JP4412309B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of mounting an external storage medium. In particular, when image data read from a document is stored in an external storage medium and the external storage medium does not have a free space, the data stored in the external storage medium is temporarily saved to external storage. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of securing a free area on a medium.

  As an image processing device, it scans images recorded on recording paper, captures image data, forms an image based on the captured image data, outputs the image, and transmits the captured image data to an external device. Equipped with multiple functions such as a function, a facsimile function that transmits / receives data to / from other facsimile machines using facsimile communication, and a printer function that outputs data acquired from an external device via a communication line, etc. Digital multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) have become widespread.

  On the other hand, as a portable storage medium used when various data such as document data and image data created using a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) is used on another PC, a flexible disk has been generally used. there were. However, in recent years, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, which has a large storage capacity and has no mechanical moving parts as a portable storage medium, has been reduced in size and weight. Combined with progress, they are trying to replace flexible disks. The USB memory is compliant with the USB mass storage class, and can be accessed without installing a new driver on a PC having a USB connection port.

  In view of this, there is provided an MFP that can be mounted with such a USB memory and has a configuration for storing image data captured from a recording sheet in the USB memory. Thereby, for example, even when the MFP cannot transmit and receive data to and from an external PC, the image data captured from the recording paper by the MFP can be used on the PC via the USB memory.

Patent Document 1 discloses a facsimile apparatus having a configuration in which an IC (Integrated Circuit) memory card, which is a portable storage medium, can be attached and detached, and received data received by facsimile communication is sequentially stored in the IC memory card. Yes. The facsimile apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to automatically store received data temporarily in a memory inside the main body of the facsimile apparatus when there is no free space in the IC memory card during reception of received data. Has been. As a result, even when there is no free space in the IC memory card for storing the received data, all received data can be received without interrupting the received data reception process.
JP-A-8-228273

  In the facsimile apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, when the user acquires the received data stored in the memory inside the main body, the user needs to mount an IC memory card having a sufficient free space in the facsimile apparatus again. Further, even in an MFP in which a USB memory can be mounted, when storing the image data read from the document in the USB memory, if the USB memory has insufficient free space, the user can use the USB having sufficient free space. It is necessary to attach the memory to the MFP again. Specifically, the user once removes the USB memory having insufficient free space from the MFP and connects it to the PC, and uses the PC to erase unnecessary data in the USB memory or save it to the hard disk of the PC. Therefore, it is necessary to remount the MFP after increasing the free space, which increases the burden on the user.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the purpose thereof is to store image data in the external storage medium even when the remaining capacity of the external storage medium is insufficient. An image processing apparatus capable of ensuring the remaining capacity of the external storage medium and reducing the burden on the user without increasing the remaining capacity of the external storage medium using, for example, a PC Is to provide. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of selecting whether to save data in an external storage medium when a sufficient remaining capacity is secured in the attached external storage medium. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of saving any data stored in an external storage medium when a sufficient remaining capacity is secured in the attached external storage medium .

