JPH10190927A - Information processing system and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a desired output result efficiently without notifying an output enable data type or a color reproduction characteristic, even in the case that a printer is installed at a position remote from the user or that lots of input printers are connected on a network. SOLUTION: While a client server detects a data device whose output is attained by an output device, image data from a scanner are divided into a plurality of packets and transferred to the client server (S34), and in the case that conversion of image data is required, image data conversion processing (gray scale into binary, RGB into gray scale, and RGB into binary) is executed (S35 into S36), the image data after the conversion are registered sequentially in a raster image storage section (S37), the image data are printed out by a printer section which is an output device (S41), and the entire processing operation is finished at a print end in a job status (S43).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing method, and more particularly, to a client server having at least a function as a client and a function as a print server, and data exchange between the client server and the client server. An information processing system connected to a client server via a predetermined communication network, and image reading means for reading image data and printing means for printing and outputting the image data connected to the client server; About the method.

[0002]

Recently, an image read by an image reading device (scanner) is printed by a printing device (printer).
When output from a printer, these image reading devices and printing devices are connected to a plurality of other terminal devices via a predetermined communication network (network) such as a LAN, so that the image reading device and the printing device can be used in addition to a specific image reading device and printing device combination. It has become possible to read and output image data using terminal devices on these networks.

In this case, in order to obtain a desired output result, each client is always aware of data types (RGB data type, binary bitmap data type, gray scale data type, etc.) that can be output by the printing apparatus. Need to be kept. That is, if image data of a data type different from the data type that can be output is output from the printing apparatus, an error occurs and a desired output result cannot be obtained, or an unexpected output result is obtained. Each client must always be aware of the output data type of the printing device used.

However, when the printing apparatus is installed at a position distant from the user or when a large number of printing apparatuses are connected to a network, it is always necessary to be aware of the data types that can be output from the printing apparatus. Difficult for the user.

[0005] In the case of a digital copying machine having an image reading unit and a printing unit and capable of color output, despite the fact that each model has a color space unique to the model, it does not work on the network. Image data is input and output between different models. That is, for example, when two different types of digital copiers are simultaneously connected to a network and an image read by one digital copier is printed out by the other digital copier, the respective digital copiers are connected as described above. Since there is a color space unique to each model, it is necessary to convert the color space of the digital copying machine on the input side to the color space of the digital copying machine on the output side before printing.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and may be applied to a case where a printing apparatus is installed at a position distant from a user or a case where many input / output devices are connected on a network. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing system and an information processing method capable of efficiently obtaining a desired output result without being conscious of a data type and a color reproduction characteristic that can be output.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of client servers having at least a function as a client and a function as a print server; In an information processing system in which a server for transmitting and receiving data is connected via a predetermined communication network, and image reading means for reading image data and printing means for printing and outputting image data are connected to the client server. ,
A first data type detection unit configured to detect a data type of image data that can be output by the printing unit, wherein the server has queuing information management unit that manages queuing information of the printing unit; Second data type detection means for detecting the data type of the image data input from the image reading means,
The detection result of the first data type detection means and the second data type detection means;
Data conversion means for converting a data type detected by the second data type detection means to a data type detected by the first data type detection means when the detection result of the data type detection means is different from Output means for outputting image data of a data type converted by the data conversion means based on the queuing information from the queuing information management means.

Further, instead of the first aspect of the present invention, the client server detects a data type of image data which can be output by the printing means, as in the information processing apparatus of the second aspect. Means, and notifying means for notifying the server of a detection result of the first data type detecting means, and the server, wherein the server stores a data type of image data read by the image reading means, When the data type stored by the storage unit is different from the data type notified by the client server by the notification unit, the data type stored by the storage unit is converted to the data type notified by the notification unit. Data converting means, and a queuing information pipe for managing queuing information of the printing means. And output means for outputting image data in a data type converted by the data conversion means based on queuing information from the queuing information management means. It is also preferable to be characterized.

Further, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, at least a plurality of client servers having both a function as a client and a function as a print server, and a server which transmits and receives data to and from the client server are communicated in a predetermined manner. In an information processing method for performing information processing by connecting an image reading unit that reads image data and a printing unit that prints and outputs image data to be connected via a network, the printing unit can output the image data. The client server determines whether the data type of the image data is different from the data type of the image data input from the image reading unit, and when the data types are different from each other, the data type is input from the image reading unit. The data type of the image data which can output the data type of the image data by the printing means. Into a flop, thereafter, on the basis of queuing information of said printing means the server manages,
The image data is output in the converted data type.

Further, instead of the invention described in claim 7, as in the information processing method according to claim 8, the client server detects a data type of image data that can be output by the printing means and sends the data type to the server. Notify, the server compares the data type of the input image stored in advance with the data type notified from the client server, and when these data types are different, the data type of the input image is transmitted from the client server. It is also preferable that the data type is converted into the notified data type, and thereafter, based on the queuing information of the printing unit managed by the server, the image data is output in the converted data type.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a scanner / printer client server system as an embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention.

