JP2008108134A - Image processor, its control method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the number of sheets of paper required for processing a plurality of print jobs to be calculated at each kind of paper, and improve operability for an operator. <P>SOLUTION: A recording paper information calculation part 16 analyzes each of a plurality of print jobs, and calculates the number of sheets of each kind of paper used for the plurality of print jobs based on the result of the analysis. Then, a display part 13 displays, at each kind of paper, the number of sheets of each kind of paper calculated by the recording paper information calculation part 16. Thus, in response to a print instruction from a job selection part 15 for the displayed information, the instructed print job with the paper information set therefor can be executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system capable of spooling a plurality of print jobs and control thereof.

  In commercial printing such as POD (Print On Demand), there are many types of paper to be used, and the length of setup time associated with switching of paper to be used is a problem.

  In view of this, conventionally, a plurality of jobs are printed together by taking into account the delivery date (time limit), the paper type to be used, the number of paper sheets, and the like, and printing jobs using the same paper type.

  When printing jobs that use the same paper type in this way, the operator calculates the required number of sheets by extracting the required number of sheets from the instructions for each job and adding them up with a computer. It was.

  However, in this method, it is troublesome to search for jobs that use the same paper and calculate the number of recording papers required for those jobs, and human error may also occur. For example, some MFPs are provided with about 100 user boxes, and a job that uses the same sheet is searched from jobs scattered in such a large number of user boxes, and the number of sheets used in each job is determined. Calculation is a very complicated task.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561 discloses a method for managing a job using special paper (manual paper feed job) and a job using plain paper in different queues. Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228688, printing is normally performed with priority given to jobs that use plain paper, and when the user selects a job from a list of jobs that use special paper and gives a print instruction, the selected special paper is used. A method for interrupting and printing a job is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 calculates a number of sheets to be used for each job waiting to be printed when a paper-out error occurs, and instructs an operator of the number of sheets that are insufficient and a sheet feed stage to which the sheets are to be fed. It is disclosed.
JP 2000-29656 A JP 2003-330644 A

  However, in the method of Patent Document 1, when the number of jobs included in the queue increases, the searchability deteriorates, and it is difficult to find out how many jobs use a certain sheet and which job. Furthermore, in the method of Patent Document 1, the operator must also examine and calculate the total number of sheets required for a plurality of jobs that the operator desires to print (that is, the number of sheets set on the manual feed tray).

  That is, even if the method of Patent Document 1 is used, it is desired to easily execute a print job using the same sheet from a plurality of spooled jobs. At that time, the total number of sheets used in advance can be easily set. I can't achieve the original purpose of wanting to know.

  In addition, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the operator cannot select the range and timing of the job for counting the required number of sheets, all jobs are automatically counted, which is easy to use. Is bad. In other words, the operator cannot know in advance the total number of sheets required for a job desired to be printed. In addition, the number of sheets used in a job that should not be printed immediately, such as a job that has been delivered for a while, is automatically counted.

  That is, even if the method of Patent Document 2 is used, it is desired to easily execute a print job using the same sheet from a plurality of spooled jobs. In this case, the total number of sheets used in advance can be easily determined. I can't achieve the original purpose of wanting to know.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to search for a job that uses the same sheet from a plurality of spooled jobs, calculate the number of sheets to be used, print a job that uses the same sheet, and select a sheet from printing to printing. To provide a mechanism that can easily realize the workflow.

  The present invention provides an analysis means for analyzing each print job of a plurality of print jobs, a calculation means for calculating the number of sheets for each paper type used in the plurality of print jobs, based on an analysis result by the analysis means, It has a 1st display means which displays the paper number for every paper type calculated by the said calculation means for every said paper type.

  According to the present invention, since the number of sheets required for processing a plurality of print jobs can be calculated for each sheet type, the operability for the operator can be improved.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system (information processing system) to which the image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. It is assumed that one or more client computers are connected in this system.

  In FIG. 1, reference numerals 102, 103, and 104 denote information processing apparatuses as client computers (clients), which are connected to a network 106 by a network cable such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  Each of the client devices 102 to 104 is capable of executing various programs such as application programs, and is equipped with a printer driver having a function of converting data output from the application into a printer language corresponding to the printer. Note that a plurality of printer drivers can be registered.

  Reference numeral 101 denotes an information processing apparatus as a server (hereinafter referred to as a print server) of the present embodiment, which is connected to the network 106 by a network cable or the like. The print server 101 accumulates files used on the network and monitors the use state of the network 106. The print server 101 manages a plurality of printers connected to the network 106.

  The clients 102 to 104 and the print server 101 can be configured by storing a print control program for performing different controls in a general information processing apparatus in an executable manner.

  Further, when a general information processing apparatus is used as the print server 101, the functions of the clients 102 to 104 can be provided at the same time.

  The print server 101 in this embodiment further stores a print job including print data output from the clients 102 to 104 and causes the printer to print. Alternatively, the print server 101 receives print jobs that do not include print data from the clients 102 to 104, manages the print order of the clients 102 to 104, and transmits a print job that includes print data to the clients that have reached the print order. Notify permission. Alternatively, the print server 101 has a function of acquiring the status of the network printer 105 and various information about the print job and notifying the clients 102 to 104 of the information.

  A network printer 105 is connected to the network 106 via a network interface (not shown). The network printer 105 analyzes a print job including print data transmitted from the client computers 102 to 104, converts it into a dot image page by page, and prints it for each page. The network printer 105 can provide a print job management function defined by ISO 10175 (DPA: Document Printing Application) to the print server 101 or the clients 102 to 104.

  Further, the function implemented by the print server 101 or a part of the server function may be provided on the network printer 105 or its network interface card.

  A network 106 is connected to the clients 102, 103, 104, the server 101, the network printer 105, and the like.

