Abstract:
There is provided a data processing apparatus comprising an input means for inputting image data, a memory means for storing the data input by the input means, an output means for outputting the data stored in the memory means, by a predetermined operation, a judgment means for judging whether or not there is the data not yet output by the output means for a predetermined time in the memory means and a transfer means for transferring, in a case where the judgment means judged that there is the data not yet output for the predetermined time, the data stored in the memory means to an another device. Therefore, in a case where a user does not instruct to output the data for a long time and thus it must be kept storing the image data in the memory means, it can be prevented a conventional problem that another processes can not be performed for lack of a remaining free capacity in the memory means.

Description:
This is continuation application Ser. No. 09/707,835, filed Nov. 8, 2000 abandoned which is a continuation of a application Ser. No. 08/792,575, filed Jan. 30, 1997 which issued on Feb. 6, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,009. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to data processing apparatus and method which perform a data process of, e.g., image data or the like. 
   2. Related Background Art 
   In recent years, there has been proposed that an image formation apparatus such as a digital copy machine or the like is connected to a local area network (LAN) or the like so as to use such the image formation apparatus as a printer and a scanner for a personal computer or a work station (WS) on the LAN. 
   In such a case where the image formation apparatus connected to the network is utilized as the printer, it is possible that a plurality of users simultaneously request printing of data. In such the case, the input data have been previously stored in a memory and then the stored data are sequentially printed. In such an operation, there has been known as one method that the stored data are sorted out by a sheet (or paper) post-process unit having a plurality of bins and then output according to necessity so as to prevent undesired mixing of recording sheets or papers. 
   On the other hand, there has been known as an another method that the data are kept stored in the memory, and the user operates the image formation unit or the like to start the printing of data so as not only to prevent the undesired mixing of the recording sheets but also to prevent that an another user can see the output recording sheets, whereby confidentiality can be improved. 
   However, in such the latter method, if the user does not instruct to output the data for a long time, it must be kept storing or holding the data in the memory. Therefore, there is some fear that another processes can not be performed for lack of vacant or free capacity in the memory. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to provide data processing apparatus and method which eliminate such an above-described conventional problem. 
   An another object of the present invention is to provide data processing apparatus and method which can effectively utilize a memory. 
   An another object of the present invention is to provide data processing apparatus and method which can manage data stored in a memory such that the data becomes missing. 
   An another object of the present invention is to provide data processing apparatus and method which can urge to output data stored in a memory. 
   The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing schematic structure of an image formation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side-sectional view showing structure of the image formation apparatus; 
       FIG. 3  is a side-sectional view showing structure of a circulating-type automatic original feed unit  4 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view showing structure of a sheet (or paper) post-process unit; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing an outward appearance of the sheet post-process unit; 
       FIG. 6  is a plane view showing a console and display panel  600  which is provided on a main body composed of a reader unit  1  and a printer unit  2 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a view for explaining structure of a network; 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing structure of a core unit  308  of an image input/output control unit  3 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing procedure of an operation process of the image formation apparatus; and 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing procedure of the operation process of the image formation apparatus. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Hereinafter, an image formation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of the image formation apparatus, and  FIG. 2  is a side-sectional view showing the concrete structure of the image formation apparatus. 
   The image formation apparatus according to the present embodiment has, as main parts, an image input unit (i.e., a reader unit)  1 , an image output unit (i.e., a printer unit)  2 , an image input/output control unit  3 , a circulating-type automatic original feed unit (i.e., an original feed unit)  4  and a sheet (or paper) post-process unit  5 . A main body of the image formation apparatus is composed-of the reader unit  1  and the printer unit  2 . 
   Initially, the structure of the reader unit  1  and the structure of the printer unit  2  will be explained. The reader unit  1 , which converts an image on an original into digital image data, has an original mounting board (i.e., a platen glass plane)  101 , a scanner unit  104  including a lamp  102  and a mirror  103 , mirrors  105  and  106 , a lens  107 , and an image sensor unit (CCD)  108  including photoelectric conversion elements. 
   The printer unit  2  is an image formation means which outputs the image data onto a sheet or a paper as a visible image in response to print order. The printer unit  2  has an exposure control unit  201 , a photosensitive body  202 , a development unit  203 , a plurality kinds of recording sheet (or paper) cassettes  204  and  205 , a transfer unit  206 , a fixing unit  207 , a sheet (or paper) discharge unit  208 , a feeding direction switch member  209 , a re-supply sheet (or paper) mounting unit  210  and a feed roller  211 . 
   Then, operations of the reader unit  1  and the printer unit  2  will be explained hereinafter. In the reader unit  1 , the plurality of sheets, i.e., the original, mounted on the circulating-type automatic original feed unit  4  are sequentially fed onto the platen glass plane  101  one by one. The structure and operation of the circulating-type automatic original feed unit  4  will be explained later. When the original is fed at a predetermined position on the platen glass plane  101 , the lamp  102  in the scanner unit  104  is turned on, and the scanner unit  104  moves to irradiate the original. A reflected light supplied from the original is input into the image sensor unit (CCD)  108  via the mirrors  103 ,  105  and  106 , and the lens  107 . Then, the reflected light supplied from the original and input into the CCD  108  is subjected to an electrical process such as photoelectric conversion or the like and then subjected to an ordinary digital process. After then, an obtained digital-processed signal is input into the printer unit  2 . 
   In the printer unit  2 , the image signal input into the printer unit  2  is modulated and converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit  201 , and then irradiated onto the photosensitive body  202 . A latent image which is formed on the photosensitive body  202  by irradiated lights is developed by the development unit  203 . The sheet is fed from the recording sheet cassette  204  or  205  such that a leading edge thereof is in alignment with an edge of the development unit  203 , and then the developed image is transferred onto the sheet by the transfer unit  206 . The transferred image is fixed to the sheet by the fixing unit  207  and then discharged or output from the sheet discharge unit  208 . The sheets which were output from the sheet discharge unit  208  are sorted and/or stapled by the sheet post-process unit  5 , in accordance with a previously-designated operation mode. The structure and operation of the sheet post-process unit  5  will be explained later. 
