JP2007156903A - Printing system and control method therefor, computer program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform appropriate print processing regardless of structural differences in PDF files. <P>SOLUTION: On the basis of data structure of data to be printed which is received from a client terminal, it is determined which processing part performs processing, an RIP processing part of an external controller or an RIP processing part of a printer. On the basis of a determined result, image data obtained as a result of the RIP processing in one of the RIP processing parts are printed by the printer. In such a case, the other RIP processing part performs backup RIP processing, and when processing in the one RIP processing part fails, the processing result in the other may be used. Also, print processing may be performed by using created image data by prioritizing the plurality of RIP processing parts or in order of processing completion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a control method therefor, a computer program, and a storage medium.

  In order to execute printing processing at high speed, a technique has been proposed in which drawing images are generated in parallel by a plurality of processors, and the drawing images are output to a printer or the like in the order generated by each processor (Patent). Reference 1).

  Here, if the print target is a PDF file, the genuine PDF created with Adobe's Distiller and the clone PDF created with a third-party's Distiller, even if there is no difference on the surface of the PDF document, the code of the contents of the PDF file Is different. Such code differences apply not only to PDF files but also to various files such as TIFF, JPEG, and PS (PostScript (registered trademark)).

  When creating a drawing image of such a PDF file with the RIP (Raster Image Processor) of Adobe's genuine PDF that supports PDF direct printing, the drawing image can be generated with no problem with the genuine PDF and can be printed. . However, a clone PDF may not be printed normally due to a problem in generating a drawing image. On the other hand, when sent to the RIP of the clone PDF, the clone PDF is printed without any problem, but the genuine PDF may not be printed normally due to a problem.

In the market, there are many cases where these PDF direct print compatible RIPs exist and PDF cannot be printed normally. Even if both PDFs are successfully processed, the processing speed differs depending on the RIP.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-203609

  As described above, conventionally, even if the same PDF file is used, there is a case where the normal printing process cannot be performed due to the structural difference, or that the knowledge of the processing speed of the RIP process is H.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable an appropriate printing process regardless of the structural difference between PDF files.

  The present invention corresponding to one aspect of the embodiment for solving the above problem is a printing system capable of communicating with a client terminal via a network, and print target data received from the client terminal is printed. An external control device having a first image conversion unit for converting to image data, and connected to the external control device, for converting the print target data received from the external control device into the image data for printing A second image conversion unit, and a printing apparatus that includes a printing unit that performs a printing process based on the image data for printing, and the external control device is configured to convert the print target data into the first image conversion unit. Determining means for determining which data is suitable for performing the conversion in one of the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit based on the structure of the print target data; When the determination unit determines that the print target data is data suitable for performing the conversion in the first image conversion unit, the printing unit obtains the data by the conversion in the first image conversion unit. Print processing is performed using the image data for printing, and the determination unit determines that the print target data is data suitable for the conversion in the first image conversion unit. The printing unit performs a printing process using the image data for printing obtained by the conversion in the second image conversion unit.

  The present invention corresponding to another aspect of the embodiment for solving the above-described problem is a printing system capable of communicating with a client terminal via a network, and print target data received from the client terminal is printed. An external control device having a first image conversion unit for converting to image data, and connected to the external control device, for converting the print target data received from the external control device into the image data for printing A second image conversion unit and a printing apparatus that includes a printing unit that performs a printing process based on the image data for printing, and the printing is performed in the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit. An image conversion unit that performs conversion of the target data into the image data for printing, and corresponds to a predetermined one of the external control device and the printing device When the conversion is successful, the printing unit performs a printing process using the image data for printing obtained by the conversion in the image conversion unit corresponding to the predetermined one. And

  The present invention corresponding to still another aspect of the embodiment for solving the above-described problem is a printing system that can communicate with a client terminal via a network, and print target data received from the client terminal is printed. An external control device including a first image conversion unit for converting the image data into the image data, and the print target data connected to the external control device and received from the external control device into the image data for printing A second image conversion unit for printing, and a printing apparatus that includes a printing unit that performs a printing process based on the image data for printing. In the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit, When the print target data is converted into the image data for printing, the printing unit is the first of the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit. And performing the printing process using the image data of the print obtained succeeded in the transformation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform an appropriate printing process regardless of the structural difference between PDF files.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[System overview]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an implementation system of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 101 as a printing apparatus is a color scanner / printer device capable of full color scanning or printing. The image forming apparatus 101 corresponds to a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

  The image forming apparatus 101 is connected to an external controller 104 via an internal network 102 and a video cable 103 for transferring image data. The image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller 104 constitute a printing system corresponding to the embodiment of the present invention. The external controller 104 is connected to a network system to which the computer terminal 106 is connected via an external network 105.

  The document created by the computer terminal 106 is transmitted to the external controller 104 via the network 105 as PDL (Page Description Language) data that is data to be printed. The external controller 104 develops the received PDL data into an image, transmits the data in a data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 101, and transmits the data to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 103. In addition, a network printer function is also provided in which operation settings at the time of printing and various pieces of information of image data transmitted via the video cable 103 are communicated to the internal network 102 for printing.

  Further, this system has a network scan function for displaying / saving an image scanned by the image forming apparatus 101 on the computer terminal 106. The network scan function is roughly classified into a pull scan function / push scan function according to its operation form. The pull scan function allows the user to issue a scan instruction at the computer terminal 106. In the push scan function, the user can issue a scan instruction on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 101. In this way, the pre-scan function and the push scan function differ in the form of issuing a scan instruction.

  In both the pull scan and push scan functions, the image forming apparatus 101 first reads a document image placed in advance on the scanner unit in accordance with an instruction from the user. Then, the read image is transferred to the computer terminal 106 via the internal network 102, the external controller 104, and the external network 105 in a format suitable for handling by the computer terminal 106.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 101]
With reference to FIG. 2A, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 as an MFP will be described.

