JP2005349657A - Image forming apparatus, use environment control method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can acquire a properly performable operation mode from another image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: An image input/output system 100 has a mode memory downloading function for acquiring a mode memory registered in another digital copying machine 403 on a LAN 400, so as to register the mode memory as a mode memory of the system itself. In the downloading of the mode memory, the mode memory is acquired from another digital copying machine 403 on the LAN 400. When it is determined that the set contents of the acquired mode memory can be processed by the system itself, the mode memory is registered. On the contrary, when all the set contents of the mode memory cannot be processed, that is, even just one unprocessable item exists, only the set contents, capable of being processed by the system itself, among the set contents of the mode memory are registered. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network, a use environment control method, a program, and a storage medium.

  In general, a digital copying machine is equipped with a function for making the use environment convenient for the user. Examples of such functions include functions such as “user environment setting”, “mode memory”, and “favorite key”. Here, the “user environment setting” function is a function for maintaining the use environment in a state that is easy for the user to use. The “mode memory” is for registering arbitrary combinations of copy modes such as the number of copies, density, and magnification in the memory and executing copying in a copy mode called out from the registered copy mode combinations. The “favorite key” is a function capable of selecting and registering a key to be displayed.

  Also, a function is known in which a newly installed digital copying machine is connected to a network so that the usage environment of the digital copying machine is the same as that of other copying machines used by the user ( For example, see Patent Document 1). This function displays the contents of the operation modes of the other image forming apparatuses connected to the same network (modes set by the “user environment setting”, “mode memory”, and “favorite key” functions). It is acquired and automatically set in the memory.

In addition, digital copiers include color digital copiers and black and white digital copiers, and the contents that can be processed in each are usually different depending on the model configuration, the option configuration such as whether a finisher is installed, etc. Is different.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-321040

  However, the contents that can be processed by the digital copying machine to be set to the same usage environment as the other digital copying machines used by the user are the contents that can be processed by the other digital copying machines used by the user and the optional configuration. Digital copiers that are to be set in the same use environment may not be able to execute all or part of the operation modes acquired from other digital copiers used by the user. is there. In such a case, a digital copying machine that has acquired an operation mode that cannot be executed in whole or in part from another digital copying machine cannot execute an appropriate operation according to the acquired operation mode.

  A first object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a use environment setting method, a program, and a storage medium that can acquire an operation mode that can be appropriately executed from another image forming apparatus.

  A second object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a use environment setting method, a program, and a storage medium capable of giving an operation mode that can be appropriately executed to another image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the first object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network, and storing means for storing an operation mode including a plurality of items. Determining whether it is possible to process the setting content of each item of the operation mode acquired by the acquisition unit and the operation mode acquired by the acquisition unit via the network; Control means for controlling to store the setting contents of the processable items in the acquired operation mode items based on the determination result of the determination means in the storage means as the operation mode of the own device An image forming apparatus is provided.

  In order to achieve the first object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus that can communicate with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network, and is connected to the other image forming apparatus via the network. A registered acquisition means for acquiring an operation mode consisting of a plurality of items; a determination means for determining whether the setting contents of each item of the operation mode acquired by the acquisition means can be processed; There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of the apparatus according to the set contents of items that can be processed in the operation mode based on the determination result of the determination unit.

  In order to achieve the second object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus that can communicate with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network, and is included in an operation mode registered in the self apparatus. A determination unit that determines whether or not the other image forming apparatus can process each of the setting contents, and setting of a processable item among the items of the operation mode based on a determination result of the determination unit There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the content as an operation mode executable by the other image forming apparatus to the other image forming apparatus via the network.

  In order to achieve the first object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network, and storing means for storing an operation mode composed of a plurality of items. An acquisition unit that acquires an operation mode of the other image forming apparatus via the network; and a determination unit that determines whether all items of the operation mode acquired by the acquisition unit are processable. When the determination unit determines that all of the acquired operation mode items are processable, the control unit controls the storage unit to store the acquired operation mode as the operation mode of the own device. And an image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the second object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus that can communicate with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network, and is included in an operation mode registered in the self apparatus. A determination unit that determines whether or not all of the items of the operation mode can be processed by the determination unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit to the other image forming apparatus via the network as an operation mode executable by the other image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the first object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus that can communicate with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network, and is connected to the other image forming apparatus via the network. An acquisition unit that acquires a registered operation mode including a plurality of items, a determination unit that determines whether all items of the operation mode acquired by the acquisition unit are processable, and the determination unit An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus according to the acquired operation mode when it is determined that all of the acquired operation mode items can be processed. provide.

