JP2011201146A - Image processing device and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system having more improved throughput than in a manner in which an external processing device does not perform preceding processing of image data scheduled to be processed later during rasterization processing of the image data, and to provide a rasterization processing device and an image processing program.SOLUTION: In the case an unused external Rip processing device 19 exists during Rip processing of the present job, a job management part 42 requests a pre-processing part 44 to perform the preceding processing of the succeeding job, and the pre-processing part 44 transmits preceding processing information about the succeeding job to the Rip processing device 16. The Rip processing device 16 communicates the received preceding processing information to the external Rip processing device 19 assigned to the own device. The external Rip processing device 19 performs the preceding processing of the succeeding job and stores the rasterization data. In the case of performing the Rip processing of the succeeding job after the present job, the preceding processing page acquisition part 64 of the Rip processing device 16 acquires the rasterization data that has been precedingly processed based on the preceding processing performance information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program.

  In Patent Document 1, rasterization processing for obtaining pixel information for printing from a page description language describing a print job is performed by a plurality of arithmetic processing devices on the network, and one or more print processing devices on the network are used. In the print processing system for outputting, capability information management means for managing the processing stress and the current processing status of the arithmetic processing unit, the network transfer capability and the current processing status, and the network transfer capability and the current transfer status; A print job dividing unit that efficiently divides a print job based on the capability information management unit; a print job transfer unit that transfers the print job divided by the print job dividing unit to the plurality of arithmetic processing units; Rasterization processing means for performing rasterization processing in the transferred arithmetic processing unit, and rasterized processing division A pixel combining unit that combines the raw information with the pixel information of the page unit; and an output control unit that controls to output the pixel information of the page unit combined by the pixel combining unit. A print processing system is described.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-260688 implements a client device including a mutual communication unit with an external device and a print request unit that requests printing, a distributed object technology, and a mutual communication unit with an external device, Image data processing means for the printer language or image data requested from the client device, first distribution means for distributing the image data processing means to an external device, mutual communication means with an external device, the printer language or Sharing means for sharing all or part of image data and objects including data processing with one or more external devices, and receiving means for receiving the result of image data processing performed by the external devices by the first distribution means And an image processing apparatus for executing printing based on a result of the receiving means, and a distributed object The communication technology with the external device, receiving means for receiving the distributed processing request from the external device, distributed processing executing means for executing the request by the receiving means instead of the device, There is described a print network system in which a server apparatus having processing result return means for returning a processing result of a distributed processing execution means to an external device that has made the distributed processing request is connected by the mutual communication means. Yes.

  Patent Document 3 includes a print manager that receives and spools print data in response to a print request from a user personal computer, a plurality of RIPs that manage jobs under the print manager, and a printer that is connected to the print manager. The print manager distributes jobs to the plurality of RIPs according to job contents and performs parallel processing so that high-speed printing can be performed at a processing speed of a high-speed printer. A high-speed rasterization system is described.

JP 2001-282494 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-092444 JP 2007-310450 A

  The present invention relates to an image processing system, a rasterization processing device, and a rasterization processing device, which have improved processing capacity compared to a case where the preceding processing of image data to be processed later is not performed by an external processing device during rasterization processing of image data. An object is to provide an image processing program.

To achieve the above object, an image processing system according to claim 1 receives a plurality of image data including data of a plurality of pages, and rasterizes the image data received by the receiving unit for each page. Processing information is distributed to the processing means for rasterizing the image data and distributed to the processing means to an external processing device for rasterizing the image data according to the processing load of the rasterizing processing of the processing means. First distribution means for distributing processing information for rasterizing a page different from the page of image data, and the external processing device performs rasterization processing based on the processing information distributed by the first distribution means The image data to be processed after the image data being rasterized by the processing means. Requesting means for requesting preceding processing to perform rasterization processing in advance by the external processing device, and delivering preceding processing information for processing the image data requested for preceding processing by the requesting means. Acquisition means for acquiring pre-processed information relating to pre-processed image data pre-processed by the external processing device based on the pre-process information distributed by the second distribution means; Notification means for notifying the processing means of the pre-processed information acquired by the acquisition means.

  An image processing system according to a second aspect is the image processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processing means to which the external processing device is assigned and the preceding processing information distributed by the second distribution means are A preceding process information receiving means for receiving, a contacting means for contacting the preceding processing information received by the preceding process information receiving means to the external processing device assigned to the processing means, and notifying the processing means from the notifying means A pre-processed image data acquisition unit that acquires the pre-processed image data from the external processing device assigned to the processing unit based on the pre-processed information that has been processed. It was.

  The image processing system according to claim 3 is the image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit to which the external processing device is assigned, and the preceding process notified to the processing unit from the notification unit. Pre-processed image data acquisition means for acquiring the pre-processed image data from the external processing device assigned to the processing means based on the completion information, and The distribution unit distributes the preceding processing information for performing the preceding processing on the image data corresponding to the processing unit to the external processing device assigned to the processing unit.

  The image processing system according to claim 4 is the image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second distribution unit distributes the preceding processing information to any of the plurality of external processing devices, and The preceding processed information acquired by the acquiring unit includes external processing device information indicating which of the external processing devices has performed the preceding processing, and the processing unit and the processing unit from the notification unit Rasterization processing apparatus comprising: pre-processed image data acquisition means for acquiring the pre-processed image data from the external processing apparatus corresponding to the external processing apparatus information included in the notified pre-processed information Equipped with.

