U.S. patent application number 10/389385 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-17 for job imaging methods, job copying control methods, image forming devices, and articles of manufacture.
Invention is credited to Frederiksen, Dellas G., Fresk, J. Sean, Gunning, Chris R..
Application Number | 20030133168 10/389385 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22657636 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030133168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fresk, J. Sean ; et
al. |
July 17, 2003 |
Job imaging methods, job copying control methods, image forming
devices, and articles of manufacture
Abstract
The present invention includes a printer system and a method of
reproducing an image. One aspect of the present invention provides
a printing system including a scanner including an image reception
device configured to flatbed scan a print job including a plurality
of pages and output image data corresponding to the pages; a print
engine controller coupled with the scanner and configured to
receive the print job including the image data corresponding to the
pages; and a print engine coupled with the print engine controller
and configured to print a plurality of collated copies of the print
job.
Inventors: |
Fresk, J. Sean; (Eagle,
ID) ; Frederiksen, Dellas G.; (Boise, ID) ;
Gunning, Chris R.; (Boise, ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
Intellectual Property Administration
P.O. Box 272400
Fort Collins
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
22657636 |
Appl. No.: |
10/389385 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10389385 |
Mar 13, 2003 |
|
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09179706 |
Oct 26, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/401 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/32358 20130101;
H04N 1/32486 20130101; H04N 1/3248 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/401 |
International
Class: |
H04N 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A printing system comprising: a scanner including an image
reception device configured to flatbed scan a print job including a
plurality of pages and output image data corresponding to the
pages; a print engine controller coupled with the scanner and
configured to receive the print job including the image data
corresponding to the pages; and a print engine coupled with the
print engine controller and configured to print a plurality of
collated copies of the print job.
2. The printing system according to claim 1 further comprising a
storage device configured to store the image data.
3. The printing system according to claim 2 wherein the storage
device, the print engine controller and the print engine are
implemented within a printer.
4. The printing system according to claim 3 wherein the storage
device comprises a hard disk drive of the printer.
5. The printing system according to claim 3 wherein the scanner and
the printer comprise individual devices.
6. The printing system according to claim 5 further comprising an
interface configured to communicate the image data intermediate the
scanner and the printer.
7. The printing system according to claim 1 wherein the print
engine is configured to print the plurality of collated copies
following the scanning of the plurality of pages of the print job
using the scanner.
8. The printing system according to claim 1 wherein the print
engine is configured to print the plurality of collated copies
following the scanning of a last page of the print job using the
scanner.
9. The printing system according to claim 1 wherein the print
engine controller is configured to form portions of individual
copies of the print job to include at least one of duplex pages and
N-Up pages.
10. A method of reproducing an image comprising: providing a
scanner; coupling a printer with the scanner; flatbed scanning a
print job comprising a plurality of pages using the scanner; and
printing a plurality of collated copies of the print job using the
printer.
11. The method according to claim 10 wherein the printing follows
the scanning of the plurality of pages.
12. The method according to claim 10 wherein the printing follows
the scanning of a last page of the print job.
13. The method according to claim 10 wherein the printing comprises
printing at least one page including a plurality of images from a
plurality of the pages.
14. The method according to claim 10 wherein the printing comprises
at least one of duplex printing and N-Up printing portions of
individual copies of the print job.
15. The method according to claim 10 further comprising storing
image data corresponding to the pages within a storage device
following the scanning.
16. The method according to claim 10 wherein the scanning and
printing comprise scanning and printing using individual
devices.
17. A method of reproducing an image comprising: providing a
scanner; coupling a printer with the scanner; flatbed scanning a
plurality of input pages using the scanner; outputting image data
from the scanner which corresponds to the input pages; and printing
at least one output page having image data from plural input pages
using the printer.
18. The method according to claim 17 further comprising storing the
image data before the printing.