Another object of the present invention, instrumentation when enough residual capacity to the destination external storage medium, any saving destination to save is to be capable of image processing apparatus data stored in the external storage medium Is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of ensuring a sufficient remaining capacity in an attached external storage medium by erasing data stored in the external storage medium. It is in. Another object of the present invention is to temporarily store the data saved from the external storage medium, and store the data saved from the external storage medium again in the external storage medium as necessary. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of reusing saved data.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of selecting whether or not data saved from an external storage medium is stored in the external storage medium when stored again in the external storage medium. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of arbitrarily selecting data to be stored in an external storage medium again.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a mounting unit in which an external storage medium can be attached and detached, a document reading unit that reads a document to acquire image data, and image data acquired by the document reading unit to the mounting unit. In an image processing apparatus comprising a storage control means for storing in a mounted external storage medium, a mounting determination means for determining whether or not a data storage means and a removable portable external storage medium are mounted on the mounting portion And a detection means for detecting a remaining capacity of the external storage medium when the storage control means stores the image data in the external storage medium when the attachment determination means determines that the attachment is attached, and the detection means The determination means for determining whether or not the image data can be stored in the external storage medium based on the remaining capacity detected by the computer, and the determination result by the determination means is NO Wherein when the data in the external recording medium is stored, the saving instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction whether to retract the said data, when receiving an instruction in the saving instruction receiving means, a plurality of the external storage medium Means for accepting selection of data to be saved out of data stored in the external storage medium when data is stored, and when accepting selection of data by the means, the means from the external storage medium Saving means for saving data to the data storage means, and the storage control means is configured to store the image data in the external storage medium after the saving means saves the data. It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, when the image processing apparatus to which the external storage medium can be attached / detached determines that the removable portable external storage medium is attached to the attachment portion, the image data obtained by reading the document is externally stored. When the external storage medium does not have a sufficient remaining capacity when being stored in the medium, the image data read from the document is stored in the external storage medium after the data stored in the external storage medium is saved. Therefore, the remaining capacity of the external storage medium can be ensured and the image data read from the original can be stored in the external storage medium. In addition, when the image data obtained by reading the document is stored in the external storage medium, if the external storage medium does not have a sufficient remaining capacity, an instruction is given as to whether to save the data stored in the external storage medium. When the instruction is received, the data stored in the external storage medium is saved. Therefore, when a sufficient remaining capacity is secured in the external storage medium, it is possible to select whether or not to save the data stored in the external storage medium. Furthermore, if there is not enough remaining capacity in the external storage medium when the image data obtained by reading the document is stored in the external storage medium, the data to be saved is selected from the data stored in the external storage medium. Accept from outside and save the selected data. Therefore, when data stored in the external storage medium is saved and a sufficient remaining capacity is secured in the external storage medium, arbitrary data can be saved .

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a save destination accepting unit that accepts a save destination of data stored in the external storage medium, and the save unit receives the data to the save destination received by the save destination accepting unit. It is characterized by being configured to retract.

  According to the present invention, when image data obtained by reading a document is stored in an external storage medium, if the external storage medium does not have a sufficient remaining capacity, a save destination for saving data stored in the external storage medium is set. Accept and save the data to the accepted save destination. Therefore, when the data stored in the external storage medium is saved to secure a sufficient remaining capacity in the external storage medium, the data can be saved to an arbitrary save destination.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the save unit reads the data stored in the external storage medium from the external storage medium, and erases the data read by the read unit from the external storage medium. And an erasing unit.

  According to the present invention, when image data obtained by reading a document is stored in an external storage medium, if the external storage medium does not have a sufficient remaining capacity, the data stored in the external storage medium is read from the external storage medium. The read data is erased from the external storage medium. Therefore, a sufficient remaining capacity for storing the image data read from the document can be surely ensured in the external storage medium.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the data storage unit stores the data read by the reading unit, and the storage control unit stores the data stored in the data storage unit It is configured to be stored in an external storage medium attached to the unit.

  According to the present invention, in order to ensure a sufficient remaining capacity in the external storage medium, data read from the external storage medium is stored in the data storage means, and is stored again in the external storage medium as necessary. Therefore, the data temporarily saved in the data storage means can be returned to the external storage medium as necessary.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises storage instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction as to whether or not the data stored in the data storage means is stored in the external storage medium, and the storage control means includes the storage instruction When the receiving unit receives an instruction to store the data in the external storage medium, the data is stored in the external storage medium.

  According to the present invention, an instruction as to whether or not the data stored in the data storage means is stored in the external storage medium is received from the outside, and the data is stored in the external storage medium when the instruction is received. Therefore, when returning the data temporarily saved in the data storage means to the external storage medium, it is possible to select whether to return to the external storage medium.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives selection of data to be stored in the external storage medium from among data stored in the data storage means when a plurality of data is stored in the data storage means. And the storage instruction receiving means is configured to receive an instruction to store the selected data in the external storage medium.

  According to the present invention, the data storage means stores a plurality of data, and when returning the data stored in the data storage means to the external storage medium, the data stored in the data storage means The selection of data to be returned to the external storage medium is accepted from the outside, and the selected data is stored in the external storage medium. Therefore, arbitrary data can be selected when data temporarily saved from the external storage medium is returned to the external storage medium.