  An image processing system according to a fifth aspect is the image processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the rasterizing process is not performed based on the processing information distributed by the first distribution unit. In response to the request, the second distribution unit distributes the preceding processing information to the external processing device, and the preceding processing information acquired by the acquiring unit includes the external processing information that has performed the preceding processing. External processing device information indicating a processing device is included, from the processing unit and the external processing unit corresponding to the external processing unit information included in the preceding processed information notified from the notification unit to the processing unit A rasterization processing device including a preceding processed image data acquisition unit configured to acquire the preceding processed image data;

  A rasterization processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect is described in any one of the second to fifth aspects.

  The image processing program according to claim 7 is a step of receiving a plurality of image data including data of a plurality of pages by the receiving unit, and rasterizing the image data received by the receiving unit for each page by the first distribution unit. Processing information for processing is distributed to processing means for rasterizing image data, and the processing means is connected to an external processing device for rasterizing image data in accordance with the processing load of rasterization processing of the processing means. A step of distributing processing information for rasterizing a page different from the page of the distributed image data; and a rasterizing process based on the processing information distributed by the first distribution unit by the external processing device by a request unit If the image data being rasterized by the processing means is not Requesting the preceding processing to perform the rasterization processing on the image data scheduled to be processed in advance by the external processing device, and the image data requested for the preceding processing by the requesting means by the second distribution means. Distributing the preceding processing information for the preceding processing, and the image data that has been subjected to the preceding processing by the external processing device based on the preceding processing information distributed by the second distributing unit by the obtaining unit And a step of notifying the processing means of the pre-processed information acquired by the acquisition means by the notification means.

  According to the first, sixth, and seventh aspects of the present invention, the image data that is scheduled to be processed later during the rasterization process of the image data is compared with the case where the external processing device does not perform the preceding process. , Improve processing capacity.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the processing device can recognize the external processing device that has performed the preceding processing as compared with the case where the preceding processing information is not distributed to the external processing device assigned to the processing means. It becomes like this.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the load on the processing device is reduced as compared with the case where the preceding processing information is distributed to the processing device.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a specific external processing device is not assigned to the processing device or an external device different from the assignment, compared to the case where the external processing device information is not included in the preceding processed information Even when the preceding process is performed by the processing apparatus, image data that has been subjected to the preceding process by the processing apparatus is acquired.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the processing load is reduced compared to the case where the preceding processing information is not distributed in response to a request from an external processing device.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system using an image processing system according to a first embodiment. It is a schematic structure figure showing an example of the connection relation of the image processing system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the hardware of the control system of the controller of the image processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the whole image processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the Rip processing apparatus provided with the function for performing the preceding process of the subsequent job which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a preceding process executed by a CPU of a control system of a controller of the image processing system according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the prior | preceding process performed by the control part of the Rip processing apparatus of the image processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the Rip processing apparatus provided with the function for performing the preceding process of the subsequent job which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the prior | preceding process performed with CPU of the control system of the controller of the image processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the prior | preceding process performed by the control part of the Rip processing apparatus of the image processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the Rip processing apparatus provided with the function for performing the preceding process of the subsequent job which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of preceding processing executed by a CPU of a control system of a controller of an image processing system according to a third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the prior | preceding process performed by the control part of the Rip processing apparatus of the image processing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the Rip processing apparatus provided with the function for performing the preceding process of the subsequent job which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the prior | preceding process performed with CPU of the control system of the controller of the image processing system which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

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

  First, a printing system using the image processing system of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system using the image processing system of the present embodiment. The printing system 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing for forming a color image on a continuous paper 7 as a recording medium by a printing apparatus 4.

  A printing system 1 using the image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a preprocessing device 2, a buffer device 3, a printing device 4, a buffer device 5, a postprocessing device 6, and an image processing system 10. Yes.

  The preprocessing device 2 performs various preprocessing (for example, generation of punches, cut lines, etc.) before image formation on the continuous paper 7. The buffer device 3 absorbs the difference between the processing speed of the preprocessing device 2 and the processing speed of the printing device 4.

  The printing apparatus 4 includes an image processing system 10 and an image forming unit 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) for each color, and forms an image on the continuous paper 7. The image forming unit 8 of the present embodiment is configured to form an image on the continuous paper 7 by electrophotography. Specifically, around a photoreceptor corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device, and The neutralizing device and the like are arranged in order, and the fixing device 9 is arranged on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction.

  Specifically, the photoconductor is rotated, and the surface of the photoconductor is uniformly charged by the charging device, whereby a latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor by the exposure device. The latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor is developed by the developing device to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to the continuous paper 7 by the transfer device. The toner image transferred to the continuous paper 7 is fixed by the fixing device 9. Further, the toner on the surface of the photoreceptor remaining without being transferred to the continuous paper 7 by the transfer device is removed by the cleaning device, and after the charge removal by the charge removal device, the above-described processing is repeated again from the charging by the charging device. Thus, image formation is performed.

  The continuous paper 7 on which an image is formed by the printing device 4 is conveyed to the post-processing device 6 via the buffer device 5. The buffer device 5 absorbs the difference between the processing speed of the printing device 4 and the processing speed of the post-processing device 6. The post-processing device 6 winds the continuous paper 7 and performs various post-processing (for example, cutting into a predetermined size, bookbinding, etc.) on the continuous paper 7 on which an image is formed by the printing device 4. It is.

  Next, the connection relationship of the image processing system 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a connection relationship of the image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment.

The image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 14 and Rip processing devices 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. The controller 14 of the image processing system 10 and the host device 12 that transmits image data to the image processing system 10 are connected so that various types of data are exchanged via a communication line 14 such as a network or a LAN line. The controller 14, the Rip processing devices 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, and the external Rip processing devices 19 _{1 to} 19 _{n of} the external Rip processing device group 18 receive various data through a communication line 15 such as a network or a LAN line. Connected to give and receive. In the present embodiment, Rip (Raster Image Processor) processing refers to rasterization processing for developing image data, which is vector data, into raster image data for each page data.