  In FIG. 2a, an input image processing unit 201 reads a paper document or the like with an image reading device such as a scanner to generate image data, and performs image processing on the image data.

  A NIC (Network Interface Card) unit 202 passes image data (mainly PDL data) input using a network to the RIP unit. Also, image data and device information inside the image forming apparatus 101 are transmitted to the outside via a network.

  The RIP unit 202 decodes the input PDL data, develops the RIP (Raster Image Processor), and generates bitmap format image data as image data for printing. This image data corresponds to so-called raster image data. Specifically, the RIP unit 202 interprets a code (function) included in the PDF data and a value given to the code, and converts the data into bitmap format image data based on corresponding processing. Further, when a code (function) that is not supported by the RIP unit 202 is included in the PDF file, an error is notified to the MFP control unit.

  Next, the input image data is sent to the MFP control unit 203. The MFP control unit 203 plays a role of traffic control for controlling input data and output data. The image data input to the MFP control unit 203 is temporarily stored in the memory unit 204. The stored image data is temporarily stored or called as necessary. The output image processing unit 205 performs image processing for printing and sends it to the printer unit 206.

  The printer unit 206 feeds a sheet and sequentially prints image data created by the output image processing unit 205 on the sheet. The printed sheet is sent to the post-processing unit 207, where sheet sorting processing and sheet finishing processing are performed.

  Furthermore, the operation unit 208 is for selecting the above-described various flows and functions and instructing operations. With the increase in the resolution of the display device of the operation unit 208, the image data in the memory unit is changed. You can also use it for previewing and printing after confirmation.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 101 as the MFP has various functions and usage methods, and examples thereof are shown below.
A) Copy function: Input image processing unit → Output image processing unit → Printer unit
B) Network scan: Input image processing unit → NIC unit
C) Network print: NIC unit → RIP unit → output image processing unit → printer unit
D) Box scan function: Input image processing unit → Output image processing unit → Memory unit
E) Box print function: Memory part → Printer part
F) Box reception function: NIC unit → RIP unit → output image processing unit → memory unit
G) Box transmission function: Memory part → NIC part
H) Preview function: Memory section → operation section.

[Configuration of External Controller 104]
Next, the configuration of the external controller 104 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2B, a NIC (Network Interface Card) unit 211 passes image data (mainly PDL data) input from the computer terminal 106 or the like to the CPU 213 via the network. In addition, image data and the like created by RIP processing by the external controller 104 are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101. More specifically, the NIC unit 211 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 101 using the internal network 102 or the video cable 103 for transferring image data. Further, it can communicate with the computer terminal 106 and the like via the network 105.

  The RIP unit 212 decodes input PDL (Page Description Language) data, develops the RIP (Raster Image Processor), and generates bitmap format image data. When a code (function) that is not supported by the RIP unit 212 is included in the PDF file, the CPU 213 is notified of an error.

  The CPU 213 controls the overall operation of the external controller 104. Further, it is possible to determine whether the received PDF file is genuine or non-genuine (clone), and determine whether or not to perform RIP processing of the received PDF file in the RIP unit.

  The memory unit 214 is a storage unit for temporarily storing a received PDF file and image data created by RIP processing.

[MFP control unit]
The configuration of the MFP control unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the MFP control unit 203 is roughly composed of four parts. That is, an input device management unit 301 that manages input devices, an input job control unit 302 that interprets input jobs, an output job control unit 303 that organizes job setting information, and an output device management unit 304 that allocates output devices It is.

  The input device management unit 301 plays a role of organizing input signals input to the MFP control unit 301 and determining a switching order. An input device control unit 305 exists in the input device management unit 301. The input device control unit 305 can handle signals input from outside the MFP, such as a scanned image signal of a paper document via the input image processing unit 201 and PDL data from a network via the NIC unit. In addition, the image data stored in the memory unit 204 can be reprinted, and a signal processed in the image forming apparatus 101 can be handled in cooperation with the RIP unit 202 and the output image processing unit 205.

  Next, the input job control unit 302 includes a protocol interpretation unit 308 and a job generation unit 309. A series of operation requests sent from the input device control unit 301 is received by a command signal called a command (protocol), and an outline of the operation request is interpreted by the protocol interpretation unit 308 and understood inside the image forming apparatus 101. It is converted into an operational procedure that can be performed. The job generation unit 309 generates various jobs such as a print job, a scan job, a PDL development job, and a fax reception job according to the interpretation result in the protocol interpretation unit 308. The generated job is defined in each scenario such as what kind of processing is performed inside the image forming apparatus 101 and where it is sent, and flows inside the apparatus according to the scenario.

  The output job control unit 303 includes a job analysis unit 310, a binder analysis unit 311, a document analysis unit 312, and a page analysis unit 313.

  The job analysis unit 310 includes job setting information 314 (generally called a job ticket) related to the entire job, such as the name of the document to be printed, the number of copies to be printed, the output tray designation of the output destination, and the binder order of the job composed of a plurality of binders. ) Analyze details. The binder analysis unit 311 analyzes details of the setting information 315 relating to the entire binder, such as the bookbinding method setting, the staple position, and the document order of the binder composed of a plurality of documents.

  The document analysis unit 312 analyzes the details of the setting information 316 related to the entire document, such as the page order of a document composed of a plurality of pages, designation of double-sided printing, and addition of a cover or slip sheet. The page analysis unit 313 analyzes the details of the setting information 317 relating to the entire various setting pages such as the image resolution and the image orientation (landscape / portrait) and calls the RIP unit 202 when PDL data is input. Apply rasterization. In generating image information, the RIP unit 202 is called and page image information 318 is generated by rasterization processing. The page image information 318 is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 319 and then associated with each setting information of the setting information 314 to 317 and stored in the memory unit 204.

