Multi-function machine for combining and routing image data and method of operating same
AssigneeRicoh Company, Ltd.
InventorTetsuro Motoyama
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-function machine for combining and routing image data is disclosed. The multi-function machine includes a number of functional units, for instance, a digital copier which produces scanned image data, a printer which prints image data from a computer, and a facsimile device which receives and sends facsimile image data. Image data from one or a number of sources may be combined to form merged image data, corresponding to a merger of the individual images. The merged image data may then be conveyed to any of a number of user selectable destinations, including a printer, a host computer, or a facsimile device.
Claims18
A multi-function machine, comprising:
- means for merging a first set of electronic image data with a second set of electronic image data to form merged image data;
- and
- means for conveying said merged image data to one of a plurality of user selectable destinations within said multi-function machine.
The multi-function machine of class 1 wherein said user selectable destinations include a printer, a facsimile output, storage means, and a host computer.
A multi-function machine, comprising:
- means for receiving a merge command;
- means, responsive to said receiving means, for reading one of a plurality of user selectable logical operations;
- means responsive to said receiving means, for accepting one of a plurality of user selectable merge destinations within said multi-function machine;
- means, responsive to said receiving means, for identifying a source of a first set of digital data;
- means, responsive to said receiving means, for selecting a source of a second set of digital data;
- means, responsive to said receiving means, for executing a merge operation according to said user selectable logical operation, wherein said first set of digital data is merged with said second set of digital data to form merged image data;
- and
- means for transmitting said merged image data to one of said merge destinations.
A method of operating a multi-function machine, comprising the steps of:
- receiving a merge command;
- reading data representing one of a plurality of user selectable merge destinations within said multi-function machine;
- identifying a first set of digital image data;
- selecting a second set of digital image data;
- executing a merge operation wherein said first set of digital image data is merged with said second set of digital image data to form merged image data;
- and
- transmitting said merged image data to one of said merge destinations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.