According to the present invention, when an image processing apparatus capable of attaching and detaching an external storage medium stores image data obtained by reading a document in the external storage medium, the external storage medium does not have a sufficient remaining capacity. Data that has already been stored is saved. As a result, for example, the remaining capacity of the external storage medium can be secured without using a PC, and image data read from a document can be reliably stored in the external storage medium. Can be reduced. Further, when saving data stored in an external storage medium, an instruction as to whether or not to save is received from the outside. As a result, when it is not desired to save the data stored in the external storage medium, the data saving process can be interrupted. Further, when saving data stored in an external storage medium, data to be saved from the external storage medium can be arbitrarily selected. In the present invention, the save destination for saving the data stored in the external storage medium can be arbitrarily selected .

In the present invention, a save destination for saving data stored in the external storage medium can be arbitrarily selected.

  In the present invention, the data stored in the external storage medium is read from the external storage medium, and the read data is erased from the external storage medium, thereby ensuring a sufficient remaining capacity in the external storage medium, Image data obtained by reading a document can be reliably stored in an external storage medium. Further, in the present invention, the data read from the external storage medium can be temporarily stored in the data storage means and stored again in the external storage medium as necessary, so that the saved data can be reused. it can.

  In the present invention, it is desired to return the data saved in the data storage means to the external storage medium by receiving an instruction from the outside as to whether or not the data temporarily saved in the data storage means is stored again in the external storage medium. If not, the storage process of data in the external storage medium can be interrupted. Further, in the present invention, when data temporarily saved in the data storage means is stored again in the external storage medium, data to be stored in the external storage medium can be arbitrarily selected.

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing an MFP as an embodiment thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network configuration example including an MFP as an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an MFP as an image processing apparatus of the present invention. The MFP 1 is connected to a plurality of computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs) 2 and 2 via a LAN (Local Area Network). The MFP 1 is also connected to an external MFP 3 and a facsimile apparatus 4 via a public switched telephone network PSTN. It should be noted that a number of PCs other than those shown in the figure are connected to the LAN, and a number of MFPs and facsimile machines other than those shown in the figure are connected to the public switched telephone network PSTN. . Therefore, the MFP 1 can communicate with a plurality of PCs 2 and 2 via the LAN and with other MFPs 3 and the facsimile apparatus 4 via the public switched telephone network PSTN.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the MFP 1 according to the present invention. The MFP 1 includes a control unit 10 configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or the like. The control unit 10 is connected to the ROM 11, RAM 12, NCU (Network Control Unit) 13, modem 14, document reading unit 15, image memory 16, image forming unit 17, operation unit 18, operation panel 19, and LAN via the bus 10a. A LAN interface 20 for connection, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 21, a USB interface 22 for accessing the USB memory 5, and the like are connected.

  The control unit 10 controls each hardware unit as described above, and realizes various software functions according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM 11. The ROM 11 stores various control programs necessary for the control unit 10 to operate as the image processing apparatus of the present invention. The RAM 12 is configured by SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and temporarily stores data generated when the control unit 10 executes the control program.

  The modem 14 is a fax modem capable of facsimile communication, and is directly connected to the NCU 13. The NCU 13 is connected to the public switched telephone network PSTN, and connects the modem 14 to the public switched telephone network PSTN as necessary, and is connected between the external MFP 3 and the facsimile apparatus 4 via the public switched telephone network PSTN. Facsimile communication is possible.

  The document reading unit (document reading unit) 15 is configured by a scanner using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), acquires image data by reading the document, and stores the acquired image data in the image memory 16. The image memory 16 is constituted by a DRAM, and temporarily stores image data received by facsimile communication via the modem 14 and the NCU 13 and image data read by the document reading unit 15.

  The image forming unit 17 is, for example, an electrophotographic printer device, and an image based on image data stored in the image memory 16 is hard-copied as A3 portrait, B4 portrait, A4 portrait, B5 landscape, A5 landscape, etc. A recording sheet having an optimum size is selected from recording sheets such as recording papers or OHP (Over Head Projector) sheets.

  The operation panel 19 includes an input unit such as a touch panel and a numeric keypad to which information such as a control command is input by a user operation, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the like. The operation state of the MFP 1, information input from the input unit, And a display unit for displaying information to be notified to the user. The operation unit 18 is a key other than the keys provided on the input unit of the operation panel 19, such as a start key for instructing start of reading of a document, a stop key for instructing interruption of various processes, a speed dial key, and various types of keys. Function keys are provided.