   In a case where the images which are sequentially read are output onto both sides or surfaces of the single sheet, the sheet which was fixed by the fixing unit  207  is once fed to the sheet discharge unit  208 . Then, a feeding direction of the sheet is inverted and the sheet is again fed to the re-supply sheet mounting unit  210  via the feeding direction switch member. Thereafter, when the next original is prepared, the original image thereof is read in the same manner as that in an above process. In this case, the sheet to which the image is transferred is fed from the re-supply sheet mounting unit  210 , whereby the original images corresponding to two pages can be output respectively onto the front and rear surface of the same sheet. 
   Subsequently, the structure of the image input/output control unit  3  will be explained hereinafter. The image input/output control unit  3  has various kinds of functions and is electrically connected to the reader unit  1  via a cable. The image input/output control unit  3  has a facsimile unit  301  for performing facsimile transmission and reception via a telephone line, a hard disk  302  connected to the facsimile unit  301 , a file unit  304  for converting various kinds of original information into electrical signals and storing them into an external memory unit  303  such as an optimagnetic disk or the like, a network interface unit  305  connected to a network such as a LAN, a formatter unit  306  for generating the visible image from the image information by developing cord information such as PDL (page description language) or the like from a computer on the LAN into the image information, an image memory unit  307  for storing the image information read by the reader unit  1  and temporarily storing the information sent from the computer on the LAN, a core unit  308  for controlling the various kinds of functions, and the like. In  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  6  denotes the LAN to which peripheral equipments such as a personal computer (PC), a work station (WS) and the like are connected. The LAN  6  is further connected to the network interface unit  305 . 
   Subsequently, the operation of the image input/output control unit  3  will be explained hereinafter. The image signal which was input from the image input/output control unit  3  into the printer unit  2  via the reader unit  1  is fixed as the visible image to the sheet by the fixing unit  207 . Then, the sheet on which the visible image was formed is fed in a direction of the re-supply sheet mounting unit  210  via the feeding direction switch member  209 . In this case, when the sheet passes the feeding direction switch member  209 , the feeding direction switch member  209  is switched and simultaneously the feed rollers  211  are inversely rotated, whereby the sheet is discharged or ejected from the image output unit  2  via the sheet discharge unit  208 . 
   Then, the structure of the circulating-type automatic original feed unit  4  will be explained hereinafter.  FIG. 3  is a side-sectional view showing the structure of the circulating-type automatic original feed unit  4 . This feed unit  4  has an original mounting tray  401  on which a bundle of originals is mounted or placed. The original mounting tray  401  further has a feed unit which structures one part of an original feed unit. 
   The feed unit has a half-moon roller  402 , separation feed rollers  403 , a separation motor SPRMTR (not shown), resist rollers  404 , a full-surface belt  405 , a belt motor BELTMTR (not shown), a large feed roller  406 , a feed motor FEEDMTR (not shown), discharge motors  407 , a flapper  408 , a recycle lever  409 , a sheet (or paper) feed sensor ENTS (not shown), an inversion (or turning) sensor TRNS (not shown), a sheet discharge (or ejection) sensor EJTS (not shown) and the like. 
   Subsequently, the operation of the circulating-type automatic original feed unit  4  will be explained hereinafter. The half-moon roller  402  and the separation feed rollers  403  which are rotated by the separation motor SPRMTR are structured or separate the original one by one from a lowermost portion of the original bundle mounted on the original mounting tray  401 . The resist rollers  404  and the full-surface belt  405  feed the original which was rotated and separated from the bundle by the belt motor BELTMTR up to an exposure position (in an original path c) on the platen glass plane  101 , via original paths a and b. The large feed roller  406  which is rotated by the feed motor FEEDMTR feeds the original on the platen glass plane  101  from the original path c into an original path e. The original which was fed into the original path e is returned up to an uppermost portion of the original bundle on the original mounting tray  401  by the sheet discharge rollers  407 . 
   The recycle lever  409  detects one cyclical feeding of the originals. That is, the recycle lever  409  is placed on the original bundle when the original feeding starts, and then the originals are sequentially fed. Subsequently, when a trailing edge of the final original passed the recycle lever  409 , the recycle lever falls due to its weight, thereby detecting one cyclical feeding of the originals. In case of feeding two-face (i.e., both-face) originals, the original is once fed from the original paths a and b into the original path c by the original feed unit, and then the large feed roller  406  is rotated and the flapper  408  is switched, whereby the leading edge of the original is introduced into an original path d. Subsequently, the original is passed via the original path b by the resist rollers  404 , and fed and stopped on the platen glass plane  101  by the full-surface belt  406 , thereby inverting or turning the original. That is, the original is inverted in a path consisting of the original paths c→d→b. Moreover, the original of the original bundle is fed one by one in a path consisting of the original paths a→b→c→e until one cyclical feeding of the originals is detected by the recycle lever  409 , whereby the number of originals can be counted. 
   The structure of the sheet (or paper) post-process unit  5  will be explained hereinafter.  FIG. 4  is a sectional view showing the structure of the sheet post-process unit  5 , and  FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing an outward appearance of the unit  5 . 