19. The method according to claim 17 wherein the flatbed scanning
comprises scanning a print job including a plurality of input pages
and the printing comprises printing a plurality of collated copies
of the print job individually including a plurality of output
pages.
20. The method according to claim 17 wherein the scanning and
printing comprise scanning and printing using individual devices.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a printer system and a
method of reproducing an image.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Printers in conventional arrangements have been configured
to interface with one or more associated computers and to generate
a plurality of images responsive to received page description
language data from such associated computers. More recently, the
roles of printers have been expanded to provide more varied
functions. For example, some printers have been developed to
provide conventional printing operations in combination with an
associated computer as well as to provide operations normally
handled by copiers.
[0003] Such printers can be coupled with one or more accessory
devices to provide enhanced flexibility and an increased number of
functions. Some exemplary printer arrangements are configured to
couple with a scanner accessory device to provide a printer system
capable of typical copy functions. Scanners are configured to
convert images provided upon media into electronic information. The
converted electronic data corresponding to the images can be
transferred to the associated printer. Thereafter, the printer
operates to reproduce the scanned images upon outputted media.
[0004] Conventional scanner arrangements typically include one or
more mechanisms configured to provide scanning of images of pages
to be reproduced. Typical scanner arrangements include an automatic
document feeder (ADF) as well as a flatbed (glass) area. Such
permits rapid reproduction of a plurality of documents having a
common size as well as traditional copying of pages having
different sizes.
[0005] These conventional printer arrangements suffer from distinct
disadvantages. For example, conventional systems fail to provide a
convenient copying process for reproducing a plurality of images
which are originally provided on pages of different sizes. Using
conventional arrangements, a user runs two sets of jobs through the
copier to enable reproduction of a multi-page job from the flatbed
area. A first job is a single copy of all the different sized
originals individually copied from the flatbed. The first copy
provides the images to be reproduced onto paper having a common
size. Thereafter, the first job comprising the multiple images
provided on common sized paper is fed through the automatic
document feeder providing the second job. Such permits the second
print job to be mass copied, collated, stapled, etc. However, some
image quality is sacrificed because the final output job (i.e.,
second job) is copied from a copy (i.e., first job).
[0006] Therefore, a need exists to provide improved devices and
methodologies for copying multi-page jobs from a flatbed area of a
scanner or copier.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention includes a printer system and a method
of reproducing an image. One aspect of the present invention
provides a printing system including a scanner including an image
reception device configured to flatbed scan a print job including a
plurality of pages and output image data corresponding to the
pages; a print engine controller coupled with the scanner and
configured to receive the print job including the image data
corresponding to the pages; and a print engine coupled with the
print engine controller and configured to print a plurality of
collated copies of the print job.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of
reproducing an image comprising: providing a scanner; coupling a
printer with the scanner; flatbed scanning a print job comprising a
plurality of pages using the scanner; and printing a plurality of
collated copies of the print job.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a
method of reproducing an image comprising: providing a scanner;
coupling a printer with the scanner; flatbed scanning a plurality
of input pages using the scanner; outputting image data from the
scanner which corresponds to the input pages; and printing at least
one output page having image data from plural input pages using the
printer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary printer system
of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the printer system
shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of hardware components
of an exemplary printer configuration of the printer system.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of hardware components
of an exemplary scanner configuration of the printer system.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one method for
determining the type of processing to be performed by the printer
system.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating one method for
implementing job binding processing in accordance with the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating one method for
implementing job binding processing of a flatbed N-Up print job in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance
of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote
the progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section
8).
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary configuration of a printer
system 1 according to the present invention is illustrated. The
described embodiment discloses a printer system although the
present invention is applicable to other image forming device
technologies. The depicted printer system 1 comprises a printer 2
and a scanner 3. In general, scanner 3 includes an input device
adapted to receive images to be reproduced. Scanner 3 generates and
outputs image data corresponding to the images to printer 2.