  Further, the Rip processing devices 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are connected to the ITO processing units 17C, 17M, 17Y, and 17K included in the image forming units 8C, 8M, 8Y, and 8K of the printing device 4, respectively. Information for image formation, image data subjected to Rip processing, and the like are transmitted.

In the following description, when the Rip processing devices 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K and the ITO processing units 17C, 17M, 17Y, and 17K are collectively referred to for each color, each color is assigned to the reference numeral. It is written without the CMYK shown. In the present embodiment, the external Rip processing device group 18 has a configuration including _n external Rip processing devices 19 _{1 to} 19 _n. Write without the.

  Next, an example of a schematic configuration of the image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. An example of a schematic hardware configuration of the control system of the controller 14 of the present embodiment is shown in FIG.

  The controller 14 of the image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 20, a ROM 22, a RAM 24, a storage device 26, a UI device 28, a communication IF 30, and a print IF 32.

  The CPU 20 controls the controller 14 as a whole. Specifically, the CPU 20 performs control by executing a program 23 stored in the ROM 22. In the present embodiment, the program 23 is stored in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The program 23 is stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a removable disk, and the ROM 22 or the like is recorded from the recording medium. It may be installed on the ROM 22 or the like from an external device via a communication line such as the Internet. The RAM 24 secures an area for work when the CPU 20 executes the program 23.

  The storage device 26 stores data or the like required for processing described later in the controller 14. Specific examples include a memory and a hard disk.

  The UI (user interface) device 28 is for presenting information to the user when the user gives various instructions. Specific examples include a touch display, a keyboard, a mouse, a speaker, and the like.

  The communication IF (interface) 30 is an interface that communicates with devices external to the controller 14 (such as the host device 12, the Rip processing device 16, and the external Rip processing device group 18), and exchanges various data. The printing IF 32 is an interface that communicates with the printing apparatus 4 and exchanges various data such as printing instructions and Rip processed image data.

  The CPU 20, ROM 22, RAM 24, storage device 26, UI device 28, communication IF 30, and print IF 32 are connected so that various types of data are exchanged via a communication line 33 such as a network or a LAN line.

  Next, the flow of image processing in the image processing system 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The controller 14 of the image processing system 10 includes a data receiving unit 40, a job management unit 42, a preprocessing unit 44, and a data distribution processing unit 46.

  The data receiving unit 40 has a function of receiving a job including image data and information related to a print instruction for the image data from the host device 12. The data receiving unit 40 receives a plurality of jobs. The job management unit 42 has a function of managing jobs received by the data receiving unit 40. The job management unit 42 instructs the data distribution processing unit 46 to distribute image data included in a job to be subjected to Rip processing (hereinafter referred to as a current job) to each Rip processing device 16 for each page, and the Rip processing device. If the processing load is determined to be high due to the processing speed of the Rip processing performed at 16 or the operating status of the CPU (described later in detail) of the Rip processing device 16, the image data page is also distributed to the external Rip processing device group 18) The data distribution processing unit 46 is instructed to do so. Also, the job management unit 42 receives another job (a job scheduled to be subjected to Rip processing after the current job, hereinafter referred to as a subsequent job) while the Rip processing device 16 performs Rip processing of the current job. If at least one of the external Rip processing devices 19 of the external Rip processing device group 18 is not performing Rip processing for the current job, the subsequent Rip processing device 19 that is not performing Rip processing is preceded by a subsequent job. Request the pre-processing unit 44 to perform the Rip process.

  When the preprocessing unit 44 receives a request for preceding processing of the subsequent job from the job management unit 42, the preprocessing unit 44 causes the external Rip processing device 19 to perform Rip processing of the subsequent job in advance in order to perform the Rip processing of the subsequent job in advance. It has a function of distributing the pre-processing information including page data) to the external Rip processing device 19. In the present embodiment, the preceding process is the same as the Rip process performed for the current job, and the preceding process information is information distributed from the data distribution processing unit 46 during the Rip process of the current job. It is the same thing.

The pre-processing unit 44 also provides information on the external Rip processing device 19 to which the pre-processing information is distributed (information indicating which page is distributed to which of the external Rip processing devices 19 _{1 to} 19 _n , etc. A function to notify the job management unit 42 of the execution information).

  The data distribution processing unit 46 has a function of distributing information for performing Rip processing of page data of image data to the Rip processing device 16 and the external Rip processing device group 18 in accordance with an instruction from the job management unit 42. In the present embodiment, the data distribution processing unit 46 distributes page data of different pages for each Rip processing device 16.

  The Rip processing device 16 of the image processing system 10 includes a Rip processing unit 50, a data storage unit 52, and an image formation control unit 54.

  The Rip processing unit 50 performs the Rip processing on the page data of the current job distributed by the data distribution processing unit 46 by the Rip processing unit 50, stores the rasterized data of the color in charge by the own device in the data storage unit 52, and other colors. The rasterized data is transmitted to the Rip processing device 16 in charge of each. The transmitted rasterized data of other colors is stored in the data storage unit 52 of the Rip processing device 16 corresponding to each color. The rasterized data that has been subjected to the Rip processing of the current job by the external Rip processing device 19 is distributed to the Rip processing device 16 corresponding to each color and stored in the data storage unit 52 of each Rip processing device 16.

  Further, the image formation control unit 54 of the Rip processing device 16 controls the image formation processing unit 17 of the printing device 4, and the rasterized data stored in the data storage unit 52 according to the processing status of the image formation processing unit 17 is respectively provided. Are output to the image forming processing unit 17 corresponding to the colors.

