Image processing method and apparatus

An image processing system includes an input device for inputting image data, a processing device for performing an image processing job on image data input from the input device, an output device for outputting image data processed by the processing device, and a holding device for holding image data processed by the processing device when the image processing job performed by the processing device satisfies predetermined conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus 
for performing image processing, such as transmission, storage, or 
recording of images. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
In recent years, a multi-function type combined image processing apparatus 
has been commercially available, which apparatus has the following various 
functions added to an image forming apparatus (such as a copying machine), 
as peripheral devices: a printer function for printing image information 
input from a computer or the like, a scanner function for reading an 
original document on a document holder and outputting the read data to a 
computer or the like, a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving 
an image to and from a terminal connected to a public telecommunications 
line, a rasterizing function for interpreting page description language 
and developing it into bit map data, and an image file function for 
storing and reading out image data from a secondary storage device having 
a large capacity, and which apparatus is capable of utilizing each 
function of the input system, each function of the conversion system and 
each function of the output system in combination. 
Also, some color copying machines are designed to be easily usable as a 
printer or a scanner by connecting as a peripheral device an intelligent 
processing unit (IPU) which serves as an interface for various 
analog/digital video images. 
Some of these combined image processing apparatuses or systems are capable 
of selecting a desired function from a plurality of functions of the image 
output system and outputting the function by controlling the controller 
when it has a plurality of image output functions. 
However, in a conventional combined image processing apparatus, as an image 
output apparatus involved in one image processing job, just one apparatus 
is selected and used from among a plurality of image output apparatuses. 
That is, to output one image to a plurality of image output apparatuses 
having different functions, a separate image output job corresponding to 
each of the plurality of image output apparatuses is executed 
individually. Therefore, when it is desired to produce duplicate copies of 
the result of the image processing in execution, the operator must perform 
the image processing job twice, once for each copy. For example, after a 
facsimile transmission to an important destination, to make a duplicate 
copy of the transmitted image, additional operation, for example, copying 
the original image onto paper or storing it in an image file, must be 
performed, in response to a new operation instruction. Not only is the 
manual operation for making a duplicate copy inconvenient for the 
operator, but also there is the risk that the operator may forget to make 
the duplicate copy. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention has been achieved to solve the above-described 
problems of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to 
provide an image processing method and apparatus capable of surely making 
any necessary duplicate copy of an image without requiring so many manual 
operations by the operator. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide an image 
processing method and apparatus capable of holding necessary image data 
from image data output in an image file or the like during facsimile 
transmission, printout and the like. 
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an 
image processing method, comprising the steps of: a processing step for 
performing an image processing job on image data; a determining step for 
determining if an image processing job performed in the processing step 
satisfies predetermined conditions; and an output step for outputting the 
image data obtained by performing the image processing job in the 
processing step to an output destination which is not related to the image 
processing job, when it is determined in the determination step that the 
image processing job satisfies the predetermined conditions. 
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an 
image processing apparatus, comprising: processing means for performing an 
image processing job on image data; determining means for determining if 
the image processing job performed by the processing means satisfies 
predetermined conditions; and output means for outputting the image data 
obtained by performing the image processing job to an output destination 
which is not related to the image processing job, when it is determined by 
the determination means that the image processing job satisfies the 
predetermined conditions. 
The above and further objects, aspects and novel features of the invention 
will more fully appear from the following detailed description when read 
in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1 illustrates the construction of a combined image processing 
apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The basic operation 
of the combined image processing apparatus will be explained first with 
reference to FIG. 1. 
Reference numeral 1 denotes an image input apparatus (hereinafter referred 
to as a reader unit) in which imaging elements, such as CCDs, read an 
original document to produce corresponding image data; reference numeral 2 
denotes an image output apparatus, such as a laser beam printer or an ink 
jet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer unit), having a 
plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, for outputting image data 
as visible images onto recording paper in accordance with a print command; 
and reference numeral 3 denotes an external device which is electrically 
connected to the reader unit 1 and which has various types of functions. 
The external device 3 consists of a facsimile section 4, a file section 5, 
an external storage device 6 connected to the file section 5, a computer 
interface section 7 for connecting to a computer (PC/WS) 11, a formatter 
section 8 for making information from the computer 11 visible, an image 
memory section 9 for temporarily storing information received from the 
computer 11, and a core section 10 for controlling the above functions. 
The function of each section will be explained below in detail. 
[Explanation of the Reader Unit 1] 
A detailed explanation of the reader unit 1 will be provided with reference 
to FIGS. 2 and 3. 
Original documents stacked on a document transport apparatus 101 are fed 
onto a document holder glass 102. When the document is transported, a lamp 
103 of the scanner unit is lit, and the scanner unit 104 moves to expose 
and scan the document. The light reflected from the document passes 
through a lens 108 via mirrors 105, 106 and 107, and then enters a CCD 
image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter referred to as a CCD). 
The image processing of the reader unit 1 will now be explained in detail 
with reference to FIG. 3. Image information input to the CCD 109 as light 
is color separated and photoelectrically converted into electrical signals 
by the CCD 109. The color information for each of three color components 
from the CCD 109 is amplified by a respective amplifier 110R, 110G, or 
110B according to the input signal level of an A/D converter 111, after 
which the information is converted into digital image signals for each 
color component of the three colors by the A/D converter 111. The signals 
output from the A/D converter 111 are input to a shading circuit 112 
whereby shading distortion, such as distributed light variation of the 
lamp 103 or sensitivity variation of the CCD 109, is corrected. The RGB 
digital image signals from the shading circuit 112 are input to a Y signal 
generation/color detection circuit 113 and an external interface switching 
circuit 119. 
The Y signal generation/color detection circuit 113 computes the RGB 
digital image signals by an equation described below and obtains the Y 
signal: 
EQU Y=0.3R+0.6G+0.1B 
Further, the Y signal generation/color detection circuit 113 has a color 
detection circuit for separating the RGB digital image signals into seven 
colors and outputting signals for each color. 
The signals output from the Y signal generation/color detection circuit 113 
are input to a scaling/repeat circuit 114. In the reader unit 1, scaling 
along the subscanning direction is performed by varying the scanning speed 
of the scanner unit 104 according to the scaling factor, and scaling along 
the main scanning direction is performed by decreasing or increasing image 
signals by means of the scaling/repeat circuit 114 according to the 
scaling factor. It is also possible to have the scaling/repeat circuit 114 
output the same image repeatedly. 
A contour/edge enhancement circuit 115 obtains edge enhanced image signals 
and contour information by enhancing high-frequency components of the 
signals from the scaling/repeat circuit 114. The signals from the 
contour/edge enhancement circuit 115 are input to a marker area 
determination circuit 116 and a patterning/masking/trimming circuit 117. 
The marker area determination circuit 116 reads a portion written with a 
marker pen of a specified color on the original document and generates 
contour information which represents the contour marked with the marker. 
The patterning/masking/trimming circuit 117 performs masking or trimming 
on the basis of the contour information, and also performs patterning on 
the basis of the color detection signals from the Y signal 
generation/color detection circuit 113. 
The signals output from the patterning/masking/trimming circuit 117 are 
input to a laser driver circuit 118, where various operations are 
performed on the signals and the signals are converted into signals for 
driving the laser. The drive signals from the laser driver circuit 118 are 
input to the printer unit 2, where the signals are formed into a visible 
image. 
Next, an explanation will be given of an external interface switching 
circuit 119 for interfacing with the external device 3. When image 
information (8-bit multi-valued digital image signals) from the reader 
unit 1 are output to the external device 3, the external interface 
switching circuit 119 outputs image information from the 
patterning/masking/trimming circuit 117 to a connector 120. When the 
reader unit 1 inputs image information from the external device 3, the 
external interface switching circuit 119 inputs the image information from 
the connector 120 to the Y signal generation/color detection circuit 113. 
Each of the above-described image processing is performed in accordance 
with an instruction from a CPU 122 in response to the operation command 
from an operation section 124. An area creation circuit 121 generates 
various timing signals necessary for the above-described image processing 
on the basis of the values set by the CPU 122. Further, by using 
communication functions installed in the CPU 122, communication with the 
external device 3 is performed via the connector 120. A sub-CPU 123 
controls the operation section 124 and communicates with the external 
device 3 via the connector 120 by using the communication functions 
installed in the sub-CPU 123. 