  Although only one network printer 105 is shown in the figure, it is assumed that a plurality of network printers are actually connected.

  Further, the network printer 105 may be applied to image forming apparatuses of various recording systems such as an electrophotographic laser beam printer / copier / digital multifunction machine / facsimile and an ink jet printer / digital multifunction machine. Needless to say.

  The clients 102 to 104 and the server 101 are also referred to as host computers. The network printer 105 is also simply referred to as a printer or a printing device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus that can be used as the clients 102 to 105 and the print server 101 illustrated in FIG.

  As described above, the clients 102, 103, 104 and the print server 101 can be realized by an information processing apparatus having a similar hardware configuration. The configuration of the client and server will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 200 denotes a CPU which is a control unit of the information processing apparatus. The CPU 200 executes an application program, a printer driver program, an OS, a network printer control program of the present invention, and the like stored in the hard disk (HD) 205. The CPU 200 performs control to temporarily store information, files, and the like necessary for program execution in the RAM 202.

  A ROM 201 stores therein various data such as a program such as a basic I / O program, font data used for document processing, and template data. Reference numeral 202 denotes a RAM that provides temporary storage means, and functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 200.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes a flexible disk (FD) drive, which can load a program or the like stored in the FD 204 as a storage medium into the computer system through the FD drive 203 as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 204 denotes a flexible disk (FD) as a storage medium, which is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. The storage medium is not limited to the FD, and any medium such as a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a PC card, a DVD, an IC memory card, an MO, and a memory stick can be used.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes one of external storage devices, which is a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory. The HD 205 stores application programs, printer driver programs, OS, network printer control programs, related programs, and the like. Further, a spooler as spool means is secured in this HD 205. The spool means is a client spooler in the clients 102 to 104, and a server spooler in the print server 101. In the print server 101, job information received from the clients 102 to 104 is stored, and a table for performing order control is also generated and stored in the external storage device (HD 205).

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a keyboard for inputting instructions. By using the keyboard 206, the user instructs the client computer, or the operator or administrator inputs an instruction of a device control command or the like to the print server. A pointing device (such as a mouse (not shown)) may be provided for inputting instructions.

  A display 207 displays a command input from the keyboard 206, a printer status, and the like. A system bus 208 controls the flow of data in a computer that is a client or a print server.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes an interface. The information processing apparatus is connected to the network 106 via the interface 209, and can exchange data with an external apparatus.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the RAM 202 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a memory map in a state where the network printer control program stored in the FD 204 is loaded into the RAM 202 and becomes executable.

  In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a network printer control program and related data are loaded directly from the FD 204 into the RAM 202 and executed. However, in addition to this, every time the network printer control program is operated from the FD 204, the network printer control program may be loaded into the RAM 202 from the HD 205 in which the network printer control program is already installed.

  Further, the medium for storing the network printer control program may be a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a PC card, a DVD, an IC memory card, etc. in addition to the FD. Furthermore, it is possible to store the network printer control program in the ROM 201, configure it as a part of the memory map, and execute it directly by the CPU 200. In addition, software that realizes the same function as each of the above devices can be used as an alternative to a hardware device.

  The network printer control program may be simply referred to as a print control program. The print control program includes a program for instructing the client 102 to 104 to change the print destination of the print job or to instruct to change the print order.

  The print control program includes a program for controlling the order of print jobs in the print server 101 and notifying the end of printing of a print job, a request for changing the print destination, and the like.

  Also, the print control program of this embodiment that performs such control may separately divide the modules installed in the clients 102 to 104 and the modules installed in the print server 101. Alternatively, one print control program may function as a client or a print server depending on the environment in which it is executed. Alternatively, it is possible to install a module having a client function and a module functioning as a print server in a single computer, and simultaneously or in a pseudo parallel operation.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a basic I / O program. The basic I / O program 301 is a program having an IPL (Initial Program Loading) function for starting the operation of the OS by reading the OS from the HD 205 into the RAM 202 when the power of the control device is turned on. This is the area that contains

  Reference numeral 302 denotes an operating system (OS), and 303 denotes a network printer control program, which are stored in areas secured on the RAM 202.

  Reference numeral 304 denotes related data, which is stored in an area secured on the RAM 202. Reference numeral 305 denotes a work area, which secures a work area used when the CPU 200 executes the printer control program (303) of this embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map (data content) of the FD 204 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, 401 is volume information indicating data information. Reference numeral 402 denotes directory information. A network printer control program 403 is a print control program described in the present embodiment. 404 is the related data.

  The network printer control program 403 is a program based on the flowchart described in the embodiment. In this embodiment, the client and the server have the same configuration.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship with the FD 204 inserted into the FD drive 203 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 5, the FD 204 stores the network printer print control program and related data described in the present embodiment as described in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the network printer 105 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU. The CPU 1 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 2 or the HD 6 and controls the entire printer 105 as a whole. A RAM 3 is used as a work area for the CPU 1.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) for holding values set from the panel. An engine control unit 5 controls the printer engine 26.

  An I / O control unit 7 controls a user interface (UI) unit 10 such as a panel or a button lamp. Reference numeral 8 denotes a network control unit for connecting to the LAN 106. As described above, each device shown in 1 to 8 is connected to the bus 9.

  The HD 6 has an image storage area as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map (data contents) of the ROM 2 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 51 denotes volume information indicating data information. Reference numeral 52 denotes a control program described in the present embodiment. 53 is the related data.

  The control program 52 is a program based on the flowchart described in the embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the image storage area of the HD 6 shown in FIG. 6 is logically divided into a plurality of areas.

  In FIG. 8, the HD6 image storage area is logically divided into a temporary area 41 and a box area 42.

  The temporary area 41 is a work area for changing the output order of image data or temporarily storing PDL expansion data or the like when outputting a plurality of copies.

