JP2010049345A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable content which is exported by a user from a job definition format (JDF) job in a phase jitter modulation (PJM). <P>SOLUTION: (1) When content is not in ascending order of page, the content is prevented from being exported. (2) When the content is in descending order of page, the content is sorted in ascending order of page, and exported (in the case of a PPM saddle-stitch bookbinding job). (3) When the content is configured of a plurality of data, one file storing content in ascending order of page is created, and exported (in the case of a PPM case binding job). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print job control and a program for executing control in a printing system including, for example, a print job generation device, a print job management device, and a print job printing device.

  Conventionally, a third party (customer, client) receives an order to create a printed matter (magazine, newspaper, catalog, advertisement, gravure, etc.), creates the desired printed matter for the client, and delivers it to the client In the so-called commercial printing industry that receives a reward from a client, a large-scale printing apparatus such as an offset plate-making printing machine is still in use today. In the printing industry, submission, design and layout, comp (presentation by printer output), proofreading (layout correction and color correction), proof printing (proof print), block printing, printing, post-processing, shipping, etc. We have been working through various processes. In recent years, with the spread of one-to-one marketing such as direct mail, the demand for variable printing, which is a representative job of various types and small lots, is increasing.

  On the other hand, with the recent increase in speed and image quality of electrophotographic printing apparatuses and inkjet printing apparatuses, the print on demand (hereinafter referred to as Print On Demand) is described below. A market called POD has emerged. POD has a feature that it is suitable for variable printing compared to offset printing because printing can be performed without creating a block. POD aims to handle jobs in relatively small lots compared to jobs handled by printing devices with a short delivery time without using large-scale devices and systems. Then, instead of the large-scale printing machines and printing methods as described above, for example, digital printing using electronic data can be performed by making the best use of digital image forming apparatuses such as digital copying machines and digital multifunction machines. Markets that realize and do business with it are also emerging. In such a POD market, digitization is more integrated than in the conventional printing industry, and management and control using a computer has become widespread.

  Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of a conventional POD system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a POD system and an example of a basic configuration of the entire printing system according to the present invention.

  This block diagram includes one or a plurality of end user environments 1 and 2 and a POD (Print On Demand) site environment 3 connected via the Internet.

  In the end user environments 1 and 2, there is an orderer who makes a print order request, and each client PC is used from each end user environment (here, the end user environment A and the end user environment B). Starting with a print job request, you can check the status of the job.

  On the other hand, the POD site environment 3 is usually composed of a process management unit 4 and a digital print unit 5. However, when the function and capability of the finishing device connected to the digital image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a digital multifunction machine is insufficient, the post press unit 6 is added.

  The process management unit 4 instructs the processes of the process management unit 4, the digital print unit 5 and the post press unit 6 in the POD site environment, and centrally manages the workflow of this system composed of computers and various devices. Receives jobs from the end users mentioned above, stores jobs from end users, assembles work in each process as a workflow based on job specifications from end users, It plays the role of efficiently scheduling work for the worker.

  The digital print unit 5 copies a paper document received from an end user by a monochrome MFP, a color MFP, or the like according to a print job work instruction received from the process management unit, or from a client PC via a printer driver or a hot folder. The document / image file received from the end user, the scanned image file scanned by the scanning device, and the edited document / image file are printed out on a printing device such as a monochrome MFP or a color MFP. .

  The post-press unit uses post-processing devices such as a paper folding machine, saddle stitch binding machine, case binding machine, cutting machine, sealing machine, and book binding machine according to the work instructions of the post-press job received from the process management part or digital printing part. In addition to controlling, it plays a role of executing finishing processes such as paper folding, saddle stitching, case binding, cutting, enclosing, and registering on the recording paper output from the digital printing unit.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the process management unit 4 in the printing system.

  The process management unit 4 includes an MIS (Management Information System) server 20, an order receiving server 21, a file server 22, a client PC 23, and the like connected to a network.

  Here, the MIS server 20 is a server in a system that manages the workflow of the entire system from order receipt to delivery and comprehensively manages various management information and sales information.

  The order receiving server 21 is a server that receives jobs from the end user environment using the Internet. The received job is managed by the ID number of the job, and the ID number and information necessary for management are transmitted to the MIS server 20, and in accordance with the instruction of the MIS server 20, along with other information such as image data, it is downstream. Has a role to communicate to the process.

  The file server 22 is a document management server for storing jobs received from the end user in preparation for reordering with the same manuscript from the end user. Generally, image data and job setting information (job ticket) at the time of previous output are stored together.