Printer 2 comprises a network printer in an exemplary
embodiment.
[0020] The depicted scanner 3 includes an automatic document feeder
(ADF) 4 to provide automatic feeding and scanning of one or more
documents. Alternatively, flatbed scanning may be provided by
lifting automatic document feeder 4 and placing individual pages
upon a flatbed image reception device 5, such as a flatbed window
of scanner 3. Scanner 3 further includes a user interface 6
configured to display status information regarding operation of
scanner 3. User interface 6 is also operable to prompt a user and
to receive input from a user to control operation of scanner 3.
[0021] An interface (not shown in FIG. 1) couples printer 2 and
scanner 3. Exemplary interfaces include a parallel connection, or
an IEEE-1394 serial bus. Printer 2 includes a print engine (not
shown in FIG. 1) configured to provide an image upon media which
corresponds to received image data. Printed media including the
images are provided to an output bin 7. The depicted printer 2 also
includes a user interface 8 configured to display status
information of printer 2. User interface 8 is also operable to
prompt a user and receive commands from a user.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, a high level functional block diagram
of one embodiment of printer system 1 is illustrated. Printer
system 1 includes printer 2 coupled with scanner 3. An interface 9
is coupled intermediate printer 2 and scanner 3.
[0023] FIG. 2 generally depicts communication channels intermediate
various components and does not depict internal circuitry of the
individual components. Scanner 3 includes a copy processor 10
configured to communicate data intermediate internal components of
scanner 3 with interface 9. Printer 2 includes an input/output
(I/O) port 11 configured to communicate data intermediate interface
9 and internal components of printer 2. In some embodiments, I/O
port 11 is also configured to couple with an external host computer
12. Host computer 12 can be configured to communicate print
description language (PDL) data and other information to I/O port
11 of printer 2.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, hardware of an exemplary printer 2 is
illustrated. The depicted printer 2 comprises a plurality of
storage devices including a single-in-line-memory module (SIMM)
device 13, random-access memory (RAM) device 14, read-only memory
(ROM) device 15, and hard disk drive storage device 16. Storage
device 13 can also comprise a dual-in-line-memory module (DIMM) in
another arrangement. Individual storage devices 13, 14, 15, 16 are
coupled with a bidirectional bus 17 for implementing data
communications within printer 2.
[0025] Additional hardware of the depicted printer 2 includes an
input/output (I/O) port 18, print engine controller 19, print
engine 20, input tray 21, and output and finishing tray 22. Printer
2 additionally includes a processor 23, such as a microprocessor,
configured to control functions of printer 2. Processor 23
communicates with other hardware elements of printer 2 via bus
17.
[0026] I/O port 18 comprises an input/output device adapted to
couple with scanner 3 and host computer 12. Host computer 12 can
include a personal computer or network computer arrangement
external to printer 2. I/O port 18 can comprise a serial interface
and/or a parallel interface which provide communications with
scanner 3 and host computer 12. I/O port 18 receives image data
from scanner 3 and page description language (PDL) data from host
computer 12 for processing within printer 2. Further, other data
can be communicated using I/O port 18.
[0027] Print engine controller 19 and associated print engine 20
are coupled to bus 17 and provide print output capability for
printer 2 in but one embodiment. Sheet media is pulled from input
tray 21 into print engine 20 and subsequently directed to output
and finishing tray 22. Output and finishing tray 22 includes, in an
exemplary embodiment, finishing feature mechanisms such as sheet
registration, binding, stapling, punching, and the like, and may
include one or more bins for collation or "mailbox" usage purposes.
Input tray 21 may also include a plurality of input trays for
varied media selection.
[0028] According to the described embodiment, print engine 20 is a
multi-resolution capable engine. For example, it can print,
selectively, at 600 or 1200 dots per inch (dpi). For purposes of
this disclosure, print engine 18 is a laser printer that employs an
electrophotographic drum imaging system. Other printers are
utilized in other embodiments.