  Next, the preceding process of the succeeding job in the image processing system 10 of the present embodiment will be described in detail. First, FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram of an example of a schematic configuration of the Rip processing device 16 of the present embodiment provided with a function for performing the preceding process of the succeeding job. In the Rip processing device 16 of the present embodiment, one of the external Rip processing devices 19 is assigned to each Rip processing device 16, and when the preceding processing information is received from the controller 14, the assigned external Rip It has a function of causing the processing device 19 to perform a preceding process.

  Therefore, the Rip processing device 16 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 60, a Rip processing unit 50, a data storage unit 52, an image formation control unit 54, a reception unit 62, a preceding processing information communication unit 63, and a preceding processing page acquisition unit 64. , And a transmission unit 65.

  The control unit 60 has a function of controlling the entire Rip processing device 16, and specifically includes a CPU 66, a ROM 67, and a program 68. In the present embodiment, the program 68 is stored in advance in the ROM 67. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The program 68 is stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a removable disk, and the ROM 67 or the like is recorded from the recording medium. It may be installed on the ROM 67 or the like from an external device via a communication line such as the Internet. The RAM 69 secures a work area when the CPU 66 executes the program 68.

  The accepting unit 62 has a function of accepting a request for Rip processing of the current job and the preceding processing information of the succeeding job from the controller 14. The preceding process information communication unit 63 is assigned to the own apparatus and has a function of communicating the preceding process information received by the receiving unit 62 to the external Rip processing apparatus 19 that is not performing Rip processing of the current job. . In the present embodiment, the external Rip processing device 19, when the preceding processing information is notified from the preceding processing information communication unit 63, the Rip processing unit 70 performs the Rip processing on the page data of the subsequent job, and the Rip processed rasterization. Data is stored in the data storage unit 72.

  The preceding process page acquisition unit 64 receives the preceding process execution information accompanying the request for the Rip process of the succeeding job from the controller 14 when the subsequent job is subjected to the Rip process after the completion of the Rip process of the current job. Page data (rasterized data) is acquired from the data storage unit 72 of the external Rip processing device 19 assigned to the own device.

  The transmitting unit 65 has a function of transmitting rasterized data that is not the assigned color of the own apparatus to the Rip processing apparatus 16 that is in charge of the Rip processed rasterized data.

  Next, the flow of the preceding processing operation of the succeeding job in the image processing system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the preceding process (program 23) executed by the CPU 20 of the control system of the controller 14 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the preceding process (program 68) executed by the CPU 66 of the control unit 60 of the Rip processing device 16 of the present embodiment.

  In the controller 14, when the data receiving unit 40 receives a job from the host device 12, this processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed.

  In step 100, it is determined whether or not the preceding process execution information is associated with the job requesting the Rip processing device 16 to perform the Rip process. For example, when the current job is rip processed or when the current job is rip processed, all the external rip processing devices 19 are used for the rip processing of the current job, and the subsequent job when the preceding processing is not performed is rip. In the case of processing, etc., the determination is negative and the process proceeds to step 102.

  In step 102, the job management unit 42 and the data distribution processing unit 46 request the Rip processing device 16 to perform a Rip process, and then the process proceeds to Step 106. By this request, when the processing load of the Rip processing device 16 and the Rip processing device 16 is high, the normal Rip processing for executing the Rip processing of the current job is executed using the external Rip processing device 19.

  On the other hand, if the preceding process has already been performed (for example, if the subsequent job is subjected to Rip processing after completion of the Rip processing of the current job), the determination is affirmative and the process proceeds to Step 104. In step 104, the job management unit 42 and the preprocessing unit 44 request the Rip processing device 16 to perform the Rip process together with the preceding process execution information stored in the job management unit 42, and then the process proceeds to step 106.

  In step 106, the job management unit 42 determines whether there is a subsequent job. If the data receiving unit 40 has received a subsequent job, the result is affirmative and the process proceeds to step 108. In step 108, it is determined whether or not all external Rip processing devices 19 are used in the current job. If all the external Rip processing devices 19 are used, such as when the processing load of the current job is high, the determination is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 118. On the other hand, if there is an external Rip processing device 19 that is not used, such as when the processing load of the current job is low, the result is negative and the process proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, the job management unit 42 requests the pre-processing unit 44 to perform pre-processing of the succeeding job. In the next step 112, the pre-processing unit 44 assigns an external Rip processing device 19 that is not used. The preceding process information of the succeeding job is distributed to the processing device 16. As a result, the Rip processing device 16 to which the preceding processing information has been distributed contacts the external Rip processing device 19 to which the preceding processing information is assigned (details will be described later).

  In the next step 114, the pre-processing unit 44 notifies the job management unit 42 of the pre-processing execution information corresponding to the pre-processing information distributed by the pre-processing unit 44, and in the next step 116, the received job management The unit 42 stores the preceding process execution information in the storage device 26 or the like. As a result, which external Rip processing device 19 stores which page of the subsequent job has been processed in advance is stored.

  In the next step 118, it is determined whether or not to end the Rip processing of the current job and start the Rip processing by the Rip processing device 16 of the subsequent job. When the Rip process of the current job is in progress, the result is denied and the apparatus enters a standby state. When the Rip process of the subsequent job is started, the determination is affirmed and the process returns to Step 100 to repeat this process.

  In step 106 after step 100, step 102, and step 104 repeated from step 118, if there is a subsequent job waiting for Rip processing in addition to the subsequent job that has performed the preceding processing, affirmative Then, the process proceeds to step 108 and this process is repeated. On the other hand, if there is no other subsequent job, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in the Rip processing device 16, when the accepting unit 62 accepts the Rip process requested by the process in Step 102 or Step 104 in FIG. 7, the process shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  In step 200, it is determined whether or not there is preceding process execution information accompanying the Rip processing request received by the receiving unit 62. For example, in the case of the Rip processing request for the current job as described above, since it is the Rip processing request for the job for which the preceding process has not been performed, the determination is negative and the process proceeds to Step 206.