  In order to achieve the first or second object, the present invention provides a use environment setting method, a program, and a storage medium.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to acquire an operation mode that can be appropriately executed from another image forming apparatus.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to give an operation mode that can be appropriately executed to other image forming apparatuses.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image input / output system as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image input / output system 100 includes a reader unit 200, a printer unit 300, a control device 110, and an operation unit 150. The reader unit 200 includes a document feeding unit 250 that transports a document, and a scanner unit 210 that optically reads the document transported from the document feeding unit 250, and the optically read image is converted into image data. Is output.

  The printer unit 300 includes a paper feeding unit 360 that feeds paper, and a marking unit 320 that visualizes image data as a toner image, transfers the toner image onto the paper fed from the paper feeding unit 360, and fixes the toner image. And a paper discharge unit 370 that has a function of sorting and stapling sheets on which images are formed, and discharging the sheets on which images are formed to the outside of the apparatus.

  The control device 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 and is also connected to host computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs) 401 and 402 and a digital copying machine 403 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 400. Is done. The control device 110 provides a copy function that controls the reader unit 200 to read a document image and controls the printer unit 300 to output the read document image on a sheet. Further, the control device 110 converts the image data output from the reader unit 200 into code data and transmits it to the PCs 401 and 402 via the LAN 400, and the code received from the PCs 401 and 402 via the LAN 400. A printer function for converting data into image data and outputting the image data to the printer unit 300 is provided.

  The operation unit 150 is connected to the control device 110. The operation unit 150 includes a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel, hard keys, and the like, and provides a user interface for operating the image input / output system 100.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the hardware configuration of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 of FIG.

  The document feeding unit 250 of the reader unit 200 feeds documents one by one on the platen glass 211 in order from the first page, and discharges the documents from the platen glass 211 to the outside after the document reading operation is completed. The scanner unit 210 includes an optical unit 213 on which a lamp 212 and a mirror 214 are mounted, an optical unit 221 on which mirrors 215 and 216 are mounted, a lens 217, a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 218, and an image processing circuit unit. 222. In the scanner unit 210, when the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 211, the lamp 212 is turned on, and the movement of the optical units 213 and 221 is started. Thereby, exposure scanning of the document is started. Here, the optical unit 213 is moved at the speed V in the sub-scanning direction, and the optical unit 221 is moved at the speed V / 2 in the sub-scanning direction. The reflected light from the original at this time is imaged on the CCD 218 by the mirrors 214, 215, 216 and the lens 217. The CCD 218 converts the formed optical image into an electrical signal, and this electrical signal is input to the image processing circuit unit 222. The image processing circuit unit 222 converts the input electrical signal into digital image data, and then performs predetermined processing (such as shading correction) on the image data. The processed image data is output to the control device 110.

  The printer unit 300 includes an image processing circuit unit 352, and the image processing circuit unit 352 outputs image data sent from the control device 110 to the laser driver 317. The laser driver 317 drives the laser light emitting units 313, 314, 315, and 316 so that each laser light emitting unit 313, 314, 315, and 316 emits a laser beam corresponding to the image data output from the image processing unit 352. To do. The laser beams emitted from the laser light emitting units 313, 314, 315, and 316 are irradiated to the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, and 328 through the corresponding mirrors 340 to 351, and the photosensitive drums 325, 326, and 327 are irradiated. , 328, a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed. Here, the photosensitive drum 325 is provided for black (Bk), the photosensitive drum 326 is provided for yellow (Y), the photosensitive drum 327 is provided for cyan (C), and the photosensitive drum 328 is provided for magenta (M). Are arranged at intervals d in the horizontal direction. The latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, and 328 are respectively supplied from the developing devices 321, 322, 323, and 324 to black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M ) Toner is visualized as black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toner images, and the toner images of the respective colors are superimposed and transferred onto the paper.