[0029] In general, the operation of printer 2 commences responsive
to the reception of page description language data from host
computer 12 or image data from scanner 3 via I/O port 18. The page
description language data or image data is initially placed in
random-access memory 14. Processor 23 accesses the page description
language data and/or image data, and performs operations specified
by firmware.
[0030] Random-access memory 14 provides main memory storage
capabilities within printer 2 for storing and processing print job
data streams received from host computer 12 and scanner 3.
Random-access memory 14 comprises dynamic random-access memory
(DRAM) in an exemplary embodiment. Read-only memory (ROM) 14
contains firmware which controls the operation of processor 23 and
printer 2 including, for example, the inputting and outputting of
data, rasterizing received data and controlling print engine 20 of
printer 2.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, hardware of an exemplary scanner 3 is
illustrated. The depicted scanner 3 includes a copy processor 10
coupled with a scanner engine 30. Other arrangements of scanner 3
are possible. Copy processor 10 may be configured to provide the
following functionality including: image processing, interfacing
with printer 2, interfacing with and controlling scanner engine 30,
operating user interface 6 of scanner 3, and mapping user settings
to configuration data appropriate for internal processing of
scanned images.
[0032] The depicted copy processor 10 includes an internal
processor 32. One configuration of processor 32 comprises a 16-bit
microprocessor having part designation 68306 available from
Motorola, Inc. The depicted copy processor 10 also comprises a
read-only memory device 34, a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)
storage device 36, plural digital signal processors (DSPs) 38, 39,
plural static random-access memory (SRAM) storage devices 40, 41,
and an I/O port 42.
[0033] During operation, a user can input commands via user
interface 6 shown in FIG. 1. User inputted commands are received by
copy processor 10. Scanner engine 30 is configured to scan provided
images. Scanner engine 30 outputs image data corresponding to the
received images to copy processor 10.
[0034] Communications intermediate scanner 3 and scanner engine 30
include a scanner control channel and an image data bus. Copy
processor 10 can be connected to internal electronics of scanner
engine 30. In the preferred embodiment, copy processor 10 acts as
the master of communications with scanner engine 30 and thus, no
unsolicited data flows from scanner engine 30 to copy processor 10.
An exemplary control channel intermediate processor 32 and scanner
engine 30 comprises a half-duplex asynchronous serial bus at
TTL-levels. A scanner image bus coupled intermediate scanner engine
30 and first digital signal processor 38 comprises a unidirectional
8-bit parallel link providing communications at 10 MHZ in
accordance with the described embodiment.
[0035] Processor 32 preferably controls displays of user interface
6 and also monitors user inputs provided into user interface 6.
Processor 32 can include plural embedded peripherals including a
DRAM controller, timers and UARTs for scanner communication and
debug. Digital signal processors 38, 39 are configured to transfer
image data intermediate scanner engine 30 and interface 9 for
application to printer 2. Such enables processor 32 to control user
interface 6 and PJL and PCL control sequences utilized to provide
image transfers from scanner 3 to printer 2.
[0036] Image data is forwarded from scanner engine 30 into plural
digital signal processors 38, 39. In one embodiment, digital signal
processors 38, 39 individually comprise a part designation PM-44
DSP available from Pixel Magic, Inc. Digital signal processors 38,
39 are operable to provide a plurality of processing functions for
received image data from scanner engine 30. For example, digital
signal processors 38, 39 can be configured for functions including
background removal, filtering, clipping, scaling, block rotation,
resolution enhancement, sideband conversion, etc.
[0037] Individual SRAM storage devices 40, 41 are dedicated to
respective digital signal processors 38, 39 and are available to
temporarily store image data during the processing of the data. The
processed image data is forward to I/O port 42 for application to
printer 2. In particular, image data may be applied to interface 9
for application to printer 2 with PJL and PCL commands implemented
by processor 32.