[Explanation of the Printer Unit 2] 
In FIG. 2, the image signals input to the printer unit 2 are converted into 
optical signals (a laser beam) by an exposure control section 201, causing 
a photosensitive member 202 to be irradiated in accordance with the image 
signals. The latent image formed on the photosensitive member 202 is 
developed by a developing unit 203. In synchronization with the 
development, transfer paper is transported from a transfer paper stacking 
section 204 or 205, and the developed image is transferred by a transfer 
section 206. The image-transferred transfer paper is fixed by a fixing 
section 207, after which the paper is ejected from the apparatus by a 
paper ejection section 208. The transfer paper output from the paper 
ejection section 208 is ejected in alignment with one or another bin of 
sorter 220 when the sort function of the sorter 220 is operating, and when 
the sort function is not operating, the transfer paper is ejected to the 
topmost bin of the sorter. 
Next, an explanation will be given of a method in which images for two 
sheets or pages of paper will be recorded on both sides of one sheet of 
output paper, on the basis of image signals for two original documents 
which are read in sequence. 
The output paper fixed by the fixing section 207 is transported to the 
paper ejection section 208 once, after which the orientation of the paper 
is reversed and it is transported to a transferred paper stacking section 
210 for resupply via a transportation direction switching member 209. When 
the next original document becomes ready, in the same way as in the above 
process, the image of the original document is read. Since the transfer 
paper is fed by the transferred paper stacking section 210 for paper 
resupply, it is possible to output two original documents onto the obverse 
and reverse sides of one sheet of output paper. 
[Explanation of the External Device 3] 
The external device 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 through a cable, 
and signals and various functions are controlled by the core section 10 
inside the external device 3. The external device 3 consists of the 
facsimile section 4 for transmitting and receiving a facsimile, the file 
section 5 for converting various original document information into 
electrical signals and storing the signals, the computer interface section 
7 for interfacing with the computer 11, the formatter section 8 for 
developing code information from the computer 11 into image information, 
the image memory section 9 for storing information from the reader unit 1 
and for temporarily storing information received from the computer 11, and 
the core section 10 for controlling the above-described various functions. 
The functions of each section will be explained below in detail. 
[Explanation of the Core Section 10] 
The core section 10 will now be explained with reference to FIG. 4. A 
connector 1001 of the core section 10 is connected to the connector 120 of 
the reader unit 1 through a cable (not shown). 
Four types of signals are connected to the connector 1001. A signal on line 
1057 is an 8-bit multi-valued digital image signal. A signal on line 1055 
is a control signal for controlling digital image signals. A signal on 
line 1051 is used to communicate with the CPU 122 in the reader unit 1. A 
signal on line 1052 is used to communicates with the sub-CPU 123 in the 
reader unit 1. The lines 1051 and 1052 are connected to a communication IC 
1002 whereby communication information processed by a communication 
protocol process is transmitted to a CPU 1003 via a CPU bus 1053. 
The signal line 1057 is a bi-directional video signal line, and thus 
information from the reader unit 1 can be received by the core section 10 
and information from the core section 10 can be output to the reader unit 
1. The signal on line 1057 is stored in a buffer 1010 where the 
bi-directional signal is separated into uni-directional signals, supplied 
via lines 1058 and 1070. The uni-directional signal on line 1058 is an 
8-bit multi-valued digital image signal which is output from the reader 
unit 1 and then input to an LUT (look-up table) 1011 at the next stage. 
Digital image signals from the reader unit 1 are converted into desired 
values by referring to the LUT 1011. A signal on a line 1059 from the LUT 
1011 is input to a binarization circuit 1012 or a selector 1013. The 
binarization circuit 1012 has a simple binarization function for 
binarizing the multi-valued digital image signal 1059 (hereinafter, the 
signals will sometimes be referred to by the numbers of the lines which 
carry them, where no confusion will result) on the basis of a fixed slice 
level, a binarization function based on a variable slice level such that 
the slice level varies from the value of the pixels around the subject 
pixel, and a binarization function based on an error diffusion method. 
Binarized information is converted into multi-valued signals of 00H when 
the information is "0" and FFH when the information is "1" and then input 
to the selector 1013 at the next stage. The selector 1013 selects either 
the signal from the LUT 1011 or the signal output from the binarization 
circuit 1012. A signal 1060 output from the selector 1013 is input to a 
selector 1014. The selector 1014 selects either digital image signal 1064 
input to the core section 10, which is input from the facsimile section 4, 
the file section 5, the computer interface section 7, the formatter 
section 8, and the image memory section 9 via connectors 1005, 1006, 1007, 
1008 and 1009, respectively, or the signal 1060 output from the selector 
1013, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003. 
A signal 1061 output from the selector 1014 is input to a rotation circuit 
1015 or a selector 1016. The rotation circuit 1015 has a function for 
rotating the input image signal by +90.degree., -90.degree., or 
+180.degree. and stores binarization image signals to be subjected to 
rotation. 
Next, the rotation circuit 1015 performs a rotation operation on 
binarization image signals stored and reads signals in accordance with an 
instruction from the CPU 1003. The selector 1016 selects either a signal 
1062 output from the rotation circuit 1015 or a signal 1061 input to the 
rotation circuit 1015, and inputs the selected signal on line 1063, to a 
connector 1005 for the facsimile section 4, a connector 1006 for the file 
section 5, a connector 1007 for the computer interface section 7, a 
connector 1008 for the formatter section 8, a connector 1009 for the image 
memory section 9, and a selector 1017. 
The signal line 1063 is an 8-bit synchronous uni-directional video bus 
through which image information is transferred from the core section 10 to 
the facsimile section 4, the file section 5, the computer interface 
section 7, the formatter section 8 and the image memory section 9. The 
digital image signal line 1064 is an 8-bit synchronous uni-directional 
video bus through which image information is transferred from the 
facsimile section 4, the file section 5, the computer interface section 7, 
the formatter section 8 and the image memory section 9. A video control 
circuit 1004 controls the synchronous bus between the signals 1063 and 
1064, and control is performed by a signal 1056 output from the video 
control circuit 1004. 
Further, a signal line 1054 is connected to the connectors 1005, 1006, 
1007, 1008 and 1009. The signal 1054 is a bi-directional 16-bit CPU bus 
through which data and commands are exchanged by an asynchronous method. 
Transferring of information from the facsimile section 4, the file section 
5, the computer interface section 7, the formatter section 8 and the image 
memory section 9 to the core section 10 or vice versa is possible through 
the video buses 1063 and 1064 and the CPU bus 1054. 
The signals 1064 from the facsimile section 4, the file section 5, the 
computer interface section 7, the formatter section 8 and the image memory 
section 9 are input to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017. The 
selector 1014 inputs the signals 1064 to the rotation circuit 1015 at the 
next stage in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003. 
The selector 1017 selects the signals 1063 and 1064 in accordance with an 
instruction from the CPU 1003. A signal 1065 output from the selector 1017 
is input to a pattern matching circuit 1018, and selectors 1019 and 1021. 
The pattern matching circuit 1018 performs pattern matching between the 
signal 1065 and a predetermined pattern. When the patterns match each 
other, a predetermined multi-valued signal is output to a signal line 
1066. When the patterns do not match, the input signal 1065 is output as 
it is to the signal line 1066. 
The selector 1019 selects either the signal 1065 or the signal 1066 in 
accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003. A signal 1067 output 
from the selector 1019 is input to an LUT 1020 at the next stage, whereby 
the input signal 1067 is converted in conformity with the characteristics 
of printer unit 2 when image information is output to the printer unit 2. 
A selector 1021 selects either a signal 1068 or 1065 output from the LUT 
1020 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003. The signal 
output from the selector 1021 is input to an enlarging circuit 1022 at the 
next stage. 
The enlarging circuit 1022 is capable of enlarging the image in accordance 
with scaling-up factors set independently of each other along the X and Y 
directions in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003. The 
scaling-up method is a first-order linear interpolation method. A signal 
1070 output from the enlarging circuit 1022 is input to the buffer 1010. 
The signal 1070 input to the core section 10 is formed into a 
bi-directional signal 1057 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 
1003, sent out to the printer unit 2 via the connector 1001 and printed 
out. 
Next, the flow of signals between the core section 10 and each section will 
be explained. 
