Image processing device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a mechanism for suitably suggesting memory capacity according to the configuration of an image processing system. [Solution] This image processing device is a device in which multiple units can be attached and detached. This image processing device maintains the memory capacity of each of the multiple units and determines one or more units among the multiple units that are connected to the image processing device. Furthermore, this image processing device retrieves the memory capacity contained in the one or more units connected to the image processing device from the storage unit and presents the retrieved memory capacity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional image processing apparatus, depending on the size of the image data to be processed, in relation to the scanning function for reading an image on a document sheet and the printing function for forming an image on a sheet, the amount of memory provided in the apparatus may be exceeded, and correct processing may not be possible. In such a case, in order to correctly perform the image processing desired by the user, it is necessary to reduce the size of the image data to match the amount of memory in the image processing apparatus or to add more memory to the apparatus. However, since the situation of insufficient memory cannot be determined visually, it is necessary to notify the user of the situation of insufficient memory. Patent Document 1 proposes an image processing apparatus having a function of notifying the user of the available memory amount.

[0003] Also, in an image processing apparatus, the memory capacity is greatly related to the size and processing speed of the image data that can be processed. Therefore, there is an apparatus that can notify the memory capacity as product specifications on the display unit of the image processing apparatus or as the device's capability information. Such a memory capacity may also be used as a material for customers to select products together with catalog descriptions as an index indicating the capabilities and performance of the product. Also, as a manufacturing company, the memory capacity may be used as a specification value to appeal to customers the capabilities and performance of the product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in a multifunction peripheral (MFP), which is an image processing device composed of multiple units, each unit has its own independent CPU and memory, as well as memory for image processing. The units that make up an MFP include a system controller that controls the entire MFP, and a reader unit, printer unit, and fax unit that perform image processing. Therefore, if, for example, only the memory capacity of the system controller is displayed as the product specification of the MFP, there is a problem in that the amount of memory that the MFP as a whole has not been accurately represented.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above-mentioned problems, and provides, for example, a mechanism for suitably suggesting memory capacity according to the configuration of an image processing system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to, for example, an image processing apparatus in which a plurality of units can be attached and detached, and is characterized by comprising: a holding means for holding the memory capacity of each of the plurality of units; a determination means for determining one or more units among the plurality of units that are connected to the image processing apparatus; an acquisition means for obtaining the memory capacity contained in the one or more units connected to the image processing apparatus from the holding means; and a presentation means for presenting the acquired memory capacity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a mechanism for suitably suggesting memory capacity according to the configuration of an image processing system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example configuration of an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing a network-connected image processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3]A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of each unit in a leader-controller-separated type according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a memory capacity retention table according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a device configuration screen displayed on the main unit's operation panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the processing procedure according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration with the reading unit removed according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of displaying the memory capacity with the reading unit removed according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the processing procedure according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] A block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a reader controller integrated with one embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of displaying memory capacity in a reader-controller integrated unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating the processing procedure according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <First Embodiment> <Configuration of the image processing device> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Referring to FIG. 1, a configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. Note that the image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example of the form of the present invention, and a facsimile apparatus equipped with an image reading apparatus, an inkjet printer, a multifunction peripheral, etc. also fall within the scope of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. Also, in this embodiment, the image processing apparatus may include a post-processing apparatus that performs folding, stapling, etc. for binding printed sheets, and a large-capacity stacking apparatus for stacking printed materials.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes an automatic document feeder 101, a reading unit 102, and a reader controller 103 as an image reading apparatus above the printer engine 104. Inside the printer engine 104, there are a paper feed cassette 105 for loading the paper P, laser scanners 107 to 110 corresponding to YMCK colors, which are electrophotographic printing engines, image forming units 111 to 114, and a fixing unit 118, etc. Also, the printer engine 104 includes a system controller 150, an engine controller 180, and an operation unit 120.

