Patent Abstract:
An image processing apparatus has an internal memory section installed within an apparatus housing, a communication section for performing data communications with an external memory medium detachably attached to the apparatus housing, and a data writing section for writing data to the external memory medium. When the data writing section detects that the external memory medium is detached from the apparatus housing during writing the data to the external memory medium, the data writing section writes target data that is in a process of writing to the external memory medium to the internal memory section. When the data writing section detects that the external memory medium is attached again to the apparatus housing, the data writing section reads out the target data from the internal memory section, and writes the target data to the external memory medium.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/346,958 filed Dec. 31, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to an image processing apparatus serving as a complex peripheral apparatus handling image data as cores to be processed, such as an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) having plural functions and, more particularly, to an image processing apparatus capable of processing information such as image data in use of an external memorizing device detachably attached thereto. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     High speed and multi-functions are required for digital photocopiers these days, and digital hybrid machines come to be sold in market in which the machines have a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printing function in addition to a photocopying function. A single high speed printer may be used via LAN connections in share with a relatively large number of people for word processing or image processing in, such as, e.g., factories or companies. 
     Where a user employs the scanner function of such as a digital photocopier, the user can process the image data read out of an original document using each user&#39;s personal computer connected via the LAN connection. For off-line processing in a personal computer not connected with the LAN, an art has been known in which image data read with a scanner function are stored temporarily in an external memorizing device such as, e.g., a memory card to be processed and in which a user easily can work upon bringing the image date with such an external memorizing device into a laptop type computer not connecting with the LAN after writing the data in the external memorizing device thus detachably attached (see, e.g., Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-72762). 
     The user, however, can always attach and detach the external memorizing device such as a memory card, and may detach the external memorizing device even during a period in a processing of writing information such as image data into the external memorizing device. In such a case, the data under writing may be damaged, resulting in failures of writing processing. Similar problems may occur in situations that the apparatus is turned off accidentally or by itself for some reasons. Files failed in writing frequently cannot be open on the application because those files are not yet completed as proper files, and such failed files become apparently useless for users. To delete such useless files, the user has to connect the external memorizing device including the failed files with an apparatus, such as, e.g., a personal computer having a function deleting files and manually has to execute deletion of writing failed files after searching such failed files, and therefore, the user&#39;s work would become burdensome. 
     A user may not be aware of existence of writing failed files, and if the user does other jobs as remaining those writing failed files in the external memorizing device, the failed files may depress an empty capacity of the device, thereby possibly rendering the device unable to store necessary files. 
     It is an object to provide an image processing apparatus capable of proceeding to subsequent jobs without being bothered with recovery work for users even where writing failed files are remained in such an external memorizing device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The foregoing objects are accomplished with an image processing apparatus comprising: an information retrieving unit for retrieving writing processing information out of an external memorizing device detachably attached thereto storing the writing processing information; and an information deleting unit for deleting information corresponding to the information retrieved from the information retrieving unit. 
     According to an aspect of the invented image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus is provided to include the information retrieving unit for retrieving writing processing information out of the external memorizing device, and the image processing apparatus turns out as to whether certain information is in a processing of writing by retrieving the writing processing information out of the external memorizing device. If it is turned out that the status is in a processing of writing, the corresponding information is automatically deleted. A user is not necessary to delete the writing failed file manually, so that the user&#39;s work load will be reduced. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invented image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus is provided to include an information display unit for displaying information corresponding to the information retrieved from the information retrieving unit. The image processing apparatus may includes an information writing unit for writing information to the external memorizing device, wherein the information writing unit writes information indicating a status in processing of writing with respect to the writing processing information before writing of the information, and changes the status from in processing of writing to in not processing of writing after completion of writing of the information. 
     Another image processing apparatus according to the invention, includes: an original document reading unit for reading an original document; an internal memorizing device installed within an apparatus housing; an information writing unit for writing data read at the original document reading unit to an external memorizing device detachably attached to the apparatus housing; an attaching detaching detection unit for detecting attachment and detachment of the external memorizing device; and an instructing unit for stopping, when the external memorizing device is detached from the apparatus housing, writing the data read to the external memorizing device at the information writing unit and making an instruction for writing a remainder of the data read into the internal memorizing device, wherein the information writing unit reads out the data written in the internal memorizing device and rewrites the data in the external memorizing device when the external memorizing device is detected as attached to the apparatus housing. 
     According to the image processing apparatus, the external memorizing device is configured so that detachment thereof is detected by the attaching detaching detection unit, and where the attaching detaching detection unit detects that the external memorizing device is detached from the apparatus housing, writing the data read to the external memorizing device at the information writing unit is stopped according to an instruction from the instruction unit, and remainder of the data is read into the internal memorizing device. Thus, the internal memorizing device can store the read data instead of the external memorizing device, and where the external memorizing device is attached again to the apparatus housing, the entire data can be prevented from receiving damages by transferring the data stored in the internal memorizing apparatus to the external memorizing apparatus. 