  The client PC 23 is installed with a job generation application that outputs a job received from the end user in a format that can be processed in the POD system 3. For example, when a variable print job including basic content data, a data list, and a variable print instruction is received from an end user, it is converted to PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language) on the client PC 23 and submitted to the digital print unit. Is done. Information exchanged between the MIS server 20, the order receiving server 21, the file server 22, and the client PC 23 in the process management unit is performed using a job ticket that describes a job instruction called JDF (Job Definition Format). Information is exchanged, jobs are transferred, control commands are issued, and the workflow is coordinated with the digital printing unit 5 and post-press unit 6 centered on the process management unit 4 to provide total workflow automation is doing.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the digital printing unit 5 in the printing system.

  Here, one or a plurality of print servers 30, client PCs 31 and 32, color MFPs 35, 36, and 37 and monochrome MFPs 33 and 34 connected to the network exist.

  The print server 30 has two roles. The first is information transmission / reception to / from the outside of the digital print unit. Image information, setting information, and the like of a submitted job are first input to the print server, and when the job is completed, information such as status is notified to the outside. Have a role. The other is management control inside the digital print unit. Jobs input from outside and jobs generated inside the digital print unit 5 are centrally managed by the print server 30, and the inside of the digital print unit is controlled. The status of all devices and all jobs can be monitored, and control such as job suspension, setting change, printing restart, job duplication, movement, and deletion can be performed.

  Each of the client PCs 31 and 32 has a role of editing an input application file, a print instruction, or a print ready file, and a function of monitoring and controlling devices and jobs managed in the print server 30. ing.

  The color MFPs 35, 36, and 37 and the monochrome MFPs 33 and 34 are image forming apparatuses having various functions such as scanning, printing, and copying, and the color MFP and the monochrome MFP are different in speed, cost, and the like. Use differently. A finisher device is connected to the color MFP 37.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the post press unit 6 in the printing system.

  The post-press unit 6 includes post-processing devices represented by a post-press server 40, client PCs 41 and 42, a paper folding machine 43, a cutting machine 44, a saddle stitch binding machine 45, and a case binding machine 46.

  First, the post-press server 40 is a computer that comprehensively manages the post-processing process. The post-press server 40 can be finished by the post-press section based on job instructions received by the order receiving server or job instructions issued from the MIS server. Process conditions are created and post-processing (finishing) process instructions are made as required by the end user. In general, the post-press server 40 exchanges information with each post-processing device by using an internal command or status of the post-press unit using information exchange means such as JDF and the like outside the post-press unit 6.

  Post-processing devices can be broadly classified into three types, and are defined as follows.

  1) Inline finisher: a post-processing device in which the paper path is physically connected to the MFP, and operation instructions and status confirmation are also electrically connected to the MFP. Hereinafter, when only the finisher device is described, the term “inline finisher device” is used.

  2) Nearline finisher: The paper path is not connected to the MFP, and the operator (operator) carries the output material and sets the output material, but the operation instructions and status confirmation are performed via communication means such as a network. Post-processing device that can send and receive information automatically.

  3) Offline finisher: Communication means such as paper path, operation instructions and status confirmation are not connected to the MFP at all, and the operator can transport the output, set the output, input the operation manually, and the device itself Post-processing device that allows workers to visually check the status report.

  In addition, the post-processing equipment performs various sheet processing on output documents such as a cutting process, a saddle stitch bookbinding process, a case binding process, a paper folding process, a punching process, an enclosing process, and a bookbinding process. A post-processing step is performed on output original paper printed by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP, and control is performed so as to process into a bookbinding form provided to the end user.

  Near-line finishers (sometimes including offline finishers) managed by the post-press server 40 include a paper folding machine 43, a cutting machine 44, a saddle stitch binding machine 45, a case binding machine 46, a stapler, There are various types such as a punching machine, a sealing machine or a book machine (collator), and the post-press server 40 grasps the device status and job status by sequential polling etc. with these near-line finishers and a predetermined protocol. And manage the job execution status. The present embodiment may be configured such that the above-described plurality of sheet processes can be executed by separate sheet processing apparatuses, or a plurality of types of sheet processing can be executed by a single sheet processing apparatus. In addition, the system may include any one of a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses.

  Further, not all print jobs are processed by the post-press unit 6 in the POD system. The color MFP 37 having a finisher device may be processed up to the post-processing step.