  The box area 42 is an area used for the box function, and is divided into a predetermined number of areas.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the box area 42 is divided into the areas 43 to 47. Each area (box area) 43 to 47 is assigned to each sheet, and each area 43 to 47 is assigned information of a corresponding box number and box name.

  The user designates a box number from the printer driver UI of the clients 102 to 104, the operation unit 10 of the printer 105, etc., and the image forming apparatus can store a print job or the like in an area corresponding to the box number. it can. Similarly, the user can access an area corresponding to the box number by designating the box number from the clients 102 to 104, the operation unit 10 of the printer 105, or the like. Then, the image data (print job) in the corresponding area can be read out and printed out by the printer 105.

  Note that a print job accepted without a user box designation is held in a direct queue area (not shown) in the HD 6 under the control of the CPU 1. In addition, a print job designated to be held by the printer driver UI of the clients 102 to 104 or the operation unit 10 of the printer 105 is moved and held in a hold queue area (not shown) in the HD 6 under the control of the CPU 1. To do.

  Next, print control processing that operates based on each configuration of the system described above will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a logical structure of the control program 303, related data 304, control program 52, and related data 53 on the information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The code | symbol is attached | subjected. Here, the client 102 to 104 and the server 101 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, 102 is referred to as a host computer.

  In FIG. 9, a host computer 102 is physically or logically connected to a printer 105 by a communication cable 30 capable of bidirectional communication, directly or via a network 106 such as the Internet / Intranet. The communication cable 30 may be any cable such as a Centronics cable, USB cable, or Ethernet cable as long as bidirectional communication is possible between the host computer and the printer (in FIG. Corresponding).

  In the host computer 102, 11 is a job generation unit that converts application data generated from an application such as a word processor or a spreadsheet into job data in a format corresponding to the printer (details are described in FIG. 11). Then, the job generation unit 11 transfers the generated job data to the data transmission management unit 12. Note that the job generation unit 11 can be configured to include the number of recording sheets necessary for processing a print job as an attribute in the job ticket.

  A data transmission management unit 12 sequentially transfers job data created by the job generation unit 11 to the printer 105 using a communication protocol such as LPR or IEEE1284.

  A status display unit 13 is configured to instruct the user of a status such as no paper received from the printer 105 via the data reception management unit 14 using a GUI. The display unit 13 can also display a list of jobs to be described later.

  A job selection unit 15 extracts a selected job from the job list displayed on the display unit 13.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a recording paper information calculation unit which has a function of extracting paper information of each job designated by the job selection unit 15 and summing up each paper information. Information for each piece of paper information counted by the recording paper information calculation unit 16 is configured to be displayed on the display unit 13. In this embodiment, the paper information (recording paper information) includes one or both of the paper type (plain paper, thick paper, glossy paper, etc.) and the paper size (A4, B5, letter, etc.).

  Here, it is assumed that the components on the host computer 102 are realized by the CPU 200 of the host computer 102 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 201, the FD 204, or the HD 205. However, any or all of the components on the host computer 102 or the functions of some of them are not only configured on the host computer 102. Even if the components and functions are configured on the printer 105 or another computer such as the server computer 101, the present invention can be applied without departing.

  In the printer 105, 21 is a data reception management unit that receives and manages job data and attributes input from the host computer 102. The data reception management unit 21 includes a reception buffer 211 for receiving and temporarily storing data from the host 102.

  A language analysis unit 22 analyzes the contents of job data in detail, and executes related control commands such as job management and drawing output according to the instructions. The language analysis unit 22 receives commands one by one from the reception buffer 211 on the data reception management unit 21 one by one, checks the contents according to the description rules of the printer control language, and requests what processing the command requires. Determine whether you are doing. As a result of the determination, if the command is a job-related command such as a print job start / end declaration or a job attribute such as a paper size, the number of sheets, etc., the language analysis unit 22 performs job management. A corresponding job management command is issued to the unit 23. In addition, when the command is for instructing drawing of characters, figures, images, etc., the language analysis unit 22 instructs the drawing output unit 24 to output the corresponding drawing.

  Reference numeral 23 denotes a job management unit. The job management unit 23 schedules and manages job attributes sent from the host in units of jobs in accordance with a job management command from the language analysis unit 22. Further, the job management unit 23 holds a job management table 1000 (to be described later) (described later in FIG. 13) on the job information management memory 231 on the job management unit 23, and performs control in units of jobs.

  Note that job information on the job management table 1000 is initialized and generated by a job start command and is determined by a job end command. When a job ticket is received, the job information on the job management table 1000 is initialized and generated with the job ticket.

  Regardless of whether a job end command has been received or not, subsequent job data or an instruction from the host computer 102 changes an attribute, changes the priority of a schedule (print order), or cancels printing (deletes job data). ) Etc. are possible.

  In addition, the job management unit 23 issues a selection command for the paper to be used and a paper discharge bin to the printer control unit 25 according to the attribute of the job to be executed. In addition, the job management unit 23 acquires the status of the printer device via the printer control unit 25, constantly monitors the status of the job being executed, and generates a notification status as necessary when an error occurs. The processing of the job management unit 23 will be described in detail later.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes a drawing output unit for developing and outputting characters, figures, images, etc. for printer output. The drawing output unit 24 creates a corresponding character pattern in accordance with a drawing output command from the language analysis unit 22, performs graphic calculation, image data development processing, and the like, and develops the data into an output data format. The engine 26 is sent out. In the present embodiment, the drawing output unit 24 is configured to temporarily store the output data expanded in the output data format in the HD 6 and output the output data to the printer engine 26 in accordance with a print instruction to be described later.

  The printer engine 26 performs an actual print output process using a mechanism such as an electrophotographic system in accordance with output development data received from the drawing output unit 24 by a device such as a laser beam printer engine.