[0013] The system controller 150 is connected to each unit of the entire image processing apparatus 100, integrates and controls them, and realizes operations such as copying, printing, scanning, and faxing. The engine controller 180 is a unit that controls the printer engine 104 that performs image formation by the electrophotographic method. The operation unit 120 receives job operation instructions from the user and has a screen for displaying the status of the image processing apparatus 100 and notification information to the user, and is integrally controlled by the system controller 150.

[0014] <Configuration of the System> Referring to FIG. 2, the system configuration including the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, as an example of this system, a form in which the image processing apparatus 100 is connected to the network 202 and various functions of the image processing apparatus 100 are used from the external apparatus 201 will be described as an example.

[0015] In this system, in addition to directly operating the image processing apparatus 100, it is also possible to use the functions of the image processing apparatus 100 by giving operation instructions related to printing, scanning, and FAX from the external apparatus 201 via the network. Further, it is also possible to display and confirm on the external apparatus 201 the screen itself displayed on the operation unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 main body, or an equivalent screen. The device configuration screen displayed on the main body operation unit 120, which will be described later in the present embodiment, may also be displayed and confirmed on the display unit of the external apparatus 201.

[0016] <Configuration of Each Controller Unit> Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the controller unit of each unit constituting the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The image processing apparatus 100 includes a reader controller 103 for an image reading apparatus (automatic document feeder 101 and reading unit 102), an engine controller 180 for the printer engine 104, and a system controller 150 as controllers for each unit. Note that the image RAMs 155 and 164, which will be described later, may be non-volatile memories (DRAMs).

[0017] The system controller 150 comprises a CPU 151, a ROM 152 for storing firmware, a RAM 153 as system memory for reading and executing firmware, an HDD 154 for storing various data, and an image processing memory 155. The CPU 151 is an example of a computer. The system controller 150 is also connected to the reader controller 103 and the engine controller 180 for communication. The controller firmware read from the ROM 152 is executed by the CPU 151, thereby integrating control of each unit to realize the scanning, printing, copying, and other functions of the image processing device 100. Furthermore, signal lines that transmit electrical signals capable of determining the presence or absence of each unit are wired between the system controller 150 and each unit, and are accessible from software. Therefore, the system controller 150 can determine the presence or absence of each unit as needed.

[0018] The reader controller 103 consists of a CPU 161, ROM 162, RAM 163, and an image memory 164 for scanning image processing. The reader firmware is stored in the ROM 162, and the CPU 161 reads it from the RAM 163, which then performs document feeding and image reading operations of the automatic document feeder 101 and the reading unit 102.

[0019] The engine controller 180 is a controller unit that controls the printer engine 104 and includes a CPU 171, a ROM 172 for storing engine firmware, and a RAM 173. The CPU 171 reads the engine firmware from the ROM 172 into the RAM 173 and executes the process, which enables the printer engine 104 to transport paper and form an image, thereby realizing the printing operation. In this embodiment of the image processing device 100, the image processing to be output to the printer engine 104 is performed by the system controller 150, so the engine controller 180 does not have RAM for image processing.

[0020] <Memory Capacity Table> Referring to Figure 4, the memory capacity table 400, which holds the memory (RAM) capacity of each unit constituting the image processing device 100 according to this embodiment, will be described. In this embodiment, memory capacity refers to the total capacity of RAM physically provided in the image processing device 100, and the unit is Gigabytes (hereinafter abbreviated as GB). RAM of 0.1 GB or less is excluded from the calculation and is rounded down.

[0021] The memory capacity table 400 holds the memory capacities 401 to 404 of the memory of each unit included in the image processing device 100. 401 is the capacity of RAM 153 of the system controller 150, which is used by the CPU 151 to execute the controller firmware, and is 2.0GB. 402 is the capacity of image RAM 155 used by the system controller 150 to store and process image data for image processing, and in this embodiment, it is 1.0GB. 403 is the memory capacity of the engine controller 180, and in this embodiment, the engine controller's RAM 173 has a physical capacity of 0.05GB, which is less than the 0.1GB included in the memory capacity aggregation, so it is 0GB in the memory capacity table. 404 is the memory capacity value of the reader controller, and in this embodiment, the reader controller's RAM 163 is 0.03GB and the image RAM 164 is 1.0GB. Therefore, RAM 163 is excluded from aggregation, and in the memory capacity table 400, it is 1.0GB for image RAM 164.