  The paper is fed from one of the paper cassettes 360 and 361 and the manual feed tray 362 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, and is attracted onto the transfer belt 334 through the registration roller 333 and conveyed. The toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, and 328 are sequentially transferred onto the paper.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is sent to the fixing unit 335 via the conveyance belt 336a, and the toner image on the sheet is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 335 and fixed on the sheet. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 335 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 370 by the discharge roller 336b. The paper discharge unit 370 sorts the paper by bundling the discharged paper, and staples the sorted paper. The sheet processing is performed.

  If double-sided recording is set, after the sheet is conveyed to the position of the discharge roller 336b, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 336b is reversed, and the sheet is guided to the refeed conveyance path 338 by the flapper 337. The sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 338 is fed to the transfer belt 334 at the timing described above.

  Next, functions of the control device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 110 includes a main controller 111, and the main controller 111 includes a CPU 112, a bus controller 113, a plurality of interfaces (hereinafter referred to as I / F), and the like. The CPU 112 and the bus controller 113 control the entire operation of the control device 110, and the CPU 112 operates based on a program read from the ROM 114 via the ROM I / F 115. Further, the CPU 112 interprets PDL (page description language) code data received from the PCs 401 and 402 based on the above program, and performs processing for developing the raster image data. The bus controller 113 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and performs arbitration at the time of bus contention and control of DMA data transfer.

  A DRAM 116 is connected to the main controller 111 via a DRAM I / F 117, and the DRAM 116 is used as a work area for operating the CPU 112 and an area for storing image data. Further, a codec 118 is connected to the main controller 111 via an I / F 120. The codec 118 converts raster image data stored in the DRAM 116 into a system such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG. The code data compressed and stored in reverse is decompressed into raster image data. Here, data transfer between the codec 118 and the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and is performed by DMA transfer. An SRAM 119 that is used as a temporary work area of the codec 118 is connected to the codec 118.

  In addition, an image processor (Graphic Processor) 135 is connected to the main controller 111 via an I / F 137, and the image processor 135 performs image rotation and image conversion on raster image data stored in the DRAM 116. Double, color space conversion, and binarization are performed. Data transfer between the image processor 135 and the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and is performed by DMA transfer. An SRAM 136 used as a temporary work area of the image processor 135 is connected to the image processor 135.

  Further, the network controller 121 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 123, and the network controller 121 is connected to the LAN 400 (FIG. 1) via the connector 122.

  The main controller 111 is connected to a general-purpose high-speed bus 125, and the general-purpose high-speed bus 125 is connected to an expansion connector 124 for connecting an expansion board and an I / O control unit 126. As the general-purpose high-speed bus 125, a PCI bus is usually used.

  The I / O control unit 126 is equipped with two channels of asynchronous serial communication controllers 127 for transmitting and receiving control commands to and from the CPUs of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300. The I / O control unit 126 is connected to the scanner I / F 140 and the printer I / F 145 via the I / O bus 128, respectively. The I / O control unit 126 is connected to the panel I / F 132 via a key input I / F 130 for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys, and is used for displaying on a liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 150. It is connected to the LCD controller 131 via the I / F.

  The operation unit 150 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or hard key is transmitted to the CPU 112 via the panel I / F 132, and the liquid crystal display unit displays image data sent from the panel I / F 132. On the liquid crystal display unit, function display, image data, and the like in the operation of the image input / output system 100 are displayed.

  In addition, a real time clock module 133 is connected to the I / O control unit 126. The real-time clock module 133 is for updating / saving the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery 134.

  In addition, an EE-IDE connector 161 is connected to the I / O control unit 126, and the EE-IDE connector 161 is for connecting an external storage device. In this embodiment, a hard disk device (HD drive) 160 is connected to this connector 161, and the hard disk device 160 writes and reads image data to and from the hard disk (HD) 162.

  The scanner I / F 140 has a connector 142 including a tuned-step synchronization serial I / F 143 and a video I / F 144. The scanner I / F 140 is connected to the reader unit 200 via the connector 142 and is connected to the main controller 111 via the scanner bus 141. The scanner I / F 140 outputs, to the scanner bus 141, a control signal generated based on a function for performing predetermined processing on the image received from the reader unit 200 and a video control signal sent from the reader unit 200. It has a function. Data transfer from the scanner bus 141 to the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113.