The scanner / printer client server system has a plurality of client computers (hereinafter, referred to as “clients”) 1 directly operated by a user.
A file server computer (hereinafter, referred to as “file server”) 2 for providing a service to the client 1 and a plurality of scanner / printer client servers (hereinafter, referred to as “client server”) 3 are connected to a LAN. The file server 2 is connected via a predetermined communication network (hereinafter, referred to as “network”) 4 such as a (Local Area Network), and manages a file system shared on the network 4.

The client server 3 includes a digital image reading unit (hereinafter referred to as "scanner unit") 5 for reading image data and a printing unit 6 for printing and outputting a grayscale digital image. Electrophotographic Multiple Color Copiers (CLC)
7 (7a to 7d) and a film scanner (FS) 8 are connected to each other. And the client server 3
Is a client for image data input from the scanner unit 5 or the FS 8, requests a service from the file server 2, and becomes a print server for image data transmitted from the network 4. 6 is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 2, the color copying machine 7 has a scanner section 5 having a document table 9 and a printer section provided below the scanner section 5 and executing a predetermined printing process. 6, a plurality of paper cassettes 10 in which recording paper to be fed to the printer unit 6 is stored, and a tray 11 from which recording paper on which an image is formed by the printer unit 6 is discharged. .

The scanner unit 5 further includes an exposure controller 12 for scanning (scanning) the original placed on the original table 9 by a contact CCD line sensor, and an image signal read by the exposure controller 12. An image processing unit 13 that performs predetermined image processing on the image data, and a scanner / printer interface (I / F) controller 14 that performs an interface operation between the client server 3 and the image processing unit 13.
And a scanner controller 15 that controls the above-described components and performs data communication with the printer unit 6.

The printer unit 6 has an image forming unit 16 for creating an image based on an image signal read by the scanner unit 5.
And the image created by the image forming unit 16
The scanner controller 15 performs data communication between a paper supply / discharge unit 17 that forms on a recording paper fed from the printer and discharges the recording paper to the tray 11. A printer controller 18 for controlling the unit 17.

Further, the image forming section 16 includes a laser drive section 19 for driving a semiconductor laser described later and a polygon scanner drive section 20 for controlling a polygon mirror described later.
A photosensitive drum 21, a charging unit 22 for charging the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined potential to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21, and a surface potential for controlling a surface potential charged on the charging unit 22 A control unit 23; a developing unit 24 for exposing and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 21;
1 and a drum cleaning unit 25 for cleaning the drum 1.

The paper supply / discharge unit 17 is provided with the paper cassette 10.
Feed control unit 2 that controls the feeding of recording paper conveyed from the printer
6, a transfer drum 27 for transferring an image formed by the image forming unit 16 to recording paper, a fixing unit 28 for fixing the image transferred to the transfer drum 27 to recording paper, and a transfer drum 27
And a transport unit 29 that separates the recording paper from the recording paper and supplies the recording paper to the fixing unit 28.

When an original is copied using the color copying machine 7 having the above-described configuration, the exposure controller 12
Scans the original on the original table 9 by controlling the contact type CCD line sensor and converts it into an analog image signal corresponding to the density of each pixel. The analog image signal is 8bi for each color.
The digital image signal is converted into a digital image signal t and sent to the image processing unit 13 via the scanner controller 15. Next, the image processing unit 13 converts the digital image signal into a signal level corresponding to the density of the toner amount based on the luminance level of the digital image signal, and then performs various image processing such as synthesis, scaling, and movement. These digital image signals are sent to the printer unit 6.

The digital image signal sent from the scanner unit 5 is converted into a lighting signal by a semiconductor laser controlled by the laser drive unit 19, and the lighting signal is in accordance with the signal level of the digital image signal. Output pulse width. In this embodiment, the lighting level of the semiconductor laser is 256 levels (corresponding to 8 bits). Next, the image data corresponding to the digital image signal to be output is sequentially exposed and developed on the photosensitive drum 21 by the developing unit 24 in a digital dot format, transferred to recording paper, and finally recorded by the fixing unit 28. The sheet is fixed on the sheet and discharged to the tray 11. That is, when copying an original using the color copying machine 7, the scanner unit 5
When the original image is placed on the original platen 9 and the copy start key is pressed, the image is read and image processed by the scanner unit 5 according to the above-described process, and further, the exposure by the printer unit 6 is performed.
An image is formed through development, transfer, and fixing processes, and a print result is printed as a gray scale copy on a tray 11.
Is output to The case where the image data sent from the network 4 is input to the I / F controller 14 will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the file server 2.
A mouse 30 and a keyboard 31 as means for inputting instructions from a file server administrator; a color display 32 for performing a predetermined menu display;
It comprises a keyboard 31 and a file server body 33 for controlling input / output of the color display 32 and the like.