[0038] Preferably, printer 2 contains appropriate memory to store
the transferred image data. Image data is stored within RAM 14 in
the described configuration. Image data may be applied to printer 2
via interface 9 on a line-by-line basis as soon as processing is
completed within digital signal processors 38, 39.
[0039] Interface 9 is configured to provide additional
communications intermediate printer 2 and scanner 3. For example,
printer status responses and user settings programmed via user
interface 8 of printer 2 may be applied to copy processor 10 via
interface 9. Likewise, user settings inputted via user interface 6
of scanner 3 may be applied to printer 2 via interface 9. Printer
control commands can be outputted via copy processor 10 and applied
to interface 9 and printer 2. In the preferred arrangement, copy
processor 10 is the master of the communications with printer
2.
[0040] Printing system 1 of the present invention is configured to
provide improved processing of multi-page flatbed jobs. Copy
processor 10 requests the user to indicate the type of upcoming
print job. A user initially inputs a command into scanner 3 to
request job binding. Job binding can be utilized to generate plural
collated copies from plural input pages scanned using flatbed
scanning techniques. The user can also indicate whether duplex or
N-Up printing is to be provided within the job binding
operation.
[0041] Thereafter, printer system 1 is configured to provide job
binding operations in accordance with the present invention.
Printer system 1 implementing job binding operations can create
plural collated copies of plural original input pages from flatbed
5 without the need to generate an intermediate copy (also referred
to as a one-off copy of the originals). Such provides improved
image quality.
[0042] During operation in job binding mode, images are scanned
from pages placed upon flatbed 5 by scanner engine 30. Inasmuch as
flatbed scanning is utilized, the scanned pages can have a
plurality of different sizes. The scanned images are applied to
printer 2 via interface 9 and are stored within hard disk drive 16
thereof. If plural collated copies of the original images are to be
made, printer 2 typically will not proceed to make such copies
until the last page has been scanned by scan engine 30. The user
can indicate when no more pages are to be scanned. Following
completion of the scanning operation of the print job, printer 2 is
configured to output plural copies of the print job. The copies may
be individually collated, stapled, etc.
[0043] In some configurations, printer 2 begins to print and output
a first copy of the print job before the last image of the print
job is scanned. However, subsequent copies of the print job are
usually not printed until the last image of the print job has been
scanned. Thereafter, plural copies of the print job can be
generated and outputted.
[0044] Following the receipt of appropriate commands from the user
via user interface 6 indicating a job binding print job, copy
processor 10 is configured to send a "begin job" request to the
printer. This request specifies the number of copies to be made and
the printer destination bin (e.g., stapler, particular mailbox,
etc.).
[0045] Thereafter, copy processor 10 sends a "begin page" request
to printer 3. The "begin page" request specifies the paper source
(e.g., paper size, media type, input tray, or some combination
thereof) for the output page. This request also specifies the
orientation and origin of the output page.
[0046] After printer 3 acknowledges the "begin page" request, copy
processor 10 sends a "begin image" command which can include the
starting position of the image, the color space (e.g., RGB), the
color mapping (e.g., additive gray), the color depth (e.g., one bit
per pixel), the source width and height, and the destination width
and height. Thereafter, copy processor 10 scans the flatbed 5 and
sends the image data to printer 3. After the image data is sent,
copy processor 10 sends an "end image" command. Image data
corresponding to a plurality of scanned pages can be sent for one
output page when N-Up copying is selected. After all data is sent
for one output page, copy processor 10 is configured to send an
"end page" command.
[0047] Since multi-page flatbed jobs include a multiple of input
pages, the user is prompted to put in another input page and press
the go key after individual input pages. The exact prompt depends
upon the options the user has selected (e.g., "place side two of
page X on `glass` for the backside of a duplex page").
[0048] The user can select a "no more input pages" softkey anytime
the user is prompted to put in another input page. When the user
presses this key, copy processor 10 sends the "end page" command to
finish the current output page. Thereafter, copy processor 10 sends
the "end job" command to finish the current print job. An
inactivity timer can be associated with this process. The timer
resets each time the user pushes the "go" or "start" key. If the
timer expires, copy processor 10 acts as if the user has pressed
the "no more input pages" softkey and operates accordingly.
[0049] If N-Up or duplex printing is selected by the user, image
data from multiple input pages are sent per output page. Copy
processor 10 can selectively scale the scanned image data and
provide the starting position and the height and width of
individual image blocks. Copy processor 10 sends only one "begin
page" request per output page. If the user presses a "stop" key
during this process, copy processor 10 sends a cancel job command
to printer 2. If the scanner/printer status changes while waiting
for printer 2 to acknowledge an outstanding request, scanner 3
processes the status event. Some status events may cause copy
processor 10 to return to an earlier state or a device attendance
mode. For example, if printer 2 runs out of paper during printing,
printer 2 enters a device attendance mode wherein scanner 3 prompts
the user to check the status of printer 2. Following the resolution
of the condition requiring attendance, scanner 3 returns to its
previous position in the scanning process. Any timeout counters can
be reset following the device attendance mode.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an exemplary method is
depicted for implementing job binding in accordance with the
present invention. The following procedure can be implemented
within firmware of scanner 3 and executed by processor 32.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 5, procedure for processing a print job
including selection of a copy job type is depicted. It is
determined whether the user has placed pages within the automatic
document feeder 4 at step S10. If it is determined at step S10 that
pages are present in automatic document feeder 4, processor 32
proceeds to step S12 to determine whether duplex-in copying is
selected by the user. Processor 32 begins implementing processing
of a duplex automatic document feeder print job at step S14 if
duplex-in print copying is selected at step S12. Alternatively,
processor 32 begins processing of a simplex automatic document
feeder print job at step S16 responsive to duplex-in copying not be
selected at step S12.
[0052] Responsive to no pages being present in automatic document
feeder 4 at step S10, processor 32 proceeds to step S18 for flatbed
processing and to determine whether job binding is selected by the
user. Job binding is typically selected when the user requests more
than one copy of a print job and collated copies are requested.
Processor 32 implements processing of a multi-page flatbed job at
step S20 responsive to job binding being selected at step S18.
Alternatively, processor 32 implements processing of a single page
flatbed print job at step S22 responsive to job binding not being
selected at step S18.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 6, job binding processing of a multi-page
flatbed print job (indicated in step S20 of FIG. 5) is described
according to one methodology of the present invention. Following
entry into the multi-page flatbed processing mode, processor 32
proceeds to step S30 to scan an image from flatbed 5 following the
user depressing a "start" key.
[0054] Thereafter, processor 32 proceeds to step S32 to prompt the
user via user interface 6 to determine whether another page will be
added to the print job. At step S34, processor 32 awaits input from
the user via user interface 6. If no input is received at step S34,
processor 32 proceeds to step S36 to monitor whether a predefined
time out period has elapsed. If the time out period has elapsed,
processor 32 ends the copy job. If the time out period has not
elapsed as determined at step S36, processor 32 returns to step S34
to await input from the user.
[0055] Responsive to user input being entered, processor 32
proceeds to step S38 to determine whether the "no" soft key has
been depressed responsive to the "add another page to job" query.
Processor 32 ends the copy job if the user has depressed the "no"
soft key. Alternatively, processor 32 proceeds to step S40
responsive to the user not depressing the "no" soft key. At step
S40, it is determined whether the user has depressed the "stop"
key. Processor 32 cancels the copy job if the user has depressed
the "stop" key. Otherwise, processor 32 proceeds to step S42 to
determine whether the user has pressed the "yes" soft key.
Processor 32 returns to step S34 if the user has not pressed the
"yes" soft key.
[0056] Processor 32 proceeds to step S44 to prompt the user to
press the "start" key to continue responsive to the "yes" soft key
being depressed at step S42. Thereafter, processor 32 proceeds to
step S46 to determine whether the user has provided input.
Processor 32 proceeds to step S48 to determine whether a predefined
timeout period has elapsed responsive to a waiting condition at
step S46. The copy job ends if the timeout period has elapsed as
determined by step S48. Otherwise, processor 32 returns to step S46
responsive to the time out period not being elapsed.
[0057] Following user input via user interface 6, processor 32
proceeds to step S49 to determine whether the "stop" key has been
pressed. Processor 32 cancels the copy job if the user has
depressed the "stop" key. Alternatively, processor 32 proceeds to
step S50 to determine whether the user has pressed the "start" key.
If not, processor 32 returns to step S46 to wait for reception of
user input. Otherwise, processor 32 returns to step S32 to scan
another image from flatbed 5.
[0058] The job binding copying process in accordance with the
present invention can additionally implement copying of multiple
input pages via flatbed 5 for a single output page (e.g., N-Up
copying). In particular, processor 32 can query the user whether
additional input pages are desired to finish the current output
page. If so, processor 32 requests the next page and does not yet
send an "end page" command to printer 2. Once it is determined no
more input pages are needed to finish the current page, processor
32 outputs the "end page" command to printer 2.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary flow chart is shown
depicting one methodology for processing a flatbed N-Up print job
in accordance with the present invention. Job binding is utilized
to provide processing of multi-page N-Up print jobs from flatbed 5
of scanner 2. Following the selection of an N-Up print job (e.g.,
2-Up, 4-Up, etc.) and the user presses start, processor 32 proceeds
to step S60 to determine whether there are pages in automatic
document feeder (ADF) 4. If pages are present in automatic document
feeder 4, processor 32 proceeds to step S62 to process the print
job from automatic document feeder 4 in a normal manner.
Alternatively, processor 32 proceeds to step S64 to implicitly
enable job binding. As described below, job binding requests the
user to input whether additional input pages are needed to complete
either a single output page or the print job. A complete print job
is printed via printer 3 following an indication from the user
there are no more input pages to be scanned. Such enables printer 3
to collate, staple, etc. the print jobs as well as provide N-Up
printing from flatbed 5 of scanner 3.
[0060] Following the enablement of job binding, processor 32
proceeds to step S66 and sends a "begin job" and "begin page"
request to printer 2. Thereafter, the input page is flatbed scanned
using scanner 3 and image data corresponding thereto is provided to
printer 2 at step S68. Thereafter, processor 32 proceeds to step
S70 and decides whether more input pages are needed to finish the
output page. Responsive to no more pages being needed, processor 32
proceeds to step S72 and forwards an "end page" command and a
"begin page" request to printer 2. Otherwise, processor 32 proceeds
to step S74 and prompts the user to indicate whether another page
is to be added to the print job. Responsive to the user indicating
no more pages are to be added, processor 32 proceeds to step S76
and sends "end page" and "end job" commands to printer 2.
Thereafter, the scanner enters an idle state. Otherwise, processor
32 proceeds to step S78 and waits for the user to press the "start"
button.
[0061] Processor 32 scans the input page and sends image data
corresponding to the page to printer 2 at step S68 responsive to
the user pressing the "start" button. Alternatively, processor 32
proceeds to step S80 where it is determined whether the
scanner/printer status has changed. Processor 32 processes the
scanner/printer status event responsive to a change in status at
step S82. If the status has not changed, processor 32 proceeds to
step S84 and determines whether the "stop" button is pressed. If
the "stop" button is not pressed, processor 32 returns to step S78.
Otherwise, processor 32 proceeds to step S86 and cancels the
current copy job and scanner 3 enters an idle state.
[0062] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific as to structural and
methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the specific features shown and
described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred
forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,
therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the
proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in
accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
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