JPH0778235A - Composite device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable image data to be transferred between facsimile equipment and a printer part, a reader part by using a general standard format by generating a standard image format by adding image attribute information on the image data. CONSTITUTION:The reader part 1 outputs by reading a document and converting to digital image data. The printer part 2 prints the image data on recording paper as visible image. An external device 3 is provided with a FAX part 4, and a filing part 5 which records the image data on a medium to be recorded. Also, a computer interface part 7 which controls interface between computer equipment 11 and the reader part 1, the printer part 2, and the filing part 5 is provided. Furthermore, a formatter part to set information from the computer equipment 11 as the visible image, an image memory part 9 which accumulates the information sent from the computer equipment 11 transiently, and a core part 10 which controls every function are provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a standard image format as an image data format in a composite device having a copying function, a facsimile function, a printer formatter function, an image electronic file function, a computer interface function and an image memory function. , A TIFF (Tag Image File Format), PICT, and other complex devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image electronic file device or the like used as a stand-alone device, a device-specific format is used as a data format of image data to be handled. In addition, there is no multi-function machine that has a copier function, a facsimile function, a printer formatter function, an image electronic file function, a computer interface function, and an image memory function. It becomes necessary to process image data having different data formats.

[0003]

However, the conventional image electronic filing apparatus and the like are not sufficiently compatible with the computer interface in terms of the image data format. On the other hand, for example, as a format of the image data when the image data is handled by a computer device, TIFF (Tag Image File Format) proposed by Ardus in the United States or PICT proposed by Apple in the United States is generally used as a standard image data format. ing. However, as described above, in the conventional image electronic filing apparatus, since the image data format unique to the apparatus is used, the image data input or created in the image electronic filing apparatus is used in the computer device via the communication line. When processing the image data format, for example, TIF
It had to be converted to a standard image format such as F or PICT. Such format conversion has a problem that a conversion program of a data format must be created for each device, and that a great deal of labor is required for the conversion work of the data format.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and an object of the present invention is to provide a composite apparatus capable of exchanging image data between a facsimile, a printer, and a reader unit using a normal standard image format. To do.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the compound device of the present invention has the following structure. That is,
A reading unit that reads an image and outputs image data; an image output unit that outputs a visible image based on the image data; an image recording unit that records the image data on a recording medium; a computer device and the reading unit; A computer interface means for controlling an interface between the image output means and the image recording means; a control means for controlling a flow of image data and an image control signal between each of the means; And a standard image format creating means for creating a standard image format by adding image attribute information to the input image data.

[0006]

With the above construction, the flow of the image data and the image control signal between the reading means, the image output means, the image recording means and the computer device is controlled, and the image data input to the control unit is controlled. A standard image format is created by adding image attribute information.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

In FIG. 1, an image input device (reader unit) 1 reads an original image, converts it into digital image data, and outputs it. A printer unit 2 has recording paper cassettes of a plurality of sizes, and prints image data as a visible image on the recording paper according to a print command input from the reader unit 1. An external device 3 is electrically connected to the reader unit 1 and has various functions. The external device 3 is a man machine that connects the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, and the file unit 5 to the keyboard 12 and the display 13.
Interface unit 6, computer device 11 (personal computer (PC) or workstation (W
S)), a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to the computer, a formatter unit 8 for converting the information from the computer device 11 into a visible image, information from the reader unit 1, and sending from the computer device 11. An image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing the information and a core unit 10 for controlling the above-mentioned functions are provided. An external storage device 14 such as a hard disk is connected to the file unit 5.

The detailed functions of each unit will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Description of Reader Unit 1] FIG. 2 is a structural sectional view showing the structures of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the reader unit 1.

First, the structure of the reader section 1 will be described. The originals stacked on the original feeding section 101 are successively conveyed one by one onto the original table glass 102. When the document is conveyed, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves in the arrow F direction to irradiate the document. Light reflected from the original is reflected by the mirrors 105, 106, 10
After passing through the lens 108 via 7, the image is input to the CCD image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter referred to as CCD).
As a result, the CCD 109 outputs an image signal corresponding to the original image density.

Next, the configuration of the image processing circuit of the reader unit 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

An optical signal corresponding to the original image input to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal. This CCD 109 is equipped with RGB color filters,
A color image signal corresponding to each of RGB is output from 109. These color image signals are amplified by the amplifiers 110R, 110G and 110B at the next stage so as to match the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. Color signals (RGB) output from the A / D converter 111
Is input to the shading circuit 112, where uneven light distribution of the lamp 103 and uneven sensitivity of the CCD 109 are corrected. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 and the external I / F switching circuit 1.
It is input to 19.

The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 obtains a Y signal by operating the signal from the shading circuit 112 according to the following equation.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B Further, the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113
It has a color detection circuit that separates each of the G and B signals into seven colors and outputs a signal for each color. The output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is supplied to the scaling / repeat circuit 11
4 is input. The scaling / repeat circuit 114 scales the scaling in the sub-scanning direction according to the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104.
The magnification is changed in the main scanning direction by. In addition, the repeat circuit 11
4, it is possible to output a plurality of identical images.
The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 can obtain edge emphasis and contour information by emphasizing the high frequency components of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit. The signal from the contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 is input to the marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117.

Marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116
Reads a portion of a document written with a marker pen of a specified color, generates contour information of the marker, and the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 thickens the contour information. And masking and trimming. Further, the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is used for the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.
Patterning is performed to change the signal of each color into a predetermined pattern by the color detection signal from. An output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to a laser driver circuit 118, and various processed signals are converted into signals for driving a laser.
The signal from the laser driver 118 is sent to the printer unit 2
Image is formed on the recording paper as a visible image.