The file server body 33 is, specifically,
A server network controller 34 that controls protocol processing on the network 4, a server main controller 35 that controls the entire file server 2 such as analyzing the contents of packets extracted by the protocol processing and separating image data, A server main memory 36 for storing received image data and the like; a server ROM 37 for storing predetermined arithmetic programs and the like; a keyboard / mouse controller 38 for controlling input information from a keyboard 31 and a mouse 30; A display controller 39 for controlling output information to the color display 32, a display memory 40 for temporarily storing output information to the color display 32, an appropriate number of hard disks 41, and a hard disk connected to the hard disks 41. A hard disk controller 42 for controlling the disk 41; a key management controller 43 for managing / controlling the keying file data registered in the hard disk 41; and a queuing table 44 for storing the management information. The components are connected to each other via a server main bus 45.

More specifically, a plurality of queuing tables 44 are provided so as to be able to respond to requests from a plurality of client servers 3, and each queuing table 44 is as shown in FIG. And a server ID / network ID storage area 46 for storing IDs of client servers and networks to be queued.
And a total queue storage area 47 for storing all queue numbers currently registered, and an execution queue storage area 48
And a plurality of job data storage areas 49 in which a plurality of job data requested from the client 1 can be stored.
….

Further, the job data storage area 49 corresponds to FIG.
As shown in (b), a queue type storage unit 49a, a queue status storage unit 49b, a job ID storage unit 49c,
Queuing file ID storage unit 49d, job status storage unit 49e, and warning status storage unit 4
9f. In the present embodiment, the warning status storage unit 49f issues a warning to the client server 3 when the data type that can be output by the color copying machine 7 is different from the data type of the image data sent from the client server 3. The registration to the effect is made.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the client server 3.
A mouse 50 and a keyboard 51 as means for inputting instructions from a client server administrator, and a color display 5 for displaying a desired layout, editing, and menu.
And a client / server body 54 for controlling the mouse 50, the keyboard 51, the color display 52 and the like.
It is composed of

Specifically, the client server main body 54 is connected to a hard disk 53 as an external storage device and controls a hard disk 53, and a main controller 56 for controlling the entire client server main body 54. ROM 57 storing predetermined arithmetic programs and the like;
1 and a keyboard / mouse controller 58 for controlling input information from the mouse 50;
Display controller 59 for controlling output information to
A display memory 60 for temporarily storing output information to the color display 52, and a network controller 6 for controlling protocol processing on the network 4.
1, a network server controller 62 that performs control as a server, such as analyzing the contents of packets extracted by the protocol processing and separating image data, and a main memory 63 that stores image data and the like sent from the network 4. The network server controller 62
A raster image storage unit 64 for storing and managing raster image data and its position information and attribute information based on the image data / command data separated by the image data and command data; And a digital interface controller 65 for transmitting and receiving image data, control information, various instructions, etc. to and from each other. These components are connected to each other via a client server main bus (hereinafter, referred to as a “main bus”) 66. Have been. The digital interface controller 65 is connected to the color copying machine 7 via a cable 67.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the client server main body 54 has two raster image storage units 64a and 64b and two digital interface controllers 65a and 65b. , These two digital interface controllers 65
a, 65b are connected to two color copying machines (CLC1, CLC2) 7a, 7b via cables 67a, 67b, respectively.

More specifically, the raster image storage units 64a, 64
4b is red (R), green (G), blue (B)
Plane memories 68a and 68b, and a memory controller 69a that controls the plane memories 68a and 68b.
69b. Plain memory 68a, 68b
Are controlled by the memory controllers 69a and 69b such as reading, writing, and refreshing. These two plane memories 68a and 68b can perform independent operations. When one plane memory 68a is performing a print output operation, the other plane memory 68a
b allows image transfer from the main bus 66 and image processing using the main controller 56. Further, by connecting the two plane memories 68a and 68b via the video bus 70, the same effect as that of one plane memory can be obtained. Thus, for example, when both the plane memories 68a and 68b each have only the memory capacity of the A4 size, the two plane memories 68a and 68b are connected to each other to form one plane memory. It is possible to handle images of a size.

The digital interface controllers 65a and 65b are connected to the controllers 71a and 71b.
And color conversion circuits 72a and 72b for converting, for example, RGB image signals into cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) image signals, and masking for performing image editing processing for faithfully reproducing images. Circuits 73a and 73b and F
IFO (First-In First-Out) 74a, 74b and FI
The image signal passing through the FOs 74a and 74b and the FIFO 74
selectors 75a and 75b for selecting an image signal which does not pass through a and 74b as needed. The image data from the color copiers 7a and 7b
8a and 68b, the selectors 75a and 75b
5b is set to through without passing through the FIFOs 74a and 74b.

The cables 67a and 67b are accommodated in a single cable so that each signal line for image data 24 bits, a synchronization signal, a clock, and communication can be transmitted and received in both directions.

As shown in FIG. 7, the color conversion circuit 72 has a first and a second look-up table (LUT) capable of setting data from 0 to 255.
76 and 77 and a 3 × 3 matrix operation table 78.