  Conventionally, in the field of commercial printing, a commercial printing workflow using a job ticket has been proposed. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, an example of a “workflow by job ticket” and a job ticket in a conventional POD system in the field of commercial printing will be described. In the example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that the JDF generation application is in the MIS server 20, but it may be in the client PC 23.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow configuration realized by a job ticket. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a job ticket workflow configuration. In the example, JDF is used as a job ticket.

  The MIS server 20 is a system that manages the entire system workflow from order receipt to delivery, and comprehensively manages various management information and sales information. A JDF corresponding to a job ticket in which work instructions in the workflow are described. A JDF creation application 51 for creating data 52 is configured.

  The print server 30 is a server for receiving a job input to the digital print unit 5 and managing and controlling the entire digital print unit, such as a JDF parser 53 for interpreting the JDF data 52, PDF / PS, and the like. A PDL controller 54 for processing various PDL data and a printer / finisher interface 55 for connecting the finisher 58 to a printer engine such as the MFP 56 are configured.

  The workflow based on the job ticket is realized as follows.

  When the order receiving job 50 is input to the MIS server 20, the worker uses a JDF (Job Definition Format) creation application 51 installed in the MIS server 20 to create a JDF corresponding to a job ticket in which work instructions in the workflow are described. Data 52 is created.

  When the created JDF data 52 is transferred to the print server 30, the JDF parser 53 in the print server 30 interprets the JDF data 52 and executes a job for the digital print unit. For example, attributes such as output paper size, double-sided single-sided printing, and N-up are specified in JDF data, and PDL data such as PDF / PS that is referred to by JDF data 52 by PDL controller 54 according to the contents of JDF data. And the MFP 56 prints via the printer / finisher interface 55.

  By executing printing, the output document 57 is conveyed to the finisher A58.

  Therefore, if attributes such as case binding, saddle stitch binding, and cutting are specified in the JDF data, post-processing is executed on the finisher A 58 via the printer / finisher interface 55 according to the contents of the JDF data. .

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a job ticket in the POD system.

  Reference numeral 52 denotes the entire JDF data, and 61 denotes a plurality of prepress processing instruction groups indicating how to process the content data such as PDF and how to arrange the data. Reference numeral 62 describes a plurality of press processing instruction groups indicating how to output the image data created in the prepress processing 61 to a document. Reference numeral 63 describes a plurality of Postpress processing instruction groups indicating how to post-process the original document output in accordance with the instruction of the Press processing 62, such as wrapping and bookbinding. Reference numeral 60 denotes a combined process process in which the prepress process 61, the press process 62, and the postpress process 63 are combined into one process. Normally, in the color MFP 37 that controls digital printing, for a single input of a print job, a bookbinding result that has been executed from the Prepress process to the Press process to the Postpress process is the only output. In this way, the Combined Process is used when it is desired to simultaneously process from Prepress processing + Press processing + Postpress processing to one data input and to output only one Output. It is always used for instructions to a digital image forming apparatus such as an MFP having at least two of Prepress, Press and Postpress processes.

  FIG. 7 is another diagram showing an example of the structure of a job ticket in the POD system. A JDF (Job Definition Format) expressing a job ticket is described in an XML format and can be expressed by a hierarchical structure of nodes. FIG. 7 is a hierarchy diagram showing an example of bookbinding by JDF. On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows the JDF structure by the type of execution process.

  In order to create the “book” 71, a “book” that can be delivered to the end user through various processes such as making a cover 72, making the contents 73, or binding them is completed.

  In JDF, when constructing an output product, the process of forming a physical output product is a product node, the processing process for forming the product node is a process node, and there are some intermediate stage elements for creating a product node. A group of process nodes is called a process group node to distinguish them.

  Further, the prepress process 61 in FIG. 6 corresponds to the color page RIP process 7a and the monochrome page RIP process 7c. The press process 62 corresponds to cover output process 1 78, cover laminate process 79, color page print process 7b, and monochrome page print process 7d. The Postpress process corresponds to 7e, which is a package binding process, and 7f, which is a cutting process.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a screen of the print job management application.

  This figure describes an operation for exporting content data from a print job.

  A dialog 210 displays a list of print jobs of the MFP 56. In the example of FIG. 21, three jobs whose job names are “Presentation Material”, “Catalog”, and “Manual” are displayed, the “Presentation Material” job has finished printing, and the “Catalog” job is being printed, The “manual” job indicates that it is waiting for print processing. Reference numeral 212 denotes an area for displaying the list of jobs, and 211 denotes that the “presentation material” job is currently selected. The job is selected by moving the mouse cursor that operates in conjunction with the mouse over the job name and clicking the left mouse button. Whether or not it is in a selected state can be determined based on whether or not the background displaying the job name is highlighted in black. Reference numeral 213 denotes a pop-up menu displayed by clicking the right mouse button. The pop-up menu displays a “export contents ...” menu. By selecting the above menu with the mouse pointer, the content export process for the selected job “presentation material” is executed.