  The printer I / F 145 includes a connector 142 including a tuned-step synchronization serial I / F 148 and a video I / F 149. The printer I / F 145 is connected to the printer unit 300 via the connector 147 and is connected to the main controller 111 via the printer bus 146, and performs predetermined processing on the image data output from the main controller 111. Thus, it has a function of outputting to the printer unit 300 and a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit 300 to the printer bus 146. Transfer of raster image data developed on the DRAM DRAM 116 to the printer unit 300 is controlled by the bus controller 113, and the raster image data is DMA-transferred to the printer unit 300 via the printer bus 146 and the video I / F 149. The

  Next, a copy operation in the image input / output system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a copy operation procedure in the image input / output system 100 of FIG.

  When outputting a copy image, as shown in FIG. 4, first, in step S4001, a user sets a copy job on the operation unit 150. Here, the setting contents of the copy job are the number of copies, paper size, single side / double side, enlargement / reduction ratio, sort output, presence of stapling, and the like.

  In step S4002, when a copy start instruction is given from the operation unit 150, the main controller 111 of the control device 110 controls the reader unit 200 via the scanner I / F 140 and the connector 142, and reads the image data of the document. Perform the action. First, the document feeding unit 250 feeds the placed documents one by one onto the platen glass 211, and simultaneously detects the size of the document. The scanner unit 210 reads image data by exposing and scanning the document based on the detected size of the document. The read image data is stored in the DRAM 116. In the present embodiment, the image data is always read at the same magnification (100%) regardless of the setting of the enlargement / reduction ratio of the copy setting, and the scaling process is performed in the image processor 135 in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Shall be carried out.

  Next, at step 4003, the main controller 111 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 116 to the image processor 135. In step S4004, the image processor 135 performs image processing based on the copy setting parameter. For example, when the enlargement ratio is set to 400%, the magnification processing in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction is performed using an image scaling unit which is a module in the image processor 135. When the image processing of the image data is completed, the image processor 135 transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111 in step S4005. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data in the DRAM 116.

  Next, in step 4006, the main controller 111 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 116 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the printer I / F 145 and the connector 147. . In step 4007, the printer unit 300 prints out the image data under the control of the main controller 111. Then, the copy job ends.

  In the present embodiment, the image input / output system 100 acquires a mode memory registered in another digital copying machine (including the digital copying machine 403) on the LAN 400 and registers it as the mode memory of its own apparatus. Has a mode memory download function. Specifically, when the image input / output system 100 acquires the setting contents of the operation mode registered in the digital copying machine 403 on the LAN 400 by the mode memory download function, first, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol) Communication with the digital copying machine 403 using / Internet Protocol (international standard protocol). Then, the image input / output system 100 acquires the model name and type information from the digital copying machine 403 and the setting contents of the operation mode registered in the digital copying machine 403, and uses the acquired setting contents as the operation of the own apparatus. The mode setting contents are registered in the hard disk device 160 connected to the control device 100. Details of this function will be described later.

  In addition, the image input / output system 100 includes a mode memory upload function for uploading and registering a mode memory registered in its own apparatus to another digital copying machine on the LAN 400, and another digital copying machine on the LAN 400. The mode memory direct call function for directly calling the mode memory registered in the memory and executing the operation is provided. Details of the mode memory upload function and the mode memory direct call function will be described later.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a case where “mode memory” is downloaded or uploaded as an operation mode is shown, but not only “mode memory” but also “user environment setting” and “favorite key”. It is also possible to download or upload the mode set by the function.

  Next, a basic operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a basic operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150 of the image input / output system 100 of FIG.

  A touch panel is pasted on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150, and the function is executed by touching the inside of the frame of each function displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display unit. In the basic operation screen, as shown in FIG. A density adjustment key 1013, a density adjustment slider 1012, a double-sided key 1014, an image mode key 1015, a copy key 1051, a fax key 1052, and a file key 1053 are displayed.

  When the extended function key 1001 is pressed, a transition is made to a setting mode such as page continuous shooting, double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, and frame erasing. The M1 key 1003, the M2 key 1004, and the M3 key 1005 are keys that are pressed when calling the registered mode memories. When the setting key 1006 is pressed, the basic operation screen is switched to the mode memory setting screen in FIG. Details of the mode memory setting screen will be described later.