Next, the external I / F switching circuit 119 for controlling the interface (I / F) with the external device 3 will be described. This external I / F switching circuit 119
When the image information is output from the reader unit 1 to the external device 3, the image output from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is output to the connector 120. On the other hand, the reader unit 1 receives image information from the external device 3.
Is input, the external I / F switching circuit 119
Outputs the image information input via the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The above image processing is executed according to the instruction of the CPU 122, and the area signal generating circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the image processing based on the value set by the CPU 122. Also C
The CPU 122 can directly communicate with the external device 3 via the connector 120 using the communication function built in the PU 122. The sub CPU 123 is the operation unit 1
In addition to controlling 24, the communication with the external device 3 can be performed using the communication function built in the sub CPU 123. [Description of Printer Unit 2] Next, the configuration of the printer unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 again. The signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted by the exposure control unit 201 into a laser light signal corresponding to the image signal input from the reader unit 1, and the photoconductor 202 is irradiated with the laser light signal. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiated light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer sheet is conveyed from the transfer sheet stacking section 204 or 205 at the same timing as this electrostatic latent image, and the image developed by the developing unit 203 is transferred to the transfer sheet in the transfer section 206. The image thus transferred is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207, and then discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 to the outside of the printer unit 2. The transfer paper output from the discharge unit 208 is sorted by the sorter 220.
When the sort function is working in, each bin is discharged, or when the sort function is not working, it is discharged to the top bin of the sorter.

Next, a method for outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described. Fixing unit 2
The output paper sheet fixed at 07 is once conveyed to the paper discharge section 208, then the direction of the transfer paper sheet is reversed, and is conveyed to the re-transferred paper stack section 210 via the conveyance direction switching member 209. . When the next copy is prepared,
The original image is read in the same manner as the above process. Then, since the recording paper having one side printed is fed from the re-transferred transfer paper stacking section 210, two original images can be printed on the front and back sides of the same output paper. .

The external device 3 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the reader unit 1 by a cable, and the core unit 10 in the external device 3 controls signals and functions. This external device 3
The function of each part of will be described in detail below. [Description of Core Unit 10] Next, with reference to FIG.
Will be described in detail. The connector 1001 of the core unit 10 is
It is connected to the connector 120 (FIG. 3) of the reader unit 1 via a cable. The connector 1001 includes three types of signal lines, and the signal line 1054 is a bidirectional signal line for transmitting an 8-bit multivalued video signal and a video control signal. The signal line 1051 is C of the reader unit 1.
A signal line 1052 for communicating with the PU 122
Is a signal line for communicating with the sub CPU 123 of the reader unit 1. Here, the signal line 1052 and the signal line 105
3 is connected via a communication unit (IC) 1002, the communication unit 1002 performs communication protocol processing, and the sub CPU 123 and the CPU 1003 can transfer communication information via the CPU bus 1053.

A signal line 1054 which is a bidirectional signal line.
Through this, it is possible for the core unit 10 to receive the information from the reader unit 1 and to output the information from the core unit 10 to the reader unit 1. The signal line 1054 is connected to the binarization circuit 1004, the connector 1010 and the connector 1013. The inner connector 1010 is the file unit 5.
And the connector 1013 is connected to the image memory unit 9.

The binarization circuit 1004 has a function of converting the 8-bit multilevel signal of the signal line 1054 into a binary signal. The binarization circuit 1004 is a simple binarization function that binarizes multi-valued data of the signal line 1054 at a fixed slice level, and a binary value based on a variable slice level in which the slice level fluctuates from the values of peripheral pixels of the target pixel It has a binarizing function or a binarizing function by an error diffusion method. This binarization circuit 10
The signal line 1055 output from 04 is the rotating circuit 1
005 and the selector 1008. The rotating circuit 1005 functions together with the memory 1006 to input the information output from the reader unit 1 via the connector 1001.
After being converted into a binary signal by the binarizing circuit 1004, the image information from the reader unit 1 is stored in the memory 1006 under the control of the rotating circuit 1005. Next, according to an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1005 rotates and reads the image information stored in the memory 1006. This rotating circuit 100
The output signal line 1056 of No. 5 is input to the expansion circuit 1007.

The enlargement circuit 1007 includes a signal line 1056.
First, the binary signal of is converted into a multilevel signal. This is converted into "00H" when the data of the signal line 1056 is "0", and converted into "0FFH" when the data of the signal line 1056 is "1" and output. H represents a hexadecimal number. This enlarging circuit 1007 is operated by an instruction from the CPU 1003.
The enlargement ratio can be set independently for the Y direction and the Y direction. This expansion method is a first-order linear interpolation method. The output signal line 1054 of the expansion circuit 1007 is connected to the CPU 1003.
The connector 1001 or the connector 101
0, input to the connector 1013.

Output signal line 10 from the binarization circuit 1004
55 and the output signal line 1056 from the rotation circuit 1005 are both input to the selector 1008 and selected according to the selection signal output from the CPU 1003. The output signal line 1058 of the selector 1008 is connected to the connector 1009,
It is connected to the connectors 1010 and 1012. The CPU bus 1053 includes a CPU 1003, a communication unit 1002, a connector 1009, a connector 1010,
Connector 1011, connector 1012 and connector 10
It is connected to 13. This CPU 1003 is the communication unit 1
The communication with the reader unit 1 is performed via 002, and the CPU 1003 can communicate with the fax unit 4 via the connector 1009. Similarly, communication is performed with the file unit 5 via the connector 1010, the computer interface unit 7 via the connector 1011, the formatter unit 8 via the connector 1012, and the image memory 9 via the connector 1013. It can be carried out.

The signal flow of the core section 10 and each section will be described below. Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information with Fax Unit 4 First, the case of outputting information to the fax unit 4 will be described. The CPU 1003, via the communication unit 1002,
It communicates with the CPU 122 (FIG. 3) of the reader unit 1 and outputs a scan command for operating and reading a document. The reader unit 1 is instructed by the scanner unit 10 by this command.
4 starts moving and reads the document, and outputs the read image information to the connector 120. Reader unit 1
The external device 3 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. The image information input to this connector 1001 is
It is input to the binarization circuit 1004 through the multi-valued (8-bit) signal line 1054. The binarization circuit 1004 converts the 8-bit data of the signal line 1054 into a binary signal, and the binary signal is input to the selector 1008 or the rotation circuit 1005 through the signal line 1055. The output signal line 1056 from the rotating circuit 1005 is also input to the selector 1008 as described above, and the CPU 100
3 communicates with the fax unit 4 via the data bus 1053, so that which input the selector 1008 selects is determined. The binary signal thus output from the selector 1008 is sent to the signal line 1058 and the selector 10
It is sent to the fax unit 4 via 09.