     According to the image processing apparatus of the invention, the apparatus can detect as to whether the prescribed responding information is in a status in processing of writing, and if the information is in the status in processing of writing, the responding information is automatically deleted. The user therefore does not need to delete the writing failed file manually, so that user&#39;s burden will be reduced. That is, even where any writing failed file is left in the external memorizing device, the user can use the external memorizing device as it is, thereby improving the efficiency of data reading work. 
     According to the other image processing apparatus of the invention, the internal memorizing device, in lieu of the external memorizing apparatus, can store the read data and where the external memorizing device is attached again to the apparatus housing, the entire data can be prevented from receiving damages by transferring the data stored in the internal memorizing apparatus to the external memorizing apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment and method of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein; 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a system structure of a multi-function peripheral according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a USB memory and the multi-function peripheral according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of ScanToUSB memory processing done in the multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a memory map of a USB memory used for the multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing a deletion processing of a writing failed file in the multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a screen illustration showing a display example of a display panel of the multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment of the invention in a case where a writing failed file exists; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing a system structure of a multi-function peripheral according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of ScanToUSB memory processing done in the multi-function peripheral according to the second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a storing example of image data in the multi-function peripheral according to the second embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a process in the multi-function peripheral according to the second embodiment of the invention in a case where data in a USB memory are damaged and where the data are to be restored. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a structure of a multi-function peripheral serving as an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. The multi-function peripheral  100  includes a scanner unit  101  for reading original documents, an image processing unit  102  for processing image data transmitted from the scanner unit  101  or other units, a data transmission control unit  103  for controlling execution of writing, an attaching detaching detection unit  104  for detecting as to where a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory  107  is attached to a peripheral body serving as an apparatus housing, and an accessing unit  105  having a function as a USB interface. The multi-function peripheral  100  further includes a processing identification information producing unit  201  connecting to the data transmission control unit  103 , a processing identification information retrieving unit  202  functioning as information retrieving means for retrieving writing processing information, and a control panel  203  having a display unit  204  functioning as information displaying means displaying information corresponding to the retrieved writing processing information. It is to be noted that the multi-function peripheral  100  of this embodiment include in addition to the scanner function, a facsimile transmission and reception unit  131  for performing facsimile function, and an electrophotographic printing unit  132  for printing, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , the USB memory  107  serving as an external memorizing device can be detachably attached to the multi-function peripheral  100  of this embodiment. 
     More specifically, the scanner unit  101  for reading original documents is an apparatus for reading original documents set on the multi-function peripheral&#39;s feeder such as an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) for paper or set on a glass surface for scanning original documents, and is an apparatus for outputting an electrical signal at an image sensor in reflecting original documents&#39; images upon radiating light out of an exposure lamp or the like to produce prescribed image data. The image processing unit  102  is a signal processing unit for converting the image data read out at the scanner unit  101  into printing data printable or data in a format storable in the USB memory  107 . The image processing unit  102  is a processing unit converting an analog signal from the scanner unit  101  into a digital signal and processing data in a prescribed way of expansion or compression, such as, e.g., edge emphasis, trimming, and page assignment with respect to the digital image signal. 
     The data transmission control unit  103  is a controller for controlling execution of writing, stop of writing, and setting as to where to write, with respect to the image data processed in the image processing unit  102 . The data transmission control unit  103  is connected to the processing identification information producing unit  201 , and makes a processing on the processing identification information in relation to the corresponding image data. The processing identification information producing unit  201  has a function producing processing identification information when writing the image data to the USB memory  107 , and in this embodiment, the processing identification information is composed of file name  110 , storing destination information  111 , and writing processing flag  112 , as shown as an example in  FIG. 4 . The file name  110  is a name where the corresponding image data are presented in a file format, and is given automatically by, e.g., CPU or made by typing input done by the user. The storing destination information  111  is the destination for storing the image data, and in this embodiment, information indicating the USB memory  107  is given to the storing destination information  111  where the USB memory  107  is attached and where the system executes the ScanToUSB memory processing as described below. The writing processing flag  112  is a flag indicating as to whether writing of the corresponding file is completed at the storing destination or not; if the data of one bit indicate “1”, it shows “writing is processing”; if the data of one bit indicate “0”, it shows “writing is not processing.” 