  In step 206, the Rip processing by the Rip processing unit 50 is started. Further, in the next step 208, it is determined whether or not the receiving unit 62 has received the preceding process information from the preprocessing unit 44. If not received, the determination is negative and the process proceeds to step 212. On the other hand, if the preceding process information distributed by the process of step 112 shown in FIG. In step 210, the external Rip processing device 19 assigned to the own device and the external Rip processing device 19 that has not performed the Rip processing of the current job are notified of the preceding processing information received in step 208.

  In the next step 212, it is determined whether or not to end the Rip processing of the current job. If the Rip process for all pages distributed by the data distribution processing unit 46 has not been completed yet, the determination is negative and the process returns to step 208 to repeat this process. On the other hand, when the Rip process for the previous page is completed, the determination is affirmed and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step 200, if a request for Rip processing of a succeeding job that has been processed in advance is received as described above, the determination is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 202. In step 202, the rasterized data of the succeeding job that has been subjected to the preceding process is acquired from the data storage unit 72 of the external Rip processing apparatus 19 assigned to the own apparatus based on the preceding process execution information. In the next step 204, it is determined whether all pages requested for Rip processing have been processed in advance (determining whether rasterized data of all pages has been acquired). If not all pages, the process proceeds to step 206 to start Rip processing of unprocessed page data that has not been subjected to preceding processing, and this processing is repeated. On the other hand, if all pages are present, the determination is affirmed and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the data receiving unit 40 receives a plurality of jobs (current job and subsequent jobs), and after the Rip processing of the current job is started, the processing of the Rip processing device 16 When there is an external Rip processing device 19 that is not used due to a low load or the like, the job management unit 42 requests the pre-processing unit 44 to perform preceding processing of the subsequent job. The pre-processing unit 44 distributes the pre-processing information of the succeeding job to the Rip processing device 16 and sends pre-processing execution information indicating which page data is pre-processed by which external Rip processing device 19 to the job management unit 42. The job management unit 42 stores the notified advance process execution information. When receiving the preceding process information, the accepting unit 62 of the Rip processing device 16 notifies the preceding process information to the external Rip processing device 19 assigned to the own device by the preceding process information communication unit 63. Receiving the notification, the external Rip processing device 19 performs the preceding process of the subsequent job (Rip processing of page data) by the Rip processing unit 70 and stores the rasterized data in the data storage unit 72. When Rip processing is performed on the subsequent job after Rip processing on the current job, the Rip processing device 16 is requested to perform Rip processing on the subsequent job together with the stored preceding processing execution information. The preceding process page acquisition unit 64 of the Rip processing device 16 acquires the rasterized data that has been subjected to the preceding processing from the data storage unit 72 of the external Rip processing device 19 assigned to the own device based on the preceding process execution information. The Rip processing unit 50 performs Rip processing of page data that has not been subjected to preceding processing among the page data requested for Rip processing.

  Thus, in order to efficiently use the external Rip processing device 19 and perform the preceding processing of the subsequent job, when the Rip processing device 16 performs the Rip processing of the subsequent job, the Rip processing of the page data that has been processed in advance is performed. Is no longer necessary. Therefore, the processing load of the subsequent job is reduced and the processing time is shortened. Further, since the page data can be received by the Rip processing device 16 in advance, the performance between jobs can be improved.

  Therefore, the total processing capability of the image processing system 10 is improved as compared with the case where the preceding processing of the subsequent job scheduled to be processed later is not performed by the external Rip processing device 19 during the Rip processing of the current job.

  In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the information indicating which external Rip processing device 19 has processed is included in the preceding process execution information. However, the Rip processing device 16 of the present embodiment is assigned to the own device. Since the preceding RIP processing device 19 is informed of the preceding processing information, the external RIP processing device 19 itself recognizes in which external RIP processing device 19 the preceding processing has been performed. Information indicating the external Rip processing device 19 may not be included in the preceding process execution information.

  In addition, when it is determined that the external Rip processing device 19 is not used during the Rip processing of the current job, the external Rip processing device 19 performs the preceding processing of the succeeding job. When it becomes higher and it is determined that the external Rip processing device 19 is used, the preceding processing of the subsequent job in the external Rip processing device 19 may be stopped and the Rip processing of the current job may be switched.

  In the printing apparatus 4 (see FIG. 1) of the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the YMCK four-color image is shown as a printing apparatus that forms the continuous paper 7 on the continuous paper 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a printing apparatus that forms a color image, or may be a printing apparatus that forms a monochrome image such as black and white with one image forming unit 8.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the image processing system according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the image processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. Mainly, the operation of the controller and the Rip processing device in the preceding processing, the configuration of the Rip processing device, and Therefore, the different points will be described in detail, the same reference numerals are given to the substantially similar parts, and the detailed description will be omitted.

  The image processing system 80 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 81 and a Rip processing device 82. In the image processing system 80 according to the present embodiment, the preprocessing unit 44 distributes the preceding process information to the external Rip processing device 19 assigned to the Rip processing device 16 without using the Rip processing device 16. is there.

  FIG. 8 shows a functional block diagram of an example of a schematic configuration of the Rip processing device 82 of the present embodiment. The Rip processing device 82 according to the present embodiment does not receive the preceding processing information and does not contact the external Rip processing device 19, and therefore does not include the preceding processing information communication unit 63 according to the first embodiment. . Further, the reception unit 83 of the present embodiment corresponds to the reception unit 62 of the first embodiment, and the program 85 corresponds to the program 68. The receiving unit 83 of the present embodiment has a function of receiving a Rip processing request from the Rip processing unit 50. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the preceding process information is not accepted.