Next, the case of receiving information from the fax section 4 will be described. The image information from the fax unit 4 is transmitted via the connector 1009 as a binary signal to the signal line 1
It is transmitted to 058. The selector 1008 is the CPU 10
03, the data of the signal line 1058 is transferred to the signal line 1058.
55 or the signal line 1056. If the output to the signal line 1055 is selected, the fax unit 4
The binarized signal from is rotated by the rotating circuit 1005, and then input to the next enlarging circuit 1007. On the other hand, when the signal line 1056 is selected as the output from the selector 1008, it is directly input to the enlarging circuit 1007 without performing the rotation process. This expansion circuit 1007 has 2
After converting the value signal into 8-bit multi-valued data, expansion processing is performed by the linear interpolation method of the first order.
The 8-bit multilevel signal from 007 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the signal line 1054 and the connector 1001. The reader unit 1 inputs this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 119 via the connector 120, and the external I / F switching circuit 119 causes the signal from the fax unit 4 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. input. The signal output from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is subjected to the above-described processing and then output to the printer unit 2 to form an image on recording paper. Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information with File Unit 5 First, the case of outputting information to the file unit 5 will be described. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication unit 1002, and issues a scan command to scan and read a document. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 by scanning and reading an original by the scanner unit 104 according to this command.
Information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10 via a cable. This connector 1
The image information input to 001 is the 8-bit signal line 10
54 through the connector 1010 or the binarization circuit 1004
Entered in. When the file unit 5 compresses 8-bit information for filing, the information of the signal line 1054 is output to the file unit 5 via the connector 1010. When the file unit 5 compresses binary image information for filing, the binarized data by the binarization circuit 1004 is output to the file unit 5 via the selector 1008 and the connector 1010. The processing by the binarization circuit 1004 and the rotation circuit 1005 is the same as the above-described data exchange with the fax unit 4, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

Next, the case of receiving information from the file section 5 will be described. The image information from the file unit 5 is sent via the connector 1010 to the signal line 1054 in the case of an 8-bit multilevel signal and the signal line 1058 in the case of a binary signal.
Be transmitted to. The data of the signal line 1054 is the connector 10
It is sent to the reader unit 1 via 01. Selector 1008
Outputs the signal line 1058 to either the signal line 1055 or the signal line 1056 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.
When the output to the signal line 1055 is selected, the signal is output to the next enlarging circuit 1007 after being rotated by the rotating circuit 1005. On the other hand, when the output to the signal line 1056 is selected, the enlargement circuit 1 is directly performed without performing the rotation process.
It is input to 007. The 8-bit multilevel signal from the expansion circuit 1007 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the connector 1001. The information from the file unit 5 sent to the reader unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed in the same manner as the data with the fax unit 4 described above. Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information with Computer Interface Unit 7 The computer interface unit 7 performs interface control with the computer device 11 connected to the external device 3. This interface section uses SCSI, RS232 as a computer interface.
C, Centronics interface section, and information from each interface section is sent to the CPU 1003 via the connector 1011 and the data bus 1053. C
The PU 1003 performs various controls based on the sent data. Operation of the core unit 10 based on information with the formatter unit 8 The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 7 into image data.
When the CPU 1003 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1053 is data regarding the formatter unit 8, the CPU 1003 transfers the data to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 1012.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter unit 8 and forming an image on a recording sheet will be described. The image information from the formatter unit 8 is the connector 101.
It is output to the signal line 1058 via 2 as a binary signal. The signal line 1058 is input to the selector 1008, and the selector 1008 outputs the data of the signal line 1058 to either the signal line 1055 or the signal line 1056 according to the instruction of the CPU 1003. Now signal line 105
When the output to 5 is selected, it is input to the next enlargement circuit 1007 after being rotated. On the other hand, the selector 10
When the signal line 1056 is selected as an output signal from 08, it is directly input to the enlarging circuit 1007 without undergoing the rotation processing. The 8-bit multi-valued signal thus expanded by the expansion circuit 1007 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the connector 1001. The information of the formatter unit 8 sent to the reader unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 and the image is formed on the recording paper, similarly to the data exchange with the fax unit 4 described above. Core unit 10 based on information with the image memory unit 9
Operation of First, the case of outputting the information of the image memory unit 9 will be described. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication unit 1002 and issues a scan command for reading and scanning an original. In response to this command, the reader unit 1 moves the scanner unit 104 and scans the document to read the document image, and outputs the image information to the connector 120. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the connector 1 of the core unit 10 via this cable.
It is input to 001. The image information input to the connector 1001 is sent to the image memory unit 9 via the signal line 1054 and the connector 1013. The image information thus stored in the image memory unit 9 is stored in the connector 101.
3 to the CPU 1003 via the data bus. C
The PU 1003 transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. Computer interface section 7
Are the three types of interface units (SCSI,
RS232C, Centronics) and transfers to the computer device 11 using a desired interface unit.