     The attaching detaching unit  104  has a function detecting whether the USB memory  107  is attached to the multi-function peripheral  100  or not as well as whether the USB memory  107  is detached or not. The USB memory  107  is used as it is being inserted into a terminal without turning off the power of the multi-function peripheral  100 , or namely from a so-called “hot plug” function, and when the USB memory  107  is attached to the multi-function peripheral  100 , information corresponding to the USB memory  107  to be stored in the storing destination information in the processing identification information producing unit  201 , or namely information that the storing destination is the USB memory  107 , can be selected. The accessing unit  105  is an interface unit outputting, to the USB memory  107 , image data converted at the image processing unit  102  and retrieving the processing identification information from the USB memory  107 , and in this embodiment a USB interface is used. It is to be noted that if a memory card is used in lieu of such a USB memory, a card slot corresponding the memory card becomes the interface unit. 
     The processing identification information retrieving unit  202  retrieves processing identification information corresponding to the image data out of a processing identification information storing unit  108 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the processing identification information corresponding to the image data is made of a combination of the file name  110 , the storing destination information  111 , and the writing processing flag  112 , and the processing identification information retrieving unit  202  checks as to whether the bit of the writing processing flag  112  is “0” or “1”, the processing identification information  202  recognizes existence of one or more writing failed files. The timing that the processing identification information retrieving unit  202  checks the status of the writing processing flag  112  is immediately after the USB memory  107  is attached to the multi-function peripheral  100 . If the writing processing flag is “1” indicating processing of writing at that time, the processing is started as the writing failed file exists. If the writing processing flag is “0” at the same timing, the processing is proceeded as having no problem. 
     The control panel  203  is made of a display unit  204  formed of a simple display device such as, e.g., LCD (liquid crystal display), and a control unit  205  having ten keys and other buttons. The display unit  204  and the control unit  205  are formed on a surface of the housing body of the multi-function peripheral  100 . The display unit  204  functions as information displaying means for displaying information corresponding to the writing processing information. The display unit  204  and the control unit  205  can be formed of a liquid crystal touch panel, and can be used commonly with panels for controlling printing, facsimile, and photocopying functions. The control unit  205  may have an independent key entry unit. With this embodiment, the display unit  204  displays a message when the processing identification information retrieving unit  202  proceeds for processing as the writing failed file exists. 
       FIG. 6  is a displaying example where such a writing failed file exists. A message of “writing failed file exists” is displayed at a top portion on a screen  114  of the display panel, and a word or phrase of “Delete?” is displayed to show that the system of the multi-function peripheral  100  is in a state that the system can accept an instruction of deletion. The file name “fileName01.jpg” is shown on the screen  114  of the display panel, and “folder2/meeting material/” is also displayed as a stored location, so that the user can be informed of existence of the writing failed file of the displayed file name at the displayed location. The screen  114  of the display panel displays the composing date, e.g., “2007/xx/xx 15:30”, which is a display for indicating the timing of starting production of the corresponding writing failed file recorded. A deletion button  115  indicating “delete” and a non-deletion button  116  indicating “not delete” are made to appear at a lower side of the screen  114  of the display panel, and one of the buttons can be selected. When the writing failed file is to be deleted, the deletion button  115  is selected to delete the file having the file name of “fileName01.jpg” in the USB memory  107  and its location of “folder2/meeting material/”. 
     What is connected to the multi-function peripheral  100  thus formed is the USB memory  107  serving as an external memorizing device storing the writing processing information, and in this embodiment, the USB memory  107  includes the processing identification information storing unit  108  and an image data storing unit  109 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the USB memory  107  is detachably attached to the multi-function peripheral  100 . More specifically, a B-terminal of the USB, not shown, is formed as to face to a surface of the apparatus housing of the multi-function peripheral  100 , and when an A-terminal of the USB memory  107  is connected to the B-terminal, the USB memory  107  is connected to the multi-function peripheral  100  without turning off the power of the peripheral in a way as so-called “hot plug,” and the USB memory  107  can be disconnected without turning off the power. It is to be noted that the USB memory  107  is exemplified as the external memorizing device in this embodiment but such an external memorizing device should be interpreted with broader meaning. For example, various electronic apparatuses such as, e.g., a memory apparatus mounting an HDD (hard disc drive) to be attached externally and connectable via a USB connection, an apparatus having a memory function normally used specially for music or watching media, and a digital camera, can be used for the external memorizing device. As other external memorizing device for other embodiments of the invention, it is not limited to a memory having USB connection capability, and the memory device can be a memorizing media in a card type or chip type, such as, e.g., a memory card. With applications according to this invention, connection between the external memorizing device and the multi-function peripheral can be wired or wireless, and includes connections via network or networks using LAN connection or WAN (Wide Area Network) connection.  FIG. 4  shows a memory map of the USB memory  107 ; in a memory region  113 , the processing identification information storing unit  108  and the image data storing unit  109  do storing each files. The processing identification information storing unit  108  stores data of the file name  110 , the storing destination information  111 , and the writing processing flag  112 . 