[0022] The data in the memory capacity table 400 is defined as static data, representing the specifications of each unit included in the image processing device 100, and is pre-stored on the HDD 154. Regarding the image reading device, it is possible to install multiple reading units selected from several types of image reading units according to customer requirements. In this case, the memory capacity table also includes the memory capacities of the multiple reader controllers 103 that can be installed, and defines the capacity corresponding to the type of reader controller 103 currently connected. Furthermore, if the configuration of the image processing device 100 changes, for example, if the memory of an already installed image reading device is replaced, or if other optional devices are connected, the information in the memory capacity table 400 is updated. The update of the memory capacity table 400 is performed according to the device information detected when each device is connected. Alternatively, the memory capacity table 400 may be configured to change according to user input.

[0023] <Screen example> Referring to Figure 5, a screen 500 showing the equipment configuration information according to this embodiment will be described. This is an example of a screen 500 showing the equipment configuration information displayed on the operation unit 120. The screen 500 showing the equipment configuration information according to this embodiment displays the product name 501, the type of the reader's hardware configuration 502, and the memory capacity 503. The type of the reader's hardware configuration indicates whether the reader controller 103, which includes the image RAM 164, is an integrated type mounted on the same electrical board as the system controller 150, or a separate type mounted separately on the image reading device. In the screen 500 shown in Figure 5, in addition to the product name 501, the type of the reader's hardware configuration 502 is a separate type, and the memory capacity 503 is 4.0 GB. The memory capacity 503 represents the total memory capacity of one or more units currently connected to the image processing device 100.

[0024] <Processing Procedure> Referring to Figure 6, the procedure for displaying the device configuration information screen 500 according to this embodiment will be explained. The process described below is achieved, for example, by the system controller's CPU 151 reading the controller firmware from ROM 152 and executing it on RAM 153. The same applies to flowcharts other than those shown in Figure 6.

[0025] First, in S601, the CPU 151 receives a request to display the device configuration screen. Upon receiving the display request, in S602, the CPU 151 reads the memory capacity table 400 from the HDD 154. In S603, the CPU 151 first obtains the memory capacity 401 for controlling the system controller 150 and the memory capacity 402 for image processing, and then obtains their combined value. The obtained combined value is set as a temporary value to be displayed as the memory capacity 503 on the device configuration information screen 500.

[0026] Next, in S604, the CPU 151 checks whether the reading unit 102, including the reader controller 103, is connected. In this embodiment of the image processing device 100, it is also possible to select a configuration in which the reading unit 102 is removed (detached) according to the customer's request. Figure 7 shows the configuration when the reading unit 102 is removed. In this embodiment, the hardware configuration of the image reading device is separate, and the reader controller 103 is implemented inside the reading unit 102. The connection check of the reading unit 102 is determined by whether the electrical connection line between the system controller 150 and the reader controller 103 is active or not. If the reading unit 102 is connected, proceed to S605; otherwise, proceed to S606.

[0027] In S605, the CPU 151 adds the memory capacity 404 of the reader controller 103 as the memory capacity value and proceeds to S606. If there is no connection to the reading unit 102 in S604, the process proceeds to S606 without adding the capacity 404 of the reader controller 103.

[0028] In S606, CPU 151 determines the capacity value to be displayed on screen 500 of the device configuration information, and displays the determined capacity value in the memory capacity 503 on screen 500. If the reading unit 102 is connected, the capacity value displayed is "4.0GB", and if it is not connected, "3.0GB" is displayed as the memory capacity 801, as shown in screen 800 in Figure 8.

[0029] In this way, it became possible to display the accurate memory capacity according to the unit configuration of the image processing device 100. In this embodiment, the engine controller 180 is excluded from the calculation because its memory capacity is less than 0.1 GB. On the other hand, if the engine controller 180 has 0.1 GB or more of memory, that capacity will also be added to the value displayed as the memory capacity on the equipment synthesis screen.