Next, the case of receiving information from the image memory unit 9 will be described. First, image information is sent from the computer device 11 to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. CPU of core unit 10
When 1003 determines that the data sent from the computer interface section 7 via the data bus 1053 is data relating to the image memory section 9, it transfers the data to the image memory section 9 via the connector 1013.
Next, the image memory unit 9 transmits 8-bit multivalued data to the signal line 1054 via the connector 1013. The data on the signal line 1054 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the connector 1001. The image information of the image memory unit 9 thus sent to the reader unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 and the image is recorded, like the fax unit 4 described above. [Description of Fax Unit 4] Next, the fax unit 4 will be described in detail with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The fax section 4 is connected to the core section 10 via a connector 400 and a connection cable, and exchanges various signals. The signal line 451 transmits bidirectional binarized image data and is connected to the buffer 401. The buffer 401 outputs the bidirectional data of the signal line 451 from the signal line 452 which outputs from the fax unit 4 and the signal line 453 which inputs to the fax unit 4.
And the data of. Both the signal line 452 and the signal line 453 are input to the selector 402, and in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 412, the data of one of the signal lines is selected and output by the selector 402. When the binary information from the core unit 10 is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408, the selector 402 selects the signal of the signal line 453 and outputs it to the signal line 466. When transferring data from one memory (any one of A405 to D408) to another memory, the selector 402
Selects the data on the signal line 452 and outputs it to the signal line 466.

The data thus output to the signal line 466 is input to the scaling circuit 403 and subjected to scaling processing. The scaling circuit 403 is provided with a reading resolution (40
When the image data read at 0 dpi) is transmitted by facsimile, the resolution of the image data is converted according to the resolution of the facsimile apparatus on the receiving side. Scaling circuit 40
The output signal line 454 of No. 3 is input to the memory controller 404, and under the control of this memory controller 404, it is transferred to any one of the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408, or one in which two sets of memories are cascade-connected. Are stored. The memory controller 404 is instructed by the CPU 412 so that the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, the memory D
CODEC 411 having a mode for exchanging data between 408 and the CPU bus 462, and an encoding / decoding function
And a mode in which data is exchanged with the CODEC bus 463 of FIG.
~ It has four functions of a mode of storing in any of the memories D408 and a mode of reading out the contents of the memories from any of the memories A405 to D408 and outputting to the signal line 452.

Each of the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408 has a memory capacity of 2 Mbytes and stores image data corresponding to A4 at a resolution of 400 dpi. Timing generation circuit 409
Are connected to the connector 400 via the signal line 459, and control signals (HSYNC, HE) from the core unit 10 are supplied.
N, VSYNC, VEN) to generate signals to accomplish the two functions described below. First, as the first function, the image signal from the core unit 10 is transferred to the memory A.
This is a function of storing in any one or two memories 405 to D408. The second function is the memory A4.
05 to the memory D 408, and has a function of reading image data from any one of them and transmitting it to the signal line 452.

To the dual port memory 410, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is connected via a signal line 461, and the CPU 412 of the fax unit 4 is connected via a signal line 462. Each of these CPUs can exchange commands via the dual port memory 410. The SCSI controller 413 controls the interface with the hard disk 15 connected to the fax unit 4 in FIG. The hard disk 15 stores image data at the time of facsimile transmission, image data at the time of facsimile reception, and the like.

Encoder / Decoder (CODEC) 411
Reads out the image information stored in any of the memories A405 to D408 and encodes the image information by a desired encoding method among MH, MR and MMR methods, and then the encoded data is stored in the memories A405 to D408. Memorize either. In addition, the encoded data stored in the memories A405 to 408 is read and MH, MR, MM are read.
After decoding by any of the R methods, the decoded image data is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408. The modem 414 is a CODEC 411 or SC
A function of modulating code data from a hard disk connected to the SI controller 413, and demodulation of facsimile reception information sent from the NCU 415 to convert it into coded data, and a hard disk connected to the CODEC 411 or SCSI controller 413. The encoded data is transferred to. The NCU 415 is directly connected to a telephone line and exchanges information with a switching device installed in a telephone office or the like according to a predetermined procedure.

The operation of one embodiment of facsimile transmission will be described below.

Binary image data from the reader unit 1 is input via the connector 400 and is input to the buffer 401 via the signal line 451. This buffer 401 is C
The data of the signal 451 is output onto the signal line 453 under the control of the PU 412. The selector 402 uses this signal line 4
The data on 53 is selected, output to the signal line 466, and input to the scaling circuit 403. The scaling circuit 403 converts the resolution (400 dpi) of the reader unit 1 into a resolution for facsimile transmission. The data output from the scaling circuit 403 to the signal line 454 is stored in the memory A 405 by the memory controller 404. The timing stored in the memory A 405 is generated by the timing generation circuit 409 based on the timing signal input from the reader unit 1 through the signal line 459, and the signal line 4 is generated.
It is input to the memory controller 404 through 60.
The CPU 412 is the memory A of the memory controller 404.
405 and the memory B406 are connected to the bus line 463 of the CODEC 411, and the CODEC 411 is connected to the memory A40.
The image information is read from 5 and encoded by the MR method. The encoded data thus encoded is stored in the memory B40.
Write to 6.

Similarly, when all the A4 size image information is encoded by the CODEC 411, the CPU 4
12 is a memory B 406 of the memory controller 404 C
Connect to the PU bus 462. This allows the CPU 412
Sequentially reads the encoded data from the memory B 406 and transfers it to the modem 414. Thus the modem 414
Modulates the encoded data and transmits the facsimile transmission image information to the telephone line via the NCU 415 and the connector 416.

Next, the facsimile receiving operation will be described.