     The USB memory  107  can be physically attached by the users at any time to the multi-function peripheral  100 , and can be detached. When the system does not allow detachment of the memory during, e.g., processing of writing, the user may inadvertently detach the USB memory in fact. A writing failed file may be left in the USB memory in case of sudden power-off due to thunder or the like. With conventional multi-function peripherals, a broken file that cannot be deleted at the peripheral is remained in case that the user inadvertently detaches the USB memory or that writing is stopped at the USB memory due to sudden power-off or the like, and therefore, it is necessary to re-insert the USB memory  107  to, e.g., a personal computer to delete the broken file. With the multi-function peripheral  100  according to the embodiment, the USB memory is not required to insert to any apparatus such as, e.g., personal computer because this apparatus works as following procedures. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a flow for executing work called as ScanToUSB memory processing in the multi-function peripheral  100  according to the embodiment is described. First, a user manipulates to start the ScanToUSB memory processing. When the ScanToUSB memory processing begins, the processing identification information is produced with the processing identification information producing unit  201  at step S 100 . This processing identification information is for providing identification information in the system for scanning operation, which is conducted subsequently. The processing identification information is made of the combination of the file name  110 , the storing destination information  111 , and the writing processing flag  112  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The processing identification information can includes, in addition to above, information such as, e.g., time of production and renewal with respect to files, and in this regard, the processing identification information is the same as normal image data files. The processing identification information produced at the processing identification information producing unit  201  is transmitted to the data transmission control unit  103  and is temporally stored at the unit  103 . The writing processing flag  112  among data of the processing identification information is produced as to be “1” indicating “processing of writing” because writing operation is to start with respect to the USB memory  107 . 
     Subsequently, original documents set on the scanner unit  101  are read (step S 101 ). In this step, a signal corresponding to the set original documents generated with an image sensor equipped at the scanner unit  101  is sent to the image producing unit  102 . Image processing is then executed at step S 102  to convert the signal about the read image into data in a storable format that the user wants. At that time, data, as image file formats, can be converted into some file formats widely used for personal computers such as, e.g., bitmap, JPEG, GIF, PDF. Data are also not limited to those and can be converted to original formats. Users may give information such as, e.g., file size, color information, enlargement or reduction in size, page, grayscale, but with this multi-function peripheral, the USB memory  107  may include those data of the image processing information, and those can be read to be used for processing. 
     At step S 103 , the data are transmitted. This data transmission is for transmitting image data toward the USB memory  107  in accompany with the processing identification information that have been produced at the processing identification information producing unit  201 . Normally, a specific transmission size is predetermined where image data are transmitted to a memory device, and therefore, image data are sent by each in the predetermined size, so that the transmissions are repeated by each in the predetermined size as a loop up to the completion of transmission of the entire image data. At that time, the processing identification information produced at the processing identification information producing unit  201  can be sent as a firstly sent data likewise a header in a signal format. A memory functioning as a buffer can be temporarily used for the transmission destination. 
     At step S 104 , it is confirmed that the USB memory  107  is recognized using a signal from the attaching detaching detection unit  104 . Where the recognition of the USB memory  107  is confirmed (yes), or in other words, where the USB memory  107  is physically as well as electrically connected to the multi-function peripheral  100 , writing is made to the recognized USB memory  107  (step S 105 ). The processing identification information that have been produced at the processing identification information producing unit  201  is transmitted to the processing identification information storing unit  108  at an initial stage of writing to the USB memory  107 , and the USB memory  107  stores “1” indicating processing of writing as a stored value of the writing processing flag  112  among data of the processing identification information. 
     The writing processing of the image data done in the USB memory  107  is executed according to the loop step S 107  because this writing processing becomes repetitive processing work. Where the loop step S 107  finishes, the transmission of the entire image data to the image data storing unit  109  is completed, thereby ending the writing processing. Subsequently, the stored value of the writing processing flag  112  among the data of the processing identification information in the USB memory  107  is switched from “1” to “0”. As described above, where the stored value of the writing processing flag  112  is “0”, the data indicate a status of not processing of writing, and this switching operation shows that the writing is completed properly. Such renewal of the processing identification information in the USB memory  107  can be made by data transmission sent again from the processing identification information producing unit  201  or by inclusion of a signal for automatic renewal at the end of the image data to be sent. 