[0030] Furthermore, if other optional units, such as post-processing units, may be connected, the connection status of each unit will be determined and the memory capacity obtained, similar to the determination in S604 above. This allows for the accurate presentation of the available memory capacity according to the connected units. Note that even if an optional unit has memory, if it cannot be used by the system controller 150, etc., it may not be added to the total memory capacity. In addition, although the presentation of the total memory capacity of multiple units has been described here, the memory capacity of each individual unit may be presented separately, either as an alternative or additional method.

[0031] As described above, the image processing device according to this embodiment is a device in which multiple units can be attached and detached. This image processing device maintains the memory capacity of each of the multiple units and determines one or more units among the multiple units that are connected to the image processing device. Furthermore, this image processing device obtains the memory capacity contained in the one or more units connected to the image processing device from the storage unit and presents the obtained memory capacity. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a mechanism that suitably presents the memory capacity according to the configuration of the image processing system, not limited to the memory capacity of the system controller.

[0032] <Second Embodiment> The following describes a second embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to the first embodiment in which the reader controller 103 was separate from the system controller 150, this embodiment describes a case in which the reader controller 103 is integrated. Figure 10 shows a block diagram of the case in which the reading unit 102 is removed in the integrated configuration.

[0033] As shown in Figure 10, the reading unit 102 is physically removed and not connected, but the reader controller 1010, which includes the image memory 164, is mounted on the same circuit board 1000 as the system controller 150. The reader controller 1010 has the same internal configuration as the reader controller 103, and the image memory 164 is also present. In this way, when the reader controller 1010 is provided as an integrated unit with the system controller 150, it exists even when the reading unit 102 is not connected, and its image memory 164 can also be used. Therefore, for the flowchart for obtaining the memory capacity shown in Figure 6, as described in the first embodiment above, it is necessary to determine whether the configuration of the reader controller 1010 is integrated or separate. This flowchart is shown in Figure 9.

[0034] Referring to Figure 9, the processing procedure for displaying the device configuration information screen 1100 according to this embodiment will be explained. The processing described below is achieved, for example, by the system controller's CPU 151 reading the controller firmware from ROM 152 and executing it on RAM 153. The processing from S901 to S904 is the same as that from S601 to S604 in Figure 6, so the explanation is omitted.

[0035] If there is no connection to the reading unit 102 in S904, the CPU 151 determines in S905 whether the reader controller 1010 is an integrated type. If it is an integrated type, the process proceeds to S906, where the CPU 151 adds the memory capacity of the image RAM 164 and proceeds to S907.

[0036] On the other hand, in the case of a separate type, the process proceeds to S907 without adding the memory capacity of the image RAM 164. In S907, the CPU 151 determines the memory capacity value and displays it on the device configuration information screen 1100 shown in Figure 11. Note that the hardware configuration type of the reader controller 1010 is pre-stored in the HDD 154 as hardware configuration information, so the type can be determined by referring to that configuration information. In the case of an integrated reader controller, even if the reading unit 102 is removed, the displayed memory capacity will be "4.0GB" including the image RAM 164, as shown in 1103 on screen 1100. Also, the product name 1101 and "Integrated Type" are displayed on screen 1100 as the reader type 1102.

[0037] As described above, the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment further determines whether the controller of a unit that is determined not to be connected to the image processing apparatus is integrated or separate. Furthermore, even if a unit is determined not to be connected to the image processing apparatus, if the controller of that unit is integrated, the image processing apparatus obtains the memory capacity of that unit from the holding unit. As a result, even if an optional unit is not connected, if the controller of that unit is configured integrally with the system controller, its memory can be used, and the presentation can take into account the memory capacity of those units as well.

[0038] <Third Embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the first and second embodiments described above, a configuration was described in which a table is maintained in advance in which the memory capacity of each unit of the image processing device 100 is statically defined. In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the system controller 150 queries the memory capacity of each connected unit when the image processing device 100 is powered on and creates (updates) the memory capacity table 400.