   The sheet post-process unit  5  is composed of a unit main body  501 , a bin unit (i.e., a sheet discharge unit)  502  and a stapler (i.e., a stapling unit)  510 . The main body  501  has a pair of insertion rollers  504  adjacent to an insertion opening  503 . On a downstream side of the pair of insertion rollers  504 , a flapper  507  is provided to switch the sheet feeding direction into a feed path  505  or into a feed path  506 . One feed path  505  expands substantially in a horizontal direction, and a pair of feed rollers  508  is provided on a downstream side of the path  505 . The other feed path  506  expands substantially in a downward direction, and a pair of feed rollers  509  is provided on a downstream side of the path  506 . 
   The stapler  510  is provided at a position adjacent to the pair of feed rollers  509 . These feed rollers  504 ,  508  and  509  are driven by a feed motor (not shown). A non-sort path sensor  511  is provided in the feed path  505  to detect passing of the sheet, and a sort path sensor  512  is provided in the feed path  506 . 
   The bin unit  502  which has a number of bins B is provided on a downstream side the feed rollers  508  and  509 . There is provided a spring one end of which is engaged with a hook of the bin unit  502  and the other end of which is fixed to the unit main body  501 , to hold weight of the bin unit  502 . As a result, the bin unit  502  is supported to be able to move or shift upwardly and downwardly. In the bin unit  502 , guide rollers  513  and  514  are provided respectively at upper and lower portions on a base edge side. Therefore, the guide rollers  513  and  514  are rolled within a guide groove  515  expanding in both upward and downward directions, so as to guide the bin unit  502  upwardly and downwardly. 
   Further, a shift motor  516  is provided in the unit main body  501 , and a lead cam  518  is fixed to a rotational axis  517  which is axially supported by the unit main body  501 . A tensional chain  519  is wounded about an output axis of the shift motor  516 , whereby rotation of the shift motor  516  is transmitted to the rotational axis  517  via the chain  519 . 
   Furthermore, the bin unit  502  has a unit main body  523  which is composed of a bottom frame  520  including an inclination portion and a vertical portion, a pair of frames  521  vertically provided on edge front and rear sides (in the drawing) of the bottom frame  520 , and a cover  522  supported by the pair of frames  521 . 
   On the front side (in the drawing) of the bin unit main body  523 , a reference plate is provided to touch the sheets such that the sheets can be aligned. On a rear side (in the drawing) of the bottom frame  520 , a first lower arm is supported to be rotatable by a first alignment motor (not shown). Further, at a position on the cover  522  which position is opposite to the first lower arm, a first upper arm is rotatively supported via an axis which is identical with a support axis of the first lower arm. A first alignment rod  524  which is installed between edges of the first upper and lower arms is rotated by the first alignment motor to align the sheets S on the bin B on the front side of the bin unit. 
   Similarly, on a front side (in the drawing) of the bottom frame  520 , a second lower arm is supported to be rotatable by a second alignment motor (not shown). Further, at a position on the cover  522  which position is opposite to the second lower arm, a second upper arm is rotatively supported via an axis which is identical with a support axis of the second lower arm. A second alignment rod  525  which is installed between edges of the second upper and lower arms is rotated by the second alignment motor to align the sheets S on the bin B on the rear side of the bin unit. 
   The first and second alignment motors are stepping motors, respectively. Positions of the first and second alignment rods  524  and  525  are detected by an alignment rod home sensor, whereby the positions of the rods  524  and  525  can be accurately controlled in accordance with the number of pulses supplied to the stepping motors. 
   Engaging plates are provided respectively on edge front and rear (in the drawing) portions of the bin B. The engaging plates engage with support plates provided inside the frame  521 , whereby an edge side of the bin B can be supported. Further, the bin B has long holes  526  and  527 . The long hole  526  is provided at a position which is apart from the support axis of the first upper and lower arms by a predetermined distance. A length of the hole  526  is longer than a rotational distance of the first alignment rod  524 , and a width of the hole  526  is enough wider than a width of the first alignment rod  524 . Further, the long hole  527  is provided at a position which is apart from the support axis of the second upper and lower arms by a predetermined distance. A length of the hole  527  is longer than a rotational distance of the second alignment rod  525 , and a width of the hole  527  is enough wider than a width of the second alignment rod  525 . 
   A base edge portion Ba of the bin B is upwardly provided perpendicularly to a sheet (or paper) holding plane Bb. The bin B is inclined in respect of the unit main body  501  at a predetermined angle such that an edge thereof is upward. Therefore, the sheet is slid downwardly on the sheet holding plane Bb by such inclination, and the trailing edge of the sheet bumps against the base edge portion Ba, whereby the leading and trailing edges of the sheets are aligned. 
   Further, on the bin B, a notch is provided at a position into which the stapler  510  is introduced, such that the bin B does not interfere with the stapler  510 . The first alignment rod  524  is being inserted in the long hole  526  of bins B 1 , B 2 , . . . Bn, and the first alignment rod  524  is rotated within the long hole  526  such that the sheets on the bin B are aligned on the front (in the drawing) side. Similarly, the second alignment rod  525  is being inserted in the long hole  527  of the bins B 1 , B 2 , . . . Bn, and the second alignment rod  525  is rotated within the long hole  527  such that the sheets on the bin B are aligned on the rear (in the drawing) side. 
   The lead cam  518  is engaged with a part of the bin B such that the bin unit  502  moves up and down along the guide groove  515  by rotation of the lead cam  518 . One rotation of the lead cam  518  is detected by a lead cam sensor  528  which is provided adjacently to a lead cam  529 . A sort tray sheet (or paper) presence/absence sensor  530  can detect whether the sheet or paper is present on the bin B. 
   The electrical stapler  510  which performs a stapling process for the sheets held in the bin B is provided adjacently to the pair of feed rollers (i.e., lower discharge rollers)  510 . Further, the stapler  510  is provided at a position perpendicular to a sheet inserting direction such that the stapler  510  can be forwarded or returned by a driving unit. In an ordinary state, the stapler  510  is being sheltered at a first position (I) not to interfere the up and down movements of the bin B. In a case where the sheet bundle on the bin B is stapled, the stapler  510  is forwarded up to a second position (II) by the driving unit to perform the stapling process for the sheet bundle. After the stapling process terminated, the electrical stapler  510  is returned to the first position (I) by the driving unit. 