[The Operation of the Core Section 10 on the Basis of the Information from 
Facsimile Section 4] 
A case in which image information is output to the facsimile section 4 will 
be explained. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader 
unit 1 via the communication IC 1002 and issues an original document scan 
command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 
when the scanner unit 104 scans the original document in response to this 
command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected to each 
other through a cable. The image information from the reader unit 1 is 
input to the connector 1001 of the core section 10, and the image 
information input to the connector 1001 is input to the buffer 1010 
through the multi-valued 8-bit signal line 1057. The buffer 1010 inputs 
the bi-directional signal 1057 as a uni-directional signal to the LUT 1011 
via the signal line 1058 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 
1003. The LUT 1011 converts image information from the reader unit 1 into 
desired values by using a look-up table (this permits, for example, an 
all-white portion like the base of the original document to be skipped. 
The signal 1059 output from the LUT 1011 is input to the binarization 
circuit 1012 at the next stage, which converts the 8-bit multi-valued 
signal 1059 to a binary signal. When the binarized signal is "0" or "1", 
the binarization circuit 1012 converts the signal into two multi-valued 
signals of levels 00H and FFh, respectively. 
The signal output from the binarization circuit 1012 is input to the 
rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016 via the selector 1013 and the 
selector 1014, respectively. The signal 1062 output from the rotation 
circuit 1015 is also input to the selector 1016 where either the signal 
1061 or the signal 1062 is selected. This selection of the signal is 
determined by the CPU 1003 making communications with the facsimile 
section 4 via the CPU bus 1054. The signal 1063 output from the selector 
1016 is sent out to the facsimile section 4 via the connector 1005. 
Next, a case in which information is received from the facsimile section 4 
will be explained. The image information from the facsimile section 4 is 
transmitted to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1005. The signal 
1064 is input to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017. When the image 
received during facsimile reception is rotated and output to the printer 
unit 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003, the signal 
1064 input to the selector 1014 is rotated by the rotation circuit 1015. 
The signal 1062 output from the rotation circuit 1015 is input to the 
pattern matching circuit 1018 via the selector 1016 and the selector 1017. 
When image received during facsimile reception is output to the printer 
unit 2 as it is in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003, the 
signal 1064 input to the selector 1017 from the facsimile section 4 is 
input to the pattern matching circuit 1018. 
The pattern matching circuit 1018 has the function of smoothing the 
"jaggies" (jaggedness) of the edge of the image received during facsimile 
reception. The pattern matched signal is input to the LUT 1020 via the 
selector 1019. In order for the image received by facsimile to be output 
by the printer unit 2 at a desired density, the table of the LUT 1020 can 
be changed by the CPU 1003. The output signal 1068 of the LUT 1020 is 
input to the enlarging circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. The enlarging 
circuit 1022 performs an enlarging operation on 8-bit multi-valued signals 
having two values (00H and FFH) by a first-order linear interpolation. 
The 8-bit multi-valued signals having a number of values from the enlarging 
circuit 1022 are sent out to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the 
connector 1001. The reader unit 1 inputs these signals to the external 
interface switching circuit 119 via the connector 120. The external 
interface switching circuit 119 inputs the signals from the facsimile 
section 4 to the Y signal generation/color detection circuit 113. The 
signals output from the Y signal generation/color detection circuit 113, 
after being subjected to the above-described processing, are output to the 
printer unit 2 where the image is formed on output paper (transfer paper). 
[Operation of the Core Section 10 on the Basis of Information of the File 
Section 5] 
A case in which information is output to the file section 5 will now be 
explained. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 
via the communication IC 1002 and issues an original document scan 
command. The scanner unit 104 scans this original document in accordance 
with this command, and the reader unit 1 outputs image information to the 
connector 120. 
The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected to each other 
through a cable. The information from the reader unit 1 is input to the 
connector 1001 of the core section 10, and the image information input to 
the connector 1001 is formed into a uni-directional signal 1058 through 
the buffer 1010. The multi-valued 8-bit signal 1058 is converted into a 
desired signal by using the LUT 1011. The signal 1059 output from the LUT 
1011 is input to the connector 1006 via the selector 1013, 1014 and 1016. 
That is, the 8-bit multi-valued digital image signal is transferred as it 
is to the connector 1005 without using the functions of the binarization 
circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1015. When binary signals are to be 
filed through communication with the file section 5 via the CPU bus 1054 
of the CPU 1003, the functions of the binarization circuit 1012 and the 
rotation circuit 1015 are used. The binarization operation and the 
rotation operation are the same as those in the above-described facsimile. 
Next, a case in which information is received from the file section 5 will 
be explained. The image information from the file section 5 is input as 
the signals 1064 to the selector 1014 or the selector 1017 via the 
connector 1006. When the image information has been stored as 8-bit 
multi-valued digital image signals, this information can be input to the 
selector 1017; when the image information has been stored as binary image 
signals, this can be input to the selector 1014 or 1017. 
In the case of filing at binary values, the same operation as for the 
facsimile are performed. In the case of filing at multi-values, the signal 
1065 output from the selector 1017 is input to the LUT 1020 via the 
selector 1019. The LUT 1020 creates a look-up table in accordance with an 
instruction from the CPU 1003 according to the desired print density. The 
signal 1068 output from the LUT 1020 is input to the enlarging circuit 
1022 via the selector 1021. The 8-bit multi-valued signal 1070 enlarged at 
a desired scaling-up factor by the enlarging circuit 1022 is sent out to 
the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001. The 
information of the file section 5 which has been sent out to the reader 
unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 and formed into an image on output 
paper (transfer paper) in the same way as in the above-described 
facsimile. 
[Operation of the Core Section 10 on the Basis of the Information of the 
Computer Interface Section 7] 
The computer interface section 7 interfaces with the computer 11 connected 
to the external device 3, and has three types of interfaces: SCSI, RS232C 
and Centronics as a computer interface. Information from each interface is 
sent out to the CPU 1003 via the connector 1007 and the data bus 1054. The 
CPU 1003 performs various controls on the basis of the contents received. 
[Operation of the Core Section 10 on the Basis of the Information for the 
Formatter Section 8] 
The formatter section 8 has the function for developing command data for a 
document file or the like received from the computer interface section 7 
into image data. When the CPU 1003 determines that the data transmitted 
from the computer interface section 7 via the data bus 1054 is data for 
the formatter section 8, the CPU 1003 sends the data to the formatter 
section 8 whereby the transferred data is formed into image information as 
a visible image, and this image is developed in the image memory section 9 
via the connector 1009. 
Next, the procedure for receiving information from the formatter section 8 
and forming an image on output paper (transfer paper) will be explained. 
The image information from the formatter section 8 is transmitted as 
multi-valued signals having two values (00H and FFH) to the signal line 
1064 via the connector 1008. The signal 1064 is input to the selectors 
1014 and 1017 which are controlled in accordance with an instruction from 
the CPU 1003. Thereafter, the operation is performed in the same way as in 
the case of the above-described facsimile. 
[Operation of the Core Section 10 on the Basis of the Information in the 
Image Memory Section 9] 
A case in which information is output to the image memory section 9 will be 
explained. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 
via the communication IC 1002 and the connector 1001 and issues an 
original document scan command. In the reader unit 1, the scanner unit 104 
scans the original document in response to this command, and the image 
information is output to the connector 120. The reader unit 1 and the 
external device 3 are connected to each other through a cable. The image 
information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the 
core section 10. The image information input to the connector 1001 is sent 
out to the LUT 1011 via the multi-valued 8-bit signal line 1057 and the 
buffer 1010. The signal 1059 output from the LUT 1011 causes multi-valued 
image information to be transferred to the image memory section 9 via the 
selectors 1013, 1014 and 1016 and the connector 1009. 
The image information stored in the image memory section 9 is sent out to 
the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1054 of the connector 1009. The CPU 1003 
transfers data received from the image memory section 9 to the computer 
interface section 7. The computer interface section 7 transfers data in 
conformity with a desired interface selected from among the 
above-described three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS232C and Centronics). 
Next, a case in which information is received from the image memory section 
9 will be explained. Initially, image information is sent out to the core 
section 10 from the computer 11 via the computer interface section 7. If 
the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 determines that the data received from 
the computer interface section 7 via the CPU bus 1054 is data for the 
image memory section 9, the data is transferred to the image memory 
section 9 via the connector 1009. Next, the image memory section 9 
transmits the 8-bit multi-valued signals 1064 to the selectors 1014 and 
1017 via the connector 1009. The signals output from the selector 1014 or 
1017 are output to the printer unit 2, and an image is formed on the 
output paper (transfer paper) in the same way as in the above-described 
facsimile. 
[Explanation of the Facsimile Section 4] 
The facsimile section 4 will now be explained in detail with reference to 
FIG. 5. 