The information sent from the telephone line is NC
When input to U415, NCU 415 connects to the telephone line in a predetermined procedure. Information from the NCU 415 is input to the modem 414 and demodulated. CPU 412 is a CPU
The image data from the modem 414 is stored in the memory C407 via the bus 462. When the image information for one screen is stored in the memory C407 in this way, the CPU 412 controls the memory controller 404 to connect the data line 457 of the memory C407 to the signal line 463 to the CODEC 411. In this way, the CODEC 411 becomes the memory C40.
The coded information from No. 7 is sequentially read and decoded. The image data thus decoded is stored in the memory D408. The CPU 412 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 410, and the memory D
A communication path for printing out an image from the printer unit 408 through the core unit 10 to the printer unit 2 is set. When this setting is completed, the CPU 412 activates the timing generation circuit 409. The timing generation circuit 409 uses the signal line 46.
A predetermined timing signal is output from 0 to the memory controller, and the memory controller 404 synchronizes with the timing signal from the timing generation circuit 409 to the memory D4.
Image information is read from 08 and output to the signal line 452. The image data of the signal line 452 is stored in the buffer 401.
Is input to the connector 400 via the signal line 451.
Is output to. The operation of outputting from the connector 400 to the printer unit 2 has been described in the description of the core unit 10, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. [Description of File Unit 5] The configuration of the file unit 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The file unit 5 is connected to the core unit 10 via the connector 500 and exchanges various signals. The signal line 551 transmits 8-bit multi-valued image data bidirectionally, and this image data is input to the buffer 501. The buffer 501 separates multi-valued image data output from the file unit 5 on the signal line 556 and multi-valued image data on the signal line 555 input to the file unit 5. The image data input through the signal line 555 is input to the compression circuit 503, where multi-valued image data is converted into binary compression information and sent to the selector 505.

The signal line 552 bidirectionally transmits binary image data and is connected to the buffer 502. The buffer 502 separates the image data of the signal line 552 into the data from the signal line 558 output from the file unit 5 and the data on the signal line 557 input to the file unit 5. The binary image data on the signal line 557 is input to the selector 505. This selector 505
According to an instruction from the CPU 516, the compression circuit 503
From the output to the signal line 561 from the buffer 502
Selected from the data output to the signal line 557 or the three types of data output from the buffer 512 to the signal line 562, and the selected image data is sent to the memory controller 510 via the signal line 563. You are typing. The signal line 563 of the selector 505 is also input to the selector 511.

As a result, the compression information obtained by compressing the 8-bit multi-valued image data from the core unit 10 is stored in the memory A506.
When the data is stored in any one of the memories D509, an instruction is input to the selector 505 to select the data of the signal line 561, and when the binary information is stored in these memories, the selector 505 has the signal line. You are prompted to select 557 data. Further, when the image data from the man-machine interface unit 6 shown in FIG. 1 is input and stored in these memories, the selector 505 uses the signal line 5
The CPU 516 is instructed to select the image data of 62. The image data output to the output signal line 563 of the selector 505 is the memory A506, the memory B507, and the memory C50 under the control of the memory controller 510.
8 or memory D509, or two memories connected in cascade.

This memory controller 510 is a CPU
According to the instruction of 516, the memory A 506, the memory B 50
7, memory C508, memory D509 and CPU bus 56
A mode for exchanging data with 0 and encoding /
CODEC bus 570 of CODEC 517 for decoding
From one of the memories A506 to D509 and a mode of storing the data of the signal line 563 in one of the memories A506 to D509 under the control of the timing generation circuit 514. It has four functions of a mode for reading the content and outputting it to the signal line 558. Memory A506, memory B50
7, memory C508, memory D509 is 2M each
It has a byte capacity and can store image data corresponding to A4 size at a resolution of 400 dpi. The timing generation circuit 514 is connected to the connector 5 via the signal line 553.
00 and is connected to the control signal (H
SYNC, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) to generate signals for accomplishing the following two functions. That is, one is to store the information from the core unit 10 in the memory A5.
06 to any one of the memories D509, or 2
Function to store in one memory, the second function is memory A
This is a function of reading the content from any one of 506 to the memory 509 and transmitting it to the signal line 558.

The connector 513 exchanges signals with the man-machine interface unit 6 shown in FIG.
The image data is stored in the buffer 512 and the command is stored in the communication circuit 5.
18 is connected. The signal line 569 transmits bidirectional image data, and the buffer 512 receives the image data from the man-machine interface unit 6,
The image data is output to the signal line 562. When outputting image data from the file unit 5 to the man-machine interface unit 6, the information of the signal line 568 is transferred via the buffer 512 and the connector 513. The dual port memory 515 is connected to the core unit 10 via the signal line 554.
Of the CPU 1003 and the CPU 516 of the file unit 5 via a signal line 560. These CPU
516 and 1003 are dual port memories 515
Exchange commands via.

The SCSI controller 519 controls the interface with the external storage device 520 connected to the file unit 5 of FIG.
0 is specifically configured by a magneto-optical disk and stores image data and the like. CODEC 517 is a memory A5
The image data stored in any one of the memory 06 to the memory D509 is read and encoded by a desired one of the MH, MR, and MMR methods, and then the memory A506 to the memory D509.
Is stored as encoded information. Also, after the encoded information stored in the memories A506 to D509 is read and decoded by a predetermined one of the MH, MR, and MMR methods, the decoded information, that is, an image, is stored in any one of the memories A506 to D509. Store data.

Next, an embodiment for accumulating file information in the external storage device 520 will be described.

The 8-bit multi-valued image data from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 500 and is input to the buffer 501 through the signal line 551. At this time, the buffer 50
1 outputs the data of the signal line 551 to the signal line 555 according to the setting of the CPU 516. The image data on the signal line 555 is input to the compression circuit 503, where it is converted into binary compressed data and output to the signal line 561. This signal line 5
After the compressed data on 61 is input to the selector 505,
Selected by the selector 505 according to the instruction of the CPU 516,
The memory controller 510 is reached via a signal line 563. The signal line 563 is also output to the man-machine interface unit 6 via the selector 511, the buffer 512, and the connector 513. Also, a signal is input from the core unit 10 to the timing generation circuit 514 via the signal line 553, whereby a timing signal is output to the signal line 559 and sent to the memory controller 510. According to this timing signal, the memory controller 510
The compressed data on the signal line 563 selected by the selector 505 is stored in the memory A 506.

The CPU 516 is the memory controller 51.
0 memory A506 and memory B507 to CODEC5
17 bus lines 570. CODEC 517
Reads the compressed image information from the memory A506, encodes it by the MR method, and writes the encoded information in the memory B507. When the CODEC 517 finishes encoding in this way, the CPU 516 causes the memory controller 5
10 memory B 507 is connected to the CPU bus 560.
The CPU 516 stores the encoded information in the memory B507.
It is read out and transferred to the SCSI controller 519. The SCSI controller 519 stores this encoded information in the external storage device 520 through the signal line 572.