     Although the flow at steps S 105 , S 107 , and S 108  shows a streamline in a case where writing to USB memory  107  ends in an ordinary manner. If a user pulls out the USB memory  107 , this causes canceling during execution of processing as shown at step S 106 . In such a case, the attaching detaching detection unit  104  recognizes that the USB memory  107  is pulled out, and the system stops this ScanToUSB memory processing. A writing failed file is left on a side of the USB memory  107  at that time, but in the multi-function peripheral  100  according to the embodiment, the existence of the writing failed file is recognized at a time when the USB memory  107  is attached again to the apparatus housing, and is displayed. Upon choosing the button for deletion, the writing failed file can be deleted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a deletion processing of a writing failed file in the embodiment is described. The deletion processing of the writing failed file is normally a processing executed immediately after the USB memory  107  is connected to the multi-function peripheral  100 . If any writing failed file is left in the USB memory  107 , the memory region is used in a wasting manner for that portion, and in some cases, an adequate memory region cannot be obtained. Upon executing the deletion processing of the writing failed file, the region used uselessly can be extinguished. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a judgment is first made as to whether the USB memory  107  is connected to the multi-function peripheral  100 , and step S 200  shows a procedure in which the USB memory  107  is recognized as connected to the multi-function peripheral  100 . Where the USB memory  107  is not connected, the USB memory  107  is not recognized, and the respective steps in the flow shown in  FIG. 5  do not occur. The processing identification information retrieving unit  202  serving as information retrieving means for retrieving writing processing information, operates to retrieve the stored value in the writing processing flag  112  of the processing identification information storing unit  108  in the USB memory  107 , and it is judged as to whether the stored value of the writing processing flag is “1” or not (step S 201 ). The stored value of the writing processing flag  112  in the processing identification information storing unit  108  is either “1” indicating processing of writing or “0” indicating not processing of writing. If the writing processing flag  112  is “1” indicating processing of writing (yes), the processing goes on as a writing failed file exists. If the writing processing flag  112  is “0” indicating not processing of writing (no), the processing is made to end. 
     Where the writing processing flag  112  is “1” indicating processing of writing (yes), the screen is made to show a message indicating this (step S 202 ). That is, displaying operation is made as shown in  FIG. 6  as described above, and a prescribed display is made at the display unit  204  of the control panel  203  according to the signal from the processing identification information retrieving unit  202 . More specifically, the screen  114  of the display panel displays a message “writing failed file exists” at an upper portion as shown in  FIG. 6 , and displays a message “Do you delete it?”, so that the system of the multi-function peripheral  100  is shown as in a state receivable of an instruction of deletion. The screen  114  of the display panel also shows “fileName01.jpg” as the file name and “folder2/meeting material/” as the shoring location, and the system shows that a writing failed file having the displayed file name at the displayed location exists. The screen  114  of the display panel yet further shows the producing date of “2007/xx/xx 15:30”, which displays the timing of the recorded production start of the writing failed file. The deletion button  115  indicating “delete” and the non-deletion button  116  indicating “not delete” are made to appear at the lower side of the screen  114  of the displaying panel, and the user can choose either buttons. It is to be noted that the displayed example shown in  FIG. 6  is not more than one example, and can be other display types. For example, the screen can be of a display type having light emitting diodes indicating existence of the writing failed file by the diodes&#39; turning on, or the system can be structured to inform of the existence of the writing failed file to user&#39;s address by email or the like. 
     Step S 203  is a step at which either one of the deletion button  115  indicating “delete” and the non-deletion button  116  indicating “not delete” is entered, and if the user selects the button of “not delete” (no), the writing failed file is not deleted, the program step goes to step S 205 . If the user chooses the deletion button  115  indicating “delete”, the program step goes to step S 204 . The writing failed file corresponding to the file name “filename01.jpg” in the example shown in  FIG. 6 , which is displayed on the screen  114  of the display panel, is then deleted. The program step goes to step S 205  after this deletion of the writing failed file. The writing processing flag  112  of the processing identification information is renewed from the value “1” indicating processing of writing to the value “0” indicating not processing of writing. With this status change of the flag, no writing failed file exists to be deleted for the user in the USB memory  107 . 
     According to the flow shown in  FIG. 5 , with the multi-function peripheral  100 , the deletion processing of the writing failed file is executed immediately after the USB memory  107  is connected to the multi-function peripheral  100 . It is therefore unnecessary for the user to manipulate deletion by inserting the USB memory to a personal computer to delete the writing failed file, so that the useless file can be deleted surely in a short time. For example, where plural multi-function peripherals  110  are installed in the same area, it is not necessary to render the multi-function peripheral  100  creating a result of failed writing identical to the multi-function peripheral  100  performing deletion of the writing failed file for recovery work, and any other multi-function peripherals can perform such deletion. 