  Next, the flow of the preceding processing operation of the succeeding job in the image processing system 80 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the preceding process executed by the CPU 20 of the control system of the controller 81 of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the preceding process (program 84) executed by the CPU 66 of the control unit 60 of the Rip processing device 82 of the present embodiment.

  Since the processing flow of the controller 81 shown in FIG. 9 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), detailed description of the same parts is omitted. Steps 300 to 318 of the preceding process of the present embodiment correspond to steps 100 to 118 of the first embodiment, respectively, and the process of step 312 of the present embodiment is mainly different.

  In step 300, it is determined whether or not there is preceding process execution information corresponding to the job. If the result is negative, the process proceeds to step 302 and the Rip processing device 82 is requested to perform the Rip processing, and the Rip processing device 82 performs normal Rip processing. Is done. On the other hand, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 304, and the Rip processing device 82 is requested to perform Rip processing together with the preceding processing execution information.

  In the next step 306, it is determined whether or not there is a subsequent job. If the result is negative, the present process is terminated. If the result is positive, the process proceeds to step 308, and the current job uses all the external Rip processing devices 19. If the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 318. On the other hand, if the result is negative, the process proceeds to step 310, and the job management unit 42 requests the preprocessing unit 44 to perform the preceding process of the subsequent job.

  In the next step 312, the pre-processing unit 44 distributes the preceding process information of the subsequent job to the unused external Rip processing device 19 assigned to the Rip processing device 82. Thus, in the external Rip processing device 19, the Rip processing unit 70 performs the preceding processing of the succeeding job based on the distributed preceding processing information and stores the rasterized data in the data storage unit 72.

  In the next step 314, the advance processing execution information is notified from the pre-processing unit 44 to the job management unit 42. In the next step 316, the job management unit 42 stores the preceding process execution information. In the next step 318, the current processing execution information is stored. It is determined whether or not to finish the Rip process for the job and start the Rip process for the subsequent job. If the result is negative, the process enters a standby state. If the result is positive, the process returns to step 300 and this process is repeated.

  On the other hand, in the Rip processing device 82 of the present embodiment, this processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed. Step 400 in the present embodiment corresponds to step 200 in the first embodiment, step 402 corresponds to step 202, step 404 corresponds to step 204, step 406 corresponds to step 206, and step 412. Corresponds to step 212. In other words, the Rip processing device 82 of the present embodiment does not include the processing (the processing of Step 208 and Step 210) that receives the preceding processing information of the first embodiment from the controller 14 and contacts the external Rip processing device 19. Process.

  In step 400, if there is no preceding process execution information, the process proceeds to step 406. If there is, the process proceeds to step 402, where the preceding process page acquisition unit 64 is advanced from the external Rip processing apparatus 19 assigned to the own apparatus. The preprocessed page acquisition unit 64 acquires processed rasterized data. In the next step 404, it is determined whether or not there is rasterized data for all pages. If the result is affirmative, this processing is terminated. On the other hand, if not all pages, the result is negative and the process proceeds to step 406, where the Rip processing unit 50 starts the Rip process. In the next step 412, it is determined whether or not to end the Rip process. If there is unprocessed page data, it is denied and enters a standby state, and if it ends, it is affirmed and this process ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, if there is an external Rip processing device 19 that is not used during the Rip processing of the current job, the job management unit 42 requests the pre-processing unit 44 for the preceding processing of the subsequent job. The pre-processing unit 44 distributes the pre-processing information of the subsequent job to the external Rip processing device 19 and also displays the pre-processing execution information indicating which page data has been pre-processed by which external Rip processing device 19. The job management unit 42 stores the notified advance process execution information. The external Rip processing device 19 performs the preceding process of the subsequent job in the Rip processing unit 70 and stores the rasterized data in the data storage unit 72. When Rip processing of the subsequent job after Rip processing of the current job, the Rip processing device 82 is requested to perform Rip processing of the subsequent job together with the stored preceding processing execution information. The preceding process page acquisition unit 64 of the Rip processing device 82 acquires the rasterized data that has been subjected to the preceding processing from the data storage unit 72 of the external Rip processing device 19 assigned to the own device based on the preceding process execution information. The Rip processing unit 50 performs Rip processing of page data that has not been subjected to preceding processing among the page data requested for Rip processing.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, the external Rip processing device 19 is efficiently used to perform the preceding processing of the subsequent job. Therefore, when the Rip processing device 16 performs the Rip processing of the subsequent job, the preceding processing is performed. Rip processing of existing page data becomes unnecessary. Accordingly, the total processing capability of the image processing system 80 is improved as compared with the case where the preceding processing of the subsequent job scheduled to be processed later is not performed by the external Rip processing device 82 during the Rip processing of the current job.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the pre-processing unit 44 distributes the pre-processing information to the external Rip processing device 19 without going through the Rip processing device 82, which is preferable for job management and the processing load of the Rip processing device 82. Is reduced compared to the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the Rip processing device 82 recognizes the external Rip processing device 19 assigned to the own device, and thus the external Rip processing device that is the preceding processing destination. Information indicating 19 may not be included in the preceding process execution information.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the image processing system according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Therefore, different points will be described in detail, and the same reference numerals are used for the substantially similar parts. A detailed description will be omitted.

  The image processing system 87 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 88 and a Rip processing device 89. In the image processing system 87 according to the present embodiment, the pre-processing unit 44 does not go through the Rip processing device 16 regardless of the assignment of the external Rip processing device 19 and any external Rip processing device 19 that is not used. The pre-processing information is distributed to the network.