The facsimile section 4 is connected to the buffer 1010 through a connector 
400 and exchanges various signals. When binary information from the core 
section 10 is stored in any of memories A405 to D408, a signal 453 from 
the connector 400 is input to a memory controller 404 and is stored in any 
of memories A405, B406, C407, and D408, or in a set of cascaded memories 
under the control of the memory controller 404. 
The memory controller 404 has five functions: a mode in which data is 
exchanged between the memories A405, B406, C407, and D408 and a CPU bus 
462 in accordance with an instruction from a CPU 412; a mode in which data 
is exchanged with a CODEC (coder and decoder) bus 463 of a CODEC 411 
having coding and decoding functions; a mode in which data for the 
contents of the memories A405, B406, C407, and D408 is exchanged through a 
bus 454 from a scaling circuit 403 under the control of a DMA controller 
402; a mode in which binary video input data 454 is stored in any of the 
memories A405, B406, C407, and D408 under the control of a timing 
generating circuit 409; and a mode in which the contents of the memories 
A405, B406, C407, and D408 are read out and output to a signal line 452. 
The memories A405, B406, C407, and D408 each have a capacity of 2 Mbytes 
and store image information corresponding to A4 at a resolution of 400 
dpi. The timing generating circuit 409, connected to the connector 400 
through a signal line 459, is activated by a control signal (HSYNC, HEN, 
VSYNC, and VEN) from the core section 10 and generates a signal for 
achieving the two functions described below. 
One function is that image signals from the core section 10 are stored in 
one or two memories from among memories A405, B406, C407, and D408. 
Another function is that image information is read from any one of 
memories A405, B406, C407, and D408 and is transmitted to the signal line 
452. The CPU 1003 of the core section 10 is connected to a dual port 
memory 410 through a signal line 461, and the CPU 412 of the facsimile 
section 4 is connected to the dual port memory 410 through a signal line 
462. The CPU 412 exchanges commands via the dual port memory 410. A SCSI 
controller 413 interfaces with a hard disk 12 connected to the facsimile 
section 4 shown in FIG. 1, in which hard disk data is stored during 
facsimile transmission or reception. 
The CODEC 411 reads image information stored in any of the memories A405, 
B406, C407, and D408 and codes the image information by any desired method 
from among, for example, the MH, MR and MMR methods, and then stores it as 
coded information in any of the memories A405, B406, C407, and D408. Also, 
the CODEC 411 reads coded information stored in the memories A405, B406, 
C407, and D408 and encodes the information by a desired method of the MH, 
MR and MMR method, and then stores it as image information in any of the 
memories A405, B406, C407, and D408. A MODEM 414 modulates coded 
information from the hard disk connected to the CODEC 411 and the SCSI 
controller 413 so that it can be transmitted over a telephone line and 
demodulates information received from an NCU (network control unit) 415 in 
order to convert the information into coded information and transfers the 
coded information to the hard disk connected to the CODEC 411 and the SCSI 
controller 413. The NCU 415, directly connected to a telephone line, 
exchanges information with an exchange disposed in a telephone station in 
accordance with a predetermined procedure. 
One embodiment in facsimile transmission will now be explained. The binary 
image signals from the reader unit 1 are input from the connector 400, 
pass through the signal line 453, and reach the memory controller 404. The 
signals 453 are stored in the memory A405 by the memory controller 404. 
The timing at which the image information is stored in the memory A405 is 
generated by the timing generating circuit 409 in response to the timing 
signal 459 from the reader unit 1. The CPU 412 connects the memories A405 
and B406 of the memory controller 404 to a bus line 463 of the CODEC 411. 
The CODEC 411 reads image information from the memory A405, codes it by 
the MR method and writes the coded information in the memory B406. 
When the CODEC 411 codes image information of an A4 size, the CPU 412 
connects the memory B406 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus 462. 
The CPU 412 reads out the coded information in sequence from the memory 
B406 and transfers it to the MODEM 414 which modulates the coded 
information and transmits the facsimile information over the telephone 
line via the NCU 415. 
Next, one embodiment in facsimile transmission will be explained. The 
information received over the telephone line is input to the NCU 415 
whereby the information is connected to the telephone line in accordance 
with a predetermined procedure. The information from the NCU 415 enters 
the MODEM 414 whereby the information is demodulated. The CPU 412 stores 
the information from the MODEM 414 via the CPU bus 462 in the memory C407. 
When information for one screen has been stored in the memory C407, the 
CPU 412 controls the memory controller 404 so that a data line 457 of the 
memory C407 is connected to the bus line 463 of the CODEC 411. The CODEC 
411 reads out the coded information of the memory C407 in sequence and 
decodes it, and stores it as image information in the memory D408. The CPU 
412 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 via the dual 
port memory 410, and makes the setting for making the image pass through 
the core section 10 from the memory D408 to the printer unit 2 whereby the 
image is printed. 
When the setting for printout is terminated, the CPU 412 activates the 
timing generating circuit 409 in order to output a predetermined timing 
signal from a signal line 460 to the memory controller 404. The memory 
controller 404 reads out the image information from the memory D408 in 
synchronization with a signal from the timing generating circuit 409, 
transmits the image information to the signal line 452 and outputs it to 
the connector 400. The same operations as was explained in the core 
section 10 are performed from this point until the image information is 
output from the connector 400 to the printer unit 2. 
[Explanation of the File Section 5] 
The file section 5 will now be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 
6. 
The file section 5, connected to the core section 10 through a connector 
500, exchanges various signals. A multi-valued input signal 551 is input 
to a compression circuit 503 where the multi-valued image information is 
compressed and the compressed information is output to a memory controller 
510. Signals 552 output from a compression circuit 503 are stored in any 
of memories A506, B507, C508, and D509, or in two sets of cascaded 
memories under the control of the memory controller 510. 
The memory controller 510 has five functions: a mode in which data is 
exchanged between the memories A506, B507, C508, and D509, and a CPU bus 
560 in accordance with an instruction from a CPU 516; a mode in which data 
is exchanged with a CODEC bus 570 of a CODEC 517 for performing coding and 
decoding; a mode in which the contents of memories A506, B507, C508, and 
D509 are exchanged with a bus from a scaling circuit 511 under the control 
of a DMA controller 518; a mode in which a signal 563 is stored in any of 
memories A506, B507, C508, and D509 under the control of a timing 
generating circuit 514; and a mode in which the memory contents are read 
out from any of memories A506, B507, C508, and D509 and output to a signal 
line 558. 
The memories A506, B507, C508, and D509 each have a capacity of 2 Mbytes 
and store image information corresponding to an A4 size page at a 
resolution of 400 dpi. 
The timing generating circuit 514, connected to a connector 500 through a 
signal line 553, is activated by a control signal (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, and 
VEN) from the core section 10 and generates a signal for achieving the two 
functions described below. 
One function is that image information from the core section 10 is stored 
in one or two from among memories A506, B507, C508, and D509. Another 
function is that image information is read from any one of memories A506, 
B507, C508, and D509 and transmitted to the signal line 556. The CPU 1003 
of the core section 10 is connected to a dual port memory 515 through a 
signal line 554, and a CPU 516 of the file section 5 is connected to the 
dual port memory 515 through a signal line 560. The two CPUs exchange 
commands via the dual port memory 515. A SCSI controller 519 interfaces 
with the external storage device 6 connected to the file section 5 shown 
in FIG. 1. The external storage device 6, to be specific, is formed of an 
optomagnetic disk in which data, such as image information, is stored. The 
CODEC 517 reads out image information stored in any of the memories A506, 
B507, C508, and D509 and codes the image information by any desired method 
from among, e.g., the MH, MR and MMR methods, and then stores it as coded 
information, i.e., image information, in any of memories A405, B406, C407, 
and D408. 
One embodiment in which image information is stored in the external storage 
device 6 will now be explained. 8-bit multi-valued image signals from the 
reader unit 1 are input through the connector 500, pass through a signal 
line 551 and input to the compression circuit 503. The signals 551 are 
input to the compression circuit 503 where the signals are compressed and 
converted into compressed information 552. The compressed information 552 
is input to the memory controller 510. The memory controller 510 makes the 
timing generating circuit 559 generate a timing signal 559 in response to 
a signal 553 from the core section 10, and the compressed information 552 
is stored in the memory A506 in accordance with this signal. The CPU 516 
connects the memories A506 and B507 of the memory controller 510 to the 
bus line 570 of the CODEC 517. The CODEC 517 reads out compressed 
information from the memory A506 and codes it by the MR method and writes 
the coded information in the memory B507. When the coding by the CODEC 517 
is terminated, the CPU 516 connects the memory B507 of the memory 
controller 510 to the CPU bus 560. 