[0039] <Processing Procedure> Referring to Figure 12, the procedure for generating a table defining the memory capacity of each unit according to this embodiment will be explained. The process described below is achieved, for example, by the system controller's CPU 151 reading the controller firmware from ROM 152 and executing it on RAM 153.

[0040] In S1201, the CPU 151 detects that power has been turned on to the image processing device 100 and starts processing. In S1202, the CPU 151 checks each connected unit. This checking method is the same as the connection checking method for the reading unit 102 in the first and second embodiments described above, and is determined by whether or not the electrical signal line for connection confirmation of each unit is active.

[0041] S1203 queries each connected unit for its memory capacity. S1204 writes the memory capacity values ​​returned from each unit to the memory capacity table 400 and saves them to the HDD 154. The display of memory capacity on the screen showing the device configuration information thereafter is the same as in the first and second embodiments described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0042] In this embodiment, the memory capacity of each unit was obtained by querying it when the image processing device 100 was powered on. However, as described in the first embodiment above, it is also possible to replace the reading unit 102 with a different type of reader controller 103. In that case, when a request to display the memory capacity is made, the system controller 150 may query the reader controller 103 for the capacity and obtain the capacity value, which may then be displayed as memory capacities 503 and 801.

[0043] As described above, the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment queries each connected unit for memory capacity when the image processing apparatus is powered on, and updates the held memory capacity with the memory capacity obtained from each unit. As a result, the image processing apparatus can dynamically determine the memory capacity of the optional units and present the memory capacity that actually takes into account the connected optional units.

[0044] <Variation> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. In the above embodiments, an image reading device was described as an example of a detachable optional unit. However, the image processing device according to the present invention is not limited to this and can also have multiple other units attached and detached. For example, various units such as post-processing devices for stapling and bookbinding, large-capacity stackers for loading large amounts of printed materials, and inspection devices for verifying the quality of printed materials can be attached and detached. If these various optional units are equipped with RAM that can be used by the system controller, it is desirable for the image processing device to also display the memory capacity of these RAMs. In addition to units related to image processing, storage memory such as USB memory or SSD memory may also be connected as optional units. In this case as well, it is desirable for the image processing device to obtain and display the memory capacity in the same way as other optional units.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the acquired memory capacity is displayed on the display unit of the image processing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the acquired memory capacity may be displayed on the display unit of an external device such as a PC that is communicatively connected to the image processing device. Alternatively, the acquired memory capacity may be transmitted to an external device such as a PC that is communicatively connected to the image processing device.

[0046] Furthermore, the above embodiment described how to display the memory capacity of the image processing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may also display the current memory usage and the usage status relative to the memory capacity. In this case, the memory usage for each unit may be displayed.