  In addition, it is well known to perform bookbinding processing (stapling, punching, saddle stitch binding, wrap binding, etc.) on a document sheet output from a conventional image forming processing apparatus using a finishing apparatus.

The processing method is changed depending on whether the page order of the conventional content is normal or reverse. Depending on whether the print instruction is face-up printing or face-down printing, the content order is reversed and transmitted to the printing apparatus. It was only a thing. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)
JP 09-212320 A

  However, the above-described conventional technique has nothing to say about the process of exporting content from a print job.

  Also, it was impossible to control the execution and non-execution of the content export process recorded in the print job.

  In addition, when one print job is composed of a plurality of content data, it is not possible to export these content data as a single file in the normal page order.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and performs an export processing method that does not execute content export processing when content data recorded in a print job is not in page normal order. The purpose is to provide a program.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a second export processing method in which, if the content recorded in the print job is not in the normal page order, the data is rearranged in the normal page order and exported, and a program for executing it.

  In addition, when the content recorded in the print job is composed of a plurality of data, a third export processing method for generating and exporting one data in the page normal order from the content data and executing it is executed. The purpose is to provide a program.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the printing system according to claim 1 includes at least a print job generation unit that generates a print job;
Print job processing means for storing the print job, sending it to the device, and managing the status;
In the print job processing means, content export means for extracting content data from the print job as a file;
Export execution determining means for determining whether or not content is exported by the content export means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing system in which the second content export means for returning the page order of the content data to the normal order and exporting, and the content recorded in the print job are recorded in the reverse page order. Is characterized in that the content is exported using the second content export means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system that analyzes the print instruction data recorded in the print job, and the second content data in accordance with the print instruction analyzed by the print instruction analysis means. When there are a plurality of content data counts measured by the content data creation means to be created, the content data count measurement means for measuring the number of content data recorded in the print job, and the content data count measurement means Is characterized in that the content data creation means is used to generate and export content.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily prevent a user from using a content that has not been created in the normal page order for printing or editing as it is, and creating a printed material or an edited result file having a different page order.

  Further, by rearranging contents not created in the normal page order in the normal page order, the user can obtain a file that can be used for printing or editing as it is.

  Furthermore, by exporting the content composed of a plurality of data as one file in the normal order of the page, the user can easily obtain a file that can be used for printing or editing as it is.

  Next, details of the present invention will be described in accordance with the description of the embodiments.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are block diagrams showing an example of the basic configuration of the entire printing system in the present invention, which is also used in the prior art. However, hereinafter, in order to make the present invention easier to understand, description will be made with a minimum configuration. Therefore, it shall be comprised like FIG.

  FIG. 8 is another block diagram showing an example of the basic configuration of the entire printing system in the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram in which only a configuration necessary for describing the present invention is left from the basic configuration block diagram of the entire printing system in FIG. 1, and the embodiment will be described with reference to this diagram.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the process management unit in the printing system includes an end user environment A1, an order receiving server 21, an MIS server 20, a client PC 23, and a file system server 22. The digital print unit includes a print server 30 and a color MFP 37. The internal structure of the color MFP 37 includes a color MFP main body for processing from reception of a print job to output of a print original according to information recorded in the job, and an inline finisher connected as a conveyance path for the print original from the MFP main body. It consists of. Reference numeral 80 denotes a network such as a LAN, and the above-described devices such as the MIS server 20, the color MFP 37, and the post-press server 40 are connected via the network 90.

  In this embodiment, the MIS server 20 manages the workflow of the entire system from order receipt to delivery. As specific processing contents of workflow management, the job received by the order receiving server 21 is converted into JDF print job data as a print job on the client PC 23 by the operator. Then, the job is transmitted from the job generation application of the client PC 23 to the MIS server 20 and recorded. The MIS server 20 has a function of managing the processing schedule of the print job of the entire printing system, and manages the variable job as a print job to be processed in the printing system together with the processing schedule information. Then, the digital print unit 5 is instructed to start a print job, and current processing status information is received from the digital print unit 5. In addition, a print job completion notification is received from the digital print unit 5. The various received information is notified to the operator through a CRT connected to the MIS server 20 or a CRT connected to the client PC 23.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the client PC 23 and the color MFP 37 in FIG. Reference numeral 90 denotes an application including a program for generating a print job. Reference numeral 91 denotes a job management application for managing print jobs and other print jobs.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the job generation application 90 and the job management application 91.