     It is to be noted that although the processing identification information is written into the USB memory after the original document is read in the ScanToUSB memory processing as described above, the original document can be read after processing identification information including writing processing flag data having the value “1” meaning processing of writing is first written in the USB memory. 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing a structure of the multi-function peripheral  200  serving as an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention. The same reference numbers are assigned to respective members of the multi-function peripheral  200  in this embodiment, which are substantially the same to the respective member of the multi-function peripheral  100  in the first embodiment. The multi-function peripheral  200  includes a scanner unit  101  for reading original documents, an image processing unit  102  for processing image data transmitted from the scanner unit  101  or other units, a data transmission control unit  103  for controlling execution of writing, an attaching detaching detection unit  104  for detecting as to where a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory  107  is attached to a peripheral body serving as an apparatus housing, an accessing unit  105  having a function as a USB interface, and an internal HDD  106  (Hard Disc Drive) serving as an internal memorizing device connected to the data transmission control unit  103 . It is to be noted that the multi-function peripheral  200  of this embodiment includes in addition to the scanner function, a facsimile transmission and reception unit  131  for performing facsimile function, and an electrophotographic printing unit  132  for printing, and in substantially the same manner as the multi-function peripheral  100  in the first embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , the USB memory  107  serving as an external memorizing device can be detachably attached to the multi-function peripheral  200  of this embodiment. 
     More specifically, the scanner unit  101  for reading original documents is an apparatus for reading original documents set on the multi-function peripheral&#39;s feeder such as an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) for paper or set on a glass surface for scanning original documents, and is an apparatus for outputting an electrical signal at an image sensor in reflecting original documents&#39; images upon radiating light out of an exposure lamp or the like to produce prescribed image data. The image processing unit  102  is a signal processing unit for converting the image data read out at the scanner unit  101  into printing data printable or data in a format storable in the USB memory  107 . The image processing unit  102  is a processing unit converting an analog signal from the scanner unit  101  into a digital signal and processing data in a prescribed way of expansion or compression, such as, e.g., edge emphasis, trimming, and page assignment with respect to the digital image signal. 
     The data transmission control unit  103  functions as a controller for controlling execution of writing, stop of writing, and setting as to where to write, with respect to the image data processed in the image processing unit  102 . The data transmission control unit  103  is connected to the internal HDD  106  (Hard Disc Drive) serving as an internal memorizing device, and has a structure capable of transmitting data to the HDD  106 . The attaching detaching unit  104  has a function detecting whether the USB memory  107  is attached to the multi-function peripheral  100  or not as well as whether the USB memory  107  is detached or not. The USB memory  107  is used as it is being inserted into a terminal without turning off the power of the multi-function peripheral  200 , or namely from a so-called “hot plug” function, and when the USB memory  107  is attached to the multi-function peripheral  200 , the attachment is detected to make the USB memory as one of selectable destination of the data. The accessing unit  105  is an interface unit outputting, to the USB memory  107 , image data converted at the image processing unit  102  and retrieving the necessary information from the USB memory  107 , and in this embodiment a USB interface is used. It is to be noted that if a memory card is used in lieu of such a USB memory, a card slot corresponding the memory card becomes the interface unit. 
     The data transmission control unit  103  is further connected to the processing identification information producing unit  201 , and makes a processing on the processing identification information in relation to the corresponding image data. The processing identification information producing unit  201  has a function producing processing identification information when writing the image data to the USB memory  107 , and in this embodiment, the processing identification information is composed of file name, storing destination information, and writing processing flag. The file name is a name where the corresponding image data are presented in a file format, and is given automatically by, e.g., CPU or made by typing input done by the user. The storing destination information is the destination for storing the image data, and in this embodiment, information indicating the USB memory  107  is given to the storing destination information  111  where the USB memory  107  is attached and where the system executes the ScanToUSB memory processing as described below. The writing processing flag is a flag indicating as to whether writing of the corresponding file is completed at the storing destination or not; if the data of one bit indicate “1”, it shows “writing is processing”; if the data of one bit indicate “0”, it shows “writing is not processing.” 
     With this embodiment, the image data are stored upon assignments of page numbers corresponding to the respective pages. The assignments of the corresponding page numbers are made in a manner to sequentially assign each page number to prescribed data with the data transmission control unit  103 . The multi-function peripheral  200  of this embodiment can manage against damaged data in the pages as described below by this method for storing image data. 
     What is connected to the multi-function peripheral  200  thus formed is the USB memory  107  serving as an external memorizing device storing the writing processing information, and in this embodiment, the USB memory  107  includes the processing identification information storing unit  108  and an image data storing unit  109  in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment. The USB memory  107  is detachably attached to the multi-function peripheral  200 . More specifically, a B-terminal of the USB, not shown, is formed as to face to a surface of the apparatus housing of the multi-function peripheral  100 , and when an A-terminal of the USB memory  107  is connected to the B-terminal, the USB memory  107  is connected to the multi-function peripheral  100  without turning off the power of the peripheral in a way as so-called “hot plug,” and the USB memory  107  can be disconnected without turning off the power. Although the USB memory  107  is exemplified as the external memorizing device in this embodiment, other memory cards or electronic apparatuses can be used, and connection between the external memorizing device and the multi-function peripheral can be wired or wireless and includes connections via network or networks using LAN connection or WAN (Wide Area Network) connection, as in substantially the same manner as those in the first embodiment. 