  Further, the printer engine 26 has a recording paper remaining amount detecting means, and always sends a warning signal to the printer control unit 25 described later when no paper is set. The printer engine 26 stops recording means such as a printer drum and sends an error to the printer control unit 25 by means of interruption or the like when there is no paper in the developing / printing process.

  The printer control unit 25 performs control of the printer device such as selection of paper to be used or initialization of the printer device in accordance with a printer device control command from the job management unit 23. The printer control unit 25 constantly monitors the general status of the printer device such as the state of the paper feed cassette, the door open, and the absence of toner, and notifies the status of the printer device to other components as necessary. Note that the latest printer device status such as the remaining amount of paper and error status is stored in a printer information management memory 251 provided in the printer control unit 25.

  Reference numeral 27 denotes a status response processing unit. In accordance with the status response request command received from the job management unit 23, the status response processing unit 27 converts the status notification expressed in the internal format of the printer into an external representation that can be understood by the host computer 102, and converts the status response information into the status response information. create. Then, this result is transmitted to the data transmission management unit 28.

  When receiving the status response information returned from the status response processing unit 27, the data transmission management unit 28 temporarily stores it in a transmission buffer or the like and returns it to the host computer 102 via the communication cable 30.

  Here, the components on the printer 105 are realized by the CPU 1 of the printer 105 (also referred to as an image processing apparatus) reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 2 or the HD 6. Note that any or all of the components on the printer 105 or some of the functions thereof are not only configured on the printer 105. Even if the components and functions are configured on the host computer 102 or another computer such as the server computer 101, the present invention can be applied without departing.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the recording paper information 700 in the printer information management memory 251 at a certain time.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the recording paper information 700 of the printer information management memory 251, the paper size 702, the paper type 703, and the remaining amount 704 set in each paper feeding unit 701 are managed in a table format.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details of job data used in the printing system.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the job data includes a job ticket 81 that holds print settings, and print data 82 that includes a printer description language such as PDF or PS, and the storage location of the print data is referenced from the job ticket. .

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the job ticket 81 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the job ticket includes print attributes such as a job ID 91 for identifying the job at the client, an output number 92, a paper type 93, a paper size 94, and a total page number 95. Yes. The total number of pages may not be determined until the print data is expanded, and there may be an unknown state.

  In the job ticket according to the present invention, it is possible to specify an exceptional setting by specifying a page range as an exceptional setting. In the example of FIG. 12, the paper type “glossy paper” is designated for pages 1 to 2, and the paper type “plain paper” is designated for pages 23 to 32. In the page range set as an exception, the paper type set in 96 and 97 is used instead of the paper type 93 set in the whole. Note that there can be a plurality of exception setting target print attributes, and the specified attributes are used for each. In addition, on the exception setting page, as attributes that are not specified in the exception setting, attributes of the entire job (described in 91 to 95) are used.

  The job ticket according to the present invention also includes information 98 on content URL, job name, delivery date (time limit), and printing method (double-sided printing, single-sided printing, staple printing, etc.).

  Furthermore, when a box number is designated from the printer driver UI of the clients 102 to 104, information on the designated box number (not shown) is included in the job ticket 81.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the job management table 1000 in the job information management memory 231 at the time when the recording sheet information shown in FIG. 10 is managed in the printer information management memory 251, and is the same as FIG. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the thing.

  The job management table 1000 manages a list of jobs handled by the system.

  In the job management table 1000, information extracted from the above-described job ticket 81 is managed together with information such as job No. 1001 and status 1007. For example, job ID 91, paper information 1003, delivery date 1005, and exception settings (not shown) (information corresponding to 96 and 97 in the job ticket shown in FIG. 12) are information extracted from the job ticket.

  The sheet information 1003 corresponds to the required number of sheets for each sheet type used in each job, and is generated from 93, 94, 96, 97 in the job ticket shown in FIG.

  The job management table 1000 also manages queue information 1008 that stores print jobs. In the example shown in FIG. 13, jobs with job numbers 1001 of “11” and “12” are jobs with no box designation, and are stored in the direct queue. In addition, since the job whose job number 1001 is “14” is a job in which BOX number 2 is designated, it is stored in the area of BOX number 2. Further, since the job with the job number 1001 “15” is a job in which the box number 1 is designated, it is stored in the area of the BOX number 1. Further, the job with the job number 1001 “13” is a job instructed to be held, and is stored in the hold queue.

  Further, as job information managed by the job management table 1000, finishing information such as staple designation and punch designation, and other information such as priority order can be managed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a paper management list held in the RAM 202 of the host computer 102 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 1105 denotes a paper information management table, in which information such as the number of jobs 1101, the total number of sheets 1102, and the shortest delivery date 1103 is recorded for each piece of paper information. For example, in FIG. 14, the number of jobs 1101 and the total number 1102 relating to the paper information “A4 plain paper 64 g / m ² ” are managed.

  The paper information management table 1105 holds, as job information 1104, a job number 1001 that is an identifier of a job that uses paper corresponding to the paper information 1100 in a list structure.

  Further, the sheet information management table 1105 is provided for each sheet information 1100. Each sheet information management table 1105 is stored as a sheet management list 1106 in the list format in the RAM 202, and the list number is stored in the RAM 202 as the list number 1107. Is done.

  Details of processing for creating each paper information management table 1105 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15, 18, and 20.

  An example of a user interface displayed based on each paper information management table 1105 is shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of the paper list display process according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the paper list display processing executed by each component of the host computer 102 and the printer 105 shown in FIG. That is, the processing on the host computer 102 side in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 200 of the host computer 102 reading and executing a program stored in the FD 204 or HD 205. Further, the processing on the printer 105 side in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the printer 105 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 2 or the HD 6. In addition, in the figure of this application, S- shows each step.

  First, when the host computer 102 is instructed to display the paper list of the printer 105, the CPU 200 starts the processing of this flowchart.