  A shift sort key 1008 is a key for performing settings related to various finishings such as shift sort, staple sort, and group sort. An equal magnification key 1009 is a key that is pressed when the copy magnification is set to 100%. A zoom key 1010 is a key for setting a magnification between 25% and 800%, for example. A paper selection key 1011 is a key that is pressed when selecting paper. The density adjustment key 1013 is a key for adjusting the copy density, and is adjusted so that the density increases every time the right side is pressed. Each time the left side of the density adjustment key 1013 is pressed, the density is adjusted to become lighter. The density adjustment slider 1012 is for displaying the degree of density according to the density adjusted by the density adjustment key 1013. A double-sided key 1014 is a key for performing settings relating to double-sided reading and double-sided printing. An image mode key 1015 is a key for selecting a document type, and can select text / photo / map, text, photographic paper photograph, printed photograph, and the like as the document type.

  The copy key 1051 is a key that is pressed when performing a copying operation, and when this key is pressed, this basic operation screen is displayed. A fax key 1052 is a key that is pressed when performing faxing. The file key 1053 is a key that is pressed when it is desired to output file data.

  Next, a mode memory setting screen displayed by pressing the setting key 1006 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode memory setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150.

  When the setting key 1006 is pressed on the basic operation screen shown in FIG. 5, the mode memory setting screen shown in FIG. 6 is switched. On this mode memory setting screen, a registration key 1101, a mode memory download key 1102, a mode memory upload key 1103, a mode memory direct call key 1104, and a cancel key 1105 are displayed.

  A registration key 1101 is a key for confirming and registering new registration and correction of the setting contents of the mode memory. When the mode memory download key 1102 is pressed, the contents of the preset mode memory are acquired from another digital copying machine, for example, the digital copying machine 403, via the LAN 400, and copied (downloaded) to the mode memory of the own apparatus. Mode memory download is set. The mode memory copied by the mode memory download can be called and executed in the own device. When the mode memory upload key 1103 is pressed, the contents of the mode memory preset in the own apparatus are transmitted to another digital copying machine via the LAN 400, and copied (uploaded) to the mode memory of the other digital copying machine. ) Mode memory upload is set. When the mode memory direct call key 1104 is pressed, the mode memory that directly calls the contents of the mode memory preset in another digital copying machine via the LAN 400 and uses the contents of the called mode memory in the own apparatus. Direct call is set up. When the cancel key 1105 is pressed, the currently displayed screen is canceled and the screen is switched to the basic operation screen of FIG.

  Next, another model mode memory list screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of another model mode memory list screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150.

  The image input / output system 100 communicates with other digital copying machines (including the digital copying machine 403) on the LAN 400 by TCP / IP, and attributes such as the device name, model name, and mode memory from the other digital copying machines. When the information is returned as a response, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, another model mode memory list screen displaying a list of attributes of other digital copying machines is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150. On this other model mode memory list screen, a name display column 1201, a model name display column 1202, a mode memory number column 1203, up and down scroll keys 1205 and 1206, a cancel key 1204, and an OK key 1207 are displayed.

  The name display field 1201 displays a list of names registered by the user in the partner digital copier obtained by designating the address search range by communicating with TCP / IP. In the case of this screen example, it is shown that as a result of searching by designating a search range, communication has been performed with three digital copying machines named sales section 1, sales section 2, and management section.

  The model name display field 1202 displays the product name of the model registered in advance in each counterpart digital copier. In the case of this screen example, it is shown that the model of the digital copier named Sales Section 1 is iRC3200, the model of Digital Copy Machine of Sales Section 2 is iR5000, and the model of Digital Copier of the Management Section is iR2200. Yes.

  The mode memory number column 1203 shows the mode memory number of each counterpart digital copier. In the case of this screen example, it is indicated that there are M1, M2, and M3 mode memories for each digital copying machine.

  The down scroll key 1206 is a key for scrolling the screen so as to display the next screen of the list of names, model names, and mode memory numbers. The up scroll key 1205 is a key for scrolling the screen so as to display the previous screen of the list of names and model names. The cancel key 1204 is a key for canceling the currently displayed screen. When the cancel key 1204 is pressed, the current screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. An OK key 1207 is a key for confirming the selected mode memory. For example, when an operation is performed on the iR5000 mode memory M2 named Sales Section 2, the line displaying the mode memory is touched, and the display of the line is inverted. When the OK key 1207 is pressed, the selection of the mode memory M2 is confirmed.