  The output device management unit 304 includes a device allocation unit 320 and an output device control unit 321. The image information stored in the memory unit 204 is decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 319 and read together with the associated setting information, and the setting information and the image information are paired and sent to the output device management unit 304. . The device assignment unit 320 performs arbitration when assigning a plurality of jobs to devices. In other words, when an output device is allocated based on each defined job scenario, if a plurality of jobs are processed at the same time, device conflict occurs, and the device allocation unit 320 performs arbitration. The output device control unit 321 schedules which device to use, such as a printer unit or a post-processing unit, according to the arbitration result in the device allocation unit 320.

[Operation section]
Next, a configuration example of the operation unit 208 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows an example of the appearance of the operation unit 208 of the image forming apparatus 101. Here, the operation unit 208 includes a key input unit 401 and a touch panel unit 402.

  First, the key input unit 401 is a key input part capable of performing routine operation settings. The operation unit power switch 403 switches between a standby mode (normal operation state) and a sleep mode (a state in which the main controller is waiting for an interrupt to reduce power consumption in preparation for network printing or facsimile). . As a result, the operation mode can be controlled while the main power switch for supplying power to the entire system is kept in the ON state.

  A power saving key 404 is a key for shifting the image forming apparatus 101 to a power saving mode in which the control temperature of the fixing device is lowered in the standby mode. In this power saving mode, it takes time to return to a printable state, but power consumption can be suppressed. In addition, the control temperature can be changed by setting the power saving rate.

  The start key 405 is a key for instructing the start of copying or transmission, and the stop key 406 is a key for interrupting the operation. The numeric keypad 407 is a key for performing various setting numbers, and the clear key 408 is a key for canceling the numerical values. An ID key 409 is a key for inputting a preset password in order to authenticate the operator of the MFP.

  The reset key 410 is a key for invalidating various settings and returning to a default state. A help key 411 is a key for displaying guidance and help, and a user mode key 412 is a key for shifting to a system setting screen for each user.

  A counter confirmation key 413 is a key for displaying the number of printed sheets stored in a software counter for counting the number of printed sheets in the image forming apparatus 101. In the present embodiment, the number of output sheets can be displayed in accordance with an operation mode such as copy / print / scan / fax, a color mode such as color / monochrome, and a paper size such as large / small.

The image contrast dial 414 is a dial for adjusting the visibility of the screen by adjusting the backlight of the liquid crystal display of the touch panel unit.
The execution / memory lamp 415 is a lamp that blinks to notify during execution of a job or access to a memory. The error lamp 416 is a lamp that blinks to notify when an job cannot be executed, an error such as a serviceman call, or an operator call that notifies a jam or out of consumables.

  Next, the touch panel unit 402 includes a touch panel display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a transparent electrode attached to the surface thereof. The touch panel unit 402 is pre-programmed to detect when a finger touches the transparent electrode corresponding to the key displayed on the LCD and display an operation screen for each selected key, for example. FIG. 4 shows an initial screen in the standby mode, and various operation screens can be displayed according to the setting operation.

  A copy tab 417 is a tab key for transitioning to a copy operation operation screen. A transmission tab 418 is a tab key for transitioning to an operation screen for instructing a transmission operation such as fax or E-mail transmission. A box tab 419 is a tab key for transitioning to a screen for inputting / outputting a job to / from a box (storage means for storing a job for each user). An option tab 420 is a tab key for setting extended functions such as scanner settings.

A system monitor key 421 is a key for displaying the state and status of the MFP. By selecting each tab, it is possible to transition to each operation mode.
The color selection setting key 422 is a key for selecting in advance whether color copy, black-and-white copy, or automatic selection. The magnification setting key 423 is a key for transitioning to a screen for setting magnification such as equal magnification, enlargement, and reduction. A duplex setting key 424 is a key for transitioning to a screen for selecting single-sided printing or double-sided printing. A paper selection key 425 is a key for transitioning to a screen for selecting a paper feed stage, paper size, and media type. The image mode setting key 433 is a key for selecting an image mode suitable for a document image such as a character mode or a photo mode. The density setting key 426 is a key for adjusting the output image to be darker or lighter.

  Next, the status display unit 427 is a display unit that performs simple status display such as a standby state, during warm-up, jam, and error. The magnification display unit 428 is a display unit that displays the magnification set by the magnification setting key. The paper size display unit 429 is a display unit that displays the paper size and mode set by the paper size setting key. The sheet number display unit 430 is a display unit that displays the number of sheets designated by the numeric keypad and displays what number is being printed during operation.

  Further, the interrupt key 431 is used when another job is interrupted during the copying operation, and the application mode key 432 is used for various image processing and layout such as page continuous shooting, cover / interleaf setting, reduced layout, and image movement. It is a key for transitioning to a screen for setting such as.

[Printer section]
Next, the printer unit 206 will be described with reference to FIG. An outline of the operation of each part from the power OFF state to the operation start ready state will be described. First, when the power is turned on, the printer unit 206 instructs the scanner unit 501, the laser exposure unit 502, the image forming unit 503, the fixing unit 504, and the paper feeding / conveying unit 505 to start a preparation operation. Also, it waits for the start of communication with the MFP control unit 203 that manages the entire image forming apparatus 101. When communication with the MFP control unit 203 is established, the device specifications are exchanged with each other.

  Thereafter, when the preparation operation of each unit is completed and the image forming operation is enabled, the MFP control unit 203 is notified that the operation is possible. The printer unit 206 notifies the MFP control unit 203 of the device status of each unit. First, the sheet feeding / conveying unit 505 determines the size of the sheets stored in the storage, the remaining amount of sheets stored in the storage (loading amount), the operating state of the driving unit (operable or in failure) Is detected and notified. Next, the image forming unit 503 notifies the amount of toner stored in the toner storage container.