  FIG. 11 shows a functional block diagram of an example of a schematic configuration of the Rip processing device 89 of the present embodiment. Similar to the second embodiment, the Rip processing device 89 of the present embodiment has a configuration that does not include a configuration corresponding to the preceding process information communication unit 63 of the first embodiment. In addition, the reception unit 90 of the present embodiment corresponds to the reception unit 62 of the first embodiment, and the program 92 corresponds to the program 68. The reception unit 90 of the present embodiment has the same function as the reception unit 83 of the second embodiment. Further, the preceding process page acquisition unit 91 of the present embodiment receives the preceding process execution information including the external Rip processing apparatus information from the controller 88, and the external Rip process in which the preceding process has been performed based on the external Rip processing apparatus information. It has a function of specifying the device 19 and acquiring rasterized data from the specified external Rip processing device 19.

  Next, the flow of the preceding processing operation of the succeeding job in the image processing system 87 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the preceding process executed by the CPU 20 of the control system of the controller 88 of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the preceding process (program 92) executed by the CPU 66 of the control unit 60 of the Rip processing device 89 of the present embodiment.

  Since the processing flow of the controller 88 shown in FIG. 12 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, detailed description of the same parts is omitted. Steps 500 to 518 of the preceding process of the present embodiment correspond to steps 100 to 118 of the first embodiment, respectively, and the process of step 512 of the present embodiment is mainly different. Here, the process of step 512 will be described.

  In step 512 after a request for preceding processing of the succeeding job is made, an arbitrary Rip processing device 19 is selected from the external Rip processing devices 19 not using the pre-processing unit 44 (in accordance with a predetermined rule) and selected. The preceding processing information of the succeeding job is distributed to the external Rip processing device 19 that has been performed.

  Thus, in any external Rip processing device 19 that has been selected and distributed with the preceding processing information, the preceding processing of the succeeding job is performed by the Rip processing unit 70 based on the distributed preceding processing information, and the rasterized data is stored in the data storage unit. 72.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, an arbitrary external Rip processing device 19 selected by the pre-processing unit 44 performs the preceding processing of the subsequent job, and the rasterized data is stored in the data storage unit 72 of the external Rip processing device 19 become.

  On the other hand, in the Rip processing device 89 of the present embodiment, this processing shown in FIG. 13 is executed. Step 600 of this embodiment corresponds to step 200 of the first embodiment, step 602 corresponds to step 202, step 604 corresponds to step 204, step 606 corresponds to step 206, and step 612. Corresponds to step 212. In this embodiment, since the process of step 601 is added, the process of step 602 after step 601 and step 601 will be described here.

  In step 601 in the case where there is preceding process execution information (affirmative determination in step 600), such as in the case of Rip processing of the subsequent job after the end of the current job, the preceding process is performed from the external Rip processing device information included in the preceding process execution information. The external Rip processing device 19 that has performed is specified. In the next step 602, rasterized data that has been pre-processed is acquired from the identified external Rip processing device 19.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the external Rip processing device information indicating the external Rip processing device that has performed the preceding process is included in the preceding process execution information, a specific external Rip processing device 19 is included in the Rip processing device 89. Even if it is not assigned, or even if the preceding process information is distributed to an external Rip processing device 19 different from the assigned one, the external Rip processing device 19 that has performed the preceding processing is identified and specified from the external Rip processing device information. The rasterized data that has been pre-processed is acquired from the external Rip processing device 19 that has been processed.

  Therefore, also in the present embodiment, when the Rip processing device 89 performs the Rip processing of the subsequent job, the Rip processing of the page data that has been processed in advance is not necessary. Therefore, the total processing capability of the image processing system 87 is improved as compared with the case where the preceding processing of the subsequent job scheduled to be processed later is not performed by the external Rip processing device 19 during the Rip processing of the current job.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the image processing system according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first to third embodiments. Therefore, different points will be described in detail, and the same reference numerals are used for the substantially similar parts. A detailed description will be omitted.

  The image processing system 94 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 95 and a Rip processing device 96. In the image processing system 94 according to the present embodiment, the pre-processing unit 44 precedes the external Rip processing device 19 without going through the Rip processing device 16 in response to a request from the unused Rip processing device 19. Process information is distributed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the Rip processing device 89 of the present embodiment is configured to have the same function as the Rip processing device 89 of the third embodiment. Therefore, since the same processing (the processing shown in FIG. 13) as the Rip processing device 89 of the third embodiment is executed, the controller 95 will be described here.

  A flow of the preceding processing operation of the succeeding job in the image processing system 94 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the preceding process executed by the CPU 20 of the control system of the controller 95 of the present embodiment.

  Since the processing flow of the controller 95 shown in FIG. 15 is substantially the same as that of the first to third embodiments, the same parts are not described in detail. Steps 700 to 718 of the preceding process of this embodiment correspond to steps 100 to 118 of the first embodiment, respectively, and in this embodiment, the process of step 711 is added, and the steps after step 711 are performed. The processing of 712 is mainly different. Here, the processing of step 711 and step 712 will be described.

  In step 711 after the preceding process of the succeeding job is requested, a preceding process information acquisition request is received from the external Rip processing device 19. In this embodiment, in order for the external Rip processing device 19 that is not used during the Rip processing of the current job to perform the preceding processing of the subsequent job, a request for acquiring the preceding processing information is sent to the controller 95 itself. Do. When the controller 95 accepts this, in the next step 712, the preceding process information of the succeeding job is distributed to the external Rip processing device 19 that has accepted the request.

  Thereby, in the external Rip processing device 19 that has requested acquisition of the preceding processing information, the preceding processing of the subsequent job is performed by the Rip processing unit 70 based on the distributed preceding processing information, and the rasterized data is stored in the data storage unit 72. .