  First, in step S1201, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 executes a paper list display command, and requests the job management table 1000 and the paper information 700 from the printer 105 via the data transmission management unit 12. In response to this, in the printer 105, the job management unit 23 controls to transmit the job management table 1000 and the paper information 700 to the host computer 102 via the data transmission management unit 28.

  When the recording paper information calculation unit 16 receives the job management table 1000 and the paper information 700 from the printer 105 via the data reception management unit 14, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 stores the job management table 1000 and the paper information 700 in the RAM 202. The process proceeds to S1202.

  In step S1202, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 initializes the List number 1107 (FIG. 14) in the RAM 202 to “0”, and initializes the list (paper management list 1106) of the paper information management table 1105.

  Subsequently, in the loop processing of steps S1203 to S1212, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 searches all job information in the job management table 1000 stored in the RAM 202 and creates a list 1106 of the paper information management table 1105. To do.

  Specifically, in step S1204, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 extracts one piece of job information from the job management table 1000 in the RAM 202 (current job information), and advances the process to step S1205.

  In step S1205, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 determines from the paper information management table list 1106 (initialized in step S1202) a paper information management table having paper information 1100 that matches the paper information 1003 in the current job information. 1105 is searched.

  In step S1206, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 determines whether or not there is a paper information management table 1105 having paper information 1100 that matches the paper information 1003 in the current job information as a result of the search process. .

  If it is determined in step S1206 that there is no paper information management table 1105 having paper information 1100 that matches the paper information 1003 in the current job information, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 advances the process to step S1207.

  In step S1207, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 increments the List number 1107 by “1”, creates a new paper information management table 1105 in the paper management list 1106, and advances the process to step S1208.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1206 that there is a paper information management table 1105 having paper information 1100 that matches the paper information 1003 in the current job information, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 directly performs the process in step S1208. To proceed.

  Next, in steps S1208 to S1211, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 performs the processing on the current paper information management table (the paper information management table searched in S1205 or the paper information management table newly created in S1207). Add job information.

  Specifically, in step S1208, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 adds the job number 1001 of the current job information to the job information 1104 in the current paper information management table. Further, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 increments the number of jobs 1101 in the current paper information management table by “1”.

  In step S1209, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 adds the total number 1102 in the current paper information management table, and adds the number 1004 in the current job information to the total number 1102 in the current paper information management table. Update to value.

  In step S1210, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 determines whether the current job information delivery date 1005 is earlier than the shortest delivery date 1103 of the current paper information management table.

  If it is determined in step S1210 that the current job information delivery date 1005 is earlier, in step S1211, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 sets the shortest delivery date 1103 in the current paper information management table in the current job information. The delivery date is changed to 1005. Then, the process proceeds to step S1212.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1210 that the current job information delivery date 1005 is not earlier, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 proceeds directly to step S1212.

  Then, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 repeats the processing of steps S1204 to S1211 for all the job information in the job management table 1000 stored in the RAM 202, and when all the job information is completed, the processing proceeds to step S1213. .

  In step S <b> 1213, the display unit 13 generates a paper list UI 1300 illustrated in FIG. 16 based on the paper information management table list 1106 created in steps S <b> 1203 to S <b> 1212 and the paper information 700 in the RAM 202 and displays the UI 1300 on the display 207. .

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a paper list user interface (UI) 1300 in an information processing system to which the image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied.

  The UI 1300 is set with the paper number 1301, the number of jobs 1302 using the paper, the paper information 1303 of the paper, the total number 1304 of using the paper, the shortest delivery time 1305 of the job using the paper, and the paper. Cassette information 1306 is displayed. The number of jobs 1302 is acquired in step S1208 in FIG. 15, the total number 1304 is acquired in step S1209, the shortest delivery date 1305 is acquired in steps S1210 and S1211, and the cassette 1306 is acquired in step S1201.

  Each sheet can be selected from the sheet list, and the processing described later can be performed on the selected sheet. In FIG. 16, the paper number “1” is selected.

  When a sheet is selected from the sheet list and a “print all” command is executed using the button 1307, the job selection unit 15 displays all the jobs that use the sheet (here, job numbers 11, 12, and 15). One job) is transmitted to the printer 105. In response to this instruction, the printer 105 executes printing of a print job using the selected paper under the control of the job management unit 23.

  Note that when “delete after printing” is specified by the check box 1308, the job management unit 23 controls to delete the print job from the HD 6 of the printer 105 after printing.

  When the “job list display” command is executed using the button 1309, the job selection unit 15 and the display unit 13 display a list of jobs using the paper selected from the paper list 1300 (FIG. 17) on the display 207. .

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) 1400 that displays a list of jobs that use the same paper type.

  In addition to the job list 1402, this UI 1400 can be executed for a header column 1401 in which the sheets and total number of sheets used in the job displayed in the list are described, and for any job displayed in the list Various operation buttons 1403 to 1407 are provided.

  When a “select all” command is executed using the button 1403, the job selection unit 15 and the display unit 13 select all the jobs displayed in the list.

  When the “print” command is executed using the button 1404, the job selection unit 15 transmits an instruction to print the selected job to the printer 105. In response to this instruction, the printer 105 executes printing of the selected print job under the control of the job management unit 23.

  Further, when a “delete” command is executed using the button 1406, the job selection unit 15 transmits an instruction to delete the selected job to the printer 105. Upon receiving this instruction, the printer 105 deletes the selected print job under the control of the job management unit 23.

  When the “detailed display” command is executed using the button 1406, the job selection unit 15 and the display unit 13 display more detailed information (not shown) of the job as shown in FIG. 13 based on the job management table 1000 stored in the RAM 202. The display is controlled to be displayed.