  Next, an outline of the operation of each unit from when the operation instruction is notified from the MFP control unit 203 in the operation startable state until a series of print operations are executed and finished will be described.

  First, the MFP control unit 203 notifies the printer unit 206 of an operation start command. Upon receiving the operation start command, the printer unit 206 instructs the laser exposure unit 502, the image forming unit 503, the paper feeding / conveying unit 505, and the fixing unit 504 to start the printing operation. The laser exposure unit 502 starts rotation of a motor (polygon motor) that drives the polygon mirror 506. The image forming unit rotates and drives the photosensitive drum 507 to charge the photosensitive drum 507.

  The fixing unit 504 turns on the fixing heater, and raises the toner on the sheet to a temperature at which the toner can be fixed to the sheet. The paper feeding / conveying unit 505 is in a state where the driving unit (motor) can be conveyed. When the operation preparation of each part of the apparatus is completed, the printer unit 206 notifies the MFP control unit 203 of the completion of preparation. Upon receiving the preparation completion notification from the printing unit 206, the MFP control unit 203 next instructs a printing operation for each page. For example, if the print job is 10 pages or 20 copies, the MFP control unit 203 issues a 200 page print operation instruction.

  When receiving the print operation instruction, the print unit 206 issues a paper feed instruction to the paper feed / conveyance unit 505. If the sheet can be fed, the sheet feeding / conveying unit 505 feeds and conveys one sheet, and notifies the printing unit 206 of arrival at a predetermined position when the sheet reaches a predetermined position. If the sheet cannot be fed, such as when there is no sheet in the sheet storage 507, the printing unit 206 is notified that the sheet cannot be fed. Further, the sheet feeding / conveying unit 505 detects a multi-feed detection sensor that detects that the sheets are conveyed on the conveyance path (multi-feed state), or a thickness detection sensor that detects the thickness of the sheet. And so on. When these sensors detect a double feed or an abnormal state, the paper feeding / conveying unit 505 interrupts the paper feeding operation and the conveying operation and notifies the printing unit 206 of the abnormality.

  In this case, the print unit 206 notifies the MFP control unit 203 of the reason for interrupting the operation, the position of the sheet remaining in the apparatus, and the like. When the sheet is normally conveyed and reaches a predetermined position, the printing unit 206 instructs the image forming unit 503 to start image formation in response to the notification of arrival of the predetermined position of the sheet from the paper feeding / conveying unit 505. By this timing control, the toner image is transferred onto the sheet. The fixing unit 504 monitors the temperature of the fixing unit 504 and controls the fixing unit 504 to have an appropriate fixing temperature. However, when the amount of heat that the sheet takes away from the fixing unit 504 is large, the temperature of the fixing unit 504 may decrease.

  In this case, the fixing unit 504 notifies the printing unit 206 of a decrease in the temperature of the fixing unit 504. Upon receiving this notification, the printing unit 206 leaves a sheet conveyance interval so that the fixing unit 504 does not further decrease in temperature. To do. If the temperature of the fixing unit 504 still does not return, the operation is temporarily interrupted, and after the temperature returns, control is resumed. When the discharge of all sheets is completed, the print unit 206 instructs each unit to stop the operation, receives an operation stop notification from each unit, and notifies the MFP control unit 203 of the end of the operation.

[Post-processing section]
Next, the configuration of the post-processing unit 207 as an inline finisher unit will be described with reference to FIG. The sheet discharged from the fixing unit 504 of the printer unit 206 enters the post-processing unit 207 when the post-processing unit 207 is connected. The post-processing unit 207 includes a sample tray 601 and a stack tray 602, which are switched and discharged according to the type of job and the number of discharged sheets.

  First, there are two sort methods: a bin sort method that has a plurality of bins and sorts each bin, and an electronic sort function and a bin (or tray) are shifted in the forward direction to sort output sheets for each job. There is a shift sort method. The electronic sort function is called collate, and if the core unit has a large-capacity memory, this memory can be used as a buffer memory to change the buffered page order and discharge order. By using such a collating function, an electronic sorting function can also be supported.

In such a sort function, output sheets are sorted for each job, but in the group function, sorting can be performed for each page.
Further, when the stapling mode is set for the output job, the output job is controlled to be discharged to the stack tray 602. At that time, before being discharged to the stack tray 602, sheets are sequentially stored in the processing tray 604 inside the finisher 603 for each job, bound by the stapler 605, and then the bundle of recording paper is discharged to the stack tray 602. Is done.

  In addition to the above two trays (601 or 602), there is a Z folding machine 606 for folding paper into a Z shape, and a puncher 607 for punching two (or three) holes for files, Each process can be performed according to the type of job.

  For example, let us consider a case where the user has made Z-folding processing settings via the operation unit as settings related to sheet processing for a job to be output. Folding processing is executed on the recording paper of the job by the Z-folding machine 606, and then the paper is passed through the machine and discharged onto a discharge tray such as the stack tray 602 and the sample tray 601.

  Further, for example, a case is considered in which the punch processing setting is made by the user via the operation unit 208 as the setting regarding the sheet processing for the job to be output. Punch processing by the puncher 607 is performed on the recording paper of the job, and then the paper is controlled to pass through the apparatus and be discharged onto a discharge tray such as the stack tray 602 and the sample tray 601.

  Further, the saddle stitcher 608 binds the central portion of the sheet at two places, and then folds the sheet by biting the central portion of the sheet with a roller to create a booklet like a brochure (bookbinding processing). Do. The sheets bound by the saddle stitcher 608 are discharged to the booklet tray 609. Whether or not a sheet processing operation such as bookbinding processing by saddle stitching can be performed is also based on the sheet processing setting set by the user for the job to be output as described above.