  Reference numeral 100 denotes a data generation unit that generates job data in accordance with an instruction input from the operator. Reference numeral 101 denotes job data created by the data generation unit 100 is transferred to the job management application 91 or a module that can process other print jobs. It is a data transmission part for doing. In this embodiment, the print job is transmitted from the job generation application 90 to the job management application 91, but it is not suitable to directly transmit to the color MFP 37.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a data receiving unit. Reference numeral 103 denotes a control unit that controls processing of the entire job management application, and reference numeral 106 denotes a job ticket analysis unit that analyzes a JDF that is a job ticket recorded in the received print job (2). A content export control unit 107 controls processing for exporting content data from a job recorded in the job management application 91. A content generation unit 108 actually creates a content file when exporting content from a job. A file is created under a folder with a path designated by the user from the user, or the page order of the contents is changed according to an instruction from the contents export control unit 107. Reference numeral 10a denotes a job management information updating unit that updates information recorded in the job recording unit 10b based on the result received by the data receiving unit 102. Reference numeral 104 denotes a display unit that displays job information managed by the job management information update unit 10a on a screen. 105 transmits a job from the job management application to the MFP 56, receives job status information from the MFP 56, records the job status information in the job recording unit 10b, and uses the display unit 104 to display the updated status information. A print job transmission / update unit to be displayed on the screen.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the color MFP 37 in detail.

  The MFP includes a memory such as a hard disk capable of storing data of a plurality of jobs in its own apparatus, and allows a printer unit to print job data output from the scanner via the memory, The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of functions such as a print function that enables job data output from an external device such as a computer to be printed by the print unit via the memory.

  MFPs include full-color devices and monochrome devices, and 37 is a color MFP.

  As for the configuration of the printing system, as described above, the MFP (multifunction image forming apparatus) having a plurality of functions is provided, but the image forming apparatus having only the printing function + finishing function is provided. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus may include only one type of image forming apparatus. In addition, any type of image forming apparatus may be provided. In any case, any configuration capable of realizing the control of the present embodiment may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 11, an input image processing unit 111 that reads an image such as a paper document and processes the read image data, and a FAX unit 112 that transmits and receives an image using a telephone line represented by a facsimile or the like. A network interface card (NIC) unit 113 for exchanging image data and device information using a network, a dedicated interface unit 114 for exchanging information such as image data with an external device, or a universal serial bus (USB) memory A USB device represented by (a kind of removable media) and a USB interface (USB I / F) unit 115 for transmitting and receiving image data and the like are provided.

  The MFP control unit 110 plays a role of traffic control such as temporarily storing image data and determining a route according to the use of the MFP.

  Next, the document management unit 11b includes a memory such as a hard disk capable of storing a plurality of image data. For example, a control unit (for example, a CPU of the MFP control unit) included in the image forming apparatus is the main component. Image data from the input image processing unit, image data of a facsimile job input through the FAX unit, image data from an external device such as a computer input through the NIC unit, a dedicated I / F unit, A plurality of types of image data such as various image data input via the USB I / F unit are controlled so that a plurality of types of image data can be stored in the hard disk, and the image data stored in the hard disk is read out appropriately, and the printer unit The data is transferred to an output unit such as 119, and output processing such as print processing by the printer unit is controlled to be executable. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the operator, the image data read from the hard disk is controlled so as to be transferred to an external device such as a computer or another image forming apparatus.

  When storing the image data in the document management unit 11b, the image data is compressed and stored as necessary, or on the contrary, when the stored image data is read out, it is decompressed to the original image data. For example, the processing such as returning is performed via the compression / decompression unit 11a. Also, it is generally known that compressed data such as JPEG, JBIG, ZIP is used when the data passes through the network, and after the data enters the MFP, it is decompressed (expanded) by this compression / decompression unit. The

  In addition, the resource management unit 11c stores various parameter tables that are commonly handled, such as fonts, color profiles, and gamma tables. The resource management unit 11c can be called as necessary, and stores or modifies new parameter tables. Can be updated.

  Next, in the MFP control unit, when PDL data is input, the RIP unit 117 performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing, or the output image processing unit 118 performs printing on an image to be printed as necessary. Perform image processing for printing. Further, intermediate data and print ready data (bitmap data for printing and data obtained by compressing the image data) created at that time can be stored again in the document management unit 11b as necessary.