The CPU 516 reads out the coded information in sequence from the memory 
B507 and transfers the coded information to the SCSI controller 519 which 
causes the coded information 572 to be stored in the external storage 
device 6. 
Next, one embodiment in which information is taken out from the external 
storage device 6 and output to the printer unit 2 will be explained. When 
the CPU 516 receives an information retrieval or print command, the CPU 
516 receives coded information from the external storage device 6 via the 
SCSI controller 519 and transfers the coded information to the memory 
C508. At this time, the memory controller 510 connects the CPU bus 560 to 
a bus 566 of the memory C508 in accordance with an instruction from the 
CPU 516. When the transferring of the coded information to the memory C508 
is terminated, the CPU 516 controls the memory controller 510 in order to 
connect the memories C508 and D509 to the bus 570 of the CODEC 517. The 
CODEC 517 reads the coded information from the memory C508 and decodes the 
coded information in sequence, and then transfers it to the memory D509. 
When scaling, such as enlargement or shrinking, is necessary when the 
information is output to the printer unit 2, the memory D509 is connected 
to a bus 562 of the scaling circuit 511, and the contents of the memory 
D509 are scaled under the control of the DMA controller 518. The CPU 516 
communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 via the dual port 
memory 515 and makes the setting for making the image pass through the 
core section 10 from the memory D509 and output to the printer unit 2. 
When the setting for printing out the image is terminated, the CPU 516 
activates the timing generating circuit 514 in order to output a 
predetermined timing signal to the memory controller 510 from the memory 
D509. The memory controller 510 reads out decoded information from the 
memory D509 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generating 
circuit 514 and transmits the decoded information to the signal line 556 
through which the decoded information is input to an expansion circuit 504 
where the information is expanded. Signals 555 output from the expansion 
circuit 504 are output to the core section 10 via the connector 500. The 
operation from this point until the information is output to the printer 3 
from the connector 500 is the same as the operation explained in the 
buffer 1010. 
[Explanation of the Computer Interface Section 7] 
The computer interface section 7 will now be explained with reference to 
FIG. 7. 
Connectors A700 and B701 are SCSI interface connectors. A connector C702 is 
a Centronics interface connector. A connector D703 is an RS232C interface 
connector. A connector E707 is a connector for connecting with the core 
section 10. 
The SCSI interface connectors 704 and 708 each have two connectors A700 and 
B701. When a plurality of devices having an SCSI interface are to be 
connected, they are cascaded by using the connectors A700 and B701. When 
the external device 3 is connected to computer 11 in one-to-one 
correspondence, the connector A700 is connected to the computer 11 through 
a cable and a terminator is connected to the connector B701, or the 
connector B701 is connected to the computer 11 through a cable and a 
terminator is connected to the connector A700. Information input from the 
connector A700 or B701 is input to a SCSI interface A704 or B708. Af the 
SCSI interface A704 or B708 carries out the procedure of the SCSI 
protocol, the SCSI interface A704 or B708 outputs data to the connector 
E707 via a signal line 754. 
The connector E707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core section 10, 
and the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 receives information input to the 
SCSI interface connector A704 or B708 from the CPU bus 1054. When data 
from the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 is output to the SCSI interface 
connector A704 or B708, the above-described procedure is reversed. 
A Centronics interface 705 is connected to a connector C702 and input to 
the centronics interface 705 via a signal line 752. The Centronics 
interface 705 receives data in accordance with the procedure of a 
predetermined protocol and outputs the data to the connector E707 via the 
signal line 754. The connector E707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of 
the core section 10, and the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 receives 
information input to the Centronics interface connector C702 from the CPU 
bus 1054. 
The RS232C interface is connected to the connector D703 and input to an 
RS232C interface 706 via the signal line 753. The RS232C interface 706 
receives data in accordance with the procedure of a predetermined protocol 
and outputs the data to the connector E707 via the signal line 754. The 
connector E707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core section 10, 
and the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 receives information input to the 
RS232C interface connector D703 from the CPU bus 1054. 
When data from the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 is output to the RS232C 
interface connector D703, the procedure of a predetermined protocol is 
reversed. 
[Explanation of the Formatter Section 8] 
The formatter section 8 will now be explained below with reference to FIG. 
8. 
The previously explained data from the computer interface section 7 is 
identified by the core section 10. When the data is data for the formatter 
section 8, the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 transfers data from the 
computer 11 to a dual port memory 803 via a connector 1008 of the core 
section 10 and a connector 800 of the image memory section 9. A CPU 809 of 
the formatter section 8 receives code data received from the computer 11 
via the dual port memory 803. 
The CPU 809 develops this code data in sequence into image data and 
transfers the image data to a memory A806 or B807 via a memory controller 
808. The memories A806 and B807 each have a capacity of 1 Mbyte, and the 
contents of a sheet of paper of up to A4 size at a resolution of 300 dpi 
can be stored in one memory A806 or B807. When A3 paper is to be stored at 
a resolution of 300 dpi, the memories A806 and B807 are connected in a 
cascaded manner, and the image data is developed. The above memories are 
controlled by the memory controller 808 in accordance with an instruction 
from the CPU 809. When the character or picture must be rotated during the 
development of the image data, the character or picture is rotated by a 
rotation circuit 804, after which the image data is transferred to the 
A806 or B807. 
When the development of the image data into the memory A806 or B807 is 
completed, the CPU 809 controls the memory controller 808 so that a data 
bus line 858 of the memory A806 or a data bus line 859 of the memory B807 
is connected to an output line 855 of the memory controller 808. 
Next, the CPU 809 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 via 
the dual port memory 803 and sets a mode in which image information is 
output from the A806 or B807. The CPU 1003 of the core section 10 sets the 
CPU 122 at a print output mode by using a communications function 
contained in the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 
1002 within the core section 10. 
Next, the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 activates a timing generating 
circuit 802 via a connector 1008 and the connector 800 of the formatter 
section 8. The timing generating circuit 802 generates a timing signal for 
reading out image information from the memory A806 or B807 to the memory 
controller 808 in response to the signal from the core section 10. The 
image information from the memory A806 or B807 is input to the memory 
controller 808 via the signal line 858. The image information output from 
the memory controller 808 is transferred to the core section 10 via the 
signal line 851 and the connector 800. The output from the core section 10 
to the printer unit 2 is performed in accordance with the operation 
explained in the core section 10. 
[Explanation of the Image Memory Section 9] 
The image memory section 9 will now be explained below with reference to 
FIG. 9. 
The image memory section 9, connected to the core section 10 through a 
connector 900, exchanges various signals. Multi-valued input signals 954 
are stored in a memory 904 under the control of a memory controller 905. 
The memory controller 905 has three functions of a mode in which data is 
exchanged between the memory 904 and a CPU bus 957 in accordance with an 
instruction from a CPU 906, a mode in which the input signal 954 is stored 
in the memory 904 under the control of a timing generating circuit 902, 
and a mode in which the memory contents are read from the memory 904 and 
output to a signal line 955. 
The memory 904 has a capacity of 32 Mbytes and stores an image 
corresponding to a sheet of A3 size at a resolution of 400 dpi and at 256 
gradations. The timing generating circuit 902, connected to the connector 
900 through a signal line 952, is activated by a control signal (HSYNC, 
HEN, VSYNC, and VEN) from the core section 10 and generates a signal for 
achieving the two functions described below. One function is to store 
image information from the core section 10 in the memory 904, and another 
function is to read image information from the memory 904 and transmit the 
image information to the signal line 955. 
A dual port memory 903 is connected to the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 
via a signal line 953 and the CPU 906 of the image memory section 9 via 
the signal line 957. The two CPUs exchange commands with each other via 
the dual port memory 903. 
One embodiment in which the image information is stored in the image memory 
section 9 and this information is transferred to the computer will be 
explained below. The 8-bit multi-valued image signals from the reader unit 
1 are input from the connector 900 and input to the memory controller 905 
via the signal line 954. The memory controller 905 makes the timing 
generating circuit 902 generate a timing signal 956 in response to a 
signal 952 from the core section 10, and the signal 954 is stored in the 
memory 904 in accordance with the signal 956. 