  Next, when the mode memory downloaded by the mode memory download is executed, a mode memory confirmation screen for confirming the setting contents of the downloaded mode memory is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150. . The mode memory confirmation screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode memory confirmation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150.

  When the mode memory downloaded by the mode memory download is executed, the mode memory confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150 in order to confirm the setting contents of the mode memory. Is displayed. On this screen, up and down scroll keys 1301 and 1302, a confirmation key (Yes) 1303, and a cancel key (No) 1304 are displayed. Up and down scroll keys 1301 and 1302 are used when scrolling and displaying items of copy modes to be registered, such as page continuous shooting, which cannot be displayed in the screen frame. A confirmation key (Yes) 1303 is used to set the currently displayed copy mode, for example, in the case of this example, the magnification is 100%, auto paper selection, 1 sheet, density 5 and the page extension as an extended function. This is an open book, and the binding margin is pressed when registration of the left binding state is confirmed as the M2 mode memory. A cancel key (No) 1304 is a key for canceling the currently displayed screen.

  Here, the mode memory confirmation screen can also be displayed when confirming the settings of the mode memory that has already been registered. On the mode memory confirmation screen, the mode memory settings that have already been registered can be displayed. The content can be changed and modified.

  Next, the operation when mode memory download is set by the mode memory download key 1102 on the mode memory setting screen shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when mode memory download is set. The procedure in this figure is executed according to the ROM 114 by the CPU 112 of the control device 110.

  When the mode memory download key 1102 is pressed, the CPU 112 first displays a list of mode memories of other models on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150 in step S101 as shown in FIG. Here, when the image input / output system 100 communicates with another digital copying machine on the LAN 400 by TCP / IP, the device information and the set mode memory are acquired from the other digital copying machine, and the list is displayed. indicate.

  Next, when the number corresponding to the mode memory to be downloaded to the own device selected from the displayed mode memory list is determined by the OK key 1207 (FIG. 6), the CPU 112 sets the number of the mode memory. input. In step S103, the CPU 112 selects and sets a number associated with the mode memory to be downloaded. This number selection method may be a method of presenting and selecting candidate numbers to the user, or a method of automatically assigning a current free number from a predetermined number range.

  When the mode memory of the download source and the download destination is determined, the CPU 112 determines in step S104 the setting contents of the mode memory to be downloaded based on the device information (model, optional equipment information, etc.) of the own device at the download destination. It is determined whether the operation can be processed by a certain own device. For example, when the image input / output system 100 has a color copy function, color adjustment can be set in the mode memory. However, when only the monochrome copy function is provided, color adjustment cannot be performed. Further, when the finisher is equipped, the left binding or the like can be set in the mode memory. However, when the finisher is not equipped, the left binding cannot be set. As described above, since the setting contents that can be processed differ between apparatuses depending on the type of the apparatus and whether or not the optional apparatus is installed, the determination in step S104 is performed.

  If it is determined in step S104 that all of the setting contents of the mode memory downloaded can be processed, the CPU 112 displays a mode memory confirmation screen (shown in FIG. 8) showing all of the setting contents of the mode memory in step S105. indicate. When the enter key 1303 is pressed on the mode memory confirmation screen, the CPU 112 registers the mode memory of the selected number in the mode memory storage area of the DRAM 116 and ends this process.

  When it is determined in step S104 that all the setting contents of the mode memory downloaded are not processable, that is, there is at least one item that cannot be processed, the CPU 112 represents only the setting contents that can be processed in step S106. A mode memory confirmation screen (shown in FIG. 8) is displayed. Here, when the enter key 1302 is pressed, the CPU 112 registers only the setting contents that can be processed by its own device in the mode memory storage area of the DRAM 116 among the downloaded setting contents of the mode memory. finish.

  The mode memory downloaded in this way is called as necessary, and processing is executed according to the setting contents of the called mode memory. Therefore, the image input / output system 100 can acquire an operation mode that can be appropriately executed from another digital copying machine.