     The USB memory  107 , in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment, can be physically attached by the users at any time to the multi-function peripheral  200 , and can be detached. When the system does not allow detachment of the memory during, e.g., processing of writing, the user may inadvertently detach the USB memory in fact. A writing failed file may be left in the USB memory in case of sudden power-off due to thunder or the like. With conventional multi-function peripherals, a broken file that cannot be deleted at the peripheral is remained in case that the user inadvertently detaches the USB memory or that writing is stopped at the USB memory due to sudden power-off or the like, and therefore, it is necessary to re-insert the USB memory  107  to, e.g., a personal computer to delete the broken file. With the multi-function peripheral  200  according to the embodiment, the USB memory is not required to insert to any apparatus such as, e.g., personal computer because this apparatus works as following procedures. Moreover, with the multi-function peripheral  200 , in a case where a file is damaged in a midway of a page, the data are stored from the incident page by the substituted HDD  106  serving as the internal memorizing device, and at a time that the USB memory  107  is under recovery, the system performs an effective recovery from the data damaged at the midway of the page by transmitting the data out of the HDD  106 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a flow for executing work called as ScanToUSB memory processing in the multi-function peripheral  200  according to the embodiment is described. First, a user manipulates to start the ScanToUSB memory processing. When the ScanToUSB memory processing begins, the original documents set to the scanner unit  101  are read at step S 300 . In this step, a signal corresponding to the set original documents generated with an image sensor equipped at the scanner unit  101  is sent to the image producing unit  102 . The processing identification information made of the combination of the file name, the storing destination information, and the writing processing flag is produced with the processing identification information producing unit  201  at that step. The writing processing flag among data of the processing identification information is particularly produced as to be “1” indicating “processing of writing” because writing operation is to start with respect to the USB memory  107 . 
     Image processing is then executed at step S 301  to convert the signal about the read image into data in a storable format that the user wants. At that time, data, as image file formats, can be converted into some file formats widely used for personal computers, and data are also not limited to those and can be converted to original formats. Users may give information such as, e.g., file size, color information, enlargement or reduction in size, page, grayscale, but with this multi-function peripheral, the USB memory  107  may include those data of the image processing information, and those can be read to be used for processing. 
     At step S 302 , the data are transmitted. This data transmission is for transmitting image data toward the USB memory  107  in accompany with the processing identification information that have been produced at the processing identification information producing unit  201 . Normally, a specific transmission size is predetermined where image data are transmitted to a memory device, and therefore, image data are sent by each in the predetermined size, so that the transmissions are repeated by each in the predetermined size as a loop up to the completion of transmission of the entire image data. At that time, the processing identification information produced at the processing identification information producing unit  201  can be sent as a firstly sent data likewise a header in a signal format. In this embodiment, the page number corresponding to the pages of the image data are added as additional information at the transmission of the image data, and are added to, e.g., the header portion of each page. Where the page numbers are already added on the data format at the transmission of the image data, it is unnecessary to add further any page number, and the information on the page number in the data format can be used as it is. 
     At step S 303 , it is confirmed that the USB memory  107  is recognized using a signal from the attaching detaching detection unit  104 . Where the recognition of the USB memory  107  is confirmed (yes), or in other words, where the USB memory  107  is physically as well as electrically connected to the multi-function peripheral  200 , writing is made to the recognized USB memory  107  (step S 304 ). The processing identification information that have been produced at the processing identification information producing unit  201  is transmitted to the processing identification information storing unit  108  at an initial stage of writing to the USB memory  107 , and the USB memory  107  stores “1” indicating processing of writing as a stored value of the writing processing flag. Hereinafter, the same operation is executed in a loop processing (S 306 ), and writing into the USB memory  107  is made to go on as always confirming the USB memory  107 . Even if the existence of the USB memory  107  is confirmed at first during the ScanToUSB memory processing, the USB memory  107  may be pulled out in a midway, and in such a case, the system makes processing as the condition at step S 303  becomes “No” at that time. 
