The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, such as a copier, a scanner, a printer, a facsimile or a digital multi-function peripheral, having a connection function to an external storage device, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory device, owned by a user.
In recent years, image processing apparatuses, such as copiers, scanners, printers, facsimiles or digital multi-function peripherals, having various functions increase in number. In the image processing apparatus such as the digital multi-function peripheral, as more various functions are provided, the operation and configuration tends to become complicated. For example, with respect to such a complicated configuration that the user specifies plural configuration contents, even if the same configuration as the configuration performed in the past is desired to be performed, the operation of the configuration is not simple, and much labor is required.
Besides, in recent years, the image processing apparatuses, such as the digital multi-function peripherals, having a connection function (external interface) to an external storage device increase in number. For example, many recent digital multi-function peripherals include, as an external interface, a USB interface for connection of a USB memory device as an external storage device owned by the user. The digital multi-function peripheral including the USB interface has a function using the USB memory connected by the user to the USB interface.
For example, the digital multi-function peripheral including the USB interface has a function (USB Direct print function) to print image data stored in the USB memory connected by the user to the USB interface. Besides, the digital multi-function peripheral including the USB interface has a function (SCAN to USB Memory function) to store image data obtained by scanning an original document into the USB memory connected by the user to the USB interface.
In the digital multi-function peripheral having the foregoing function, after the USB memory owned by the user is mounted on the USB interface, the user performs an operation for executing the function using the USB memory. However, in the related art digital multi-function peripheral, the operation procedure in the operation panel is not necessarily simple.
According to an aspect of the invention, an image processing apparatus for processing image data includes an interface configured to connect to an external storage device, an acquisition section configured to acquire a configuration history file representing a past executed process content stored in the external storage device connected to the interface, a configuration section configured to perform configuration for performing a same process as the process content represented by the configuration history file acquired by the acquisition section from the external storage device connected to the interface, and a processing section configured to process image data in accordance with the process content configured by the configuration section.
According to another aspect of the invention, an image processing method includes acquiring a configuration history file representing a past executed process content from an external storage device connected to an interface, performing configuration for performing a same process as the process content represented by the configuration history file acquired from the external storage device connected to the interface, and processing image data in accordance with the configured process content.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be the realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Besides, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 includes an external interface to which the user directly connects an external storage device M. The external storage device M is an electric device which is connected by the user to the external interface of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. For example, the external storage device M is a potable external storage device such as a memory device (USB memory device, memory card, etc.), a mobile PC, a personal digital assistant, a cellular phone, or an IC card. That is, the external storage device M has only to have a data communication function corresponding to the external interface provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 may be provided with plural interfaces in order to support external storage devices of various data communication systems.
As a function executable by using the external storage device M, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 has, for example, a function (Direct Print) to print image data stored in the external storage device M, or a function (SCAN to external storage device) to store scanned image data into the external storage device M. For example, the “direct print” is the function to capture the image data from the external storage device M and to print an image on a sheet. Besides, the “SCAN to external storage device” is the function to store the image data obtained by scanning an original document into the external storage device M. Besides, the external storage device M may be used for performing user authentication or may be used for storing configuration information or the like.
Next, the structure of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described.
As shown in
The operation panel 12 is a user interface to which an operation instruction from a user is inputted. The operation panel 12 includes hard keys such as a numeric keypad, and a display section 12a having a built-in touch panel 12b. An operation guidance, or a touch key (icon) selectable by the touch panel 12b is displayed on the display section 12a of the operation panel 12. For example, the operation panel 12 detects through the touch panel 12b that the user touches a touch key (icon) displayed on the display section 12a. In this case, the operation panel 12 notifies the CPU 21 of the result of detection of the touch on the touch key.
The scanner section 13 functions as an image reading section to convert an image on an original document surface into image data. The scanner section 13 converts, for example, the image of the original document into color or monochrome digital image data. The scanner section 13 includes a scanning section (not shown) to optically scan the original document surface, and a photoelectric conversion section (not shown), such as a CCD line sensor, to convert reflected light from the original document surface optically scanned by the scanning section into an electric signal.
The printer section 14 forms an image on a sheet as an image forming medium. The printer section 14 includes a conveyance section (not shown) to convey the sheet, and an image formation section (not shown) to form a color image or a monochrome image on the sheet conveyed by the conveyance section. The printer section 14 prints the image data onto the sheet based on the control of the CPU 21. For example, in a copy process, the printer section 14 prints the image data read from the original document by the scanner section 13 onto the sheet. Besides, in a print process, the printer section 14 prints the image data inputted through the external I/F or the external communication I/F 32 onto the sheet.
