.
[0194]
[Embodiment 23]
A program that can replace Embodiments 1, 8, and 15 with a control procedure, or a storage medium that stores the program.
[0195]
The effects of the above embodiments are as follows.
[0196]
According to the first embodiment, since the operation unit of the image processing apparatus can be used and the image data of the image processing apparatus can be stored, for example, in the hard disk of his / her PC via the network, it can be shared by a plurality of people as in the past. By doing so, it is possible to avoid that the hard disk of the image processing apparatus becomes full immediately. Further, in the case of the configuration as in the present invention, the image processing apparatus does not need a hard disk to be used as a box, and an effect of reducing costs is also produced.
[0197]
Furthermore, the operation unit of the image processing apparatus can be operated as if it is in a box in the image processing apparatus even if the substance of the image data to be stored is on the PC. There is also an effect that sex can follow as it is. Further, since the substance of the image data to be stored is, for example, in the hard disk on the user's own PC, management such as data erasure and data backup can be performed on the PC.
[0198]
Further, according to the second embodiment, the scan image data generated by scanning from the original can be stored in the hard disk on the PC, so that in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a function that the scan image can be stored in the box can be realized. There is an effect.
[0199]
According to the third embodiment, since the image data stored in the hard disk of the PC is image data generated on the PC, the image data generated on the PC is added to the effect of claim 1. There is an effect that a function that can be stored in a box can be realized.
[0200]
According to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the image scanned by the image processing apparatus or the image data generated on the PC stored in the hard disk on the PC is extracted and the image is There is an effect that it is possible to realize a function of printing with the processing device.
[0201]
According to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the image scanned by the image processing apparatus or the image data generated on the PC stored in the hard disk on the PC is extracted, There is an effect that it is possible to realize a function capable of FAX transmission from the image processing apparatus.
[0202]
According to the sixth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the image scanned by the image processing apparatus or the image data generated on the PC stored in the hard disk on the PC is extracted. There is an effect that it is possible to realize a function of transmitting from an image processing apparatus to another PC or server using ftp, E-mail, or the like.
[0203]
Further, according to the seventh embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the image scanned by the image processing apparatus stored in the hard disk on the PC or the image data generated on the PC is extracted. There is an effect that it is possible to realize a function that can be transmitted to and stored in a hard disk on another PC corresponding to the box. That is, there is an effect that data in one box can be copied or moved to another box.
[0204]
Further, according to the eighth embodiment, the image data of the contents of each of the plurality of boxes that can be operated from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus is stored in the hard disk of each corresponding PC.
[0205]
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the hard disk of the image processing apparatus from becoming full immediately when a plurality of persons have their own personal boxes as in the conventional case.
[0206]
In addition, in the case of the configuration as in the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus does not require a hard disk used as a box application, resulting in an effect of reducing costs. Furthermore, the operation unit of the image processing apparatus can be operated as if it is in a personal box in the image processing apparatus even if the substance of the stored image data is on the PC. There is also an effect that operability can be followed as it is.
[0207]
Furthermore, since the actual image data stored in the personal box is stored in the hard disk on the personal box user's own PC, each individual manages the personal data deletion, data backup, etc. on the PC. As in the prior art, there is an effect of avoiding the trouble of specially providing an administrator such as erasing when the hard disk of the image processing apparatus is full. In addition, by selecting, extracting, and combining arbitrary image data in a plurality of personal boxes from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, documents stored and created on different PCs can be collected together on the image processing apparatus. There is an effect that convenience of processing can be improved.
[0208]
Further, according to the ninth and tenth embodiments, in addition to the effects of the eighth embodiment, the data stored in each personal box may be a scanned image or a printed image. There is an effect that documents can be combined by arbitrary combinations of images and processed together by the image processing apparatus.
[0209]
According to the eleventh embodiment, in addition to the effects of the eighth embodiment, the combined image data can be collectively printed by the image processing apparatus. For example, each document in each personal box can be stapled together, or multiple copies can be printed in a grouped state, and after manual printing of each personal box image data, This eliminates the hassle of joining and stapling.
[0210]
Further, according to the embodiment 12, in addition to the effects of the embodiment 8, it is possible to perform FAX transmission from the image processing apparatus all at once while combining the documents in each personal box. There is an effect that it is possible to avoid the trouble of pulling out the image data of the personal box and transmitting it by designating each destination.