  Then, it is sent to the printer unit 119 that performs image formation. The printed document sheet printed out by the printer unit 119 is sent to an inline finisher 11d as a post-processing unit, and sheet sorting processing and sheet finishing processing are performed.

  Here, the MFP control unit plays a role of smoothly flowing a job, and path switching is performed according to how to use the MFP. An example is shown below. Processing such as the compression / decompression unit and post-processing unit used as necessary, or the MFP control unit serving as the entire core is omitted, and is described so that an approximate flow can be understood.

A) FAX reception function: FAX section → output image processing section → printer section
B) Network print: NIC unit → RIP unit → output image processing unit → printer unit
C) Printing from an external device: Dedicated I / F unit → Output image processing unit → Printer unit
D) Printing from external memory: USB I / F part → RIP part → Output image processing part → Printer part
E) Box Print Function: Document Management Unit → Printer Unit In addition, box print is an MFP processing function that uses the document management unit, and divides the memory in the document management unit for each job or for each user. This function saves data and inputs / outputs data by combining user IDs and passwords.

  Further, the operation unit 116 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, the image data in the document management unit is changed. It is also possible to print the preview if it is OK after confirmation.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the MFP control unit 110 in detail.

  The figure is roughly divided into five parts. An input device management unit for managing input devices, an input job control unit for interpreting input jobs, an output job control unit for organizing job setting information, an output device management unit for assigning output devices, and job management This is a job management unit that transmits an instruction from the application 91 to the MFP control unit and controls a print job.

  The input device management unit includes an input device control unit 122, and input signals include PDL data and image data from the file server 22, and JDF from the job management application 91 and the job management unit 120 such as PPML.

  Next, the input job control unit includes a protocol interpretation unit 123 and a job generation unit 124. A series of operation requests sent from the input device control unit is received by a command signal called a command (protocol), and an outline of the operation request is interpreted by the protocol interpreting unit 123 so that the operation procedure can be understood inside the MFP. Converted. On the other hand, the job generation unit generates an internal job describing how to process in the MFP. The generated job is defined in each scenario such as what kind of processing is performed inside the MFP and where the job is sent, and flows inside the MFP according to the scenario.

  In the output job control unit, job setting information and image information are created in the job analysis unit 125, the binder analysis unit 126, the document analysis unit 127, and the page analysis unit 128. The job analysis unit 125 analyzes the details of the job setting information 129 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 multiple binders. The binder analysis unit 126 analyzes details of the binder setting information 12a related 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 127 analyzes the details of the document setting information 12b related to the entire document, such as the page order of a document composed of a plurality of pages, designation of double-sided printing, addition of a cover or slip sheet. The page analysis unit 128 analyzes the details of the page setting information 12c related to the entire various setting pages such as the image resolution and the image orientation (landscape / portrait), and the RIP unit 117 when PDL data is input. To perform rasterization processing. In generating image information, the RIP unit is called and page image information 12f is generated by rasterization processing. The page image information 12f is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 11a and then stored in the document management unit 11b in association with the setting information.

  The output device management unit includes an output device control unit 12d. The image information stored in the document management unit 11b is decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 11a and read together with the associated setting information, and the setting information and the image information are paired and sent to the output device unit. come. The output device control unit 12d schedules processing inside the MFP to determine which device to use, such as a printer unit or an inline finisher.

  The communication unit 121 receives print status transmission / reception and print job processing instructions from the print job management application 91, and the job management unit 120 receives PPML and JDF, which are print jobs, from the print job management application 91 via the communication unit 121. Receive instructions for starting, interrupting, canceling, or changing the processing contents of a print job, or sending instructions to change the processing of a print job according to sparse instructions to each control unit inside the MFP. Send print job status to EFM.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of job ticket information generated by the job generation unit 90 and recorded in a print job processed by the job management application 91. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the print job is composed of a job ticket 130 and content data such as PDF.

  Reference numeral 130 denotes the entire job ticket information.

  Reference numeral 131 denotes a job information area for managing the entire job. Reference numeral 132 denotes the name of the user who created this job. Login user name, user input name, etc. are used. Reference numeral 133 denotes a job name, and the name of this job is recorded. This is an area in which names such as “presentation material”, “catalog”, and “manual” in FIG. 21 are recorded. A job ID 134 is recorded, and a unique number for identifying the job is recorded. Information from 132 to 134 is included in the job information 131.