Next, an embodiment in which the image data stored in the external storage device 520 is read and output to the printer unit 2 will be described.

When an instruction for information retrieval / printing is received from the man-machine interface unit 6, the CPU 516
The external storage device 5 via the SCSI controller 519.
It receives the encoded information from 20 and transfers the encoded information to memory C508. At this time, the memory controller 510 is instructed by the CPU 516 so that the CPU bus 56
0 is connected to the bus 566 of the memory C508. When the transfer of the coded information to the memory C508 is completed in this way, the CPU 516 controls the memory controller 510 to cause the memory C508 and the memory D509 to copy.
Connect to bus 570 of DEC 517. Thus COD
The EC 517 reads the encoded information from the memory C 508, sequentially decodes it, and then transfers it to the memory D 509.

Further, the CPU 516 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 515, and sets to output the image data from the memory D509 to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10 and print it. . Upon completion of this setting, the CPU 516 activates the timing generation circuit 514 and outputs a predetermined timing signal to the memory controller 510 through the signal line 559. The memory controller 510 reads the decoding information from the memory D509 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 514 and outputs it to the signal line 558. The image data on the signal line 558 is input to the decompression circuit 504, where the decoding information is decompressed and converted into image data. The image data output to the signal line 556 of the decompression circuit 504 is output to the connector 500 via the buffer 501 and the signal line 551. The process up to the output from the connector 500 to the printer unit 2 is the same as the above description, and therefore will be omitted. [Description of Man-Machine Interface Unit 6] The man-machine interface unit 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

Here, a case will be described in which the image data from the file unit 5 of this embodiment is received and displayed on the display 608.

The connector 600 is connected to the connector 513 of the file section 5 by a cable. CPU 615 is C
The image input mode is set by communicating with the CPU 516 of the file section in the communication circuit 610 via the PU bus 660. Bidirectional image data from the connector 600 is separated into unidirectional image data by the buffer 601 through the signal line 651. The image data from the file unit 5 is input to the reduction circuit 602 as image data on the signal line 652 in one direction in the buffer 601. The reduction circuit 602 reduces the input image data according to the display size of the FLC display (high dielectric conductive display) 608. The reduced image data output from the reduction circuit 602 is input to the dual port memory 605 through the signal line 654 and the buffer 603. Writing image data to the dual port memory 605
This is performed in synchronization with the timing signal input from the timing generation circuit 604 via the signal line 658.

The timing generation circuit 604 has a signal line 65.
It is activated by the timing signal from the file section 5 input through the 7 and the dual port memory 605 has 1
When line image data is written, the CPU 615 is requested to perform DMA (direct memory access) by a signal input from the timing generation circuit 604 through the signal line 666. CPU 615 has a built-in DM
AC (Direct Memory Access Controller) allows dual port memory 605 to CPU bus 660
The image data is transferred to the DRAM (dynamic random access memory) 612 via the. By repeating such operations, the image data of one screen is stored in the DRAM 6
12 can be stored.

The FLC display 608 is a cable 6
62 is connected to the connector 607 via a signal line 665.
The image request signal (hereinafter, FHSYNC) is input to the timing generation circuit 609 via the. When the timing generation circuit 609 receives the FHSYNC signal, the signal line 6
A DMA request signal is output to the CPU 615 via 67. Upon receiving the DMA request signal, the CPU 615 activates the DMAC built in the CPU 615.
As a result, the DRAM 612 changes to the FLC display 60.
The line address sent to the display unit 8 and displayed and the image data for one line are transferred to the FIFO via the CPU bus 660.
DMA transfer is made to 606. Next, the timing generation circuit 609 transmits the timing signal to the FI through the signal line 663.
The image information for one line is output to the FO 606, read out from the FIFO 606, and the F information is output via the connector 607.
Transfer to LC display 608. The FLC display 608 determines the image display position from the line address to be displayed and displays one line of image information on the FLC display. By repeating such operation,
The image information of one screen is displayed on the entire surface of the FLC display 608.

Next, the case of transferring the image information of the man-machine interface unit 6 to the file unit 5 will be described below.

The CPU 615 sets the image output mode by communicating with the CPU 516 of the file unit 5 via the communication circuit 610 and the connector 600. The image information of the man-machine interface 6 is the DRAM 61.
When the CPU 615 receives the DMA request signal 666 from the timing generation circuit 604 via the signal line 666, the CPU 615 reads the image information for one line from the DRAM 612 and transfers it to the dual port memory 605. Next, when a read timing signal from the timing generation circuit 604 is input via the signal line 658, image information is read from the dual port memory 605 and output to the signal line 656. The data on this signal line 656 is
It is output to the connector 600 via the buffer 603, the buffer 601 and the signal line 651. The operation of the file unit 5 after receiving the image data has been described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted. A keyboard / I / F 618 and a mouse / I / F 616 communicate with a keyboard and a mouse.
Operation instructions are given to the interface unit 6. [Description of Computer Interface Unit 7] Next, the computer interface unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

The connectors 700 and 701 are SC
Connector for SI interface, connector 702
Is a connector for the Centronics interface. The connector 703 is a connector for RS232C interface. Further, the connector 707 is a connector for connecting to the core unit 10.

SCSI interface (I / F) section 7
04 is two connectors (connector 700, connector 7
01) and a device having a plurality of SCSI interfaces is connected by cascade connection using the connector 700 and the connector 701. When the external device 3 and the computer device 11 are connected one-to-one, the connector 700 and the computer device 1 are connected.
1 is connected by a cable, and a terminator (terminating resistor) is connected to the connector 701, or the connector 701 and the computer device 11 are connected by a cable, and the terminator is connected to the connector 700. Information input from the connector 700 or the connector 701 is input to the SCSI I / F 704 via the signal line 751. This SCSI
The I / F 704 performs a procedure according to the SCSI protocol, and then transmits data to the connector 70 via the signal line 754.
Output to 7.