   Further, the electrical stapler  510  performs the stapling by rotation of a motor (not shown). In case of stapling the sheets on the plurality of bins B, the bin unit  502  is moved to a predetermined bin position after the stapling of the sheet on the bin B terminated, the stapler  510  staples the sheet on the another bin B. The driving unit can rotate the stapler  510  in a direction indicated by an arrow R, and move (i.e., slide) the stapler  510  in a direction indicated by an arrow Y. 
   However, in a case where the sheet was turned to be discharged, the stapler  510  is turned or upset by the driving unit. Further, in a case where an output image is rotated by an image rotation circuit  145  (described later), the stapler  510  is slid in the direction indicated by the arrow Y ( FIG. 5 ) by the driving unit, in accordance with a detected result of a stapler position detection unit (not shown). After then, the stapler  510  performs the stapling in such a manner same as above. In  FIG. 5 , reference numeral  531  denotes a manual stapling key. In case of depressing the manual stapling key  531  after sorting terminated, the stapler  510  performs the stapling. Further, the sheet bundle on the bin can be pushed on and forwarded to the front (in the drawing) side by the rotation of the first alignment rod  524 . 
   The structure of a console and display showing a touch-explained hereinafter.  FIG. 6  is a plane view showing a touch-panel type console and display panel  600  which is provided on the main body composed of the reader unit  1  and the printer unit  2 . On a console plane of the console and display panel  600 , there is provided a display unit  601  which is composed of various keys, a liquid crystal display and the like (later described). The display unit  601  displays information as to states of the apparatus, the number of copies (i.e., the number of sheets or copies to be copied), a magnification, sheet (or paper) selection and various operations. 
   On the console and display panel  600 , reference numeral  602  denotes a copy start key which is depressed in case of starting the copy. Reference numeral  603  denotes a clear/stop key which has a clear key function for releasing a setting mode when it is depressed during standby, and has a stop key function for stopping or interrupting the operation when it is depressed during image recording. The clear/stop key  603  is depressed in case of releasing the setting number of copies. Reference numeral  604  denotes a ten key which is depressed in case of setting the number of copies. Reference numerals  605  denote copy density keys which are depressed in case of manually adjusting a copy density. Reference numeral  606  denotes an automatic density adjustment key (i.e., AE key) which is depressed in case of automatically adjusting the copy density in accordance with an original density or in case of releasing an automatic density adjustment (AE) mode and switching the mode into a manual density adjustment mode. 
   Reference numeral  607  denotes a cassette selection key which is depressed in case of selecting the plurality kinds of sheet cassettes  204  and  205  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and the like. Further, in a case where the original is being mounted or placed on the original feed unit  4 , an automatic sheet (or paper) selection (APS) mode can be selected by the cassette selection key  607 . When the APS mode is selected, the cassette in which the sheet of which size is the same as that of the original is automatically selected. 
   Reference numeral  608  denotes a same-size (original-size) key which is depressed in case of obtaining the copy of which size is the same as that of the original image. Reference numeral  609  denotes a zoom key which is depressed in case of designating a desired magnification within a range of 64% to 142%. Reference numerals  610  and  611  denotes predetermined-magnification zoom keys which are depressed in case of designating predetermined-magnification reduction and enlargement. 
   Reference numeral  612  denotes keys which select operation modes of the sheet post-process unit  5 . The keys  612  can select and release a sheet discharge mode (i.e., staple mode). That is, in a case where the stapler  510  capable of stapling the sheets after image recording is being connected, the keys  612  can select or release the staple mode or the sort mode, and further can select or release a folding mode (i.e., sectional Z-shape mode or sectional V-shape mode) of the sheet on which the image recording has terminated. Reference numerals  613 ,  614  and  615  denote keys which set various processes, e.g., a two-face mode process, a binder margin setting process, a photograph mode process, multi-processes, a page serial copy process, a 2-in-1 mode process and the like. 
   The structure and operation of the local area network (LAN)  6  will be explained hereinafter.  FIG. 7  is a view for explaining the structure of the network. The image formation apparatus which is composed mainly of the reader unit  1 , the printer unit  2 , the image input/output control unit  3 , the circulating-type automatic original feed unit  4  and the sheet post-process unit  5  is connected to the LAN  6  via the image input/output control unit  3 . 
   The LAN  6  is the network which is connected with a plurality of information equipments and can exchange data between the desired equipments. A work station (WS)  7  and a personal computer (PC)  8  which form, correct and display various documents are connected to the LAN  6  for externally exchanging the data. A file server  9  is a large-capacity memory unit which can be accessed from the image input/output control unit  3 , the WS  8 , the PC  9  and the like via the LAN  6 . 
   A telephone line  10  which is connected to the image input/output control unit  3  is used for data transmission and reception to and from an other facsimile apparatus. Further, the reader  1 , the printer  2  or the desired equipment connected to the LAN  6  is used for accessing a distant equipment or network. 
   The core unit  308  will be explained hereinafter.  FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing the structure of the core unit  308  which is provided in the image input/output control unit  3 . 
   In the core unit  308 , a connector  131  which is connected to a connector in the reader unit  1  via a cable is further connected to four kinds of signal lines. That is, an eight-bit multivalue video signal for one pixel flows in a first signal line  187 , a control signal for controlling the video signal flows in a second signal line  185 , a signal for communicating with a central processing unit (CPU) in the reader unit  1  flows in a third signal line  181 , and a signal for communicating with a sub CPU in the reader unit  1  flows in a fourth signal line  182 . After the signals flowing in the signal lines  181  and  182  are subjected to a communication protocol process by a communication IC  132 , these signals transmit communication information to a CPU  133  via a CPU bus  183 . Also, the CPU  133  measures various kinds of times. 