  Reference numeral 135 denotes an area for recording a print instruction. Reference numeral 136 denotes imposition information in which information on how to print an image on a sheet for the entire job is recorded. Reference numeral 137 denotes printing surface information, which records the printing method for each surface of the paper. When single-sided printing is set, an instruction for each side is recorded for each sheet, and when double-sided printing is performed, a printing instruction for both sides of the sheet is recorded. Reference numeral 13d denotes a printing surface number. At the time of duplex printing, the surface of the first sheet has a printing surface number = 1 and the back surface has a printing surface number = 2. Thus, it can be determined which of the printing surface information should be used. Reference numerals 138 and 13e denote content information areas in which instructions on how and where to draw the content on the printing surface are recorded. In the present embodiment, a diagram in which there is a plurality of pieces of content information in one piece of printing surface information is described, but there may be one case. Reference numeral 139 denotes a content information number in which a unique number is recorded in the job. Reference numeral 13a denotes layout information, in which the position where the content is drawn, the scaling factor, the presence / absence of clipping, and the like are recorded. Reference numeral 13b denotes a page number, which records the page number of the content to be referred to. Reference numeral 13c denotes a file name in which the file name of the content to be referenced is recorded. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the content data is recorded together with the job ticket information in the job, but a URL is recorded when it is recorded on another server.

  13f is printing surface information as in 137.

  Reference numeral 13g denotes an area for recording a bookbinding method, in which an instruction regarding processing using a finisher such as punching or stapling is recorded.

  13h is an instruction not to bind, 13i is a saddle stitch binding instruction, and 13j is a case binding instruction. The instructions from 13h to 13j are exclusive, and when any one instruction is set to ON, the other two settings are set to OFF.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the printing surface information of FIG. In this embodiment, an example of a sheet when ejected by single-sided printing is shown.

  Reference numeral 160 denotes a first page paper, 161 denotes a second page paper, and 162 denotes a third page paper. The surface of each sheet is the printing surface, and the printing surface information 137 in FIG. 13 indicates the printing method for the printing surface in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a processing method for determining whether or not to execute export.

  First, a job is selected in step S1. In step S2, "Export content file ..." is selected and supported from the menu. FIG. 21 shows a state at this time. In this embodiment, the job is selected by a mouse pointer that operates in association with a mouse, and the menu is selected from a pop-up menu displayed by a mouse button operation. In step S3, job ticket information is read from the selected job, and its contents are analyzed. Then, the process proceeds to step S4, and based on the result analyzed in step S3, it is determined whether or not the content recorded in the job is in page normal order. If the page is in normal order, the process proceeds to step S5. If not, the process is terminated without executing the content export. In step S5, the content is exported by copying the content recorded in the job under the path designated by the operator from the keyboard.

  A method for determining whether the content is in page normal order will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an embodiment for determining whether or not the content in FIG.

  First, in step S20, imposition information recorded in the job ticket is analyzed. In step S21, it is determined whether or not the first page of the content is used for printing the first print surface. If it is the first page of the content, it is determined that the page is in the normal order. If it is not the first page of the content, it is determined that the page is not in the normal order.

  When 13h which is not bound is ON, the determination method is performed by searching for the print surface information with the print surface number = 1, and whether the page number recorded in the content information is 1. When the saddle stitch bookbinding 13i is ON, two pieces of content information are recorded in the printing surface information, and determination is made based on whether or not page number = 1 is recorded in one of the pieces of content information. A determination method when case binding is ON will be described later.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a second embodiment for judging whether or not the content in FIG. This method is an example of a case where the finisher function and the page order in which the image output apparatus creates content when using the function are known in advance. In this embodiment, when saddle stitch binding is instructed, it is assumed that the content is not in page order.

  In step S30, the bookbinding method recorded in the job ticket is analyzed. In step S31, it is determined whether or not the designated bookbinding method is saddle stitching. In case of saddle stitching, it is determined that the pages are not in normal order, and in cases other than saddle stitching, it is determined that the pages are in normal order.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an embodiment in the case where the contents are rearranged in the page normal order when the contents are not configured in the page normal order.

  In this example, the example of Fig. 17 will be used to determine whether the page is in normal order. In the case of saddle stitching, the contents are described as being created in reverse page order.

  Steps S1 to S4 are the same as those in FIG. However, the same method as in the example of FIG. 17 is used as a method of determining whether the content in step S4 is in the normal page order. If it is determined in step S4 that the page order is not correct, the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, the contents are rearranged in page normal order. In this embodiment, since the contents are in reverse page order, the page order may be reversed in S40. For example, when the content data type is PDF, the order of pages can be rearranged by using a tool or the like that edits PDF provided by a distributor. In step S5, the contents rearranged in the normal order are exported.