The connector 707 is connected to the CPU bus 1053 of the core unit 10, and the CPU 10 of the core unit 10 is connected.
03 receives information input from the SCSI I / F connector (connector 700, connector 701) from the CPU bus 1053. When the data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is output to the SCSI connector (connector 700, connector 701), the procedure reverse to the above is performed.

Centronics interface (I /
The F) unit 705 is connected to the connector 702 via a signal line 752, and the Centronics I / F 705 receives data according to a procedure of a predetermined protocol.
4 to the connector 707. Since the connector 707 is connected to the CPU bus 1053 of the core unit 10 as described above, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10
Information input to the Centronics I / F connector (connector 702) from the CPU bus 1053 can be received.

RS232C interface (I / F)
The section 706 is connected to the connector 703 via a signal line 753. The RS232C I / F 706 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and outputs it to the connector 707 via the signal line 754. As a result, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 receives the RS232C / I / F connector (connector 70 from the CPU bus 1053).
You can receive the information entered in 3). In addition, the data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is sent to the RS232C.
When outputting to the I / F connector (connector D703), the procedure is reversed. [Description of Formatter Unit 8] Next, the formatter unit 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the data from the computer interface unit 7 is determined by the core unit 10 and is data related to the formatter unit 8, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 causes the connector 1012 of the core unit 10 and the formatter unit 9 to operate. Data from the computer device 11 through the connector 800 of the dual port memory 80
Transfer to 3. The CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8 uses the dual port memory 803 to execute the computer device 1
The code data sent from 1 is received. CPU80
9 sequentially develops the code data into image data, and transfers the expanded image data to the memory 806 or the memory 807 via the memory controller 808.

The memory 806 and the memory 807 are 2M each.
It has a capacity of bytes, and one memory (memory 806 or memory 807) has an A4 resolution at a resolution of 400 dpi.
Can store image data of size. Therefore, 400
In the case of supporting A3 size image data at a resolution of dpi, the memory 806 and the memory 807 may be connected in cascade to develop the image data. Such memory control is performed by the memory controller 808 according to an instruction from the CPU 809. Further, when it is necessary to rotate a character or a graphic when expanding the image data, the image data is rotated by the rotation circuit 804 and the rotated data is transferred to the memory 806 or the memory 807.
When the expansion of the image data in the memory 806 or the memory 807 is completed, the CPU 809 controls the memory controller 808 to control the data bus line 8 of the memory 806.
58 or the data bus line 859 of the memory 807 is connected to the output line 855 of the memory controller 808. Next, the CPU 809 uses the dual port memory 803.
By communicating with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the, the mode for outputting the image information from the memory 806 or the memory 807 is set.

The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is the core unit 1
CPU of the reader unit 1 via the communication circuit 1002 in 0
The print output mode is set in the CPU 122 using the communication function built in the 122. Further, C of the core portion 10
The PU 1003 receives the timing generation circuit 802 via the connector 1012 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8.
To start. As a result, the timing generation circuit 802
Generates a timing signal for reading image information from the memory 806 or the memory 807 to the memory controller 808 according to the signal from the core unit 10, and the signal line 85
Output through 6. Accordingly, the image information from the memory 806 or the memory 807 can be sent to the signal line 858 or 859,
And is input to the scaling circuit 801 through the signal line 855. In this way, the scaling circuit 801 performs scaling according to an instruction from the CPU 809, and then executes the signal line 851 and the connector 800.
The image data after scaling is transferred to the core unit 10 via.
Regarding the output of the printer 2 from the core unit 10, the core unit 1
Omitted because it was explained in 0. [Description of Image Memory Unit 9] Finally, the image memory unit 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image memory unit 9 is connected to the core unit 10 via the connector 900 and exchanges various signals. The signal line 951 bidirectionally transmits an 8-bit multivalued image signal, and the image signal input from the connector 900 is input to the buffer 901. This buffer 9
01 outputs a multilevel output signal from the image memory unit 9 on the signal line 955 to the connector 900, and the image signal input to the image memory unit 9 is sent to the memory controller 905 via the signal line 954. Controller 90
Stored in memory 904 under the control of No. 5. Further, the memory controller 905 is in a mode in which data is exchanged between the memory 904 and the CPU bus 957 according to an instruction from the CPU 906 input via the signal line 957, and a signal is controlled under the control of the timing generation circuit 902. Line 95
It has three functions: a mode for storing the image signal of No. 4 in the memory 904 and a mode for reading the content of the memory 904 and outputting it to the signal line 955.

Here, the memory 904 has a capacity of 32 Mbytes, has a resolution of 400 dpi and 256 gradations, and
It is possible to store multi-valued image data of three sizes. The timing generation circuit 902 includes a connector 900 and a signal line 9
It is connected via 52 and is activated by control signals (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) from the core unit 10, and generates signals for achieving the following two functions. The first function is a function of storing information from the core unit 10 in the memory 904, and the second function is a memory 90.
4 is a function of reading the image data from No. 4 and outputting to the signal line 955. The dual port memory 903 uses the signal line 9
To the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the signal line 9
It is connected to the CPU 906 of the image memory unit 9 via 57. As a result, each of these CPUs
Commands can be exchanged via the dual port memory 903.

Next, the operation of storing the image information in the image memory unit 9 and transferring this information to the computer device 11 will be described.

The 8-bit multi-valued image signal input from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 900 and the signal line 951.
And is input to the buffer 901. Buffer 901
Inputs data on the signal line 951 and outputs it on the signal line 954 according to the setting of the CPU 906. At this time, a timing signal is output from the timing generation circuit 902 to the signal line 956 by the signal input from the core unit 10 through the signal line 952. According to this timing signal,
Image data on the signal line 954 is input to the memory 904.
Memorized in. Next, the CPU 906 sets the output bus of the memory 904 of the memory controller 905 to the CPU bus 95.
7, the image data is sequentially read from the memory 904 and transferred to the dual port memory 903. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is thus
The image data stored in the dual port memory 903 is read via the signal line 953 and the connector 900, and the read image data is transferred to the computer interface unit 7. The transfer of image data from the computer interface unit 7 to the computer device 11 is omitted because it has been described above.