   The signal line  187  is a bi-directional video signal line. Therefore, via the signal line  187 , the information supplied from the reader unit  1  can be received by the core unit  308 , while the information supplied from the core unit  308  can be output to the reader unit  1 . The signal line  187  is connected to a buffer  140 , whereby such a bi-directional signal is divided or separated into two mono-directional signals respectively via signal lines  188  and  170 . The eight-bit multivalue video signal for one pixel which was supplied from the reader unit  1  flows in the signal line  188  to be input into a next-stage look-up table (LUT)  141 . 
   The LUT  141  converts the image information supplied from the reader unit  1  into a desired value by comparing such the image information with data stored in the LUT  141 . An output signal from the LUT  141  is input into a binarization circuit  142  and a selector  143  via a signal line  189 . The binarization circuit  142  has a simple binarization function for binarizing the multivalue signal output to the signal line  189  by using a fixed slice level, a binarization function for binarizing the multivalue signal by using a variable slice level in which the slice level varies from the value of a pixel on the periphery of a target (or remarkable) pixel, and a binarization function for binarizing the multivalue signal in an error dispersion (or diffusion) manner. 
   In a case where the binarized information has a value “0”, such the information is converted into the multivalue signal having a value “00H”, while in a case where the binarized information has a value “1”, such the information is converted into the multivalue signal having a value “FFH”. Then, the converted multivalue signal is input into the next-stage selector  143 . The selector  143  selects either the output signal from the LUT  141  or the output signal from the binarization circuit  142 . An output signal from the selector  143  is input into a selector  144  via a signal line  190 . The selector  144  selects a signal line  194  via which output video (or image) signals from the facsimile unit  301 , the file unit  304 , the network interface unit  305 , the formatter unit  306  and the image memory unit  307  are input into the core unit  308  respectively via connectors  135 ,  136 ,  137 ,  138  and  139 , and an output signal line  190  of the selector  143 , in response to an instruction by the CPU  133 . 
   An output signal from the selector  144  is input into the rotation circuit  145  or a selector  146  via a signal line  191 . The rotation circuit  145  has a function for rotating the input image signal at angles of +90, −90 and +180 degrees. After the information output from the reader unit  1  was converted into a binary signal by the binarization circuit  142 , the rotation circuit  145  stores the obtained binary signal as the information from the reader unit  1 . Subsequently, in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 , the rotation circuit  145  rotates and read the stored information. 
   The selector  146  selects either one of an output signal from the rotation circuit  145  via a signal line  192  and an output signal from the selector  144  via a signal line  192 A, and outputs the selected signal to the connector  135  connecting the facsimile unit  301 , the connector  136  connecting the file unit  304 , the connector  137  connecting the network interface unit  305 , the connector  138  connecting the formatter unit  306 , the connector  139  connecting the image memory unit  307  and a selector  147 , via a signal line  193 . 
   The signal line  193  is a sync-type eight-bit mono-directional video bus which transfers the image information from the core unit  308  to the facsimile unit  301 , the file unit  304 , the network interface unit  305 , the formatter unit  306  and the image memory unit  307 . 
   Further, the signal line  194  is a sync-type eight-bit mono-directional video bus which transfers the image information to the facsimile unit  301 , the file unit  304 , the network interface unit  305 , the formatter unit  306  and the image memory unit  307 . A video control circuit  134  controls these sync-type buses, i.e., the signal lines  193  and  194 . Concretely, these buses are controlled in response to an output signal from the video control circuit  134  via a signal line  186 . In addition, the connectors  135  to  139  are connected with the signal line  184 . 
   The signal line  184  is a bi-directional (two-way) 16-bit CPU bus, and a data command is exchanged in a non-sync system or manner via the signal line  184 . The information can be transferred from the core unit  308  to the facsimile unit  301 , the file unit  304 , the network interface unit  305 , the formatter unit  306  and the image memory unit  307 , via the above-described two video buses  193  and  194  and the CPU bus  184 . 
   The signals which are supplied from the facsimile unit  301 , the file unit  304 , the network interface unit  305 , the formatter unit  306  and the image memory unit  307  are input into the selectors  144  and  147 , respectively. The selector  144  inputs the signal from the signal line  194  into the next-stage rotation circuit  145 , in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 . 
   Further, the selector  147  selects the signals from the signal lines  193  and  194 , in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 . The output signal from the selector  147  via a signal line  195  is input into a pattern matching circuit  148  and a selector  149 . The pattern matching circuit  148  performs pattern matching between a pattern of the input signal from the signal line  195  and a predetermined pattern. If the patters are matched with each other, the pattern matching circuit  148  outputs a predetermined multivalue signal to a signal line  196 . On the other hand, if the patterns are not matched with each other, the pattern matching circuit  148  outputs the signal from the signal line  195  to the signal line  196 . 
   The selector  149  selects the signals from the signal lines  195  and  196 , in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 . The output signal from the selector  149  via a signal line  197  is input into a next-stage LUT  150 . In case of outputting the image information to the printer unit  2 , the LUT  150  converts the input signal from the signal line  197  such that the input signal is matched with an output density of a printer. A selector  151  selects the output signal from the LUT  150  via a signal line  198  and the signal from the signal line  195 , in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 . 