  The inserter 610 is for sending a sheet set on the insert tray 611 to one of the discharge trays such as the stack tray 602 and the sample tray 601 without passing through the printer. As a result, a sheet set on the inserter 610 can be inserted (inserted) between sheets fed to the post-processing unit 207 (sheets printed by the printer unit). The insert tray 611 of the inserter 610 is set face-up by the user, and is fed sequentially from the uppermost sheet by a pickup roller.

  Accordingly, the sheet from the inserter 610 is discharged to the stack tray 602 or the sample tray 601 as it is and is discharged face down. When sending to the saddle stitcher 608, the face is aligned by sending it back to the puncher 607 and then switching back. Whether or not a sheet processing operation such as a sheet insertion process by the inserter 610 can be executed is also based on the sheet processing setting set by the user for the job to be output as described above.

  Next, the trimmer 612 (cutting machine) will be described. The output made into a booklet (saddle stitch booklet) by the saddle stitcher 608 enters this trimmer 612. At that time, the output of the booklet is first fed by a predetermined length by the roller, cut by a predetermined length by the cutter unit 613, and dispersed among a plurality of pages in the booklet. The edges that were left will be neatly aligned. Then, it is stored in the booklet hold unit 614. Whether or not a sheet processing operation such as cutting processing by the trimmer 612 can be executed is also based on the sheet processing setting set by the user for the job to be output as described above.

[First Embodiment]
Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process corresponding to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the external controller 104 has a genuine PDF file, and the image forming apparatus 101 has a RIP processing system that processes a non-genuine PDF file. That is, the RIP unit 202 corresponds to a non-genuine PDF file, and the RIP unit 212 corresponds to a genuine PDF file. Here, the genuine PDF file refers to a PDF file created by Adobe's Distiller. On the other hand, a non-genuine PDF file refers to a clone PDF created by a third party Distiller.

  First, in step S701, the external controller 104 receives a PDF file print instruction from the computer terminal 106, which is a client terminal. In step S702, the CPU 213 of the external controller 104 determines whether the received PDF file is a genuine PDF. That is, in this step, it is determined whether the received PDF file is data suitable for processing by the RIP unit 202 or data suitable for processing by the RIP unit 212. This determination can be made based on the data structure of the PDF file, more specifically, the code constituting the file.

  More specifically, an example of codes of a genuine PDF file and a non-genuine PDF file is as shown in FIG. FIG. 11A shows an example of a code of a genuine PDF file, and FIG. 11B shows an example of a code of a non-genuine PDF file.

  First, in FIG. 11A, the code includes at least a creation date (Creation Date) 1101, a creator (Producer) 1102, and a title (Title) 1103. Here, in the generation date 1101, the time information generated for the PDF file is registered. The creator 1102 registers “Adobe” or “Acrobat (registered trademark)” if it is a genuine PDF file. In the title 1103, the name of the PDF file is registered.

  Next, in FIG. 11B, the code includes at least a creation date 1111, a producer 1112, and a title 1113. Here, in the generation date 1111, the time information generated for the PDF file is registered. The creator 1112 registers contents other than “Adobe” or “Acrobat” if the file is a non-genuine PDF file. In the title 1113, the name of the PDF file is registered.

  Thus, the value given for “Producer” in the code differs between the genuine PDF file and the non-genuine PDF file.

  Therefore, in step S702 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether the PDF file is a genuine file based on whether the value of “Producer” in the code is “Adobe”, “Acrobat”, or other values. can do. If it is determined to be genuine (“YES” in step S702), RIP processing is executed in the RIP unit 212 of the external controller 104 in step S703. After the RIP process, the external controller 104 transmits the image data to the image forming apparatus 101 in step S704. In step S <b> 705, the image forming apparatus 101 executes print processing of image data transmitted from the external controller 104 in the printer unit 206.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S702 that the PDF file is non-genuine (“NO” in step S702), the process proceeds to step S706. In step S <b> 706, the PDF file is transmitted from the external controller 104 to the image forming apparatus 101. In the subsequent step S707, RIP processing is executed in the RIP unit 202 of the image forming apparatus 101, and printing processing of the image data subjected to RIP development is executed in step S708.

  In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform processing by selecting an appropriate RIP processing unit according to the type of PDF file (genuine / non-genuine). Can support printing.

  In the above description, only the PDF file has been described. However, the file is not limited to the PDF file, and any file that has different codes due to various generation processes such as TIFF, JPEG, PS, etc. is the same as the PDF file. Can be applied to.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the external controller 104 has a genuine PDF file, and the image forming apparatus 101 has a RIP processing system that processes a non-genuine PDF file. That is, the RIP unit 202 corresponds to a non-genuine PDF file, and the RIP unit 212 corresponds to a genuine PDF file.

  In the first embodiment, the genuine file is processed by the external controller 104 and the non-genuine file is processed by the image forming apparatus 101 side. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the roles of the image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller 104 are the same, but not only one of them performs the RIP process, but also considers the case where the process has failed, as a backup. The other feature is that the RIP process is performed on the other side.

  Hereinafter, a case where the file transmitted from the computer terminal 106 to the external controller 104 is a genuine PDF file (Embodiment 2-A) and a non-genuine file (Embodiment 2-B) will be described separately.

[Embodiment 2-A]
First, a case where a genuine PDF file is transmitted from the computer terminal 106 to the external controller 104 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing corresponding to the present embodiment.

  First, in step S801, the external controller 104 receives a PDF file print instruction from the computer terminal 106, which is a client terminal. In step S802, the CPU 213 of the external controller 104 determines whether the received PDF file is a genuine PDF. This determination method is the same as in the first embodiment.

  In subsequent step S <b> 803, the external controller 104 transmits the PDF file to the image forming apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 101. In this transmission file, based on the genuine / non-genuine discrimination result (genuine here) of the received PDF file, an instruction as to whether or not to perform RIP processing in the main or backup (here, an instruction to perform processing as a backup) Is added. In addition, the external controller 104 stores whether the RIP process is performed as main or backup (here, the RIP process is performed as the main).