The facsimile section 15 transmits and receives image data through a public line. For example, the facsimile section 15 transmits the image data read by the scanner section 13, as facsimile data, to a transmission destination specified by a telephone number. Besides, the facsimile section 15 receives facsimile data from a transmission source at a telephone number assigned to the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The facsimile section 15 prints the image data as the received facsimile data by the printer section 14.
The CPU 21 controls the whole digital multi-function peripheral 1. The CPU 21 executes control programs stored in the ROM 23, the nonvolatile memory 24 or the HDD 29 and realizes various processes and various functions. For example, the CPU 21 controls the scanner section 13 and the printer section 14 by the control program for copying and realizes the copy process. Besides, the CPU 21 controls the external communication I/F or the external I/F and the printer section 14 by the control program for printing and realizes the print process.
The RAM 22 is a memory for temporarily storing data for working or data for reference. The ROM 23 is a nonvolatile memory that can not be rewritten. The ROM 23 stores, for example, a control program for controlling the digital multi-function peripheral 1, control data and the like. The nonvolatile memory 24 is a nonvolatile memory that can be rewritten. The nonvolatile memory 24 is constructed of an EEPROM or flash ROM. The nonvolatile memory 24 stores, for example, system configuration information.
The page memory 28 is a memory including a storage area in which image data of at least one page is expanded. The HDD 29 is a large capacity storage device. The HDD 29 is used also as a memory for backup of various data. The HDD 29 stores various configuration data or management data. The HDD 29 stores also data received through the external I/F 31 or the external communication I/F 32 or image data read by the scanner section 13 as the need arises. Besides, the HDD 29 may store authentication information for user authentication.
The image processing section 30 performs various image processes on the image data. The image processing section 30 performs, for example, an image process such as correction, compression or expansion of image data. For example, if the image processing section 30 functions as an image processing section for a scanner, the image processing section 30 performs an image process, such as shading correction, gradation correction or inter-line correction, on the image data read by the scanner section 13. The image processing section 30 may perform image processes on image data read from the page memory 28, image data read from the HDD 29, image data inputted through the external I/F 31, or image data inputted through the external communication I/F 32.
The external I/F 31 is an interface for performing input and output of data to and from the external storage device M connected by the user. The external I/F 31 is constructed of an interface corresponding to the connection system of the external storage device M. The external I/F 31 may be an interface to input and output data by physical contact, or may be an interface to perform input and output data by wireless communication. For example, as the former, a USB interface and the like are named, and as the latter, a Bluetooth interface and the like are named. Incidentally, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the external I/F 31 is the USB interface to which the USB memory device as the external storage device M is connected.
The external communication I/F 32 is an interface for performing network communication. The external communication I/F 32 is the interface for data communication with a device connected to a local area network (LAN) by a network cable or wireless communication.
Next, a first operation example of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described.
First, the first operation example will be schematically described. In the first operation example, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be configured based on the information stored in the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31. In the first operation example described below, a mode is mainly assumed in which the user uses the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in the state where the USB memory M as the external storage device is connected to the USB interface as the external I/F 31.
That is, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in the state where the USB memory M is connected creates a configuration history file of information representing executed process contents. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 stores the configuration history file created based on the executed process contents (executed function, execution date, various configuration information) into the USB memory M.
Besides, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 has a function to present the user with the configuration history file stored in the USB memory M connected to the external I/F 31 as the past process contents. That is, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays the past process contents represented by the configuration history file read from the USB memory M on the display section 12a of the operation panel 12 in a list form. The user uses the touch panel 12b to select a desired process content from the past process contents displayed on the display section 12a. If the user selects the desired process content from the past process contents, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 performs various configurations in accordance with the process content (that is, the configuration history file) selected by the user.
Next, an operation procedure of the first operation example in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described in detail.
First, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays a main menu screen (standby screen) on the display section 12a of the operation panel 12 in a standby state (Act 11). In this state, the CPU 21 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 detects whether or not the external storage device M is connected to the external I/F 31 (Act 12). If an operation instruction is received from the user while the connection of the external storage device M is not detected (that is, in the state where the external storage device M is not connected), the digital multi-function peripheral 1 performs a process corresponding to the operation instruction from the user.