[0211]
According to the embodiment 13, in addition to the effects of the embodiment 8, the ftp transmission and the E-mail transmission are simultaneously performed from the image processing apparatus to another PC or server while combining the documents in the personal boxes. As in the prior art, there is an effect that it is possible to avoid the hassle of pulling out the image data of each personal box and designating each destination and transmitting them.
[0212]
Further, according to the fourteenth embodiment, each document in each personal box can be transmitted from the image processing apparatus to a personal box corresponding to another PC while being combined. Thus, there is an effect that convenience is born such that it is created and stored in each personal box, and the documents are combined and stored in another personal box for submission.
[0213]
According to the fifteenth embodiment, the image data of the contents of each of the plurality of boxes that can be operated from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus is stored in the hard disk of each corresponding PC.
[0214]
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the hard disk of the image processing apparatus from becoming full immediately when a plurality of persons have their own personal boxes as in the conventional case. Further, in the case of the configuration as in the present invention, the image processing apparatus does not need a hard disk to be used as a box, and an effect of reducing costs is also produced.
[0215]
Furthermore, the operation unit of the image processing apparatus can be operated as if it is in a personal box in the image processing apparatus even if the substance of the stored image data is on the PC. There is also an effect that operability can be followed as it is.
[0216]
Furthermore, since the actual image data stored in the personal box is stored in the hard disk on the personal box user's own PC, each individual manages the personal data deletion, data backup, etc. on the PC. As in the prior art, there is an effect of avoiding the trouble of specially providing an administrator such as erasing when the hard disk of the image processing apparatus is full.
[0217]
Also, by providing password access restrictions for reading and writing to the personal box corresponding to the hard disk of each PC, it is possible to avoid the adverse effects such as viewing, moving, and erasing image data in your personal box by others. There is an effect that it is.
[0218]
Further, according to the sixteenth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the fifteenth embodiment, there is an effect that scan image data generated by scanning from a document can be handled by a personal box.
[0219]
Further, according to the embodiment 17, in addition to the effect of the embodiment 15, there is an effect that the image data generated on the PC can be handled by the personal box.
[0220]
According to the eighteenth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the fifteenth embodiment, there is an effect that the image data in the personal box can be printed by the image processing apparatus.
[0221]
Further, according to the nineteenth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the fifteenth embodiment, there is an effect that the image data in the personal box can be faxed from the image processing apparatus.
[0222]
Further, according to the twentieth embodiment, in addition to the effect of the fifteenth embodiment, there is an effect that the image data in the personal box can be transmitted from the image processing apparatus by ftp transmission, E-mail transmission, and the like.
[0223]
In addition, according to the embodiment 21, in addition to the effects of the embodiment 15, the image data in the personal box can be transmitted to the personal box corresponding to another PC.
[0224]
According to the twenty-second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the fifteenth embodiment, whether or not a password is required when reading personal box image data and whether or not a password is required when writing, deleting, and moving personal box image data are set. Therefore, there is an effect that fine management can be performed according to the use of the personal box.
[0225]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the first data stored in the first external device and the second data stored in the second external device are selected. After receiving the combination instruction from the user, the first data stored in the first external device and the second data stored in the second external device are respectively received and the first data In addition, it is possible to output combined data obtained by combining the second data.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
4 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a box basic screen displayed on the operation unit of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
6 is a diagram showing an example of a box processing screen displayed on the operation unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first box function processing state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second box function processing state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user identification information input screen in the image processing apparatus showing the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second box function processing state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium storing various data processing programs that can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Reader section
2 Printer section
4 Modem communication section
7 Network processing part
8 PDL development department
10 Core part
11,12 computer
14 Fax machine
100 Image processing apparatus
500 operation unit

Claims (13)

A communication means for communicating with an external device via a network;
In accordance with an instruction from the user based on the information obtained from the first external device via the communication means, from a plurality of data stored in the first external device, selects the first data to be combined output First selection means to
In accordance with an instruction from a user based on information acquired from a second external device different from the first external device via the communication unit in a state where the first data is selected by the first selection unit. , first from among the plurality of data stored in the external device of the second, to the first second select data to be output in combination with the selected first data by the selection means Two selection means;
First receiving means for requesting the first external device to transmit the first data selected by the first selecting means and receiving the first data;
Second receiving means for requesting the second external device to transmit the second data selected by the second selecting means and receiving the second data;
A generating means for generating said received first data, the binding data obtained by combining the second data received by said second receiving means by said first receiving means,
Output means for outputting the combined data generated by the generating means;
In a state in which the first of said first data is selected by the selection means and said second data by said second selection means is selected, the combined output and said first data and said second data Receiving means for receiving an instruction to perform from a user;