  When mode memory upload is set by pressing the mode memory upload key 1103, although not shown, the mode memory number of the upload source is selected and the mode memory of the upload destination is the same as in the case of mode memory download. A number is selected. Then, by determining whether the setting contents of the mode memory to be transmitted can be processed by the upload destination digital copying machine, it is determined that all the setting contents of the mode memory to be transmitted can be processed by the upload destination digital copying machine. In this case, the uploaded mode memory is registered in the mode memory storage area of the upload destination digital copier. On the other hand, if there is even one item that cannot be processed, only the setting contents that can be processed are registered in the mode memory storage area of the upload destination digital copier.

  In the digital copying machine in which the uploaded mode memory is registered, the uploaded and registered mode memory is called as necessary, and processing is executed according to the setting contents of the called mode memory. . Therefore, an operation mode that can be appropriately executed can be given to another digital copying machine.

  When mode memory direct call is set by pressing the mode memory direct call key 1104, the other model mode memory list screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Then, when the number of the mode memory to be used is selected and the OK key 1207 is pressed, the setting contents of the mode memory corresponding to the selected number are acquired by TCP / IP communication. Then, if it is determined that all of the acquired mode memory settings can be processed by the local device by determining whether the acquired mode memory settings can be processed by the local device, the acquired mode memory is acquired. The mode memory is called as if it were a mode memory registered in its own device, and the process is executed according to the setting contents. On the other hand, if there is at least one item that cannot be processed, the mode memory including only the setting contents that can be processed is called as if it is a mode memory registered in the own device, and the setting contents are followed. Processing will be executed.

  In the present embodiment, when the mode memory is downloaded, when it is determined that not all the setting contents of the downloaded mode memory can be processed, that is, there is one item that cannot be processed (step S104). Of the setting contents of the downloaded mode memory, only the setting contents that can be processed by the device itself are registered (step S106). Instead, there is one item that cannot be processed. If it is determined, as shown in FIG. 10, this processing may be terminated without performing any processing. That is, the acquired mode memory is registered only when it is determined that all the setting contents of the downloaded mode memory can be processed.

  Similarly, when uploading the mode memory, if it is determined that all settings of the mode memory to be transmitted can be processed by the upload destination digital copier, the uploaded mode memory is sent to the upload destination digital copier. If there is one item that is registered and cannot be processed, no processing may be performed.

  Even when mode memory is directly called, if processing is executed according to the acquired setting contents of the mode memory and there is even one item that cannot be processed, no processing may be performed.

  An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved when the MPU) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD. -RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. The case where the CPU of the expansion card 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 is also included.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image input / output system as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing hardware configurations of a reader unit 200 and a printer unit 300 in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus of FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a copy operation in the image input / output system 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a basic operation screen displayed on a liquid crystal display unit of an operation unit 150 of the image input / output system 100 of FIG. 1. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a mode memory setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of another model mode memory list screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a mode memory confirmation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure when mode memory download is set. It is a flowchart which shows the other operation | movement procedure at the time of mode memory download being set.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image input / output system 110 Control apparatus 150 Operation part 160 Hard disk apparatus 200 Reader part 210 Scanner unit 250 Document feeding unit 300 Printer part 310 Marking unit 360 Paper feed unit 370 Paper discharge unit 400 LAN
401, 402 PC
403 Digital copier

Claims (16)