   The output signal from the selector  151  is input into a next-stage enlargement circuit  152  via a signal line  199 . The enlargement circuit  152  can set enlargement magnifications in X and Y directions independently, in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 . In this case, the magnification is enlarged in a primary linear interpolation method. An output signal from the enlargement circuit  152  is input into the buffer  140 . The signal which was input into the buffer  140  is output as the bi-directional signal in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 . The output bi-directional signal from the buffer  140  is supplied to the printer unit  2  via the connector  131 , and then the signal input into the printer unit  2  is printed on a recording sheet or paper as the visible image. 
   The operation of the core unit  308  will be explained hereinafter. In case of outputting the information to the facsimile unit  301 , the CPU  133  performs the communication to a CPU of the reader unit  1  via the communication IC  132 , to output an original scan instruction. In response to such the instruction, the scanner unit  104  scans the original whereby the reader unit  1  outputs the image information to the connector. The reader unit  1  and the image input/output control unit  3  are connected to each other by the cable, and thus the information from the reader unit  1  is input into the connector  131  in the core unit  308 . Then, the image information input into the connector  131  is further input into the buffer  140  via the multivalue eight-bit signal line  187 . 
   The buffer  140  inputs the bi-directional (two-way) signal from the signal line  187  into the LUT  141  as a mono-directional (one-way) signal via the signal line  188 , in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 . The LUT  141  converts the image information from the reader unit  1  into a desired value by using the data in the table. For example, a background substrate of the original can be skipped over. The output signal from the LUT  141  is input into the next-stage binarization circuit  142 . The binarization circuit  142  converts the eight-bit multivalue signal from the signal line  189  into the binarization signal. Further, if the binarized signal has the value “0”, the binarization circuit  142  converts it into the multivalue signal having the value “00H”, while if the binarized signal has the value “1”, the binarization circuit  142  converts it into the multivalue signal having the value “FFH”. The output signal from the binarization circuit  142  is input into the rotation circuit  145  or the selector  146  via the selectors  143  and  144 . 
   Also, the output signal from the rotation circuit  145  is input into the selector  146 , and the selector  146  selects one of the signal from the signal line  191  and the signal from the signal line  192 . To select the signal is determined in such a manner that the CPU  133  performs the communication with the facsimile unit  301  via the CPU bus  184 . The output signal from the selector  146  is sent to the facsimile unit  301  via the connector  135 . 
   Subsequently, it will be explained hereinafter a case where the information is received from the facsimile unit  301 . The image information from the facsimile unit  301  is transferred to the signal line  194  via the connector  135 . The signal from the signal line  194  is input into the selector  144  and the selector  147 . In a case where the image at facsimile reception time is rotated and then output to the printer unit  2  in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 , the signal input into the selector  144  is subjected to a rotational process by the rotation circuit  145 . The output signal from the rotation circuit  145  is input into the pattern matching circuit  148  via the selectors  146  and  147 . 
   On the other hand, in a case where the image at facsimile reception time is not rotated but is output to the printer unit  2  as it is in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 , the signal input into the selector  147  via the signal line  194  is then input into the pattern matching circuit  148 . The pattern matching circuit  148  has a function for smoothing unevenness in the image at facsimile reception time. The signal to which the pattern matching has been performed is input into the LUT  150  via the selector  149 . 
   In order to output the facsimile-received image to the printer unit  2  with a desired density, the table in the LUT  150  is made variable by the CPU  133 . The output signal from the LUT  150  is input into the enlargement circuit  152  via the selector  151 . The enlargement circuit  152  performs the enlargement process on the eight-bit multivalue signal which is one of the two values (“00H” and “FFH”), in the primary linear interpolation manner. The eight-bit multivalue signal output from the enlargement circuit  152  is transferred to the reader unit  1  via the buffer  140  and the connector  131 . 
   The reader unit  1  inputs such the obtained signal into an external interface switch circuit via the connector. The external interface switch circuit inputs the signal from the facsimile unit  301  into a Y (yellow) signal generation and detection circuit. Then, an output signal from the Y signal generation and detection circuit is subjected to such the same process as described above, and then output to the printer unit  2 , whereby the image is formed on an output sheet or paper. 
   Then, it will be explained hereinafter a case where the information is output to the file unit  304 . The CPU  133  performs the communication with the CPU of the reader unit  1  via the communication IC  132  to output the original scan instruction. In response to the instruction, the scanner unit  104  in the reader unit  1  scans the original to output the image information to the connector. The reader unit  1  and the image input/output control unit  3  are connected with each other via the cable, and thus the information from the reader unit  1  is input into the connector  131  of the core unit  308 . The image information which has been input into the connector  131  is then output as the mono-directional signal by the buffer  140 . The signal which is the multivalue eight-bit signal and supplied from the signal line  188  is converted into a desired signal by the LUT  141 . The output signal from the LUT  141  is input into the connector  136  via the selectors  143 ,  144  and  146 . 
   That is, the eight-bit multivalue signal is transferred to the file unit  304  as it is, without using the functions of the binarization circuit  142  and the rotation circuit  145 . In a case where the signal which was binarized by the communication with the file unit  304  via the CPU bus  184  of the CPU  133  is subjected to filling (i.e., storing into the external memory unit  303 ), the functions of the binarization circuit  142  and the rotation circuit  145  are used. The explanation of the binarization process and the rotational process are omitted in this case because these processes are the same as those in case of outputting the information to the facsimile unit  301 . 
   Subsequently, it will be explained a case where the information is received from the file unit  304 . The image information from the file unit  304  is input into the selector  144  or  147  via the connector  136  and the signal line  194 . In case of performing the filing of the eight-bit multivalue signal, the image information from the file unit  304  can be input into the selector  147 , while in case of performing the filing of the binary signal, the image information from the file unit  304  can be input into the selector  144  or  147 . In case of performing the filing of the binary signal, the process is the same as that in case of receiving the information from the facsimile unit  301 , whereby the detailed explanation thereof is omitted. 