[0047] The disclosures herein include the following image processing apparatus, control methods thereof, and programs. (Item 1) An image processing apparatus in which multiple units can be attached and detached, A holding means for holding the memory capacity of each of the aforementioned multiple units, A determination means for determining one or more units among the plurality of units that are connected to the image processing device, An acquisition means for acquiring the memory capacity included in the one or more units connected to the image processing device from the holding means, A means for presenting the acquired memory capacity and An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising: (Item 2) The determination means further determines whether the controller of the unit that it has determined is not connected to the image processing device is an integrated type or a separate type. The image processing apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the memory capacity of a unit from the holding means even if the unit is determined not to be connected to the image processing apparatus, if the controller of the unit is integrated. (Item 3) An inquiry means for querying and obtaining the memory capacity of each unit connected to the image processing apparatus when the power is turned on, An update means that updates the memory capacity held in the holding means with the memory capacity acquired from each unit. The image processing apparatus according to item 1 or 2, further comprising the above. (Item 4) The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the presentation means presents the total acquired memory capacity. (Item 5) The image processing apparatus according to item 4, further characterized in that the presentation means presents the acquired memory capacity for each unit. (Item 6) The image processing apparatus according to item 4 or 5, wherein the presentation means further presents the current usage status of the acquired memory capacity. (Item 7) The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the plurality of units include at least one unit of an image reading device, a post-processing device, and a storage memory. (Item 8) The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the memory capacity for each of the multiple units is the memory capacity of the non-volatile memory (DRAM) connected to the CPU included in the controller of each unit. (Item 9) The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the display means displays the acquired memory capacity on the display unit of the image processing apparatus or on the display unit of an external device that is communicably connected to the image processing apparatus. (Item 10) The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the presentation means transmits the acquired memory capacity to an external device that is communicably connected to the image processing apparatus. (Item 11) A control method for an image processing apparatus in which multiple units can be attached and detached, The holding means includes a holding step of holding the memory capacity for each of the plurality of units, The determination means includes a determination step of determining one or more units among the plurality of units that are connected to the image processing device, The acquisition means includes an acquisition step of acquiring the memory capacity included in the one or more units connected to the image processing device from the holding means, The presentation means includes a presentation step in which the acquired memory capacity is presented. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, characterized by including the following: (Item 12) A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an image processing apparatus in which multiple units can be attached and detached, wherein the control method is: The holding means includes a holding step of holding the memory capacity for each of the plurality of units, The determination means includes a determination step of determining one or more units among the plurality of units that are connected to the image processing device, The acquisition means includes an acquisition step of acquiring the memory capacity included in the one or more units connected to the image processing device from the holding means, The presentation means includes a presentation step in which the acquired memory capacity is presented. A program characterized by including the following.

[0048] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0049] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 100: Image processing device, 101: Automatic document feeder, 102: Scanning unit, 103: Reader controller, 104: Printer engine, 105: Paper cassette, 107-110: Laser scanner, 111-114: Image forming unit, 118: Fixing unit, 120: Main unit operation panel, 150: System controller, 180: Engine controller

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus in which multiple units can be attached and detached, A holding means for holding the memory capacity of each of the aforementioned multiple units, A determination means for determining one or more units among the plurality of units that are connected to the image processing device, An acquisition means for acquiring the memory capacity included in the one or more units connected to the image processing device from the holding means, A means for presenting the acquired memory capacity and An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. The determination means further determines whether the controller of the unit that it has determined is not connected to the image processing device is an integrated type or a separate type. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the memory capacity of a unit from the holding means even if the unit is determined not to be connected to the image processing apparatus, if the controller of the unit is integrated.

3. An inquiry means for querying and obtaining the memory capacity of each unit connected to the image processing apparatus when the power is turned on, An update means that updates the memory capacity held in the holding means with the memory capacity acquired from each unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the presentation means presents the total acquired memory capacity.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that the presentation means presents the acquired memory capacity for each unit.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that the presentation means presents the current usage status of the acquired memory capacity.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the plurality of units include at least one unit of an image reading device, a post-processing device, and a storage memory.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the memory capacity for each of the plurality of units is the memory capacity of the non-volatile memory (DRAM) connected to the CPU included in the controller of each unit.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the display means displays the acquired memory capacity on the display unit of the image processing apparatus or on the display unit of an external device that is communicably connected to the image processing apparatus.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the presentation means transmits the acquired memory capacity to an external device that is communicably connected to the image processing apparatus.

11. A control method for an image processing apparatus in which multiple units can be attached and detached, The holding means includes a holding step of holding the memory capacity for each of the plurality of units, The determination means includes a determination step of determining one or more units among the plurality of units that are connected to the image processing device, The acquisition means includes an acquisition step of acquiring the memory capacity included in the one or more units connected to the image processing device from the holding means, The presentation means includes a presentation step in which the acquired memory capacity is presented. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, characterized by including the following:

12. A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an image processing apparatus in which multiple units can be attached and detached, wherein the control method is: The holding means includes a holding step of holding the memory capacity for each of the plurality of units, The determination means includes a determination step of determining one or more units among the plurality of units that are connected to the image processing device, The acquisition means includes an acquisition step of acquiring the memory capacity included in the one or more units connected to the image processing device from the holding means, The presentation means includes a presentation step in which the acquired memory capacity is presented. A program characterized by including the following.

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