  When the PDF file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101, in step S804, the external controller 104 and the image forming apparatus 101 perform RIP processing of the PDF file. In step S805, the CPU 213 determines whether or not the RIP process on the main side (in this case, the external controller 104) has succeeded.

  Here, RIP expansion of a PDF file normally succeeds in RIP processing if the RIP units 202 and 212 support codes (functions) included in the PDF file. However, a genuine PDF file and a non-genuine PDF file include a common code (function), while there are codes (functions) that are supported by genuine but not supported by non-genuine or vice versa. Even codes using the same name may not be compatible due to different processing methods. In such a case, the value given for the code can be processed by the genuine RIP unit 212, but the non-genuine RIP unit 202 becomes an invalid value and the processing fails or vice versa.

  Accordingly, in step S804, for example, if the code with the same name is not compatible (the processing method is different) and is determined to be an invalid value during development, it is determined that the processing has failed. Further, when a PDF including unsupported code is expanded, it is determined as a failure when a code that cannot be expanded is detected during the RIP process.

  The RIP unit 212 notifies the CPU 213 of an error when the RIP process fails, and notifies the CPU 213 of the completion of the process when the RIP process is successful. The created image data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 214.

  If it is determined in step S805 that the RIP process on the main side (external controller 104) has succeeded (“YES” in step S805), the process proceeds to step S806. On the other hand, when it is determined that the main-side RIP process has failed ("NO" in step S805), the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S806, if the image forming apparatus 101 is in the RIP process, the external controller 104 on the main side notifies the image forming apparatus 101 of the suspension and transmits an instruction to delete the created data. Thereafter, the image data created by the RIP process of the external controller 104 and a print instruction for the image data are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101. In step S808, the image forming apparatus 101 prints the received image data in response to the print instruction.

  In step S <b> 807, the main external controller 104 transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 to execute a printing process with the created image data after the RIP process of the image forming apparatus 101 is completed. In the subsequent step S808, the image forming apparatus 101 executes print processing of the created image data based on a print instruction from the external controller 104 after completion of the RIP processing.

[Example 2-B]
Next, a case where a non-genuine PDF file is transmitted from the computer terminal 106 to the external controller 104 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S801, the external controller 104 receives a PDF file print instruction from the computer terminal 106, which is a client terminal. In step S802, the CPU 213 of the external controller 104 determines whether the received PDF file is a genuine PDF. This determination method is the same as in the first embodiment.

  In subsequent step S <b> 803, the external controller 104 transmits the PDF file to the image forming apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 101. In this transmission file, based on the genuine / non-genuine discrimination result (non-genuine here) of the received PDF file, an instruction (in this case, whether or not the RIP processing is to be performed on the image forming apparatus 101 side as main or backup) An instruction to perform processing as a main) is added. In addition, the external controller 104 stores whether the RIP processing is performed as main or backup (here, the RIP processing is performed as backup).

  When the PDF file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101, in step S804, the external controller 104 and the image forming apparatus 101 perform RIP processing of the PDF file in the RIP unit 213 and the RIP unit 202, respectively. In step S805, the MFP control unit 203 determines whether or not the RIP processing on the main side (in this case, the image forming apparatus 101) is successful.

  If it is determined in step S805 that the RIP process on the main side (image forming apparatus 101) has been successful (“YES” in step S805), the process proceeds to step S806. On the other hand, when it is determined that the main-side RIP process has failed ("NO" in step S805), the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S806, if the external controller 104 is in RIP processing, the main image forming apparatus 101 notifies the external controller 104 of the cancellation and transmits an instruction to delete the created data. Thereafter, in step S808, the image data created by the RIP process of the image forming apparatus 101 is printed.

  In step S 807, the main image forming apparatus 101 transmits an instruction to the external controller 104 to transmit the created image data to the image forming apparatus 101 after completion of the RIP processing of the external controller 104. In subsequent step S <b> 808, the image forming apparatus 101 executes print processing of the image data received from the external controller 104.

  According to this embodiment, in addition to selecting and processing an appropriate RIP processing unit according to the type of PDF file (genuine / non-genuine), other RIP processing units perform processing in parallel, Backup can be performed when the main RIP process fails.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the external controller 104 has a genuine PDF file, and the image forming apparatus 101 has a RIP processing system that processes a non-genuine PDF file. That is, the RIP unit 202 corresponds to a non-genuine PDF file, and the RIP unit 212 corresponds to a genuine PDF file.

  In the first and second embodiments, the type of the PDF file received by the external controller 104 is determined, and the RIP process is performed by the external controller 104 if it is genuine, or by the image forming apparatus 101 if it is non-genuine. It was. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, priorities are assigned to image data created by the RIP process between the external controller 104 and the image forming apparatus 101. In addition, when the external controller 104 receives a PDF file for printing purposes, it is characterized in that it uses the image data having a high priority among the image data created by the successful RIP process and performs the printing process. is there.

  Here, a printing process corresponding to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process corresponding to the present embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, it is assumed that the priority order of the image data created in the RIP process in the external controller 104 is higher than the priority order of the image data created in the RIP process in the image forming apparatus 101.

  First, in step S901, the external controller 104 receives a PDF file print instruction from the computer terminal 106, which is a client terminal. In step S <b> 902, the external controller 104 transmits the received PDF file to the image forming apparatus 101.

  In the subsequent step S903, the external controller 104 and the image forming apparatus 101 perform RIP processing on the received PDF file, respectively. Next, in step S904, it is determined whether or not the external controller 104 having a higher priority has succeeded in the RIP process. This determination method is the same as in the second embodiment. If the external controller 104 succeeds in the RIP process (“YES” in step S904), the process proceeds to step S905. On the other hand, when the external controller 104 fails in the RIP process (“NO” in step S904), the process proceeds to step S908.