If the user connects the external storage device M to the external I/F 31, the CPU 21 detects that the external storage device M is connected to the external I/F (Act 12, YES). In this case (Act 12, YES), the CPU 21 determines whether or not the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31 stores a configuration history file representing a past process content (Act 13). If it is determined by this determination that the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31 stores the configuration history file (Act 13, YES), the CPU 21 displays a history button 41 on the main menu screen displayed on the display section 12a of the operation panel 12 (Act 14).
If the history button 41 is inputted (Act 15, YES), the CPU 21 reads the configuration history file from the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31 (Act 16). If at least one configuration history file is read from the external storage device M, the CPU 21 creates a list in which the process content represented by the read configuration history file is the past process content. If the list of the past process contents is created, the CPU 21 displays the created list on the display section 12a of the operation panel 12 (Act 17). In the list displayed on the display section 12a, the display part of each of the process contents can be selected by the user through the touch panel 12b.
The list 51 shown in
Besides, in the display example shown in
In the list 51 shown in
If the list 51 is displayed on the display section 12a of the operation panel 12, the CPU 21 waits for input from the user. In this state, if a touch on the display column 55 of some item is detected (Act 18, YES), the CPU 21 arranges the display order of the respective process contents 56 of the list 51 in the order sorted by the touched item (Act 17).
Besides, if a touch on a display part of the process content 56 of the list 51 is detected (Act 19, YES), the CPU 21 configures the respective sections of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 so that the same process as the selected process content is performed (Act 20). Besides, if a touch on a display part of the process content 56 of the list 51 is detected (Act 19, YES), the CPU 21 displays a guidance representing the configuration content based on the selected process content on the display section 12a (Act 21).
In the display example shown in
In the display example of
In the display example of
In the display example of
As shown in
If the display section 12a of the operation panel 12 displays the guidance screen as shown in
If the user instructs execution of a process, that is, if a touch on the start button 61 is detected (Act 23, YES), the CPU 21 executes the process in accordance with the configuration content displayed on the display section 12a (Act 24).
Besides, at Act 13, if it is determined that the configuration history file does not exist in the external storage device M (Act 13, NO), or if there is no input to the history button 41 (Act 15, NO), the CPU 21 receives an instruction by an operation button on the operation panel 12 (Act 31). Each time the user instructs by the operation button (Act 31, YES), the CPU 21 performs configuration according to the instruction content from the user (Act 32). If the user instructs execution of the process (Act 33, YES), the CPU 21 executes the process in accordance with the present configuration content (Act 24).
If the process is executed in the state where the external storage device M is connected to the external I/F 31, the CPU 21 creates a file of the process content such as executed function, execution date and user configuration content and creates a configuration history file (Act 25). If the configuration history file representing the executed process content is created, the CPU 21 stores the created configuration history file into the external storage device M through the external I/F 31 (Act 26).
In the first operation example, the digital multi-function peripheral stores the configuration history file representing the executed process content into the external storage device connected to the external I/F. Besides, if the external storage device is connected to the external I/F, the digital multi-function peripheral acquires the configuration history file from the external storage device, and presents the user with the process content, as the past process content, represented by the configuration history file acquired from the external storage device connected to the external I/F. If one process content is selected from the past process contents presented to the user, the digital multi-function peripheral performs the same configuration as the selected process content. Accordingly, in the first operation example, the user who connects the external storage device M to the external I/F can easily instruct to perform the configuration of the same content as the past process content stored in the external storage device M.
Next, a second operation example of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described.
First, the second operation example will be schematically described. The second operation example is the example of the operation executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 if the external storage device M is connected to the external I/F 31. In this second operation example, if the digital multi-function peripheral 1 detects that the external storage device M is connected to the external I/F 31, an operation screen corresponding to functions executable by using the external storage device M is displayed on the display section 12a.
For example, if only one function can be executed by using the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31, the display section 12a displays the configuration screen of only the one executable function. Besides, if there are plural functions executable by using the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31, the display section 12a displays the function selection screen to select one function from the executable functions. The user who connects the external storage device M to the external I/F 31 performs an operation on the operation screen displayed on the display section 12a according to the function executable by using the external storage device M.