  As described above, in this embodiment, the external RIP processing device 19 that has requested acquisition of the preceding processing information performs the preceding processing of the subsequent job, and the rasterized data is stored in the data storage unit 72 of the external RIP processing device 19. Become.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the Rip processing device 89 includes the external Rip processing device information indicating the external Rip processing device that has performed the preceding processing in the preceding processing execution information. Even if a specific external Rip processing device 19 is not assigned, or even if a preceding process is performed by an external Rip processing device 19 different from the assigned one, the external Rip processing that has performed the preceding processing from the external Rip processing device information The device 19 is specified, and the rasterized data that has been processed in advance is acquired from the specified external Rip processing device 19.

  Therefore, also in the present embodiment, when the Rip processing device 89 performs the Rip processing of the subsequent job, the Rip processing of the page data that has been processed in advance is not necessary. Therefore, the total processing capability of the image processing system 87 is improved as compared with the case where the preceding processing of the subsequent job scheduled to be processed later is not performed by the external Rip processing device 19 during the Rip processing of the current job.

  In this embodiment, since the controller 95 distributes the preceding process information in response to a request from the external Rip processing device 19, the controller 95 is operated without much awareness of the presence or absence of the succeeding job. The load is reduced compared to other embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 4 Printing apparatus 10, 80, 87, 94 Image processing system 14, 81, 88, 95 Controller 16, 82, 89 Rip processing apparatus 18 External Rip processing apparatus group 19 External Rip processing apparatus 20 CPU
23 Program 40 Data Receiving Unit 42 Job Management Unit 44 Pre-Processing Unit 46 Data Distribution Processing Unit 50 Rip Processing Unit 60 Control Units 62, 83, 90 Reception Unit 63 Preceding Process Information Communication Unit 64, 91 Preceding Process Page Acquisition Units 68, 84 92 Program 70 Rip processing part

Claims (7)

Receiving means for receiving a plurality of image data including data of a plurality of pages;
Processing information for rasterizing the image data received by the receiving unit for each page is distributed to the processing unit for rasterizing the image data, and the image data is processed according to the processing load of the rasterizing process of the processing unit. First distribution means for distributing processing information for rasterizing a page different from the page of image data distributed to the processing means to an external processing device that performs rasterization;
When the external processing apparatus has not performed the rasterization process based on the processing information distributed by the first distribution unit, the image data to be processed after the image data being rasterized by the processing unit is Requesting means for requesting preceding processing to perform rasterization processing in advance by an external processing device;
Second distribution means for distributing the preceding process information for performing the preceding process on the image data requested for the preceding process by the requesting means;
Obtaining means for obtaining pre-processed information related to pre-processed image data pre-processed by the external processing device based on the pre-process information distributed by the second distribution unit;
Notification means for notifying the processing means of the pre-processed information acquired by the acquisition means;
An image processing system. The processing means to which the external processing device is assigned;
Preceding process information receiving means for receiving preceding process information distributed by the second distributing means;
Contact means for contacting the external processing device assigned to the processing means with the preceding processing information received by the preceding processing information receiving means;
Pre-processed image data acquisition means for acquiring the pre-processed image data from the external processing device assigned to the processing means based on the pre-processed information notified from the notification means to the processing means; ,
The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a rasterization processing apparatus including: The processing means to which the external processing device is assigned;
Pre-processed image data acquisition means for acquiring the pre-processed image data from the external processing device assigned to the processing means based on the pre-processed information notified from the notification means to the processing means; ,
Equipped with a rasterization processing device equipped with
The second distribution unit distributes the preceding processing information for performing the preceding processing of the image data corresponding to the processing unit to the external processing device assigned to the processing unit;
The image processing system according to claim 1. The second distribution unit distributes the preceding processing information to any of the plurality of external processing devices, and the preceding processing completed information acquired by the acquiring unit includes any of the external processing devices. Contains external processing device information indicating whether or not the preceding processing has been performed
The processing means;
Pre-processed image data acquisition unit for acquiring the pre-processed image data from the external processing device corresponding to the external processing device information included in the pre-processed information notified from the notification unit to the processing unit When,
The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a rasterization processing apparatus including: In response to a request from the external processing apparatus that has not performed rasterization processing based on the processing information distributed by the first distribution means, the second distribution means sends the preceding processing to the external processing apparatus. The pre-processed information acquired by the acquisition unit that distributes information includes external processing device information indicating the external processing device that has performed the pre-processing,
The processing means;
Pre-processed image data acquisition unit for acquiring the pre-processed image data from the external processing device corresponding to the external processing device information included in the pre-processed information notified from the notification unit to the processing unit When,
The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a rasterization processing apparatus including:   The rasterization processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5. Receiving a plurality of image data including data of a plurality of pages by a receiving means;
The first distribution means distributes processing information for rasterizing the image data received by the receiving means for each page to the processing means for rasterizing the image data, and the processing load of the rasterization processing of the processing means In response to this, the step of distributing processing information for rasterizing a page different from the page of the image data distributed to the processing means to an external processing device for rasterizing the image data;
When the requesting unit has not performed the rasterization process based on the processing information distributed by the first distribution unit by the external processing device, the processing unit is scheduled to process after the image data being rasterized. Requesting prior processing to rasterize image data in advance by the external processing device;
Delivering the preceding processing information for performing the preceding processing on the image data requested for the preceding processing by the requesting means by a second delivery means;
Obtaining pre-processed information on pre-processed image data pre-processed by the external processing device based on the pre-process information distributed by the second distribution unit by an acquisition unit;
A step of notifying the processing means of the pre-processed information acquired by the acquisition means by a notification means;
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute a process comprising:

Images