The CPU 906 connects the memory 904 of the memory controller 905 to the CPU 
bus 957. The CPU 906 reads out image information in sequence from the 
memory 904 and transfers the image information to the dual port memory 
903. The CPU 1003 of the core section 10 reads image information in the 
dual port memory 903 of the image memory section 9 via the signal line 953 
and the connector 900, and transfers this information to the computer 
interface section 7. 
Next, one embodiment in which the image information received from the 
computer 11 is output to the printer unit 2 will be explained below. The 
image information received from the computer 11 is sent out to the core 
section 10 via the computer interface section 7. The CPU 1003 of the core 
section 10 transfers the image information to the dual port memory 903 of 
the image memory section 9 via the CPU bus 1054 and the connector 1009. 
At this time, the CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 so that the 
CPU bus 957 is connected to the bus of the memory 904. The CPU 906 
transfers image information from the dual port memory 903 via the memory 
controller 905 to the memory 904. When the image information has been 
completely transferred to the memory 904, the CPU 906 controls the memory 
controller 905 so that the data line of the memory 904 is connected to the 
signal line 955. 
The CPU 906 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 via the 
dual port memory 903 and makes the setting for making the image pass from 
the memory 904 through the core section 10 to the printer unit 2 whereby 
the image is printed. 
When the setting for printing out the image is terminated, the CPU 906 
activates the timing generating circuit 902 so that a predetermined timing 
signal is output from a signal line 956 to the memory controller 905. The 
memory controller 905 reads out the image information from the memory 904 
in synchronization with the signal from the timing generating circuit 902, 
transmits the image information to the signal line 955 and outputs to the 
connector 900 from which the image information is output to the external 
device 3. 
[Explanation of the Operation of this Embodiment] 
In this embodiment having the above-described construction, referring to 
the accompanying drawings, an explanation will be given below of the 
operation for making a duplicate copy involved in an image processing job, 
such as facsimile transmission of image information by using the facsimile 
section 4 or outputting image to the printer unit 2. 
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of an 
automatic duplicate copy acquisition operation in accordance with the 
embodiment of the present invention. 
The operator who initiates a job inputs his or her own user code from the 
operation section 124 of the reader unit 1. This user code is transmitted 
to the CPU 1003 of the core section 10, and the CPU 1003 identifies the 
initiator of the job (S11). 
A list of user codes of users for which automatic duplicate copy 
acquisition is required has previously been written in a memory device 
inside the CPU 1003 by a manager. The CPU 1003 compares this list with the 
user code of the initiator identified at the step S11 (S12). 
When the initiator is included in the list, the process proceeds to step 
S13 where the destination of the image data of the job is switched from 
the original destination, for example, the facsimile section 4, set by the 
activator to the file section 5, and the image processing job is executed. 
Then, the image data output to the file section 5 is transferred to the 
original destination, for example, the facsimile section 4 (S14). With 
these steps S13 and S14, the duplicate copy of the output image data of 
the job is held in the file section 5. 
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the initiator is 
not included in the list and the image processing job does not require a 
duplicate copy, the process proceeds to step S15 where the image 
processing job is performed with the original destination, for example, 
the facsimile section 4, as an output destination. In this case, no 
duplicate copy is made. 
In step S11, the job initiator is identified on the basis of the user code 
input from the operation section 124. When the user code is input, a 
well-known ID card in which the user code is recorded by magnetic, 
electronic, mechanical or other means may be used. When the job is invoked 
from the external computer 11, the user code is input from an input 
device, such as a keyboard attached to the computer 11. The user code is 
transmitted to the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 via the computer 
interface section 7 and used in the same way as described above. 
Although in this embodiment the file section 5 is used as the output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is to be made, needless to say, a 
device having an image output function, other than a file section, for 
example, a printer unit, a facsimile unit, or a computer interface 
section, may be used, and a duplicate copy acquisition operation, for 
example, making a duplicate copy in the form of a printout, can be 
performed. 
Although in this embodiment the following two steps are performed to leave 
an image for a duplicate copy: image data is first output to an output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is to be made and then the image 
data is transferred to the original output destination of the job, these 
steps may, needless to say, be performed simultaneously or performed in a 
reverse order. 
Although in this embodiment only an initiator is taken into consideration 
as a condition to make a duplicate copy, needless to say, more precise 
control is possible by making a job condition determination by using a 
combination of logical OR or logical AND of other conditions which will be 
explained in other embodiments. 
According to this embodiment, as described above, it becomes possible to 
make the result of an image processing job invoked by a predetermined 
specific operator be left as a duplicate copy in an image file or the 
like. Thus, the operator does not have to perform another operation for 
making a duplicate copy when an image processing job which always requires 
a duplicate copy is performed by the operator. 
[Second Embodiment] 
An explanation will be given below of an operation for acquiring a 
duplicate copy involved in an image processing job in a combined image 
processing apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present 
invention. The construction of the combined image processing apparatus of 
this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus a 
detailed explanation of the construction and operation of the combined 
image processing apparatus of this embodiment is omitted. 
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of an 
automatic duplicate copy acquisition operation in accordance with a second 
embodiment of the present invention. 
When a job is initiated by the operator, a combination of an input device, 
a conversion device, and an output device is determined by the CPU 1003 of 
the core section 10 according to the type of the image processing of the 
job, and the CPU 1003 determines an image data input source of the job on 
the basis of this combination (S21). 
A list of image data input sources for which automatic duplicate copy 
acquisition is required has previously been written in a memory device 
inside the CPU 1003 by a manager. The CPU 1003 compares this list with the 
image data input source identified in step S21 (S22). 
When an input source is the reader unit 1, for example, and included in the 
list, the process proceeds to step S23 where the destination of the image 
data of the job is switched from the original destination, for example, 
the printer unit 2, set by the activator to the file section 5, and the 
image processing job is performed. Next, the image data output to the file 
section 5 is transferred to the original destination, for example, the 
printer unit 2, again (S24). With these steps S23 and S24, the duplicate 
copy of the output image data of the job is held in the file section. 
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the image 
processing job uses an input source which does not require a duplicate 
copy, the process proceeds to step S25, where the image processing job is 
performed with the original destination being as the output destination. 
In this case, no duplicate copy is left. 
Information specified in step S21 as an input source for image data may be 
any of device type of a reader unit, a facsimile unit (reception), or a 
computer interface section (reception), a telephone number of a facsimile 
transmission source, an ID of a computer connected through a computer 
interface, and an ID of application software or a driver software used for 
sending out image data in the computer. 
Although in this embodiment the file section 5 is used as the output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is to be made, needless to say, a 
device having an image output function, other than a file section, such as 
a printer unit, a facsimile unit, or a computer interface section, may be 
used. 
Although in this embodiment the following two steps are performed to leave 
an image for a duplicate copy: image data is first output to an output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is made and then the image data is 
transferred to the original output destination of the job, needless to 
say, these steps may be performed simultaneously or performed in a reverse 
order. 
Although in this embodiment only an input source is taken into 
consideration as a condition to make a duplicate copy, needless to say, 
more precise control is possible by making a job condition determination 
by using a combination of logical OR or logical AND of other conditions 
which will be explained in other embodiments. 
According to this embodiment, as described above, it becomes possible to 
make the result of an image processing job, in which image data is given 
by a predetermined specific image data input source, be automatically held 
as a duplicate copy in an image file. Thus, when an image processing job 
is performed from an image data input source for which a duplicate copy 
needs to be made, the operator does not have to perform another operation 
for making a duplicate copy. 
[Third Embodiment] 
An explanation will be given below of an operation for acquiring a 
duplicate copy involved in an image processing job in a combined image 
processing apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the present 
invention. The construction of the combined image processing apparatus of 
this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus a 
detailed explanation of the construction and operation of the combined 
image processing apparatus of this embodiment is omitted. 
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of an 
automatic duplicate copy acquisition operation in accordance with the 
third embodiment of the present invention. 
When a job is initiated by an operator, a combination of an input device, a 
conversion device, and an output device is determined by the CPU 1003 of 
the core section 10 according to the type of the image processing of the 
job, and the CPU 1003 determines an image data output destination of the 
job on the basis of this combination (S31). 
A list of image data output destinations for which automatic document 
acquisition is required has previously been written in a memory device 
inside the CPU 1003 by a manager. The CPU 1003 compares this list with the 
image data output destination identified in step S31 (S32). When the 
output destination is, for example, the printer unit 2, and the printer 
unit 2 is included in the list, the process proceeds to step S33 where the 
destination of the image data of the job is switched from the original 
destination, for example, the printer unit 2, set by the activator to the 
file section 5, and the image processing job is performed. Next, the image 
data output to the file section 5 is transferred to the original 
destination, for example, the printer unit 2, again (S34). With these 
steps S33 and S34, the duplicate copy of the output image data of the job 
is made. 