Incidentally, as the configuration screen of the “SCAN to USB memory” function, as described in the first operation example, the past process content may be selected from the configuration history files stored in the external storage device (USB memory) M connected to the external I/F 31. However, if the USB memory M stores the configuration history files of plural functions, the display section 12a displays the screen to select the past process content from the configuration history files in which the executed function is the “SCAN to USB memory” function. This can be realized in such a way that the CPU 21 extracts, from the configuration history files stored in the USB memory M, the configuration history file in which the executed function is the “SCAN to USB memory” function.
If the user selects one function on this selection screen, the display section 12a displays a configuration screen of the selected function. For example, if the user selects the “SCAN to USB memory” function on the selection screen, the display section 12a displays the configuration screen of the “SCAN to USB memory” function as shown in
First, in a standby state, the CPU 21 displays a standby screen (main menu screen) on the display section 12a (Act 30). In this state, the CPU 21 executes a task (firmware) to monitor a connection state of the external storage device M to the external I/F 31 (Act 31). In this state, if it is detected that the external storage device M is connected to the external I/F 31 (Act 31, YES), the CPU 21 determines functions executable by using the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31 (Act 32).
For example, if the digital multi-function peripheral 1 supports only a scan function as a function using the external storage device M, the CPU 21 determines that the function executable by using the external storage device M is only the scan function.
Besides, if the digital multi-function peripheral 1 has the scan function and the print function as functions using the external storage device M, the CPU 21 determines that the functions executable by using the external storage device M are the scan function and the print function.
However, the print function (Direct print function) using the external storage device M can not be executed unless image data for printing is stored in the external storage device M. Thus, the CPU 21 may determine whether or not the print function (Direct print function) using the external storage device M is executable based on whether or not the image data for printing is stored in the external storage device M.
That is, with respect to a function executed by using data stored in the external storage device M, the CPU 21 checks the memory content of the external storage device M and may determine whether or not the function can be executed. Further, if an executable function is determined according to the kind or specification of the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31, the CPU 21 checks the kind or specification of the external storage device M and may determine the executable function.
If determining the function executable by using the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there are plural functions determined to be executable by using the external storage device M (Act 33). If it is determined that there is only one function executable by using the external storage device M (Act 33, NO), the CPU 21 displays the configuration screen corresponding to only the one executable function on the display section 12a (Act 34). For example, if the function executable by using the external storage device M is only the “SCAN to USB memory” function, the CPU 21 displays the configuration screen as shown in
Besides, if it is determined that there are plural functions executable by using the external storage device M (Act 33, YES), the CPU 21 displays the selection screen to select one function from the plural executable functions on the display section 12a (Act 35). For example, if the functions executable by using the external storage device M are the “SCAN to USB memory” function and the “USB Direct Print” function, the CPU 21 displays the function selection screen as shown in
If a function is selected on the function selection screen (Act 36, YES), the CPU 21 displays the configuration screen of the selected function on the display section 12a (Act 37). For example, if the “SCAN to USB memory” function is selected, the CPU 21 displays the configuration screen as shown in
On the configuration screen as stated above, the user performs configuration of the function executable by using the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31. The CPU 21 performs various configurations according to the instruction of the user (Act 38). Besides, if the user instructs execution of the process, the CPU 21 executes the process based on the present configuration content (Act 39). Incidentally, if the second operation example is combined with the first operation example and is executed, as the process is executed, the CPU 21 creates a configuration history file of process contents, and stores it in the external storage device M.
In the second operation example, if the external storage device M is connected to the external I/F 31, the optimum operation screen is displayed according to the function executable by using the external storage device M. That is, if the external storage device M is connected to the external I/F 31, and if there is only one function executable by using the external storage device M, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays the configuration screen of the function. If the external storage device M is connected to the external I/F 31, and if there are plural functions executable by using the external storage device M, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays the selection screen to select one function from those functions. That is, according to the second operation example, if the user merely mounts the external storage device M on the external I/F 31, the function executable by using the external storage device M can be easily configured. Besides, if there are plural functions executable by using the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31, the user can easily select the function to be executed.
Besides, on the configuration screen of the respective functions displayed in the second operation example, the configuration content may be selected from the process contents represented by the configuration history files acquired by the external storage device M as described in the first operation example. In this case, only one executable function in the configuration history files stored in the external storage device M or the process contents represented by the configuration history files as the execution history of the functions selected by the user are listed as selectable icons. That is, by combining the first operation example and the second operation example, the user can simply select the configuration of the function executable by using the external storage device M connected to the external I/F 31 from the past process contents.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/095,488, filed Sep. 9, 2008.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61095488 | Sep 2008 | US |