  With the configuration described above, the MFP 1 reads a document placed by a user on a predetermined document placing table (not shown) by the document reading unit 15, and obtains the obtained image data via the NCU 13 and the modem 14 to the public switched telephone network PSTN. It functions as a facsimile apparatus that receives image data transmitted to other connected MFP 3 and facsimile apparatus 4 and transmitted by external MFP 3 and facsimile apparatus 4 via facsimile communication via the public switched telephone network PSTN. .

  The MFP 1 also functions as a copying apparatus that reads a document by the document reading unit 15 and copies an image based on the obtained image data on a recording sheet by the image forming unit 17. The MFP 1 also functions as a network printer that records an image based on data received from the PCs 2 and 2 connected to the LAN via the LAN interface 20 on the recording paper by the image forming unit 17. Further, the MFP 1 also functions as a network scanner that reads a document by the document reading unit 15 and transmits the obtained image data to the PCs 2 and 2 connected to the LAN via the LAN interface 20.

  Further, the MFP 1 includes the HDD 21 having a large storage capacity. As described above, the image data received from the outside by facsimile communication, the image data read from the document by the document reading unit 15, and the external PC 2 via the LAN. , 2 are appropriately stored in the HDD 21 to perform various processes in parallel. The MFP 1 also functions as a file server device for image data by storing various image data as described above in the HDD 21 as image files so that the user can reuse them.

  Here, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment includes a mounting port (mounting unit) 22a to which the USB memory 5 as an external storage medium can be attached and detached, and the USB memory 5 is connected to the MFP 1 in the direction indicated by an arrow A in the drawing. By attaching to the connector, the connector of the USB memory 5 and the attachment port 22a are connected. As a result, the MFP 1 can also store the image data obtained by reading the document by the document reading unit 15 in the USB memory 5 attached to the attachment port 22a via the USB interface 22.

  Hereinafter, a process of storing image data read from a document in the USB memory 5 or the external PCs 2 and 2 in the MFP 1 will be described. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the operation panel 19, and FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a standby screen when the MFP 1 is operated as a scanner. The MFP 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that image quality, density, resolution, and reading size can be set as reading conditions for reading a document. Accordingly, the standby screen shown in FIG. 3A has an image quality key for setting image quality, a density key for setting density, a resolution key for setting resolution, and a reading size. A reading size key for setting is displayed.

  In the standby screen shown in FIG. 3A, a file for inputting a file name to be given to the image data when the image data read from the document is stored in the HDD 21, the USB memory 5 or the external PCs 2 and 2. The name key is displayed. The MFP 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that when a file name key is operated by a user, a soft keyboard is displayed on the operation panel 19 and an arbitrary file name can be input. In addition, when a file name is not input by the user, the control part 10 produces | generates a file name based on date information, for example.

  Here, the HDD (not shown) and the USB memory 5 provided in the PCs 2 and 2 store image data in a hierarchical structure, respectively, and the MFP 1 of the present embodiment stores the image data read from the document in the PCs 2 and 2. 2 and the USB memory 5 can be stored in arbitrary folders. In the following description, for simplicity of explanation, a configuration in which no folder is provided in the USB memory 5 will be described as an example.

  The reference screen is displayed on the standby screen shown in FIG. 3A, and when the reference key is operated by the user, the MFP 1 displays the presence / absence of the PCs 2 and 2 connected via the LAN and the mounting port 22a. It is detected whether or not the USB memory 5 is attached. Then, the MFP 1 generates a storage destination designation screen as shown in FIG. 3B and displays it on the operation panel 19. When the USB memory 5 is not attached to the attachment port 22a, the storage destination designation screen shown in FIG. 3B is configured so that the USB memory 5 cannot be selected as the storage destination.

  In the storage destination designation screen shown in FIG. 3B, the PCs 2 and 2 connected via the LAN and the USB memory 5 attached to the attachment port 22a are displayed, and the user can select a desired storage destination. An arbitrary storage destination can be selected by touching. In addition, folders are provided in the HDDs of the PCs 2 and 2, and the user can select a folder in a lower layer by touching the folder name of a desired folder. In FIG. 3B, the USB memory 5 is selected as the storage destination. In the storage destination designation screen shown in FIG. 3B, when the confirmation key is operated by the user, the operation panel 19 receives the storage destination selected by the user and notifies the control unit 10 of it.