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 32 that the image processing 
job is a job using the image output destination which does not require a 
duplicate copy, the process proceeds to step S35 where the image 
processing job is performed with the original destination being as the 
output destination. In this case, no duplicate copy is made. 
Information specified in step S31 as an output destination for image data 
may be any of device types of a printer unit, a facsimile unit 
(transmission), a computer interface section (transmission) and the like, 
a telephone number of a facsimile transmission destination, an ID of a 
computer connected through a computer interface, and an ID of application 
software or a driver software used for receiving image data in the 
computer. 
Although in this embodiment the file section 5 is used as the output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is to be made, needless to say, a 
device having an image output function, other than a file section, such as 
a printer unit, a facsimile unit, or a computer interface section, may be 
used. 
Although in this embodiment the following two steps are performed to leave 
an image for a duplicate copy: image data is first output to an output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is made and then the image data is 
transferred to the original output destination of the job, these steps 
may, needless to say, be performed simultaneously or performed in a 
reverse order. 
Although in this embodiment only an output destination is taken into 
consideration as a condition to make a duplicate copy, needless to say, 
more precise control is possible by making a job condition determination 
by using a combination of logical OR or logical AND of other conditions 
which will be explained in other embodiments. 
According to this embodiment, as described above, it becomes possible to 
make the result of an image processing job, in which image data is output 
to a predetermined specific image data output destination, be 
automatically held as a duplicate copy in an image file. Thus, when an 
image processing job is performed for an image data output destination for 
which a duplicate copy needs to be made, the operator does not have to 
perform another operation for making a duplicate copy. 
[Fourth Embodiment] 
An explanation will be given below of an operation for acquiring a 
duplicate copy involved in an image processing job in a combined image 
processing apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present 
invention. The construction of the combined image processing apparatus of 
this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus a 
detailed explanation of the construction and operation of the combined 
image processing apparatus of this embodiment is omitted. 
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of an 
automatic duplicate copy acquisition operation in accordance with the 
fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
When a job is initiated by an operator, a combination of an input device, a 
conversion device, and an output device is determined by the CPU 1003 of 
the core section 10 according to the type of the image processing of the 
job, and the CPU 1003 determines a conversion to be applied to the image 
data of the job on the basis of this combination (S41). 
A list of image data conversions for which automatic document acquisition 
is required has previously been written in a memory device inside the CPU 
1003 by a manager. The CPU 1003 compares this list with the image data 
conversion identified in step S41 (S42). When a conversion to be applied 
is a rotation of the image, for example, and the rotation of the image is 
included in the list, the process proceeds to step S43 where the 
destination of the image data of the job is switched from the original 
destination set by the activator to the file section 5, and the image 
processing job is performed. Next, the image data output to the file 
section 5 is transferred to the original destination again (S44). With 
these steps S43 and S44, the duplicate copy of the output image data of 
the job is made. 
On the other hand, it is determined in step S42 that the image data 
conversion performed in the image processing job does not require a 
duplicate copy, the process proceeds to step S45 where the image 
processing job is performed with the original destination being as the 
output destination. In this case, no duplicate copy is made. 
Information specified as a conversion type of image data in step S41 
includes the type of page description language for image rasterizing 
performed by the formatter section 8, the device types of the binarization 
circuit 1012, the enlarging circuit 1022 and the rotation circuit 1015, 
parameters to be set at the apparatus and the like. 
Although in this embodiment the file section 5 is used as the output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is to be made, a device having an 
image output function, other than a file section, for example, a printer 
unit, a facsimile unit, or a computer interface section may be used. 
Although in this embodiment the following two steps are performed to leave 
an image for a duplicate copy: image data is first output to an output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is made and then the image data is 
transferred to the original output destination of the job, these steps 
may, needless to say, be performed simultaneously or performed in a 
reverse order. 
Although in this embodiment only the type of conversion of image data is 
taken into consideration as a condition to make a duplicate copy, needless 
to say, more precise control is possible by making a job condition 
determination by using a combination of logical OR or logical AND of other 
conditions which will be explained in other embodiments. 
According to this embodiment, as described above, it becomes possible to 
make the result of an image processing job, in which the image data is 
converted by a predetermined specific image data conversion device, be 
held as a duplicate copy in an image file. Thus, when an image processing 
job for which a duplicate copy needs to be left, in which the image data 
is converted by a predetermined specific image data conversion device, is 
performed, the operator does not have to perform another operation for 
making a duplicate copy. 
[Fifth Embodiment] 
An explanation will be given below of an operation for acquiring a 
duplicate copy involved in an image processing job in a combined image 
processing apparatus in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present 
invention. The construction of the combined image processing apparatus of 
this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus a 
detailed explanation of the construction and operation of the combined 
image processing apparatus of this embodiment is omitted. 
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of an 
automatic duplicate copy acquisition operation in accordance with the 
fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
When a job is initiated by an operator, a combination of an input device, a 
conversion device, and an output device, and the amount of image data 
supplied from the input device are determined by the CPU 1003 of the core 
section 10 according to the type of the image processing of the job, and 
the CPU 1003 determines the processing time of the job on the basis of 
this combination and the amount of input data (S51). 
A case will be used as an example, in which a job of rasterizing and 
printing data described by a page description language is invoked in a 
combination of the computer interface section 7, the formatter section 8 
and the printer unit 2. The number of pages of a document to be output 
received from the computer 11 is received by the CPU 1003, and the CPU 
1003 multiplies a standard time required for an operation for developing 
and printing one page by the number of pages of a document to be output in 
order to estimate the processing time. 
The range of the processing time of the job (the lower and upper limit) for 
which automatic document acquisition is required has previously been 
written in a memory device inside the CPU 1003 by a manager. The CPU 1003 
compares this range with the processing time calculated in step S51 (S52). 
When the processing time calculated is included in the range, the process 
proceeds to step S53 where the destination of the image data of the job is 
switched from the original destination set by the activator to the file 
section 5, and the image processing job is executed. Next, the image data 
output to the file section 5 is transferred to the original destination 
(S54). With these steps S53 and S54, the duplicate copy of the output 
image data of the job is held in the file section. 
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S52 that the processing time 
required for the image processing job does not require a duplicate copy, 
the process proceeds to step S55 where the image processing job is 
performed with the original destination being as an output destination. In 
this case, no duplicate copy is made. 
Although in this embodiment the file section 5 is used as the output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is to be made, a device having an 
image output function, other than a file section, for example, a printer 
unit, a facsimile unit, or a computer interface section, may be used. 
Although in this embodiment the following two steps are performed to leave 
an image for a duplicate copy: image data is first output to an output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is made and then the image data is 
transferred to the original output destination of the job, these steps may 
be performed simultaneously or performed in a reverse order. 
Although in this embodiment only an image processing time is taken into 
consideration as a condition to make a duplicate copy, needless to say, 
more precise control is possible by making a job condition determination 
by using a combination of logical OR or logical AND of other conditions 
which will be explained in other embodiments. 
According to this embodiment, as described above, it becomes possible to 
make the result of an image processing job requiring a predetermined 
processing time be held as a duplicate copy in an image file. Thus, when 
an image processing job which takes a long time, for example, is performed 
from an image data input source for which a duplicate copy needs to be 
made, the operator does not have to perform another operation for making a 
duplicate copy. 
[Sixth Embodiment] 
An explanation will be given below of an operation for acquiring a 
duplicate copy involved in an image processing job in a combined image 
processing apparatus in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present 
invention. The construction of the combined image processing apparatus of 
this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus a 
detailed explanation of the construction and operation of the combined 
image processing apparatus of this embodiment is omitted. 
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of an 
automatic duplicate copy acquisition operation in accordance with the 
sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
When a job is initiated by an operator, a combination of an input device, a 
conversion device, and an output device, and the amount of image data 
supplied from the input device are determined by the CPU 1003 of the core 
section 10 according to the type of the image processing of the job, and 
the CPU 1003 determines the amount of output data of the job on the basis 
of this combination and the amount of input data (S61). 
A case will be used as an example, in which a job of rasterizing and 
printing data described by a page description language is invoked in a 
combination of the computer interface section 7, the formatter section 8 
and the printer unit 2. The number of pages of a document to be output 
received from the computer 11 is received by the CPU 1003, and the CPU 
1003 multiplies the amount of data after the development operation for one 
page by the number of pages of a document to be output in order to 
calculate the amount of output data. 