  Further, when a “close” command is executed using the button 1407, the job selection unit 15 and the display unit 13 close the UI 1400.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the operator can easily know the number of jobs requiring a specific sheet (recording sheet) and the number of sheets, and can execute printing of a job using the sheet. Can be performed with an easy operation.

  Therefore, it is possible to construct a printing system that easily realizes a workflow in POD and the like from paper selection to printing.

  More specifically, the operator can grasp at a glance which number of sheets should be prepared by using the UI 1300, and it is not necessary to open a job list and select a job each time and to estimate the required number of sheets. It becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, by simply setting the number of sheets displayed on the UI 1300 list as instructed in the printer 105 and instructing printing using the button 1307 or the like, a job using the sheets can be printed at once. is there.

  Even if the number of jobs increases, the list of UI 1300 can be prevented from increasing (if the number of paper types does not increase), and it is not necessary to display more information than necessary on the screen.

  Furthermore, the shortest delivery date 1305 of the job included in the UI 1300 list allows the operator to quickly select a job according to the delivery date, and to print jobs using the same sheet collectively.

  In addition, not only the POD workflow but also when printing on preprinted paper in form printing, the necessary form is clarified, and it is possible to prevent printing on wrong paper.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the configuration for creating the list (FIG. 14) of the paper information management table in the paper list display process shown in FIG. 15 has been described. However, the creation of the list of the paper information management table is not limited to the above list display processing, and even if the configuration is such that the paper management table is updated and the list is created when a job is received, the present invention deviates from the present invention. is not. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail.

  The sheet management table update process will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the paper management table update processing executed by each component of the printer 105 shown in FIG. That is, the processing on the printer 105 side in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the printer 105 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 2 or the HD 6.

  A block diagram of the printer in this embodiment is shown in FIG. The block diagram of the host computer is the same as that in FIG. The difference between FIG. 21 and FIG. 9 is that the printer includes a status display unit 2102 and a recording paper information calculation unit 2101.

  First, in step S <b> 1501, upon receiving job data (job ticket 81 or print data 82), the data reception management unit 21 stores the job data in the reception buffer 211.

  Next, in the loop processing in steps S1502 to S1504, the language analysis unit 22 analyzes the job data stored in the reception buffer 211. Specifically, in step S1502, the language analysis unit 22 sequentially analyzes the job data, extracts the paper information and the number of sheets used in the print job, and uses the paper information and the number of sheets used in the print job. (N) is determined. When the analysis of all data in the job data is completed, the language analysis unit 22 transmits the analysis result and the job management command to the job management unit 23. Upon receiving the job management command, the job management unit 23 registers the job information in the job management table 1000 based on the analysis result, and holds the job management table 1000 in the RAM 3. Furthermore, the job management unit 23 controls to store the job data received in S1501 in a queue (direct queue, user box, etc.) according to the instruction.

  In subsequent step S1505, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 uses the paper information 1100 having the same paper information 1100 as the paper information of the main print job received in S1501 from the paper information management table list (paper management list 1106) in the RAM 3. Search the management table.

  In step S1506, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 determines whether a paper information management table having the same paper information 1100 as the paper information of the print job has been found.

  If it is determined in step S1506 that a paper information management table having the same paper information 1100 as the paper information of this print job has been found, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 advances the process to step S1507.

  In step S1507, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 increments the number of jobs 1101 in the discovered paper information management table by “1”. Further, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 updates the total number 1102 in the discovered paper information management table to a value obtained by adding the number of sheets used in the print job to the total number 1102 in the discovered paper information management table. To do. In addition, when the delivery date of this print job is earlier than the shortest delivery date 1103 of the found paper information management table, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 uses the shortest delivery date 1103 in the found paper information management table as the delivery date of this job. Change to When the update of the paper management table is completed, the process proceeds to step S1509.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1506 that a paper information management table having the same paper information 1100 as the paper information of this print job cannot be found, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 advances the process to step S1508.

  In step S 1508, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 increments the List number 1107 in the RAM 202 by “1” and adds a new paper information management table to the paper management list 1106. Then, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 uses the paper information 1100 in the newly added paper information management table as the paper information used in this job. Also, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 sets the number of jobs 1101 in the newly added paper information management table to “1”. Further, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 sets the total number 1102 in the newly added paper information management table as the number of sheets used in the print job. Further, the recording paper information calculation unit 2101 sets the shortest delivery date 1103 of the newly added paper information management table as the delivery date of this print job. When the update of the paper management table is completed, the process proceeds to step S1509.

  In step S1509, the display unit 2102 generates the sheet list UI 1300 illustrated in FIG. 16 based on the sheet information management table list 1106 and the sheet information 700 updated in steps S1507 and S1508, and displays them on the operation panel of the printer. indicate.

  Therefore, by executing the processing of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the operability of the operator can be improved by executing the processing in the printer. Even in a configuration in which a list is created by updating the paper management table when a job is received, a workflow in POD and the like from paper selection to printing can be easily realized.

  That is, the operator can grasp at a glance which sheets should be prepared by using the UI 1300, and it is not necessary to open the job list and select a job each time and to estimate the required number of sheets. Furthermore, by simply setting the number of sheets displayed on the UI 1300 list as instructed in the printer 105 and instructing printing using the button 1307 or the like, a job using the sheets can be printed at once. is there.

  Even if the number of jobs increases, the list of UI 1300 can be prevented from increasing (if the number of paper types does not increase), and it is not necessary to display more information than necessary on the screen.

  Further, the shortest delivery date 1305 of the job included in the UI 1300 list allows the operator to quickly select a job according to the delivery date, and then to print jobs using the same sheet collectively.