  The control unit 10 of the MFP 1 uses the storage destination selected by the user via the operation panel 19 as the storage destination of image data read from the document together with the input from the user or the file name generated by the generation process by the control unit 10. It is stored in the RAM 12. Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, the control unit 10 causes the operation panel 19 to display a standby screen on which the storage destination designated by the user is displayed. The standby screen shown in FIG. 3C shows a case where the USB memory 5 is selected as the storage destination of the image data.

  Based on the standby screen shown in FIG. 3C, the user confirms whether the storage destination and various reading conditions set by the user are correct. If they are correct, the user operates the start key of the operation unit 18 to scan the document. Instructs to start reading. When the user operates the start key of the operation unit 18, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1 reads a document placed on a predetermined document placement table by the document reading unit 15, and obtains the obtained image data in the image memory 16. Remember once. Further, the control unit 10 designates the file name stored in the RAM 12 and causes the USB memory 5 to store the image data stored in the image memory 16.

  Here, when the image data read from the document is stored in the USB memory 5 as described above, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment detects the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 and stores the image data read from the document in the USB memory 5. It is configured to determine whether or not it can be stored. Therefore, the control unit 10 operates as a detection unit that detects the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 and determines whether image data read from the document can be stored in the USB memory 5 based on the detected remaining capacity. Operates as a determination means for determining

  Therefore, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1 stores the image data in the image memory 16 only when it is determined that the image data read from the document can be stored in the USB memory 5 based on the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5. The file name stored in the RAM 12 is assigned to the image data and stored in the USB memory 5.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that the image data read from the document cannot be stored in the USB memory 5 based on the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5, it is already stored in the USB memory 5. It operates as a saving means for temporarily storing (saving) data (saved data) in the HDD 21. Specifically, the control unit 10 generates a warning screen illustrated in FIG. 4A and causes the operation panel 19 to display the warning screen. The warning screen shown in FIG. 4A is a screen that prompts the user to select whether or not data in the USB memory 5 is temporarily saved in the MFP 1 because the free space of the USB memory 5 is not sufficient.

  The operation panel 19 operates as a save instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to temporarily save the image data stored in the USB memory 5 in the MFP 1 on the warning screen shown in FIG. . When the user operates the No key on the warning screen shown in FIG. 4A, the control unit 10 ends the storage process of the image data read from the document in the USB memory 5. When the user operates the Yes key, the control unit 10 accesses the USB memory 5 via the USB interface 22 and acquires the file name of the image data already stored in the USB memory 5, as shown in FIG. The saved data designation screen shown in b) is generated and displayed on the operation panel 19. The USB memory 5 may store not only image data but also text data. Further, not only the file name but also the data amount of each file may be displayed on the save data designation screen.

  The save data designation screen shown in FIG. 4B indicates that four image data are stored in the USB memory 5, and data (file “scandata2.pdf”) among them should be saved ( Hereinafter, a state selected as saved data) is shown. In the save data designation screen shown in FIG. 4B, when image data is selected by the user and the confirmation key is operated, the control unit 10 saves the save data selected by the user via the operation panel 19. Accept instructions.

  The control unit 10 operates as a reading unit that reads saved data selected by the user via the operation panel 19 from the USB memory 5 via the USB interface 22, and the saved data read from the USB memory 5 is stored in the HDD (data storage unit). ) 21. Further, the control unit 10 operates as an erasing unit that erases the saved data read from the USB memory 5 from the USB memory 5.

  Further, the control unit 10 detects the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 again and determines whether or not the image data read from the document can be stored in the USB memory 5. If the image data read from the document can be stored in the USB memory 5, the control unit 10 assigns the file name stored in the RAM 12 to the image data stored in the image memory 16 and adds the file name. Store in the memory 5. On the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines again that the image data read from the document cannot be stored in the USB memory 5, the control unit 10 displays the warning screen shown in FIG. The saving process of the image data stored in the USB memory 5 to the MFP 1 is continued. Then, after ensuring a sufficient free space in the USB memory 5, the control unit 10 assigns the file name stored in the RAM 12 to the image data stored in the image memory 16 and stores it in the USB memory 5. .