Next, the case of outputting the image data sent from the computer device 11 to the printer unit 2 will be described.

The image information sent from the computer device 11 is sent to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. CPU 10 of core unit 10
03 transfers the image information to the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9 via the CPU bus 1053 and the connector 1013. At this time, the CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 to connect the CPU bus 957 to the bus of the memory 904. The CPU 906 transfers the image information from the dual port memory 903 to the memory 904 via the memory controller 905. After the image information is transferred to the memory 904,
The CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 and connects the data bus of the memory 904 to the signal line 955.

Further, the CPU 906 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 903, and sets the printer unit 2 to print out an image from the memory 904 through the core unit 10.
When this setting process ends, the CPU 906 activates the timing generation circuit 902 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 956 to the memory controller 905. As a result, the memory controller 905 reads the image information from the memory 904 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 902 and transmits it to the signal line 955.
The image data output to the signal line 955 is input to the buffer 901 and output to the connector 900 via the signal line 951. Since the core unit 10 has been described until the output from the connector 900 to the printer unit 2 is omitted.

Hereinafter, the computer device 11, which is a main part of the present invention, is connected to the external storage device 14 of the file unit 5 via the computer interface unit 7 and the core unit 10.
The case of obtaining a standard format image from will be described in detail.

When a start key (not shown) is pressed after the recording mode such as the document size, resolution, gradation, etc. is set by the operation unit 124 of FIG.
In 003, the file recording mode and recording start are activated by communication. As a result, the CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1, and the operation unit 124
Send the various setting parameters set in. The CPU 122, which has received the various setting parameters, scans the document in a predetermined mode and transfers the image signal to the core unit 10 via the connector 1001. The CPU 1003 adds image attribute information required for the standard image format, such as the number of pixels in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction, resolution, and gradation, to the image signal received from the reader unit 1.

Next, the CPU 1003 executes C of the file section 5.
Communication is performed with the PU 516 via the dual port memory 515, and the image signal added with the image attribute information is transmitted to the file unit 5. CPU5 that received this image signal
Image information of the image data 16 is stored in the external storage device 520 of the file unit 5 as described above. In this way, the image information is stored in the external storage device 520 in the standard image format.

Even when the recording mode settings such as the document size, resolution, and gradation are set from the keyboard 619 or the mouse 617 of the man-machine interface unit 6,
Image information is stored in the external storage device 520 in the standard image format in the same manner as above except that the CPU 615 communicates with the CPU 1003 via the CPU 516.

Next, from the computer device 11 to the SCSI or RS2 of the computer interface unit 7.
When the image data stored in the external storage device 520 of the file unit 5 is requested to the core unit 10 via the 32C, the CPU 1003 causes the CPU 51 of the file unit 5 to operate.
6 and the search information such as the document name of the image data requested by the computer device 11 and the TIFF or P.
Standard image format mode such as ICT
It is transmitted from 0 to the CPU 516. C that received the search information
Based on this search information, the PU 516 uses the external storage device 52.
The image information stored in 0 is searched, and when this search is completed, a transmission request for the searched image is issued to the CPU 1003. Upon receiving the image transmission request from the CPU 516, the CPU 1003 receives the image signal from the file unit 5 and sends the received image to the computer device 11.
The standard image format required by the computer interface unit SCSI or RS232C.
To send to the computer device 11.

In the above embodiment, the case where the computer device 11 obtains the image data in the standard format from the external storage device 520 of the file unit 5 via the computer interface unit 7 and the core unit 10 has been described.
The computer device 11 is, for example, an SCS of the fax unit 4.
The same applies to the case where image data in a standard format is obtained from a hard disk or the like connected to the I controller 413. In this case, as described in the description of the fax unit 4, the number of pixels in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction required for the standard image format for the image data received by facsimile, the resolution, the gradation, The CPU 412 of the fax unit 4 adds image attribute information such as a document name and records it in the hard disk.

Next, from the computer device 11 to the SCSI or RS23 of the computer interface unit 7.
When the image data stored in the hard disk of the fax unit 5 is requested to the core unit 10 via the 2C, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 communicates with the CPU 412 of the fax unit 4 to notify the CPU 412. Make an image request. Upon receiving this image request, the CPU 412
The image data of the standard image format stored in the hard disk of the fax unit 4 is sequentially transferred to the core unit 10. In this way, the CPU 1003 transmits image data of a desired standard image format to the computer device 11 via the computer interface unit 7.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to handle the image data stored in the magneto-optical disk of the electronic file device or the hard disk of the facsimile device in the standard image data format on the computer side. It has the effect of being able to.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that image data can be exchanged with, for example, a facsimile, a printer, and a reader unit using a normal standard image format.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a structural cross-sectional view showing configurations of a reader unit and a printer unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit of a reader unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a core part and a connection with each part of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fax unit 4 of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a file section of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a man-machine interface unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer interface unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a formatter unit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image memory unit of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Reader Part 2 Printer Part 3 External Device 4 Fax Part 5 File Part 6 Man Machine Interface Part 7 Computer Interface Part 8 Formatter Part 9 Image Memory Part 10 Core Part 11 Computer Equipment 14 External Storage Device

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

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A reading device for reading an image and outputting image data, an image output device for outputting a visible image based on the image data, an image recording device for recording the image data on a recording medium, and a computer device. And a computer interface means for controlling an interface between the reading means, the image output means and the image recording means, and a control means for controlling a flow of image data and an image control signal between each of the means. A standard image format creating means for creating a standard image format by adding image attribute information to the image data input to the control means.