FIG. 8A shows a color conversion table for inputting RGB image data using the color copying machine 7a (CLC1) as an input device and converting the RGB image data into color characteristics corresponding to a plurality of registered file types. FIG. 8B shows a color conversion table when RGB image data is input using a color copying machine 7b (CLC2) as an input device and converted into color characteristics corresponding to a plurality of registered file types. ing. That is, the first LUT 76 stores a “power operation calculation table” for correcting characteristics of image data input to the color conversion circuit 72 depending on the input device, and the matrix calculation table 78 stores the first LU.
An “image conversion operation table” for converting the data corrected by T76 into image data on a registered file type color space is stored. Further, the second LUT 79 stores the image data color-converted by the matrix operation table 78. A "power calculation table" for correcting device characteristics of the registered file type is stored.

FIG. 8C shows a color copying machine 7a (C
FIG. 8 shows a color conversion table for performing color conversion corresponding to the color characteristics of the color copying machine 7a (CLC1) as an output device from a plurality of registered file types when image data is printed out from the LC1). d) is a color when performing color conversion corresponding to the color characteristics of the color copying machine 7b (CLC2) as an output device from a plurality of registered file types when image data is printed out from the color copying machine 7a (CLC1). 4 shows a conversion table. In other words, the first LUT 76 stores a “power-exponential calculation table” for correcting characteristics depending on the image data of the registered file type, and the matrix calculation table 78 stores
An “image conversion operation table” for converting the data corrected by the first LUT into image data on the color space of the output device is stored. Further, the second LUT 79 includes
A “LOG operation table” for correcting the image data color-converted by the matrix operation table 78 to the characteristics of the output device is stored. That is, in the present embodiment, in consideration of the difference between the data type of the input / output device and the data type of the registration file, the various tables shown in FIG. 8 are used to perform desired color conversion according to the input / output device and the registration file. The first and second LUTs 76 and 77 are stored in a 3 × 3 matrix calculation table 78. In the table, monitor A and monitor B indicate types of registered files defined to perform optimal color reproduction for a specific model (for example, PC system or MAC system).

As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of LUTs are prepared in advance to correct the input / output characteristics based on the image type which is the color space of each input / output device.
Since the color space conversion is performed on the data whose input characteristics have been corrected using the 3 × 3 matrix operation table, accurate conversion processing independent of the input characteristics can be performed. That is, in the present embodiment, since the color space conversion is performed by combining the three tables (the first and second LUTs and the matrix operation table) as described above, various color space conversion processes can be easily performed. The configuration can be realized, and a desired color space conversion process can be accurately performed. Further, since the color space variation process is performed by a hardware circuit, the process can be performed in real time.

A more detailed procedure for setting color space conversion settings, such as determination of an image type and creation of file information, will be described later.

Next, in the client server 3 configured as described above, the image data read by the scanner unit 5 of the color copying machine 7a is stored in the raster image storage unit 64a.
The procedure for storing in the plane memory 64a will be described.

When a key to start copying is input by using the keyboard 51 or the mouse 50 of the client server 3 (the information indicating the user is also input at this time), the main controller 56 receives the scan command and recognizes the scan command. Run. That is, the main controller 56 issues a scan command to the color copying machine 7a via the controller 71a. The color copying machine 7a transfers the image data obtained by scanning the original to the client server 3 as RGB image data by fully using the image data signal 24 bits inside the cable 67a in accordance with the scan command. In the client server 3, the transferred RGB image data is converted into a color conversion circuit 72 in the digital interface controller 65.
is input to a. Then, in the color conversion circuit 72a, the input device (in this case, the color copying machine 7a (CLC) is used in accordance with the above-described color conversion table (FIGS. 8A and 8B).
1)) is converted into a color space of image data corresponding to the registered file type and output to the video bus 70. At the same time, the controller 71a
And outputs a capture request signal to the control bus of the video bus 70, and then the memory controller 69a stores the image data output to the video bus 70 in accordance with the capture request signal in the plane memory 64a.

Although the raster image storage unit 64a has been described above, the same applies to the raster image storage unit 64b.
For example, if the controller 71b is a memory controller 69b
In response, a write request signal is placed on the control bus to start a write operation to plane memory 64b. In this case, in order to avoid a bus conflict between the controllers 71a and 71b, the digital interface controllers 65a and 65b are designed not to operate at the same time.

Next, an output procedure for outputting the image data stored in the raster image storage section 64 to the color copying machine 7a will be described.

First, when a print command is issued from the client 1, the print command is sent to the main controller 56 via the network controller 61. Then, the main controller 56 interprets the content of the print command, writes the content of the print command into the main memory 63 under the control of a bus controller (not shown) in the main bus 66, and thereafter,
The main controller 56 reads out the contents stored in the main memory 63 and executes a print command. That is, the main controller 56 issues a print command issuance command to the color copier 7a to the controller 71a in the digital interface controller 65, and the controller 71a issues a print command to the color copier 7a by communication via the cable 67a. I do.

