US 7,443,526 B2 · Multi-function image processing apparatus and method

Abstract

A multi-function image processing apparatus includes a system control unit that receives an image processing job sent over a network by a requesting device, and that controls operation of the image processing apparatus. The apparatus includes an image recording unit that performs a printing operation. The apparatus also includes a scanner that scans data provided to the apparatus. The apparatus further includes an image processing unit that receives scan data from the scanner, that performs image processing on the scan data, and that outputs image-processed scan data to the image recording unit for printing of the image-processed scan data. The apparatus also includes an interface unit that transfers image data between the image processing unit and the system control unit in at least one mode of operation of the image processing apparatus. The image processing unit includes a first FIFO and a second FIFO for bypassing the interface unit under certain situations.

Claims7

Dependent claims

An image processing method for a multi-function image processing apparatus (MFP) that is coupled to a network, the method comprising:

a) receiving a local image processing request, the local image processing request not being received by way of the network;
b) processing the local image processing request;
c) receiving a network image processing request sent over the network while the MFP is processing the local image processing request;
d) denying the network image processing request;
e) completing the local image processing request started in step b);
and
f) placing the MFP in a mode that is capable of accepting a new processing request, wherein the new processing request may be either another local image processing request, the network image processing request denied in step d), or another network image processing request,
wherein the local image processing request is at least one of a copy, scan or print request,
wherein, when the MFP is processing the first job request and another local image processing request, not sent over the network, is received by the MFP, the method further comprising:
g) temporarily halting processing of the first job request and storing data regarding the processing of the first job request in memory;
h) processing the another local image processing request to completion;
and
i) completing the first job request from a point where the first job request was halted in step g).

10 more elements

An image processing method for a multi-function image processing apparatus (MFP) that is coupled to a network, the method comprising:

a) receiving a network image processing request sent over a network;
b) processing the network image processing request;
c) receiving a local image processing request, not sent over the network, while the network image processing request is still being processed;
d) temporarily halting processing of the network image processing request;
e) processing the local image processing request to completion;
and
f) continuing processing of the network image processing job request from a point where the network image processing request was halted in step d),
wherein the step of processing the network image processing request comprises using an image processor that comprises a first FIFO that receives network image data of the network processing request and a second FIFO that sends network image-processed data, and
wherein the step of temporarily halting processing of the network image processing request comprises halting a clock provided to the first FIFO and the second FIFO.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-function image processing apparatus and method

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Multi-function image processing apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims7