Digital copying apparatus with a personal data storage system

• US 6,181,893 B1
• Filed: 03/19/1999
• Issued: 01/30/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Océ-Technologies B.V. (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Océ-Technologies B.V. (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Teeuwen, Peter J. H. M., Roosen, Monica M. W. M., van den Tillaart, Robertus C. W. T. M., Collard, René F. A.
• Primary Examiner(s): MOSES, RICHARD L
• Application Number:
  US09/272,556
• Time in Patent Office: 683 Days
• Field of Search: 399/80, 399/8, 399/81, 399/411
• US Class Current: 399/80
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00384 Key input means, e.g. buttons or keypads electromechanical details of key input means in general H01H13/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00405 Output means output arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00408 Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00411 the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00413 using menus, i.e. presenting the user with a plurality of selectable options H04N1/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00416 Multi-level menus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00432 using tabs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00472 using a pop-up window
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00477 Indicating status, e.g. of a job for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N2201/3219
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0048 Indicating an illegal or impossible operation or selection to the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00482 outputting a plurality of job set-up options, e.g. number of copies, paper size or resolution
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00485 providing a hardcopy output to the user, e.g. print out
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32101 Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32122 in a separate device, e.g. in a memory or on a display separate from image data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32358 using picture signal storage, e.g. at transmitter H04N1/17 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32502 in systems having a plurality of input or output devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32529 of different type, e.g. internal and external devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32539 Detecting or indicating the status of the output devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32545 Distributing a job or task among a plurality of input devices or a plurality of output devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0013 : Arrangements for the control of the connected apparatus by the still picture apparatus arrangements for the control of a still picture apparatus by the connected apparatus H04N2201/0074; control of image communication with the connected apparatus H04N2201/0015
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0039 : Connection via a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0087 : Image storage device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3205 : of identification information, e.g. name or ID code H04N2201/3209 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3221 : of a job number or identification, e.g. communication number

Abstract

A digital image reproduction apparatus including a scanner unit, a printer unit, a memory, an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for the user to give operator control commands to the apparatus, a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment including at least a number of workstations of users, a management unit connected to the scanner unit, printer unit, memory and network connection unit, and, via the network connection unit, to the workstations, which management unit maintains logic storage spaces in the memory, each allocated to a specific user. The management unit, when receiving from a said user'"'"'s workstation a digital data file for printing, stores the file in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes it for printing to the printer unit only on a command from the operator control unit, which command identifies the relevant file, and also, on receipt from the operator control unit of an order for scanning, such job being provided with a user identification, stores the data generated by the scanner unit in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes it to a workstation of the relevant user only on a command from the latter workstation, which command identifies the relevant file. Other files, such as sets of adjustment parameters for printing or scanning processes, can also be stored in the logic storage spaces.

Claims

1. A digital image reproduction apparatus comprising:

a scanner unit,

a printer unit,

a memory,

an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for a user to give operator control commands to the apparatus,

a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment having at least a number of workstations of users,

a management unit connected to the said scanner unit, said printer unit, said memory and said network connection unit, and, via the network connection unit, to the workstations,

said management unit maintaining logic storage spaces in said memory, each allocated to a respective user,

wherein said management unit, when receiving from one of the user'"'"'s workstations a digital data file for printing, stores the digital data file in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes it for printing to said printer unit only on an operator control command from said operator control unit, which operator control command identifies the relevant file,

wherein, on receipt from the operator control unit of an operator control command for scanning, the command being provided with a user identification, said management unit stores the digital data generated by said scanner unit in executing the command in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes the digital data generated by said scanner unit to the workstation of the relevant user only on a command from the workstation of the relevant user that identifies the relevant file,

wherein said management unit, on receiving from the workstation a digital data file for printing, such file being provided with a user identification, checks whether said management unit is already managing a logic storage space for the relevant user, and if that is not the case, adds a logic storage space for the relevant user and stores therein the received digital data file.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, said operator control unit including:

means for a user to set print parameters in accordance with which a print order must be executed by said printer unit, and

means for passing print parameters set by a user, in combination with an identification of the relevant user, to said management unit; and

said management unit including;

means for receiving from the workstation print parameters, also in combination with an identification of the user, and

means for storing the passed and received print parameters in the logic storage space of the relevant user.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3,

wherein, on a command from the operator control unit, such command specifying a user and a group of print parameters stored in the memory,

said management unit reads the group of print parameters out of the logic storage space of the relevant user and transmits to said printer unit for printing a digital data file in accordance therewith.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, said operator control unit including:

means for a user to set scan parameters in accordance with which a scan order is to be executed by the scanner unit, and

means for transmitting scan parameters set by a user, in combination with an identification of the relevant user, to said management unit; and

said management unit including;

means for receiving scan parameters, also in combination with an identification of a user, from the workstation, and

means for storing the passed and received scan parameters in the logic storage space of the relevant user.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5,

wherein on a command from the operator control unit, such command specifying a user and a group of scan parameters stored in said memory,

said management unit reads out the group of scan parameters from the logic storage space of the relevant user and transmits to said scanner unit for scanning a document in accordance therewith and in so doing generating a digital data file.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1,

wherein said management unit manages a directory structure in said memory, the logic storage spaces being formed by directories in the directory structure.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1,

wherein said management unit manages a database in said memory, the logic storage spaces being formed by entries in the database.

2. A digital image reproduction apparatus comprising:

a scanner unit,

a printer unit,

a memory,

an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for a user to give operator control commands to the apparatus,

a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment having at least a number of workstations of users,

a management unit connected to the said scanner unit, said printer unit, said memory and said network connection unit, and, via the network connection unit, to the workstations,

said management unit maintaining logic storage spaces in said memory, each allocated to a respective user,

wherein said management unit, when receiving from one of the user'"'"'s workstations a digital data file for printing, stores the digital data file in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes it for printing to said printer unit only on an operator control command from said operator control unit, which operator control command identifies the relevant file,

wherein, on receipt from the operator control unit of an operator control command for scanning, the command being provided with a user identification, said management unit stores the digital data generated by said scanner unit in executing the command in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes the digital data generated by said scanner unit to the workstation of the relevant user only on a command from the workstation of the relevant user that identifies the relevant file,

wherein the user'"'"'s workstation is provided with a program for communicating with the apparatus,

the program communicating, upon startup thereof, to said management unit giving an identification of the user, and

said management unit, on receiving the communication, checks whether said management unit is already managing a logic storage space for the relevant user and, if that is not the case, adds a logic storage space for the relevant user.

7. A digital image reproduction apparatus comprising:

a scanner unit,

a printer unit,

a memory,

an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for a user to give operator control commands to the apparatus,

a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment having at least a number of workstations of users,

a management unit connected to the said scanner unit, said printer unit, said memory and said network connection unit, and, via the network connection unit, to the workstations,

said management unit maintaining logic storage spaces in said memory, each allocated to a respective user,

wherein said management unit, when receiving from one of the user'"'"'s workstations a digital data file for printing, stores the digital data file in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes it for printing to said printer unit only on an operator control command from said operator control unit, which operator control command identifies the relevant file,

wherein, on receipt from the operator control unit of an operator control command for scanning, the command being provided with a user identification, said management unit stores the digital data generated by said scanner unit in executing the command in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes the digital data generated by said scanner unit to the workstation of the relevant user only on a command from the workstation of the relevant user that identifies the relevant file,

wherein said management unit on receiving from said operator control unit a deferred copying order provided with an identification of a user, stores the digital data generated by said scanner unit in executing the order in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes it for printing to said printer unit only on a command from said operator control unit, which command identifies the relevant file.

10. A digital image reproduction apparatus comprising:

a scanner unit,

a printer unit,

a memory,

an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for a user to give operator control commands to the apparatus,

a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment having at least a number of workstations of users,

a management unit connected to the said scanner unit, said printer unit, said memory and said network connection unit, and, via the network connection unit, to the workstations,

said management unit maintaining logic storage spaces in said memory, each allocated to a respective user,

wherein said management unit, when receiving from one of the user'"'"'s workstations a digital data file for printing, stores the digital data file in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes it for printing to said printer unit only on an operator control command from said operator control unit, which operator control command identifies the relevant file,

wherein, on receipt from the operator control unit of an operator control command for scanning, the command being provided with a user identification, said management unit stores the digital data generated by said scanner unit in executing the command in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passes the digital data generated by said scanner unit to the workstation of the relevant user only on a command from the workstation of the relevant user that identifies the relevant file,

wherein said management unit on a command for this purpose from said operator control unit,

generates a list of users for whom it manages a logic storage space in said memory, and

transmits the list to said operator control unit which in turn displays at least a part of the list on the display for selection by a user,

whereafter said operator control unit interprets a selection made by the user as being an identification of the user.

11. A method of reproducing digital images in a digital image reproduction apparatus having a scanner unit, a printer unit, a memory, an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for a user to give operator control commands to the apparatus, a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment having at least a number of workstations of users;

the method comprising;

maintaining logic storage spaces in the memory, each allocated to a respective user,

storing, upon receipt from one of the user'"'"'s workstations a digital data file for printing, the digital data file in the logic storage space of the relevant user, and passing the digital data file to the printer unit only on an operator control command from the operator control unit, which operator control command identifies the relevant file,

storing, upon receipt from the operator control unit of an operator control command for scanning, the command being provided with a user identification, the digital data generated by the scanner unit in executing the command in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passing the digital data generated by the scanner unit to the workstation of the relevant user only on a command from the workstation of the relevant user that identifies the relevant file, and

checking, upon receipt from the workstation a digital data file for printing, such file being provided with a user identification, whether a logic storage space for the relevant user is already being managed, and if that is not the case, adding a logic storage space for the relevant user and storing therein the received digital data file.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

permitting a user, via the operator control unit, to set print parameters in accordance with which a print order must be executed by said printer unit,

passing print parameters set by a user, in combination with an identification of the relevant user, from the workstation to the apparatus,

receiving from the workstation print parameters, also in combination with an identification of the user, and

storing the passed and received print parameters in the logic storage space of the relevant user.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

permitting a user, via the operator control unit, to set print parameters in accordance with which a scan order must be executed by the scanner unit,

transmitting scan parameters set by a user, in combination with an identification of the relevant user, from the workstation to the apparatus,

receiving the scan parameters, also in combination with an identification of a user, from the workstation, and

storing the transmitted and received scan parameters in the logic storage space of the relevant user.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

managing a directory structure in the memory, the logic storage spaces being formed by directories in the directory structure.

15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

managing a database in the memory, the logic storage spaces being formed by entries in the database.

17. The method according to claim 12,

including, on a command from the operator control unit, such command specifying a user and a group of print parameters stored in the memory,

reading the group of print parameters out of the logic storage space of the relevant user and transmitting to the printer unit for printing a digital data file in accordance therewith.

18. The method according to claim 13,

including on a command from the operator control unit, such command specifying a user and a group of scan parameters stored in the memory,

reading out the group of scan parameters from the logic storage space of the relevant user and transmitting to the scanner unit for scanning a document in accordance therewith and in so doing generating a digital data file.

16. A method of reproducing digital images in a digital image reproduction apparatus having a scanner unit, a printer unit, a memory, an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for a user to give operator control commands to the apparatus, a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment having at least a number of workstations of users;

the method comprising;

maintaining logic storage spaces in the memory, each allocated to a respective user,

storing, upon receipt from one of the user'"'"'s workstations a digital data file for printing, the digital data file in the logic storage space of the relevant user, and passing the digital data file to the printer unit only on an operator control command from the operator control unit, which operator control command identifies the relevant file,

storing, upon receipt from the operator control unit of an operator control command for scanning, the command being provided with a user identification, the digital data generated by the scanner unit in executing the command in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passing the digital data generated by the scanner unit to the workstation of the relevant user only on a command from the workstation of the relevant user that identifies the relevant file,

providing a program in the workstation for communicating with the apparatus,

the program communicating, upon startup thereof, to the apparatus giving an identification of the user, and

checking, upon receipt of the communication, whether a logic storage space is already being managed for the relevant user and, if that is not the case, adding a logic storage space for the relevant user.

19. A method of reproducing digital images in a digital image reproduction apparatus having a scanner unit, a printer unit, a memory, an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for a user to give operator control commands to the apparatus, a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment having at least a number of workstations of users;

the method comprising;

maintaining logic storage spaces in the memory, each allocated to a respective user,

storing, upon receipt from one of the user'"'"'s workstations a digital data file for printing, the digital data file in the logic storage space of the relevant user, and passing the digital data file to the printer unit only on an operator control command from the operator control unit, which operator control command identifies the relevant file,

storing, upon receipt from the operator control unit of an operator control command for scanning, the command being provided with a user identification, the digital data generated by the scanner unit in executing the command in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passing the digital data generated by the scanner unit to the workstation of the relevant user only on a command from the workstation of the relevant user that identifies the relevant file,

including upon receipt from the operator control unit a deferred copying order provided with an identification of a user,

storing the digital data generated by the scanner unit in executing the order in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passing it for printing to the printer unit only on a command from the operator control unit, which command identifies the relevant file.

20. A method of reproducing digital images in a digital image reproduction apparatus having a scanner unit, a printer unit, a memory, an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for a user to give operator control commands to the apparatus, a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment having at least a number of workstations of users;

the method comprising;

maintaining logic storage spaces in the memory, each allocated to a respective user,

storing, upon receipt from one of the user'"'"'s workstations a digital data file for printing, the digital data file in the logic storage space of the relevant user, and passing the digital data file to the printer unit only on an operator control command from the operator control unit, which operator control command identifies the relevant file,

storing, upon receipt from the operator control unit of an operator control command for scanning, the command being provided with a user identification, the digital data generated by the scanner unit in executing the command in the logic storage space of the relevant user and passing the digital data generated by the scanner unit to the workstation of the relevant user only on a command from the workstation of the relevant user that identifies the relevant file,

generating a list of users for in which a logic storage space is managed in the memory upon a command for this purpose from the operator control unit, and

transmitting the list to the operator control unit which in turn displays at least a part of the list on the display for selection by a user,

whereafter the operator control unit interprets a selection made by the user as being an identification of the user.