     It is confirmed as to whether the USB memory  107  is recognized using the signal from the attaching detaching detection unit  104 . If communications with the USB memory  107  are cut off due to a reason such that the USB memory  107  is physically pulled out of the multi-function peripheral  200 , recognition on the USB memory  107  cannot be confirmed (No). In such as case, the program step goes to step S 305 , and the data are written into the HDD  106  serving as the internal memory device. Hereinafter, the same operation is executed with the loop processing (S 306 ), and thereby, the data are further written into the HDD  106 . Writing the image data into the HDD  106  corresponds to information on the page numbers as descried above, and this writing operation is described with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a storing example of the image data. If the scanner unit  101  reads an original document to obtain data of first to fifth pages as the image data, the image data are sequentially transmitted in accordance with page number information where the data are written into the USB memory  107 . As writing into the USB memory goes on, if the user pulls the USB memory  107  out of the multi-function peripheral  200  at a time that the image data corresponding to, e.g., the fourth page are transmitted, the image data corresponding timely to the fourth page become damaged data. At that time, the data from the first to third pages are left in the USB memory  107  as data successfully written. When the user pulls the USB memory  107  out of the multi-function peripheral  200 , the program step goes to the processing of S 305  in the previous processing, and the HDD  106 , as the internal memory device, begins storing the data in lieu of the external memory device. The HDD  106  begins storing from the fourth page image data corresponding to the damaged data, and particularly stores the fourth page and the fifth page in a way to record again from the starting portion of the fourth page image data. 
     If the user thus pulls the USB memory  107  inadvertently out of the multi-function peripheral  200  in a midway of the data transmission, the HDD  106  stores the data from the data corresponding to the page.  FIG. 10  is a flow in a case where the data recovery is made after the user pulls the USB memory  107  out of the multi-function peripheral  200  in a midway of the data transmission. Referring to the flow shown in  FIG. 10 , the example ( FIG. 9 ) in which the fourth page is damaged is described. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a judgment is first made as to whether the USB memory  107  is connected to the multi-function peripheral  200 , and step S 400  shows a procedure in which the USB memory  107  is recognized as connected to the multi-function peripheral  200 . Where the USB memory  107  is not connected, the USB memory  107  is not recognized, and the respective steps in the flow shown in  FIG. 10  do not occur. The processing identification information retrieving unit serving as information retrieving means, not shown, operates to retrieve the stored value in the writing processing flag of the processing identification information storing unit  108  in the USB memory  107 , and it is judged as to whether the stored value of the writing processing flag is “1” or not (step S 401 ). The stored value of the writing processing flag in the processing identification information storing unit  108  is either “1” indicating processing of writing or “0” indicating not processing of writing. If the writing processing flag is “1” indicating processing of writing (yes), the processing goes on as a writing failed file exists. If the writing processing flag  112  is “0” indicating not processing of writing (no), the processing is made to end. 
     If the writing processing flag is “1” indicating processing of writing (yes), re-writing is executed at step S 402 . In this re-writing processing, though data are transmitted from the HDD  106  to the USB memory  107 , data are transmitted in a way to overwrite the damage fourth page image data, and the first to fifth page of the original image data come to be stored at the end of the data transmission. At the end of the data transmission, the storing value of the writing processing flag of the processing identification information storing unit  108  is renewed to “0”, and it shows a status that no writing failed file exists. Subsequently, the fourth page and the fifth page used for overwriting in the USB memory  107  are deleted among the data stored in the HDD  106  serving as the internal memorizing device. The recognition processing on the USB memory is completed by deletion of the data shored in the HDD  106 . 
     As described above, with the multi-function peripheral  200  according to this embodiment, the HDD  106  operable in a substituted fashion stores data dropped out of the USB memory even where some writing failed file is produced in the USB memory due to the USB memory&#39;s inadvertently pulling out, the writing failed file can be deleted by overwriting from the damaged page when the USB memory  107  is inserted again. Therefore, it is unnecessary for users to manipulate the deletion operation upon inserting the USB memory to their personal computer to delete the writing failed file, so that useless files can be deleted surely in a short time. 
     It is to be noted that although in this embodiment it is describe that the image data can be overwritten by a page basis, the apparatus can adapt a system doing re-writing by other image unit basis. The multi-function peripheral  200  according to the second embodiment can be formed with a prescribed display unit, and damaged pages among the image data can be shown. In the embodiments described above, the apparatuses having the scanner function, facsimile function, photocopier function, and printer function are described, but any apparatus can be used for the embodiments as far as the apparatus having a scanner function, and it is not necessary for the multi-function peripheral to have respective functions other than the scanner function. Display of the writing failure at the display unit is not necessarily in texts and can be in forms of icons or illustrations. 
     With the multi-function peripherals according to the embodiments, the peripherals may have plural USB terminals; the internal memorizing device can be a part of an HDD used for photocopier other than the HDD described above; the internal memorizing device itself can be such as, e.g., a memory card, an extended memory, and a memorizing medium in a disc shape; the internal memorizing device can be formed of a server connected through LAN or WAN or formed inside other personal computer. 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention should not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6