  In step S <b> 905, the external controller 104 issues an instruction to cancel the RIP process and an instruction to delete data (including intermediate data) created in the image forming apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 101. In step S906, the image data created by the external controller 104 and a print instruction using the image data are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S907. In step S907, the image forming apparatus 101 performs print processing using the image data transmitted from the external controller 104 in response to a print instruction.

  In step S908, the external controller 104 deletes the data created by the RIP process. In the subsequent step S909, a print instruction using image data created by the RIP processing in the image forming apparatus 101 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101. In subsequent step S907, the image forming apparatus 101 performs print processing using the image data created in the image forming apparatus 101 in response to a print instruction from the external controller 104.

  In FIG. 9, the case where the external controller 104 has a higher priority than the image forming apparatus 101 has been described. However, the image forming apparatus 101 may be given a higher priority than the external controller 104.

  In this case, the determination in step S904 is performed in the image forming apparatus 101. If the RIP process in the image forming apparatus 101 is successful, the RIP process in the external controller 104 is stopped and the created data is deleted. In addition, the printing process is executed by the image data created in the image forming apparatus 101. When the RIP process in the image forming apparatus 101 fails, the print process in the image forming apparatus 101 is executed using the processing result in the external controller 104.

  In the present embodiment described above, a predetermined apparatus among the plurality of apparatuses capable of RIP processing is given a right to determine image data to be used for the printing process, and the image forming apparatus 101 performs printing according to an instruction from the apparatus. The processing is performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform the printing process using the image data created by succeeding the RIP process in the descending order of priority, by assigning priorities to the plurality of RIP processing units.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the external controller 104 has a genuine PDF file, and the image forming apparatus 101 has a RIP processing system that processes a non-genuine PDF file. That is, the RIP unit 202 corresponds to a non-genuine PDF file, and the RIP unit 212 corresponds to a genuine PDF file.

  The present embodiment is characterized in that RIP processing is performed by both the external controller 104 and the image forming apparatus 101, and printing processing is performed using image data created earlier after successful RIP processing.

  Here, a printing process corresponding to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing corresponding to the present embodiment.

  First, in step S1001, the external controller 104 receives a PDF file print instruction from the computer terminal 106, which is a client terminal. In step S <b> 1002, the external controller 104 transmits the received PDF file to the image forming apparatus 101.

  In subsequent step S1003, RIP processing of the received PDF file is performed by the external controller 104 and the image forming apparatus 101, respectively. Next, in step S1004, it is determined whether the external controller 104 has finished the RIP process. If the external controller 104 completes the RIP process (“YES” in step S1004), the process proceeds to step S1006. On the other hand, when the external controller 104 has not finished the RIP process (“NO” in step S1004), the process proceeds to step S1005.

  In step S1005, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 101 has finished the RIP process. If the RIP process is terminated (“YES” in step S1005), the process proceeds to step S1009. On the other hand, if the RIP process is not terminated (“NO” in step S1005), the process returns to step S1004.

  In step S <b> 1006, the external controller 104 ends the RIP process first, and the external controller 104 transmits an instruction to cancel the RIP process and to delete data (intermediate data) created by the RIP process to the image forming apparatus 101. After that, in step S1007, the external controller 104 transmits the image data created by the RIP process to the image forming apparatus 101. When the image forming apparatus 101 receives image data from the external controller 104, the image forming apparatus 101 performs printing processing of the image data in step S1008.

  In step S1009, the image forming apparatus 101 has finished the RIP process first, and the image forming apparatus 101 instructs the external controller 104 to cancel the RIP process and to delete the data (intermediate data) created by the RIP process. Send. Thereafter, in step S <b> 1008, the image forming apparatus 101 performs print processing of image data created in the image forming apparatus 101.

  In the above-described embodiment, among the plurality of devices capable of RIP processing, the device that succeeded in RIP processing is given the right to determine image data to be used for printing processing, and image formation is performed according to instructions from the device. The apparatus 101 performs a printing process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform RIP processing in parallel in a plurality of RIP processing units and perform printing processing using image data created in the processing that has been completed first.

[Other Embodiments]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer), and a device (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile device) including a single device. You may apply to.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the above-described functions to the system, and the system reading and executing the program codes. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. In addition, an operating system (OS) running on a computer performs part or all of actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the above-described functions are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, you may implement | achieve with the following forms. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instruction of the program code, the case where the above-described functions are realized by the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performing part or all of the actual processing is also included.

  When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration corresponding to embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus 101 corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the external controller 104 corresponding to embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an MFP control unit 203 corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the operation part 208 corresponding to embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printer unit 206 corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the post-processing part 207 corresponding to embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process corresponding to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the printing process corresponding to the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing corresponding to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the printing process corresponding to the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the code | symbol of the PDF file corresponding to embodiment of this invention.

Claims (18)