   In case of performing the filing of the multivalue signal, the output signal from the selector  147  is input into the LUT  150  via the selector  149 . Then, the LUT  150  forms the look-up table such that the density of the signal from the selector  147  is matched or coincided with the desired printing density of the printer unit  2 , in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 . The output signal from the LUT  150  is input into the enlargement circuit  152  via the selector  151 . The eight-bit multivalue signal, which has been interpolated by the enlargement circuit  152  such that the image is enlarged with the desired magnification, is transferred to the reader unit  1  via the buffer  140  and the connector  131 . The information of the file unit  304  which has been transferred to the reader unit  1  is output to the printer unit  2  in the same manner as that in case of the facsimile unit  301 , whereby the image is formed on the output sheet or paper. 
   The network interface unit  305  includes a plurality of interfaces for performing communication with interfaces of an SCSI system, an RS232C system and a Centronics system, and the unit  305  connects the image input/output control unit  3  with the computer. Further, the network interface unit  305  includes the above-described three kinds of interfaces, and the information from each interface is transferred to the CPU  133  via the connector  137  and the data bus  184 . Then, the CPU  133  performs various controlling on the basis of the contents of the transferred information. 
   The formatter unit  306  has a function for developing the command data such as a document file transmitted from the network interface unit  305 , into the image data. If the CPU  133  judges that the data transferred from the network interface unit  305  via the data bus  184  is the data concerning the formatter unit  306 , the CPU  133  transfers such the data to the formatter unit  306  via the connector  138 . Then, the formatter unit  306  develops the transferred data into the memory, as a meaningful image such as a character, a figure and the like. 
   Subsequently, it will be explained hereinafter a procedure where the information from the formatter unit  306  is received to perform the image formation on the output sheet or paper. The image information from the formatter unit  306  is transferred to the signal line  194  via the connector  138 , as the multivalue signal having either one of the two values (“00H” and “FFH”). The signal from the signal line  194  is input into the selectors  144  and  147 . The selectors  144  and  147  are controlled in response to the instruction from the CPU  133 . The following processes are the same as those in case of receiving the information from the facsimile unit  301 , whereby the explanation thereof is omitted. 
   It will be then explained a case where the information is output to the image memory unit  307 . The CPU  133  performs the communication to the CPU of the reader unit  1  via the communication IC  132 , to output the original scan instruction. In the reader unit  1 , the scanner unit  104  scans the original in response to the instruction from the CPU  133  to output the image information to the connector. The reader unit  1  and the image input/output control unit  3  are connected to each other via the cable, whereby the information from the reader unit  1  is input into the connector  131  of the core unit  131 . The image information which has been input into the connector  131  is transferred to the LUT  141  via the eight-bit multivalue signal line  187  and the buffer  140 . 
   The output signal from the LUT  141  is transferred as the multivalue image information to the image memory unit  307  via the selectors  143 ,  144 ,  146  and the connector  139 . The image information stored in the image memory unit  307  is transferred to the CPU  133  via the CPU bus  184  of the connector  139 . Then, the CPU  133  transfers the data transferred from the image memory unit  307 , to the network interface unit  305 . The network interface unit  305  transfers the data to the computer by using the desired interface to be selected from among the three kinds of interfaces (i.e., SCSI, RS232C and Centronics interfaces). 
   Subsequently, it will be explained hereinafter a case where the information is received from the image memory unit  307 . Initially, the image information is transferred from the computer to the core unit  308  via the network interface unit  305 . If the CPU  133  of the core unit  308  judges that the data transferred from the network interface unit  305  via the CPU bus  184  is the data concerning the image memory unit  307 , the CPU  133  transfers such the data to the image memory unit  307  via the connector  139 . Then, the image memory unit  307  transfers the obtained data to the selector  144  or  147  via the connector  139  and the eight-bit multivalue signal line  194 . In response to the instruction from the CPU  133 , the output signal from the selector  144  or  147  is output to the printer unit  2  in the same manner as that in case of receiving the data from the facsimile unit  301 , whereby the image is formed on the output sheet or paper. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10  are flow charts showing the procedure of the operation process (i.e., the process based on the control by the CPU  133  of the core unit  308 ) of the image formation apparatus. 
   Initially, it is judged or observed whether or not the image data is transferred from the WS  7  or the PC  8  both connected to the LAN  6  to a local server (composed of the image memory unit  307  and the like) via the file server  9  (step S 101 ). 
   In a case where the image data was transferred, it is then checked in the local server whether or not there is a vacancy which is enough to store the transferred image data (step S 102 ). If there is the enough vacancy, the transferred image data is once stored in the local server provided in the image formation apparatus (step S 103 ). 
   Subsequently, it is judged whether or not there is an output request for the image data stored in the local server (step S 104 ). Such the output request is generated or produced when the copy start key  602  shown in  FIG. 6  is depressed by an operator. Also, the output request can be generated by depressing the ten key  604  (i.e., by inputting a password or the like). 
   When the output request for the image data stored in the local server is generated, the operation state of the printer unit  2  is checked. Then, if the printer unit  2  is free, the image data is transferred to the printer unit  2  to be output on the sheet as the visible image (steps S 105  and S 106 ). As an output from at that time, there can be performed additional processes (e.g., stapling, sorting, both-face image forming, size reducing and the like) which are substantially the same as those in case of copying the ordinary originals. In this case, if the printer unit  2  is performing the previous process, e.g., outputing of the facsimile-received image data, when the copy start key  602  is depressed, the transferred image data is output after the presently-performing process terminated. When the image data stored in the local server was output from the printer unit  2 , such the image data is automatically deleted in the local server (step S 107 ). 
   On the other hand, if it is judged in the step S 102  that there is no enough vacancy in the local server, it is then judged or checked whether or not the image data which has not been requested to be output though a predetermined time elapsed (e.g., one day or few hours) after the image data was input (or stored) in the local server (step S 108 ). 