The range of the amount of output data of the job (the lower and upper 
limit) for which automatic duplicate copy acquisition is required has 
previously been written in a memory device inside the CPU 1003 by a 
manager. The CPU 1003 compares this range with the amount of data 
calculated in step S61 (S62). 
When the amount of data calculated is included in the range, the process 
proceeds to step S63 where the destination of the image data of the job is 
switched from the original destination set by the activator to the file 
section 5, and the image processing job is executed. Next, the image data 
output to the file section 5 is transferred to the original destination 
(S64). With these steps S63 and S64, the duplicate copy of the output 
image data of the job is held in the file section. 
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S62 that the amount of data 
output in the image processing job does not require a duplicate copy, the 
process proceeds to step S65 where the image processing job is performed 
with the original destination being as an output destination. In this 
case, no duplicate copy is made. 
Although in this embodiment the file section 5 is used as the output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is to be made, a device having an 
image output function, other than a file section, for example, a printer 
unit, a facsimile unit, or a computer interface section, may be used. 
Although in this embodiment the following two steps are performed to leave 
an image for a duplicate copy: image data is first output to an output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is made and then the image data is 
transferred to the original output destination of the job, these steps may 
of course be performed simultaneously or performed in a reverse order. 
Although in this embodiment only the amount of output image data is taken 
into consideration as a condition to make a duplicate copy, needless to 
say, more precise control is possible by making a job condition 
determination by using a combination of logical OR or logical AND of other 
conditions which will be explained in other embodiments. 
According to this embodiment, as described above, it becomes possible to 
make the result of an image processing job, in which image data of a 
predetermined range is handled, be held as a duplicate copy in an image 
file. Thus, when an image processing job of a large amount of data, in 
which a large load is applied to the operation when the operation needs to 
be performed once more, is performed, or conversely, when an image 
processing job of such a small amount of data as not to oppress the 
storage capacity of a storage device of the image file is performed, the 
operator does not have to perform another operation for making a duplicate 
copy. 
[Seventh Embodiment] 
An explanation will be given below of an operation for acquiring a 
duplicate copy involved in an image processing job in a combined image 
processing apparatus in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the 
present invention. The construction of the combined image processing 
apparatus of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, 
and thus a detailed explanation of the construction and operation of the 
combined image processing apparatus of this embodiment is omitted. 
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of an 
automatic duplicate copy acquisition operation in accordance with the 
seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
When a job is initiated by an operator, the time of this job initiation is 
read out from a calendar IC (not shown) contained in the CPU 1003 of the 
core section 10, and the CPU 1003 determines the job starting time (S71). 
The range of the job starting time (the starting and termination time) for 
which automatic document acquisition is required has previously been 
written in a memory device inside the CPU 1003 by a manager. The CPU 1003 
compares this range with the processing time calculated in step S71 (S72). 
When the determined starting time is included in the range, the process 
proceeds to step S73 where the destination of the image data of the job is 
switched from the original destination set by the activator to the file 
section 5, and the image processing job is performed. Next, the image data 
output to the file section 5 is transferred to the original destination 
again (S74). With these steps S73 and S74, the duplicate copy of the 
output image data of the job is held in the file section. 
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S72 that the starting time 
of the image processing job does not require a duplicate copy, the process 
proceeds to step S75 where the image processing job is performed with the 
original destination being as the output destination. In this case, no 
duplicate copy is made. 
Although in this embodiment the file section 5 is used as the output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is to be made, a device having an 
image output function, other than a file section, for example, a printer 
unit, a facsimile unit, or a computer interface section, may be used. 
Although in this embodiment the following two steps are performed to leave 
an image for a duplicate copy: image data is first output to an output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is made and then the image data is 
transferred to the original output destination of the job, these steps 
may, needless to say, be performed simultaneously or performed in a 
reverse order. 
Although in this embodiment only a starting time of a job is taken into 
consideration as a condition to make a duplicate copy, needless to say, 
more precise control is possible by making a job condition determination 
by using a combination of logical OR or logical AND of other conditions 
which will be explained in other embodiments. 
According to this embodiment, as described above, it becomes possible to 
make the result of an image processing job which is performed at a 
predetermined specific time be held as a duplicate copy in an image file 
or the like. Thus, when a specific image processing job requiring a 
duplicate copy is performed, such as a communication at a fixed time using 
a facsimile, the operator does not have to perform another operation for 
making a duplicate copy. 
[Eighth Embodiment] 
An explanation will be given below of an operation for acquiring a 
duplicate copy involved in an image processing job in a combined image 
processing apparatus in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the 
present invention. The construction of the combined image processing 
apparatus of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, 
and thus a detailed explanation of the construction and operation of the 
combined image processing apparatus of this embodiment is omitted. 
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of an 
automatic duplicate copy acquisition operation in accordance with the 
eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
An operator who initiates a job adds job attributes, for example, "urgent", 
"important" or "normal", from the operation section 124. This job 
attribute is transmitted to the CPU 1003 of the core section 10, and the 
CPU 1003 identifies the job attribute (S81). A list of job attributes for 
which automatic document acquisition is required has previously been 
written in a memory device inside the CPU 1003 by a manager. The CPU 1003 
compares this list with the job attribute identified in step S81 (S82). 
When the job attribute is included in the list, the process proceeds to 
step S83 where the destination of the image data of the job is switched 
from the original destination set by the activator to the file section 5, 
and the image processing job is performed. Next, the image data output to 
the file section 5 is transferred to the original destination again (S84). 
With these steps S83 and S84, the duplicate copy of the output image data 
of the job is held in the file section 5. 
On the other hand, it is determined in step S82 that the attribute of the 
image processing job does not require a duplicate copy, the process 
proceeds to step S85 where the image processing job is performed with the 
original destination being as the output destination. In this case, no 
duplicate copy is made. 
Although, in step S81, the job attribute is identified by the operator on 
the basis of the job attribute information input from the operation 
section 124, specialized keys for representing attribute information, such 
as "urgent", "important" or "normal", disposed on the operation section 
124 may be used for the determination. 
FIG. 18 shows an example of the operation section 124 on which are provided 
a ten-key pad 1804, output destination (a file, facsimile or the like) 
designation keys 1805 to 1807, a start key 1808, and a display device 
1809, as well as specialized keys 1801 to 1803 for inputting attributes of 
an image processing job. 
When a job is initiated from the external computer 11, job attributes are 
input from an input device, such as a keyboard or pointing device attached 
to the computer 11. Codes indicating the job attributes are transmitted to 
the CPU 1003 of the core section 10 via the computer interface section 7. 
An example of the input screen displayed on the display unit attached to 
the computer 11, for prompting inputting of job attributes, is shown in 
FIG. 19. FIG. 19 shows a state in which parameters for specifying a normal 
print mode, as well as a display 1901 for specifying job attributes, such 
as "urgent", "important" or "normal", is displayed on the display device 
of the computer 11. When this job attribute display is pointed to with a 
pointing device or the like, the above-described job attribute is input 
and transferred to the core section 10. 
Although in this embodiment the file section 5 is used as the output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is to be made, a device having an 
image output function, other than a file section, for example, a printer 
unit, a facsimile unit, or a computer interface section, may be used. 
Although in this embodiment the following two steps are performed to leave 
an image for a duplicate copy: image data is first output to an output 
destination for which a duplicate copy is made and then the image data is 
transferred to the original output destination of the job, needless to 
say, these steps may be performed simultaneously or performed in a reverse 
order. 
Although in this embodiment only a job attribute is taken into 
consideration as a condition to make a duplicate copy, needless to say, 
more precise control is possible by making a job condition determination 
by using a combination of logical OR or logical AND of other conditions 
which are explained in other embodiments. 
According to this embodiment, as described above, it becomes possible to 
make the result of an image processing job in which a specific attribute 
is given by an operator at start time be held as a duplicate copy in an 
image file or the like. Thus, when an image processing job requiring a 
duplicate copy, such as a job attached with an attribute of "important", 
is performed by the operator, the operator does not have to perform 
another operation for making a duplicate copy. 
Many different embodiments of the present invention may be constructed 
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It 
should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the 
specific embodiments described in this specification. To the contrary, the 
present invention is intended to cover various modifications and 
equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the 
invention as hereafter claimed. The scope of the following claims is to be 
accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such 
modifications, equivalent structures and functions.