A printing system capable of communicating with a client terminal via a network,
An external control device comprising a first image conversion unit for converting print target data received from the client terminal into image data for printing;
A second image conversion unit connected to the external control device for converting the print target data received from the external control device into the print image data; and a print process based on the print image data. A printing device comprising a printing unit for performing,
In the structure of the print target data, the external control device determines whether the print target data is data suitable for performing the conversion in the first image conversion unit or the second image conversion unit. Determining means for determining based on
When the determining unit determines that the print target data is data suitable for performing the conversion in the first image conversion unit, the printing unit obtains the data by the conversion in the first image conversion unit. Print processing is performed using the image data for printing,
When the determination unit determines that the print target data is data suitable for performing the conversion in the first image conversion unit, the printing unit obtains the data by the conversion in the second image conversion unit. A printing system that performs printing using the printing image data.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print target data is data in a page description language format, and the image data for printing is raster image data. The structure of the print target data includes a code used in the page description language and parameters given for the code,
The determination unit is configured to determine whether the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit correspond to the code included in the print target data and a parameter given to the code. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein: The external control device transmits the print target data to the printing device when the determining unit determines that the print target data is suitable for the conversion in the first image conversion unit. Further comprising means,
The printing apparatus performs the conversion of the print target data transmitted by the transmission unit in the second image conversion unit,
When the notification of the conversion failure in the first image conversion unit is further transmitted to the printing apparatus by the transmission unit, the printing unit performs the conversion in the second image conversion unit. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein printing processing is performed using the obtained image data for printing. The external control device further includes a communication unit for communicating with the printing device,
When the determination unit determines that the print target data is data suitable for performing the conversion in the second image conversion unit, the print unit data is transmitted to the printing apparatus by the communication unit,
The first image conversion unit performs the conversion of the print target data,
When the notification of the conversion failure in the second image conversion unit is received by the communication unit, the image data for printing obtained by the conversion in the first image conversion unit by the communication unit is Sent to the printing device,
4. The printing according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit performs a printing process using the image data for printing obtained by the conversion in the first image conversion unit. 5. system. A printing system capable of communicating with a client terminal via a network,
An external control device comprising a first image conversion unit for converting print target data received from the client terminal into image data for printing;
A second image conversion unit connected to the external control device for converting the print target data received from the external control device into the print image data; and a print process based on the print image data. A printing device comprising a printing unit for performing,
In the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit, conversion of the print target data into the image data for printing is performed, and among the external control device and the printing device, When the conversion in the image conversion unit corresponding to one defined is successful,
The printing system, wherein the printing unit performs a printing process using the image data for printing obtained by the conversion in the image conversion unit corresponding to the predetermined one. A printing system capable of communicating with a client terminal via a network,
An external control device comprising a first image conversion unit for converting print target data received from the client terminal into image data for printing;
A second image conversion unit connected to the external control device for converting the print target data received from the external control device into the print image data; and a print process based on the print image data. A printing device comprising a printing unit for performing,
In the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit, when the print target data is converted into the image data for printing,
The printing unit performs a printing process using the image data for printing obtained by first succeeding in the conversion among the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit. A printing system featuring.   8. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the print target data is data in a page description language format, and the image data for printing is raster image data. A printing system capable of communicating with a client terminal via a network,
An external control device comprising a first image conversion unit for converting print target data received from the client terminal into image data for printing;
A second image conversion unit connected to the external control device for converting the print target data received from the external control device into the print image data; and a print process based on the print image data. A printing system control method comprising: a printing device comprising: a printing unit that performs:
Whether the print target data is data suitable for performing the conversion in the first image conversion unit or the second image conversion unit in the structure of the print target data in the external control device. A determination step based on the determination,
In the determining step, when the print target data is determined as data suitable for performing the conversion in the first image conversion unit, the printing unit performs the conversion in the first image conversion unit. Print processing is performed using the obtained image data for printing,
In the determination step, when the print target data is determined as data suitable for performing the conversion in the first image conversion unit, the printing unit performs the conversion in the second image conversion unit. A printing system control method, wherein printing processing is performed using the obtained image data for printing.   The method according to claim 9, wherein the print target data is data in a page description language format, and the image data for printing is raster image data. The structure of the print target data includes a code used in the page description language and parameters given for the code,
In the determination step, the determination is based on whether the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit correspond to the code included in the print target data and a parameter given to the code. The method according to claim 10, wherein the control is performed. In the determining step, when the print target data is determined as data suitable for the conversion in the first image conversion unit, the print target data is transmitted from the external control device to the printing device. Process,
Further comprising the step of performing the conversion of the print target data transmitted by the second image conversion unit,
When the notification of the conversion failure in the first image conversion unit is further transmitted to the printing apparatus, the printing unit obtains the print obtained by the conversion in the second image conversion unit. The printing system control method according to claim 9, wherein printing processing is performed using the image data. A step of transmitting the print target data from the external control device to the printing device when the print target data is determined as data suitable for performing the conversion in a second image conversion unit in the determining step;
In the first image conversion unit, the conversion of the print target data is performed;
In the external control device, when the notification of the conversion failure in the second image conversion unit is received from the printing device, the image data for printing obtained by the conversion in the first image conversion unit Further transmitting to the printing device,
12. The print unit according to claim 9, wherein the printing unit performs a printing process using the image data for printing obtained by the conversion in the first image conversion unit. A method for controlling a printing system. A printing system capable of communicating with a client terminal via a network,
An external control device comprising a first image conversion unit for converting print target data received from the client terminal into image data for printing;
A second image conversion unit connected to the external control device for converting the print target data received from the external control device into the print image data; and a print process based on the print image data. A printing system control method comprising: a printing device comprising: a printing unit that performs:
In the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit, conversion of the print target data into the image data for printing is performed, and among the external control device and the printing device, When the conversion in the image conversion unit corresponding to the predetermined one is successful, the printing unit obtains the image data for printing obtained by the conversion in the image conversion unit corresponding to the predetermined one A printing system control method, wherein printing processing is performed using a printer. A printing system capable of communicating with a client terminal via a network,
An external control device comprising a first image conversion unit for converting print target data received from the client terminal into image data for printing;
A second image conversion unit connected to the external control device for converting the print target data received from the external control device into the print image data; and a print process based on the print image data. A printing system control method comprising: a printing device comprising: a printing unit that performs:
When the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit convert the print target data into the image data for printing, the printing unit performs the first image conversion. A printing system control method, wherein a printing process is performed using the image data for printing obtained by succeeding the conversion first among the first image conversion unit and the second image conversion unit.   16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the print target data is data in a page description language format, and the image data for printing is raster image data.   A computer program for causing a computer to function as the printing system according to claim 1.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 17.

Images