Next, the color copying machine 7a receiving the print command activates the printer and, at the same time, returns an image synchronizing signal to the controller 71a. The controller 71a that has received the image synchronization signal places an image request signal on a control bus in the video bus 70 according to the image synchronization signal, and sends an image output request signal to the memory controller 69a. The memory controller 69a transmits the image data to the video bus 70 according to the image output request signal.
Output in GB24bit. The output image data is input to the color conversion circuit 72a in the digital interface controller 65a, and the above-described color conversion table (FIG. 8)
(C) and (d)), the color space of the output device (in this case, the color copying machine 7a (CLC1))
The B image signal is converted into CMY image data. Then, the masking circuit 73a performs an image editing process for faithfully reproducing an image, such as masking and UCR calculation processing, in accordance with the color reproduction characteristics of the color copying machine 7a. In the color copying machine 7a, the image is developed in the order of C, M, Y, B (black). Inside the cable 67a, 8 bits out of 24 bits of the image data are used, and the image is transferred in a frame sequential manner. . As a result, the same image of RGB is read from the plane memory 68a a total of four times.

FIG. 9 shows how an image is formed by the color copying machine 7a based on the image data received from the digital interface controller 65a.

FIG. 9A shows image data stored in the raster image storage unit 64, and FIG.
3A illustrates a state in which a magenta electrostatic latent image in the AB section is formed on the photosensitive drum 21. That is, a video signal is input to the laser drive unit 19, and on / off switching of laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 79 is performed according to the video signal. The laser beam is swung right and left by a polygon mirror 80 driven via a polygon scanner drive unit 20, and the photosensitive drum 21 rotates in an arrow X direction.
9A, an electrostatic latent image of the image data stored in the raster image storage unit 64 shown in FIG. 9A is formed on the photosensitive drum 21. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed through a developing unit 24 (see FIG. 2), and then the toner image adhered on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to a recording sheet. The recording paper is fixed on the recording paper, and the recording paper is discharged to the tray 11. Reference numeral 81 denotes a beam detection sensor, which detects an image edge by the beam detection sensor 81 and uses this as a horizontal synchronization signal (HSYNC) to synchronize the image transfer.

FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the synchronization timing of image transfer. Magenta (M) for each cycle of the clock pulse generated in synchronization with the fall of HSYNC
Is output. Then, these operations are referred to as M
The process is repeated for C, Y, and B other than the above to form a desired image. In the present embodiment, the case where the client server 3 has the LOG conversion circuit and the masking circuit and performs the image processing using these has been described. However, the color copying machine 7 has the LOG conversion circuit and the masking circuit. In other words, an image may be formed using a LOG conversion circuit or a masking circuit built in the color copying machine 7. In this case, 24 bits of the image data lines in the cable 67 are fully used and transferred as RGB image data.

In this embodiment, input / output control of image data is performed between the color copying machine 7 and the client server 3 in this manner. Further, in the present embodiment, color conversion from an input device to a registered file type or color conversion from a registered file type to an output device is performed using a color conversion table, and a plane of efficiently color-converted image data is used. The data is stored in the memory 64a or output to the output device while maintaining good color reproducibility.

FIG. 11 shows the client server 3
And the signal configuration between the color copier 7 and the FS8. The image signal is transmitted via a 24-bit signal line as described above. The image control signal is a control signal for transferring image data, and includes a pixel synchronization signal, a line synchronization signal,
It consists of a page synchronization signal. The communication control signal is a signal for performing operation instructions and state management by command / status serial communication. The sequence control signal is a signal for sending information indicating the power state of each device.

FIG. 12 shows a module configuration of a control program downloaded from the ROM 57 to the main controller 56 after the power is turned on. Real-time OS8
2 manages a plurality of tasks, and each task is activated in an event-driven manner. The boot unit 83 is a task that operates when the control program is started. The boot unit 83 includes various ICs, initial settings in the raster image storage unit 64, parameter variables used in the control program, and digital interface controllers 65a and 65b. Perform identification, etc. The master device communication unit 84 and the slave device communication unit 85 are responsible for command communication of the color copying machine 7, and the master device communication unit 84 is configured such that the client server 3 is on the master side and the color copying machine 7 is on the slave side. In this case, the communication control task issues a command from the client server 3 and the color copying machine 7 returns a status. The slave device communication unit 85 is a communication control task that issues a command from the color copying machine 7 when the client server 3 is on the slave side and the color copying machine 7 is on the master side, and the client server 3 returns a status. The host communication unit 86 is connected to the main controller 56
It is responsible for command communication and image transfer control. When a reprint command is issued from the client 1, the main controller 56 receives the command via the network controller 61, analyzes the command, and sends a processing start instruction to a communication control task or an image processing task. The CLC control unit 87 and the BJ control unit 88 are image input / output control tasks for controlling input / output of image data with an electrophotographic (used in the present embodiment) or valve jet type color copier, respectively. The FS control unit 89 sets the FS
8 is an image input / output control task that controls image data input / output from the CPU 8. The image processing unit 90 manages image processing such as image compression, decompression, rotation, mirror image, color space compression, and color space conversion. The memory management unit 91 includes the plain memories 68a and 68b.
Manages image files registered in.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the storage format of the device information in the client server 3, and FIG. 15 shows the storage format of the paper cassette information of the client server. FIG. 16 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing software.