  As described above, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment can restore the image data saved in the HDD 21 of the MFP 1 to the USB memory 5 as necessary in order to secure a sufficient free space in the USB memory 5. Hereinafter, a process of returning the saved data stored in the HDD 21 to the USB memory 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the operation panel 19. When the USB memory 5 is attached to the attachment port 22a, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment determines whether save data is already stored in the HDD 21. When the save data is stored, the control unit 10 causes the operation panel 19 to display a notification screen notifying that the save data is stored in the HDD 21 as shown in FIG. If the saved data is not stored in the HDD 21, the MFP 1 continues to display the standby screen shown in FIG. 3A on the operation panel 19.

  The notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5A is a screen that prompts the user to select whether or not to save the saved data stored in the HDD 21 to the USB memory 5. The operation panel 19 operates as a storage instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction as to whether or not to save the saved data in the USB memory 5 again on the notification screen shown in FIG. When the user operates the Yes key on the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit 10 stores the saved data stored in the HDD 21 in the USB memory 5 via the USB interface 22. If the USB memory 5 does not have sufficient free space, the control unit 10 generates a warning screen as shown in FIG. 5B and displays it on the operation panel 19.

  When the user operates the No key on the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit 10 ends the process without performing the process of storing the saved data in the USB memory 5. Further, when the user operates the delete key, the control unit 10 deletes the saved data stored in the HDD 21.

  As a result, when the image data read from the document is stored in the USB memory 5, even if the USB memory 5 does not have sufficient free space, the free space is freed in the USB memory 5 without using an external device. Can be secured. Further, the image data temporarily saved in the HDD 21 in order to secure free space in the USB memory 5 can be returned to the USB memory 5 as necessary.

  Hereinafter, control processing performed on the USB memory 5 in the MFP 1 having the above-described configuration will be described more specifically based on a flowchart. 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing a procedure of control processing for the USB memory 5 of the MFP 1 according to the present invention. The following processing is executed by the control unit 10 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 11.

  In the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the USB memory 5 is mounted on the mounting port 22a (S1). If it is determined that the USB memory 5 is not mounted (S1: NO), it is not shown. However, it waits until the USB memory 5 is mounted while executing other processes. When it is determined that the USB memory 5 is attached (S1: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether there is saved data in the HDD 21 (S2), and when it is determined that there is no saved data (S2: NO). Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

  If the control unit 10 determines that there is saved data in the HDD 21 (S2: YES), the controller 10 displays the saved data notification screen shown in FIG. 5A on the operation panel 19 (S3). In the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the user has operated the yes key (S4), and determines that the yes key has not been operated (S4: NO). It is determined whether or not the No key has been operated (S5). If the control unit 10 determines that the no key has been operated (S5: YES), the process proceeds to step S12, and if the control unit 10 determines that the no key has not been operated (S5: NO), that is, erases by the user. If the key is operated, the process proceeds to step S9.

  When it is determined on the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A that the user has operated the Yes key (S4: YES), the control unit 10 detects the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 via the USB interface 22 (S6). ), It is determined whether or not the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 is sufficient to store the saved data of the HDD 21 (S7). If the controller 10 determines that the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 is sufficient (S7: YES), the controller 10 stores the saved data stored in the HDD 21 in the USB memory 5 via the USB interface 22 (S8). Thereafter, the saved data is erased from the HDD 21 (S9).

  When it is determined that the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 is not sufficient (S7: NO), the control unit 10 generates a warning screen as shown in FIG. 5B and displays it on the operation panel 19 (S10). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the OK key has been operated on the warning screen shown in FIG. 5B (S11). If it is determined that the OK key has not been operated (S11: NO), the control unit 10 is operated. Wait until When it is determined that the OK key has been operated (S11: YES), the control unit 10 ends the process as described above.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that there is no saved data in the HDD 21 (S2: NO), or if it is determined in step S5 that the user has operated the No key (S5: YES), the control unit 10 performs the processing shown in FIG. In the standby screen shown in a), the reading condition selected by the user is received via the operation panel 19 and set by storing it in the RAM 12 (S12). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the reference key has been operated by the user on the standby screen shown in FIG. 3A (S13), and determines that the reference key has been operated (S13: YES), FIG. The storage destination designation screen shown in (b) is generated and displayed on the operation panel 19 (S14). If the reference key is not operated (S13: NO), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S19 and determines whether the start key is operated (S19).