   In a case where there is the image data which has not been requested to be output for the predetermined time in the local server, it is then judged or checked in the local server whether or not there is discrimination information which represents importance of the contents of such the image data (step S 109 ). As the discrimination information, there have been provided the processing contents, e.g., representing either one of transferring, outputting and deleting (or discarding), which are to be performed when the output of the stored image data is not performed within the predetermined time, and then the image data is processed on the basis of such the contents. 
   In a case where the image data which has not been requested to be output for the predetermined time does not have any discrimination information, the WS  7  or the PC  8  of the transmission source (or transfer source) of such the image data is discriminated, and then an alarm message is sent or transmitted to the WS  7  or the PC  8  of such the transmission source (step S 110 ). As the alarm message, e.g., “transfer”, “output” or “deletion (or discard)” is transmitted. Then, such the image data is processed on the basis of a response from the transmission source to which the alarm message was sent. 
   In a case where the transmission source of the image data which received the alarm message desires to transfer (i.e., evacuate) the image data, the transmission source instructs “transfer” by using the WS  7  or the PC  8 . Further, in a case where the transmission source desires to output the image data, the transmission source instructs “output”. Furthermore, in a case where the image data may be deleted, the transmission source instructs “deletion”. On the other hand, if there is no response to the alarm message from the transmission source, it is considered that the transmission source instructs “deletion”, and then the corresponding image data is processed according to such “deletion” instruction (step S 111 ). 
   In the case where the response to the alarm message is “transfer” or in the case where the discrimination information represents “transfer”, the corresponding image data is transferred (or returned) to the transmission source (step S 112 ), whereby the corresponding image data is deleted in the local server (step S 107 ). In the case where the response to the alarm message is “output”, in the case where there is no response, or in the case where the discrimination information represents “output”, the corresponding image data is read from the local server and then forcedly output (step S 113 ). As such an output method at that time, if the printer unit  2  is operating for other process, the printing is performed after the printer unit  2  became free. On the other hand, if the printer unit  2  does not operate, the printing is performed immediately. When the output of the image data normally terminated, the corresponding image data is deleted in the local server (step S 107 ). 
   Further, in the case where the response to the alarm message is “deletion” or in the case where the discrimination information is “deletion”, the corresponding image data is transferred to the large-capacity file server  9  which is connected to the LAN  6  (step S 114 ), and then the core unit  308  transmits to the WS  7  or the PC  8  of the image data transmission source the message for notifying that the corresponding image data has been transferred to the file server  9  on the LAN  6  (step S 115 ). When the transfer of the image data to the file server  9  connected to the LAN  6  terminated, the corresponding image data is deleted in the local server (step S 107 ). 
   In a case where the enough vacancy could be provided in the local server as a result of the processes in the steps S 108  to S 115 , the presently-transmitted image data (i.e., transmitted at this time) is stored in the local server. Then, in the same manner as that in the case where the local server originally has the enough vacancy, the stored image data is output in response to the operator&#39;s output request by depressing the copy start key  602  or the like. 
   On the other hand, if it is judged in the step S 108  that there is no corresponding image data in the local server, a message is transmitted to the WS  7  or the PC  8  of the transmission source of the presently-transmitted image data (step S 116 ). As such the message, e.g., “transfer” or “output” is transmitted (step S 117 ). The transmission source which received the message instructs to output the image data in case of forcedly outputting the image data (step S 118 ). On the other hand, the transmission source instructs to transfer the image data in case of interrupting or stopping the process (step S 119 ). In the case where it is instructed to forcedly output the image data, the transmitted image data is not once stored in the local server but is directly output to the printer unit  2 . 
   The discrimination information may include the time elapsing after the image data was stored in the local server which time is obtained by comparison in the case where the stored image data is not output, whereby the desired time is set for each image data. Further, the operator arbitrarily sets such the time by using the ten key  604  illustrated in FIG.  6 . Therefore, such the time can be arbitrarily set in accordance with the storage capacity of the local server. Furthermore, in case of outputting the image data stored in the local server, all the image data which exceed the setting time may be output, or only the image data according to the magnitude or size of the received image data may be output. Therefore, the local server can be used in accordance with various purposes. 
   The present invention can be applied to a system constructed by a plurality of equipments (e.g., host computer, interface equipment, reader, printer and the like) or can be also applied to an apparatus comprising one equipment (e.g., copy machine, facsimile machine). 
   The invention employed by a method whereby program codes of a software to realize the functions of the foregoing embodiments are supplied to a computer in an apparatus or a system connected to various devices so as to make the devices operative in order to realize the functions of the foregoing embodiments and the various devices are operated in accordance with the programs stored in the computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is also included in the scope of the present invention. 
   In such a case, the program codes themselves of the software realize the functions of the foregoing embodiments, and the program codes themselves and means for supplying the program codes to the computer, e.g., a memory medium in which the program codes have been stored construct the present invention. 
   As such a memory medium to store the program codes, e.g., it is possible to use a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, an optomagnetic disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM or the like can be used. 
   It will be obviously understood that the program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention even in not only a case where the functions of the foregoing embodiments are realized by executing the supplied program codes by the computer but also a case where the functions of the foregoing embodiments are realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) by which the program codes operate in the computer or another application software or the like. 
   Further, it will be also obviously understood that the present invention also incorporates a case where the supplied program codes are stored into a memory provided for a function expansion board of a computer or a function expansion unit connected to a computer and, after that, a CPU or the like provided for the function expansion board or the function expansion unit executes a part or all of the actual processes on the basis of instructions of the program codes, and the functions of the foregoing embodiments are realized by the processes. 
   Although the present invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments but many modifications and variations are possible with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.