FIG. 13A shows an engine card code corresponding to an engine card name such as CLC, BJ, etc. FIG. 13B shows a device code corresponding to a device name such as CLC1, CLC2, BJ, etc.
The engine card code and the device code shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B are appropriately set in the configuration table shown in FIG. Similarly, FIG. 14A shows a film device code for a film device name,
The film device code is appropriately set in the configuration table shown in FIG. Further, the cassette information for each stage is set in a predetermined storage area as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 16, first, after the power is turned on, the real-time OS 82 of the module (FIG. 12) is started, and a boot task 92 and a DOS management task 93 are generated. The boot task 91 manages the boot unit 83 and sets the engine card code in the configuration table in FIG. Further, the power ready of the color copying machine 7 sent by the sequence control signal on the client server 3 is detected by a signal detecting port (not shown) provided in the digital interface controller 65, and when each device is activated. Generates the first to third interface control tasks 94 to 96 according to the engine card code in the configuration table of FIG. The first and third interface control tasks 94 and 96 perform communication control in the master device communication unit 84, and the second interface control task 95 performs communication control in the slave device communication unit 85. 7. Send / receive commands / status to / from the film scanner 8 side. Based on the information obtained by this communication, a device code, cassette information, and the like are set in each of the tables shown in FIGS. still,
The DOS management task 93 manages the host communication unit 86 and analyzes a command received from the client 1. When a print / scan command is received, F is output via the first to third interface control tasks 94 to 96, respectively.
An S control task 97, a CLC control task 98 and a BJ control task 99 are started. At this time, the slot in which the engine card is mounted is selected by the parameter accompanying the print / scan command, and FIG.
3 (c), different image input / output control is performed for each device according to the device code in the configuration table of FIG. 14 (b). As a result, image input / output control tasks of different control methods can be operated.

Next, the setting procedure of the color space conversion processing will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S1, a file is created based on the create file command shown in FIG. That is, a color space for storing image data in the plane memory 68 is specified based on a combination of the image type and the image type option code of the create file command, and an image file is created. FIG. 19 shows the correspondence between the combination of the image type and the image type option code and the image type. In step S1, the image type is determined from the image type and the image type option code. At this time, the table shown in FIG. 20 is created as file information.
This is information for managing the image data stored in the plane memory 68, and includes various information such as an image type and a file ID specified at the time of creating the file by the create file command.

In the following step S2, it is set whether or not to perform automatic conversion. Here, the automatic conversion means that when image data is output from the client server 3 to the color copying machine 7, the image data is output by a print command in a color supported by a specific output device (for example, the color copying machine 7a (CLC1)). Automatic conversion to space.

More specifically, the automatic conversion is performed by a primary color space automatic conversion page command shown in FIG. If no automatic conversion is specified, the color space conversion is not automatically performed.

Next, at step S3, a print command is issued. If the output device to be printed is not the output device connected to the slot 0 (for example, the color copying machine 7a), a throttle switching command is also issued.

In step S4, based on the print command issued in step S3, the FS control task 97 and the CLC control task 98 are activated, and FIG.
Based on the device codes in the configuration tables shown in FIGS. 3C and 14B, the device type to be connected is recognized.

In step S5, the type of the output device is determined based on whether or not the slot switching command has been issued in step S3. The client server 3
Is set to operate slot 0 as a default, but if a slot switching command is issued, the slot is switched and slot 1 is operated to prepare for outputting image data to the recolor copying machine 7a. I do.

In step S6, a table value (see FIG. 8) suitable for an output device for outputting image data and file information (see FIG. 20) storing the image data is set in the color conversion circuit 72.

In step S7, the output device is activated via the first and second interface control tasks 94 and 95. In the following step S8, the image data is color-converted in real time through the color conversion circuit 72.
The image data color-converted to the desired color is output from the client server 3 to the color copying machine 7 which is an output device, and the process ends.

Next, a packet exchanged between the client server 3 and the file server 2 via the network 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 22 is a packet-based format diagram. In the present embodiment, packets are mutually transmitted and received for each block using a group of data strings called the packets.

That is, the packet base is as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), a destination address unit 100 for writing a destination network address, a sender address unit 101 for writing a source network address, a packet type unit 102 for writing a packet type, and a frame for writing a packet frame size. A size unit 103, a packet data unit 104 in which packet data including image data is written, and a tailor unit 106 that performs error checking such as CRC in order to improve the reliability of data transfer are transmitted from the client server 3 to the server 2 in this order. Alternatively, the data is transferred from the server 2 to the client server 3.

Also, the packet data section 104
As shown in (b), it is divided into a header section 106 and a data block section 107. Further, as shown in FIG. 22C, a header code indicating header information is written in the header section 106. Header code section 108, function code section 1 in which a function code indicating what function the packet data has is written.
09, a continuous packet ID unit 1 storing the number of continuous packets when one data is composed of a plurality of packets
10, a total packet ID portion 111 in which the total number of packets is written, and a data length portion 11 for storing the data length of various data written in the data block portion 107
2 is comprised. In addition, as shown in FIG. 22D, the function code unit 109 includes a function ID 113 indicating the type of the client server 3,
A job type ID 114 indicating a job type for the file server 2 and a job ID 115 for identifying a job to be executed are written.