In response to reception of the instruction of the reception unit Gayu chromatography The one we pre SL coupled output, said first receiving means, said second receiving means, said generating means, and sequentially controlling said output means, Receiving the first data, receiving the second data, generating combined data obtained by combining the first data and the second data, and outputting the generated combined data. Control means
A data processing apparatus comprising: The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit includes a transmission unit that transmits the combined data generated by the generation unit to a predetermined destination. 3. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the combined data by facsimile via a public line. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the combined data using a network protocol. And the output means, the data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a printing means for printing the combined data generated by the generation unit. Based on the information obtained from the first or second external apparatus through the communication means, further comprising display means for displaying the information indicating the data stored in said first or second external device,
It said first or second selection means, based on the information the is displayed on the display means, by specifying the desired data to the user, and selects the first or second data The data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The data processing device is connected to a plurality of external devices via the network,
The display means, claim the user when specifying the at least one external device of the plurality of external devices, and displaying the information indicating the data stored in the external device that is the designated 6. A data processing apparatus according to 6 . The display means, wherein the first or second information indicating a data stored in the external device, and a processing menu for specifying an output method in coupling receiving and outputting the data, the same screen the data processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 and displaying on. The said display means displays the total number of the data currently selected by the said 1st selection means and the said 2nd selection means so that identification is possible, The one of Claim 6 thru | or 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. Data processing device. An input unit for inputting the authentication ID;
The display means, the authentication ID input by said input means, if they match the stored authentication ID to the first or second external apparatus, is stored in the first or second external apparatus the data processing device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that to display the information indicating there data. A communication process for communicating with an external device via a network;
In accordance with an instruction from the user based on information obtained by communication with a first external device and by the communication step, from among a plurality of data stored in the first external device, the first to be combined output A first selection step for selecting data;
In a state where the first data is selected in the first selection step, from a user based on information acquired by communicating with a second external device different from the first external device in the communication step. Follow the instructions from a plurality of data stored in the external device of the second, the first second data select to be coupled to the output with the selected first data selection step A second selection step,
A first reception step of requesting the first external device to transmit the first data selected in the first selection step, and receiving the first data;
A second reception step of requesting the second external device to transmit the second data selected in the second selection step, and receiving the second data;
A generation step of generating a combined data coupled to the first data received, and said second data received by said second reception step in said first reception step,
An output step of outputting the combined data generated in the generation step;
In a state in which the first of said first data is selected by the selection step and the second data in the second selection step is selected, the combined output and said first data and said second data A reception process for receiving an instruction to perform from a user;
Wherein in response to reception of the receiving step Deyu chromatography The one we instruction before Symbol combined output, said first reception step, said second receiving step, the generating step, and sequentially controlling said output step, Receiving the first data, receiving the second data, generating combined data by combining the first data and the second data, and outputting the generated combined data Control process
A data processing method comprising: A communication process for communicating with an external device via a network;
In accordance with an instruction from the user based on information obtained by communication with a first external device and by the communication step, from among a plurality of data stored in the first external device, the first to be combined output A first selection step for selecting data;
In a state where the first data is selected in the first selection step, from a user based on information acquired by communicating with a second external device different from the first external device in the communication step. Follow the instructions from a plurality of data stored in the external device of the second, the first second data select to be coupled to the output with the selected first data selection step A second selection step,
A first reception step of requesting the first external device to transmit the first data selected in the first selection step, and receiving the first data;
A second reception step of requesting the second external device to transmit the second data selected in the second selection step, and receiving the second data;
A generation step of generating a combined data coupled to the first data received, and said second data received by said second reception step in said first reception step,
An output step of outputting the combined data generated in the generation step;
In a state in which the first of said first data is selected by the selection step and the second data in the second selection step is selected, the combined output and said first data and said second data A reception process for receiving an instruction to perform from a user;
In response to said receiving step odor Te receives an instruction whether we before SL output coupled User chromatography The, the first reception step, and the second receiving step, the generating step, and sequentially controls the output step Each process of receiving the first data, receiving the second data, generating combined data by combining the first data and the second data, and outputting the generated combined data A control process for performing
A program that causes a computer to execute. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 12 .

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