  19 and 20 show an embodiment in which the contents are sorted and exported in the page order when the bookbinding method is a case product.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the imposition information recorded in the job ticket format and the output paper. Reference numerals 190 and 191 denote case binding covers. Reference numeral 190 denotes the front surface of the cover when it becomes a book, and reference numeral 191 denotes a surface that hits the back side of the front cover. The bookbinding is such that the book is wrapped around the cover. The content information 138 recorded in the print surface information of print surface number = 1 indicates the cover 190, and the content information 13e indicates the cover 191. Reference numerals 192 to 194 denote sheets constituting the text. The text sheet is wrapped in cover sheets 190 and 191 and bound.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart in the present embodiment (when the bookbinding method is a case product, the contents are rearranged in the page order and exported).

  Steps S1 to S3 are the same as those in FIG. In step S50, it is determined whether it is case binding. The determination is performed using information recorded in the bookbinding method 13g. If it is case binding, the process proceeds to step S51. Otherwise, in this embodiment, the process is terminated without performing the export process. In step S51, the contents constituting the cover (first page) and the back of the cover (second page) are read from the imposition information 136. The method for determining the contents constituting the cover (first page) and the back of the cover (second page) is as follows. Print surface information of print surface number = 1 is read. In this, two pieces of content information are recorded. One is information for printing the first page, and the other is information for printing the last page. Therefore, the page with the content page number = 1 is selected as the cover (first page). Further, “print surface information of print surface number = 2” is read. Similarly, two pieces of content information are recorded therein. Of the two, the one with the smaller page number is the content that forms the back surface (second page). Then, the process proceeds to step S52, and the content constituting the text is read. Since the body is described in the printing surface information after the printing surface number = 3, the contents constituting the body are read from the content information therein, and the cover (first page) and the back of the cover ( 2nd page) is added to the content. Then, the process proceeds to step S53, and the contents constituting the cover (last page) and the back of the cover (last page-1) are read. The contents recorded in the two pieces of print surface information read in step S51 and recorded in the content information not used for reading in step S51 are read. Then, it is added to the contents on the memory as in step S52. In step S5, the content expanded on the memory is created as a file, and the content export processing ends.

It is a conventional printing system configuration diagram. It is a block diagram of the conventional process management part. It is a block diagram of the conventional digital printing part. It is a block diagram of the conventional post press part. It is a figure explaining the workflow by the conventional job ticket. It is a figure explaining the structure of the conventional JDF. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating the configuration of a conventional JDF. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a client PC and a print server in the first embodiment. It is a detailed block diagram of a job generation application and a job management application in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a color MFP that can be placed in the first embodiment. It is a block diagram of the MFP control part which can be put in a 1st Example. It is a figure explaining the structure of the job ticket which can be put in a 1st Example. It is a flowchart explaining the judgment process of the export execution of the content which can be put in a 1st Example. It is a flowchart explaining the arrangement | sequence order determination of the page of the content in a 1st Example. It is a figure explaining the output paper in a 1st Example. It is a flowchart explaining the arrangement order determination of the page of the 2nd content in the 2nd Example. It is a flowchart explaining the process which exports the arrangement order of the page of the content put in the 2nd Example as a normal order. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the job ticket of a 3rd Example, and an output paper. It is a flowchart explaining the process which exports the arrangement order of the page of the content put in the 3rd Example as normal order. It is a figure explaining the instruction | indication screen of the content export which can be put in a 1st Example.

Claims (3)

Print job generation means for generating a print job;
Print job processing means for storing the print job, sending it to the device, and managing the status;
In the print job processing means, content export means for extracting content data from the print job as a file;
A printing system comprising: an export execution determining unit that determines whether or not content is exported by the content export unit. A second content export means for returning and exporting the page order of the content data to the normal order;
2. The content export according to claim 1, wherein when the content recorded in the print job is recorded in reverse page order, the content is exported using the second content export unit. Printing system. Print instruction analysis means for analyzing print instruction data recorded in the print job;
Content data creation means for creating second content data in accordance with the print instruction analyzed by the print instruction analysis means;
Content data number measuring means for measuring the number of content data recorded in the print job;
The content generation and export are executed using the content data creation means when there are a plurality of content data counts measured by the content data count measurement means. Printing system.

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