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not the confirmation key is operated by the user on the storage destination designation screen shown in FIG. 3B (S15), and determines that the confirmation key is not operated (S15: NO) It is determined whether or not the cancel key has been operated by the user (S16). When the control unit 10 determines that the cancel key is not operated by the user (S16: NO), either the confirmation key or the cancel key is operated by the user on the storage destination designation screen shown in FIG. Until it is determined that the cancel key has been operated (S16: YES), the processing described above is terminated without performing anything.

  When it is determined that the confirmation key has been operated by the user on the storage destination designation screen shown in FIG. 3B (S15: YES), the control unit 10 selects the storage destination selected by the user via the storage destination designation screen. The received storage destination is stored in the RAM 12 together with the file name input by the user via the standby screen shown in FIG. 3A or the file name generated by the control unit 10 (S17).

  Next, the control part 10 produces | generates the standby screen shown in FIG.3 (c), and displays it on the operation panel 19 (S18). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the user has operated the start key of the operation unit 18 (S19). When the control unit 10 determines that the start key has been operated (S19: YES), the document reading unit 15 reads the document, The obtained image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 16 (S20). If the control unit 10 determines that the start key is not operated (S19: NO), the process proceeds to step S13, and the start key or the reference key on the standby screen shown in FIG. 3C is operated. Wait until

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the storage destination stored in the RAM 12 in step S17 is the USB memory 5 (S21), and determines that the storage destination is not the USB memory 5 (S21: NO) For example, in the case of the external PC 2, the image data stored in the image memory 16 is stored via the LAN interface 20 in a storage destination designated by the user and stored in the RAM 12 (S 22).

  When determining that the storage destination is the USB memory 5 (S21: YES), the control unit 10 detects the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 via the USB interface 22 (S23), and the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 is the document. It is determined whether or not it is sufficient to store the image data read from and stored in the image memory 16 (S24). When the control unit 10 determines that the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 is sufficient (S24: YES), the file name stored in the RAM 12 in step S17 is added to the image data stored in the image memory 16 in step S20. Assigned and stored in the USB memory 5 (S25).

  When determining that the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 is not sufficient (S24: NO), the control unit 10 generates a warning screen shown in FIG. 4A and displays it on the operation panel 19 (S26). In the warning screen shown in FIG. 4A, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the user has operated the Yes key (S27), and determines that the Yes key has not been operated (S27: NO). It is determined whether or not the No key has been operated (S28). When determining that the no key is not operated by the user (S28: NO), the control unit 10 waits until either the yes key or the no key is operated on the warning screen shown in FIG. If it is determined that the user has operated the No key (S28: YES), the processing as described above is terminated.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the user has operated the Yes key on the warning screen shown in FIG. 4A (S27: YES), the image data already stored in the USB memory 5 via the USB interface 22 is displayed. The save data designation screen shown in FIG. 4B is generated and displayed on the operation panel 19 (S29). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the confirmation key has been operated by the user on the save data designation screen illustrated in FIG. 4B (S30), and determines that the confirmation key has not been operated (S30: NO) ), It is determined whether or not the cancel key has been operated (S31).

  When the control unit 10 determines that the cancel key is not operated by the user (S31: NO), until either the confirmation key or the cancel key is operated on the save data designation screen shown in FIG. 4B. When waiting and determining that the cancel key has been operated (S31: YES), the processing as described above is terminated. When it is determined that the confirmation key has been operated on the save data designation screen shown in FIG. 4B (S30: YES), the control unit 10 selects the user via the save data designation screen shown in FIG. 4B. The image data thus read is read from the USB memory 5 via the USB interface 22 and stored in the HDD 21 (S32).

  Further, the control unit 10 deletes the image data read from the USB memory 5 from the USB memory 5 (S33), returns the process to step S23, and detects the remaining capacity of the USB memory 5 again via the USB interface 22 ( S23). The control unit 10 determines again whether or not the USB memory 5 has enough remaining capacity to store the image data read from the document and stored in the image memory 16 in step S20 (S24). The above-described processing from step S23 to step S33 is repeated until a sufficient remaining capacity is secured.