The data block section 107 stores the job type ID1 of the function code section 109 described above.
As shown in FIG. 23, the content is divided into a command block 116, a status block 117, an image data block 118, and an image information block 119. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, a command code 120 and an output destination NI
C address 121, output file ID 122, output number 123, layout information 124, and device code 12
5 and the like are written.

Next, the operation procedure of the scanner / printer client server system will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In FIG. 25, in step S11, the client server 3 is connected to the color copier 7 as an output device.
, While the file server 2 stores the detected data type in the server main memory 36. That is, when the client server 3 is started, the main controller 56 of the client server 3 becomes the digital interface controller 65.
, The data type that can be output by the color copying machine 7 is detected. Then, the client server 3 controls the network controller 61 to notify the data type to the file server 2, and the file server 2 receiving the data type stores the data type in the server main memory 36.

Next, at step S12, the file server 2
After checking the operation check of step S13 in FIG.
The client server 3 obtains print queue information of the file server 2. That is, when a key input (including input of information indicating a user) for starting copying is performed in the color copying machine 7, a file for image capture is transmitted to the client server by a create file command (see FIG. 18) prior to the scanning operation. 3 and issues a scan command to the color copying machine 7. Color copier 7
Transfers the image data to the client server 3 in accordance with the input characteristics of the color copying machine 7 obtained by scanning the original in accordance with the scan command.

On the other hand, in parallel with the above operation, the client server 3 communicates with the server network controller 34 of the file server 2 via the network controller 61. That is, the client server 3 performs packet-based (FIG. 22) based on the network address of the file server 2 registered in advance in the client server 3.
(Refer to FIG. 3), and the function code section 1 of the header section 106 is written.
09 and the predetermined print information to the function ID 113
Write as Since the job ID 115 has not been determined yet, “0” is set and the job type ID 1
As 14, a predetermined command ID indicating the command block 116 is written. Then, the data block 107 sets a print queue status request command for obtaining the current print queue information on the file server 2 side, and the client server 3 transfers the packet data to the file server 2.

Then, the file server 2 which has received such packet data sends it to the server main controller 3.
5 separates the contents of the packet into a header section 106 and a data block section 107, analyzes that the contents of the data block section 107 are print queue status request commands, and performs a predetermined process. That is, since the request from the client server 3 is the print queue status request command of the file server 2 as described above, the server main controller 35 sends the printer queue information corresponding to the ID information written in the function ID 113 to the request. A request is made to the queue management controller 43 as to whether or not there is.

Next, in step S14, the queue management controller 43 returns the status of all print queues corresponding to the designated device.

That is, the queue management controller 43
Checks the contents stored in the queue type storage section 49a of the job data storage area 49 of the queuing table 44, and searches whether there is printer queue information corresponding to the ID information written in the function ID 113. Then, if there is desired queue information, overall status information is created based on the queue information. Here, when there are a plurality of targets, a plurality of overall status information is created. Note that the overall status information is stored in the registration queue I stored in the above-described queue type storage 49a.
D, the server ID / network ID of the client server 3 as a target of the queue, the number of currently registered total queues, and an error code. The overall status information is written in the packet-based data block unit 107, and the job type ID 114 of the header unit 106 is replaced with the ID of the status block 117.
The information is set and returned to the client server 3 that issued the status request. At this time, if the desired queue information is not stored in the queue type storage section 49a, a predetermined error code is written into the data block section 107 of the packet data, and the error is transmitted to the client server 3 which has issued the status request. Return code.

Next, in step S15, the client server 3 which has received all the status information analyzes the queuing status information. That is, the client server 3 writes the contents of the packet data returned from the file server 2 into the header 106 and the data block 107.
The registration queue ID of the currently valid client server 3 is obtained, and the queuing status information is analyzed. The client server 3 writes the partner address in the packet-based partner address unit 100, writes the printer ID as the function ID 113 in the function code 109 of the header unit 106, and issues the same as in the case of issuing the overall status request command described above. Since the job ID has not been determined yet,
It is set to “0”, and a predetermined command ID indicating the command block 116 is set as the job type ID 114. Then, the data block unit 107 sets a job registration command for registering a new print job in the print queue on the file server 2 side, and stores the parameter of the determined registration queue ID in the command portion of the job registration command. And the packet base is stored in the file server 2 in the same manner as described above.
Transfer to

Next, in step S16, a new job is registered in the file server 2.

That is, in the file server 2, the server main controller 35 separates the contents of the packet into a header section 100 and a data block section 107, and analyzes that the contents of the data block section 107 are job registration commands. , Perform a predetermined process. Specifically, the server main controller 35 instructs the queue management controller 43 to register the specified registration queue I in the job registration command.
A new job corresponding to D is registered in the queue table 44, and the job ID at that time is written to the job ID storage unit 49a and newly issued. At this time, as the status, the packet-based status block 11 to be returned
7, the job ID is set, and the job ID is returned to the client server 3 in the procedure described above. Hereafter, this job I
D in the network 4 as an identification key
Perform print processing.