  In addition, not only the POD workflow but also when printing on preprinted paper in form printing, the necessary form is clarified, and it is possible to prevent printing on wrong paper.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the sheet information of all sheets is displayed as a list has been described. However, the present invention can be applied without departing from the present invention even if it is configured to search for and display a print job using a specific sheet without displaying all the sheet information in a list. The embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dialog for starting job search processing by paper type in an information processing system to which the image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 19, reference numeral 1600 denotes a dialog for starting job search processing by paper type. The dialog 1600 is displayed on the display 207 of the host computer 102 by the CPU 200 in response to an operator instruction from the keyboard 206 of the host computer 102 or a pointing device (not shown).

  In the dialog 1600, in addition to the paper type 1601, a search condition 1602 and search target queues 1603 and 1604 can be designated. In the search condition 1602, “use”, “do not use”, or the like of the paper type selected in the paper type 1601 can be selected. When 1603 is in a check state, the hold queue can be designated as a job search target queue. Further, when 1604 is in a check state, the designated box queue can be designated as a job search target queue.

  When the search execution button 1605 is instructed, a job list command is executed and search processing (described later) is executed under the conditions specified in the above-described 1601 to 1604, and the job list as shown in FIG. Displayed on the display 207.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in the present invention. Note that the processing in this flowchart corresponds to the job list display processing (processing for searching for a job from the paper type and displaying the job list) executed by each component of the host computer 102 and the printer 105 shown in FIG. That is, the processing on the host computer 102 side in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 200 of the host computer 102 reading and executing a program stored in the FD 204 or HD 205. Further, the processing on the printer 105 side in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the printer 105 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 2 or the HD 6.

  First, in the host computer 102, when a condition for counting jobs is specified in the dialog 1600 using the conditions 1601 to 1604 and the search execution button 1605 is designated, the CPU 200 starts the processing of this flowchart.

  First, in step S <b> 1701, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 executes a job list command and requests the job management table 1000 from the printer 105 via the data transmission management unit 12. In response to this, in the printer 105, the job management unit 23 controls to transmit the job management table 1000 to the host computer 102 via the data transmission management unit 28.

  When the recording paper information calculation unit 16 receives the job management table 1000 from the printer 105 via the data reception management unit 14, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 stores the job management table 1000 in the RAM 202 and advances the process to step S1702.

  In step S1702, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 initializes a paper information management table 1105 for displaying a job list in the RAM 202 (creates it if it does not exist).

  In the loop processing of steps S 1703 to S 1711, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 searches all job information corresponding to the designated search target queue in the job management table 1000 stored in the RAM 202, and displays a job list display sheet. Create an information management table.

  Specifically, in step S1704, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 extracts one piece of job information corresponding to the search target queue from the job management table 1000 in the RAM 202 (current job information), and the process proceeds to step S1705. To proceed.

  In step S1705, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 determines whether the paper information of the conditions specified in 1601 and 1602 of the dialog 1600 matches the paper information 1003 in the paper information management table for job list display. To do.

  If it is determined in step S1706 that the paper information of the specified condition does not match the paper information 1003 in the paper information management table for job list display, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 determines in step S1703. Return the processing to, and move the processing to the next job information.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1706 that the sheet information of the specified condition matches the sheet information 1003 in the sheet information management table for job list display, the recording sheet information calculation unit 16 directly proceeds to step S1707. Proceed with the process.

  In step S1707, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 increments the number of jobs 1101 in the paper information management table for job list display by “1”. Further, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 adds the job number 1001 of the current job information to the job information 1104 in the paper information management table for job list display.

In step S1708, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 sets the total number 1102 in the paper information management table for job list display to the total number 1102 in the paper information management table for job list display, and the number in the current job information. The value is updated to the value obtained by adding 1004.

  In step S1709, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 determines whether the current job information delivery date 1005 is earlier than the shortest delivery date 1103 of the job list display paper information management table.

  If it is determined in step S1709 that the current job information delivery date 1005 is earlier, in step S1710, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 sets the shortest delivery date 1103 in the paper information management table for job list display to the current job information. Change to delivery date 1005 in the information. Then, the process proceeds to step S1711.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1709 that the current job information delivery date 1005 is not earlier, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 proceeds directly to step S1711.

  Then, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 repeats the processing in steps S1704 to S1710 for all job information corresponding to the designated search target queue in the job management table 1000 stored in the RAM 202. When all the job information corresponding to the designated search target queue is completed, the recording paper information calculation unit 16 advances the processing to step S1712.

  In step S1712, the display unit 13 generates the job list UI 1400 shown in FIG. 17 based on the job list display paper information management table and the job management table 1000 created in steps S1703 to S1711 and displays them on the display 207. .

  Therefore, even in a configuration in which a print job using a specific sheet is searched and displayed as in the present embodiment, a workflow in POD and the like from sheet selection to printing can be easily realized.

  In other words, the operator can grasp at a glance which sheets should be prepared by using the UI 1400, and it is not necessary to open a job list and select a job each time and to estimate the required number of sheets. Furthermore, by simply setting the number of sheets displayed on the UI 1400 list as instructed in the printer 105, selecting a job, and instructing printing using the button 1404 or the like, the job using the sheet is printed at once. Is possible.

  In addition, jobs can be searched based on the paper information to be used, etc., and jobs using the same paper can be collectively printed from the search results.

  Furthermore, this embodiment can be applied not only to the POD workflow but also to printing on preprinted paper in form printing, and it is possible to clarify necessary forms and prevent printing on wrong paper. It becomes possible.