  As described above, if the free space of the USB memory 5 is not sufficient when the MFP 1 stores the image data read from the document in the USB memory 5, the image data already stored in the USB memory 5 is temporarily stored in the HDD 21 of the MFP 1. By evacuating automatically, for example, it is not necessary to increase the free capacity of the USB memory 5 by using the PC 2, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the USB memory 5 that can be connected by USB is used as the portable external storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the MFP 1 has been described. However, for example, a music player that can be connected to the MFP 1 via a USB cable. A mobile phone, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or the like can also be used. Further, the present invention is not limited to the USB connection, and an IC memory card, a memory stick, a flexible disk, an MO (Magnet Optical disk), a hard disk removable from the MFP 1 and the like can be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 configured to save the image data from the USB memory 5 to the HDD 21 has been described. However, as the save destination of the image data, for example, the PCs 2 and 2 connected via the LAN and the other An external device such as the MFP 3 may be used. In this case, the image data temporarily saved from the USB memory 5 can be output to an external device and used by the external device. In addition, when a folder is provided in the HDD 21, a predetermined folder in the HDD 21 may be designated as a save destination.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 configured to select whether or not to perform the process of returning to the USB memory 5 for one save data stored in the HDD 21 of the MFP 1 has been described. When stored in the HDD 21, the save data to be returned to the USB memory 5 can be arbitrarily selected.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the USB memory 5 is attached to the attachment port 22a, it is determined whether or not there is saved data in the HDD 21, and when there is saved data, the saved data is returned to the USB memory 5. The MFP 1 configured to perform processing has been described. For example, memory information indicating the USB memory 5 that is the save source of each save data is added to the save data to be saved in the HDD 21, and the USB memory 5 is attached to the attachment port 22a. If the memory information indicating the attached USB memory 5 matches the memory information added to the saved data stored in the HDD 21, the saved data is returned to the USB memory 5. It can also be configured.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a network configuration example including an MFP as an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an MFP according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the display screen displayed on an operation panel. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the display screen displayed on an operation panel. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the display screen displayed on an operation panel. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control processing procedure for the USB memory of the MFP according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control processing procedure for the USB memory of the MFP according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control processing procedure for the USB memory of the MFP according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image processing device)
5 USB memory (external storage medium)
10 Control unit (storage control means, detection means, determination means, save means, read means, erase means)
15 Document reading unit (document reading means)
19 Operation panel (evacuation instruction receiving means, storage instruction receiving means)
21 HDD (data storage means)
22a Mounting port (mounting part)

Claims (6)

A mounting unit in which an external storage medium can be attached and detached, a document reading unit that reads a document to acquire image data, and image data acquired by the document reading unit is stored in an external storage medium mounted in the mounting unit. In an image processing apparatus comprising storage control means,
Data storage means;
Mounting determination means for determining whether a removable portable external storage medium is mounted on the mounting portion;
Detecting means for detecting a remaining capacity of the external storage medium when the storage control means stores the image data in the external storage medium when it is determined by the attachment determination means ;
Determination means for determining whether the image data can be stored in the external storage medium based on the remaining capacity detected by the detection means;
If the determination result by the determining means is negative and data is stored in the external recording medium, a save instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to save the data;
Means for accepting selection of data to be saved out of data stored in the external storage medium when a plurality of data is stored in the external storage medium when the instruction is accepted by the save instruction acceptance means; When,
A saving means for saving the data from the external storage medium to the data storage means when the selection of data is accepted by the means;
The image processing apparatus, wherein the storage control unit is configured to store the image data in the external storage medium after the save unit saves the data. A save destination accepting unit for accepting a save destination of data stored in the external storage medium;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the save unit is configured to save the data to a save destination received by the save destination accepting unit. The retracting means is
Reading means for reading data stored in the external storage medium from the external storage medium;
The image processing apparatus according said read out means read the data to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it comprises an erasing means for erasing from said external storage medium. The data storage means stores the data read by the reading means ,
The image processing according to claim 3 , wherein the storage control unit is configured to store data stored in the data storage unit in an external storage medium attached to the attachment unit. apparatus. Storage instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to store the data stored in the data storage means in the external storage medium;
The storage control unit is configured to store the data in the external storage medium when the storage instruction reception unit receives an instruction to store the data in the external storage medium. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . When a plurality of data is stored in the data storage means, the data storage means includes means for receiving selection of data to be stored in the external storage medium from data stored in the data storage means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the storage instruction receiving unit is configured to receive an instruction to store the selected data in the external storage medium.

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