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
Storage means for storing an operation mode including a plurality of items;
Acquisition means for acquiring an operation mode of the other image forming apparatus via the network;
Determining means for determining whether the setting contents of each item of the operation mode acquired by the acquiring means can be processed;
Control means for controlling to store the setting contents of the processable items in the acquired operation mode items based on the determination result of the determination means as the operation mode of the own device in the storage means. An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
Obtaining means for obtaining an operation mode consisting of a plurality of items registered in the other image forming apparatus via the network;
Determining means for determining whether the setting contents of each item of the operation mode acquired by the acquiring means can be processed;
An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus according to the set contents of items that can be processed in the operation mode based on the determination result of the determination means. Comprising display means for displaying a list of operation modes of a plurality of other image forming apparatuses;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires an operation mode selected from the list. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
Determining means for determining whether or not the other image forming apparatus can process the setting contents of the items included in the operation mode registered in the apparatus;
Based on the determination result of the determination unit, the setting contents of the items that can be processed among the items of the operation mode are set as operation modes that can be executed by the other image forming apparatus, and the other image forming apparatus via the network. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit to the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
Storage means for storing an operation mode comprising a plurality of items;
Acquisition means for acquiring an operation mode of the other image forming apparatus via the network;
Determining means for determining whether or not all items of the operation mode acquired by the acquiring means can be processed;
Control means for controlling the acquired operation mode to be stored in the storage means as the operation mode of its own device when it is determined by the determination means that all items of the acquired operation mode can be processed. An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
A determination means for determining whether all items included in the operation mode registered in the own apparatus can be processed by the other image forming apparatus;
When the determination unit determines that all of the items of the operation mode are processable, the operation mode is set as an operation mode executable by the other image forming apparatus, and the other image formation is performed via the network. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit to the apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
Obtaining means for obtaining an operation mode consisting of a plurality of items registered in the other image forming apparatus via the network;
Determining means for determining whether or not all items of the operation mode acquired by the acquiring means can be processed;
And a control unit that controls the operation of the device according to the acquired operation mode when it is determined by the determination unit that all items of the acquired operation mode can be processed. Forming equipment. A method of setting an environment for using an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
An acquisition step of acquiring an operation mode of the other image forming apparatus via the network;
A determination step of determining whether the setting content of each item of the operation mode acquired in the acquisition step can be processed;
And a control step of controlling to store the setting contents of the processable items in the acquired operation mode items in the storage unit as the operation mode of the own device based on the determination result in the determination step. Use environment setting method characterized by. A method of setting an environment for using an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
A determination step of determining whether or not the other image forming apparatus can process the setting contents of the items included in the operation mode registered in the apparatus;
Based on the determination result of the determination step, the setting contents of the items that can be processed among the items of the operation mode are set as operation modes that can be executed by the other image forming apparatus, and the other image forming apparatus via the network. A usage environment setting method comprising: a transmission step of transmitting to the network. A method of setting an environment for using an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
An acquisition step of acquiring an operation mode of the other image forming apparatus via the network;
A determination step of determining whether all items of the operation mode acquired in the acquisition step can be processed;
A control step of controlling to store the acquired operation mode as the operation mode of its own device in the storage means when it is determined that all items of the acquired operation mode can be processed in the determination step And a usage environment setting method. A method of setting an environment for using an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
A determination step of determining whether all of the items included in the operation mode registered in the own apparatus can be processed by the other image forming apparatus;
If it is determined in the determination step that all of the items of the operation mode can be processed, the operation mode is set as an operation mode executable by the other image forming apparatus, and the other image formation is performed via the network. A use environment setting method comprising: a transmission step of transmitting to an apparatus. A program executed on an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
An acquisition module for acquiring an operation mode of the other image forming apparatus via the network;
A determination module for determining whether the setting content of each item of the operation mode acquired by the acquisition module can be processed;
A control module that controls to store the setting content of the processable item in the acquired operation mode item as the operation mode of the own device in the storage unit based on the determination result by the determination module. A featured program. A program executed on an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
A determination module for determining whether or not the other image forming apparatus can process the setting contents of the items included in the operation mode registered in the apparatus;
Based on the determination result of the determination module, the setting contents of the items that can be processed among the items of the operation mode are set as operation modes that can be executed by the other image forming apparatus, and the other image forming apparatus via the network. A program comprising: a transmission module that transmits data to a computer. A program executed on an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
An acquisition module for acquiring an operation mode of the other image forming apparatus via the network;
A determination module for determining whether or not all items of the operation mode acquired by the acquisition module can be processed;
A control module that controls to store the acquired operation mode as the operation mode of its own device in the storage unit when it is determined by the determination module that all items of the acquired operation mode can be processed. A program comprising: A program executed on an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with at least one other image forming apparatus via a network,
A determination module that determines whether all of the items included in the operation mode registered in the own apparatus can be processed by the other image forming apparatus;
When the determination module determines that all of the items of the operation mode are processable, the operation mode is set as an operation mode executable by the other image forming apparatus, and the other image formation is performed via the network. A program comprising: a transmission module for transmitting to a device.   16. A storage medium in which the program according to claim 12 is stored so as to be readable by a computer.

Images