  In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the total number of sheets (total amount of sheets) necessary for printing a print job in which the sheet information is set is displayed for each sheet information. Configured. However, any information other than the total number of sheets may be displayed as long as the information can specify the total number of sheets. For example, information such as the number of pages and the presence / absence of double / single side may be displayed, or both the number of pages and the number of pages may be displayed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the paper type and the paper size are used as the paper information. However, any information may be used as long as the information specifies the paper. For example, it may be a product brand of paper, a product number (product ID) specifying the paper, or a combination of any of these (paper type, paper size, product brand, product number, etc.). You may comprise.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the above embodiments, the configuration in which the display unit 13 of the host computer 102 displays the UI 1300 and the UI 1400 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 has been described. However, the UI 1300 and UI 1400 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 may be displayed on the UI unit 10 of the printer 105 so that selection and print instruction operations can be performed from the UI unit 10.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, version information, creator, and the like are also stored, and depend on the OS on the program reading side. Information, icons for identifying and displaying programs, and the like may be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 15, 18, and 20 in the present embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, etc. is not limited.

  Examples of storage media for supplying programs include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, MOs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, magnetic tapes, nonvolatile memory cards, ROMs, DVDs, etc. Can be used.

  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.

  As another program supply method, the program can be supplied by connecting to a home page on the Internet using a browser of a client computer and downloading the program of the present invention from the home page to a storage medium such as a hard disk. It can also be supplied by downloading a file compressed from the home page and including an automatic installation function to a storage medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. In other words, a WWW server, an FTP server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  Further, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to users. Further, the user who has cleared the predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from the homepage via the Internet. Furthermore, it is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but it is needless to say that the following configurations are included. For example, an OS (operating system) running on a computer performs part or all of actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is included.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Based on the instruction of the program code written in the memory, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is also included.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

  As described above, the operator can easily recognize the number of print jobs that use a specific sheet and the total amount of sheets to be used, and can execute a print job that uses the sheet with an easy operation. It becomes.

  Therefore, a workflow from paper selection to printing, such as searching for jobs that use the same sheet from a plurality of spooled jobs, calculating the number of sheets to be used, and printing jobs that use the same sheet at once, etc. A printing system that can be easily realized can be constructed.

  As a result, even when multiple print jobs that use the same recording paper are extracted and executed as in commercial printing such as POD, the required recording paper can be quickly and with few operations without errors. It is possible to perform after confirming the number of sheets. That is, it is possible to improve the operability when printing jobs that use the same paper collectively.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system (information processing system) to which an image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of a client and a server. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus that can be used as the clients 102 to 105 and the print server 101 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory map of RAM202 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory map (data content) of the FD 204 illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the relationship with FD204 inserted with respect to FD drive 203 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a network printer 105 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory map (data content) of ROM2 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a state where the image storage area of HD6 shown in FIG. 6 is logically divided into a plurality of areas. It is a block diagram which shows the logical structure of the control program 303, the related data 304, the control program 52, and the related data 53 on the information processing apparatus to which this invention is applied. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of recording sheet information 700 in a printer information management memory 251 at a certain point in time. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating details of job data used in the printing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the job ticket 81 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job management table 1000 in the job information management memory 231 when the recording sheet information illustrated in FIG. 10 is managed in the printer information management memory 251. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a paper management list held in a RAM 202 of the host computer 102 shown in FIG. 6. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in this invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) 1300 for a paper list in an information processing system to which the image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) 1400 that displays a list of jobs that use the same paper type. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dialog for starting job search processing by paper type in an information processing system to which the image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a block diagram of the printer in 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101 server computer 102-104 client computer (host computer)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 105 Network printer 106 Network 13 Display part 15 Job selection part 16 Recording paper information calculation part 23 Job management part 81 Job ticket 82 Print data

Claims (16)

An analysis means for analyzing each print job of a plurality of print jobs;
Calculating means for calculating the number of sheets for each paper type used in the plurality of print jobs based on the analysis result by the analyzing means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a first display unit that displays the number of sheets for each sheet type calculated by the calculation unit for each sheet type.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first display unit displays the number of sheets for each sheet type calculated by the calculation unit for each sheet type together with information on a print job.   The information on the print job includes at least the number of print jobs for each paper type or the shortest delivery time information for processing a print job using the paper type. Image processing device. Print instruction means for selecting one or a plurality of paper types displayed by the first display means, and printing a print job using the selected paper types;
Printing means for printing a print job using the selected paper type in response to a print instruction by the print instruction means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   5. The calculation unit according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates a total amount of paper for each paper type used in the plurality of print jobs for each paper type in accordance with an instruction from an operator. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   5. The calculation unit according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates a total amount of paper for each paper type used in the plurality of print jobs for each paper type in response to reception of a print job. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second display unit configured to display a job using a sheet corresponding to the sheet type for each sheet type displayed on the first display unit. The image processing apparatus according to item. An analysis step for analyzing each print job of a plurality of print jobs;
A calculation step of calculating the number of sheets for each sheet type used in the plurality of print jobs based on the analysis result of the analysis step;
A first display step for displaying, for each paper type, the number of papers for each paper type calculated by the calculating step;
A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising:   9. The control of the image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first display step displays the number of sheets for each paper type calculated for each paper type in the calculation step together with information on the print job. Method.   10. The print job information includes at least the number of print jobs for each paper type or the shortest delivery date information for processing a print job that uses the paper type. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus. A print instruction step of selecting one or a plurality of paper types displayed in the first display step and instructing to print a print job using the selected paper type;
A printing step for printing a print job that uses the selected paper type in response to a printing instruction in the printing instruction step;
The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 8, comprising:   12. The calculation step according to claim 8, wherein, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, a total amount of paper for each paper type used for the plurality of print jobs is calculated for each paper type. A control method for the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   13. The calculation step according to claim 8, wherein, in response to acceptance of a print job, a total amount of paper for each paper type used in the plurality of print jobs is calculated for each paper type. A control method for the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   14. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: a second display step of displaying a job using a sheet corresponding to the sheet type for each sheet type displayed in the first display step. A control method for an image processing apparatus according to the item.   A program for causing a computer to function as the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or a program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to claims 8 to 14. program.   A program for causing a computer to function as the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or a program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to claims 8 to 14. A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program.

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