That is, in step S17, the client server 3 obtains the job ID 115 from the status packet data returned from the file server 2,
The contents of the job ID 115 are confirmed. Then, the image data that has already been scanned is read, the packet-based job ID 115 is set to the same value as the obtained job ID, and the command type is set as the job type ID 114.

Next, in step S18, the device driver of the client server 3 sends the print information to the job ID.
Register at 115. Then, the data block unit 107
Sets a print execution command, and in the print execution command, parameters such as position information of a layout to be printed, color balance information, print information such as the number of prints, image size (width, height) of image data,
Parameters such as the type of image data (RGB, CMYK, bitmap, 8-bit palette, etc.), the transfer unit of image data (line-sequential, plane-sequential, dot-sequential), and device code 125 indicating the color characteristics of the input device are written. At this time, the number of packets of the image data block transferred after the command block 116 is calculated from the image data size and the image type, and the total number of packets including the command packet is calculated by the total packet ID of the header unit 106.
Write to the unit 111.

Next, in step S19, these packets are continuously transferred from the client server 3 to the file server 2 according to the above-described procedure. Continuous transfer of packets
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, first, some command packets are transferred, and the data block unit 107 in which image data is written following the command packets is divided into a plurality of blocks and transferred. The job type ID 114 of the header unit 106 at the time of transfer of the command packet and data block unit 107 is set to each type, and the job ID 115 is set to the one registered in the queue.

As described above, the image data is sequentially transferred from the head packet, and thereafter, when the number of continuous packet IDs becomes equal to the number of total packet IDs (step S2).
0), the process proceeds to step S21, and the print execution command /
The image data is filed and registered in the hard disk 41 of the file server 2. That is, the file server 2
The side receives the packet base from the client server 3 as described above, checks whether the specified specific job ID is written, and checks the specific job ID.
Is written in the hard disk 41 of the file server 2 sequentially as a queuing file.

In the following step S22, the file server 2
Registers the ID of the queuing file registered in the hard disk 41 in the queuing file ID storage unit 49d of the queuing table 44, and updates the contents of the queuing table 44. Note that this job ID 4
9c and the queuing file ID 49d are managed as one set in the queuing table 44. The contents of the command packet and the packet data registered on the heart disk 41 are managed by the file server 2 as one file data.

Next, proceeding to step S23 in FIG. 27, the client server 3 accesses the file server 2 periodically. That is, the server ROM of the file server 2
37 has a built-in timer. The main controller 56 of the client server 3
6 of the file server 2 registered in the network I
According to D, the file server 2 is accessed at regular intervals by the timer.

Then, in step S24, the client server 3 requests the queuing table information of the file server 2. That is, the client server 3 assigns a predetermined grayscale ID to the function ID 113 of the header unit 106 based on the packet data described above.
Is set to indicate that the execution mode is grayscale, and a file server queue status request command is set in the data block unit 107. The file server queue status request command is a command for obtaining information of the queuing table 44 for the client server 3 among all information of the current queue state of the file server 2. As parameters, ID information for specifying the client server 3 and a network ID are set.

Next, in step S25, the client server 3 transfers the packet data to the file server 2 via the network controller 61. Next, in the file server 2, the server main controller 35 transmits the contents of the packet to the header section 10 as described above.
6 and the data block unit 107, analyze that the content of the data block unit 107 is a file server queue status request command, and execute a predetermined process. That is, since the request from the client server 3 is a request for all information of the queue corresponding to the ID of the client server 3, the server main controller 35 determines whether there is queue information of the printer corresponding to the ID of the client server 3. Is requested to the queue management controller 43. As a result, the client server 3 can obtain the information of the queuing table 44 assigned to itself from the file server 2.

Next, in step S26, the queuing table 44 is searched to determine whether or not there is a newly registered job. If there is a newly registered queuing job, the flow advances to step S27 to execute command read. Issue a packet. This Samand read packet is
Based on the contents stored in the queuing file ID storage unit 49d, this packet is a packet that extracts and reads only a command packet (print command unit) from the file information into the file server 2.

In step S28, a print command portion is extracted from the contents stored in the queuing file ID storage unit 49d and returned. That is, the file server 2
From the issued command packet, the hard disk controller 42 of the file server 2 requests the file information of the designated queuing file ID, and stores the corresponding file information (the packet data from the client server registered as a file) on the hard disk. 41, only the command packet is extracted and transferred to the client server 3 as packet data.
This extraction process is performed by the server main controller 35.

Next, the process proceeds to step S29, in which the data type (gray scale in this embodiment) that can be output by the color copying machine 7 and the image data type (this embodiment) written in the returned command packet are described. In the embodiment, it is determined whether or not RGB) is the same type (visually equivalent). If the type is the same, step S3
On the other hand, if it is not the same type, step S30
In order to issue a warning to the client server 3, the fact is registered in the warning status storage unit 49f of the queuing table 44 of the file server 2. The client server 3 issues a print execution packet,
Further, after issuing all the command packets and the image data packets, the status of the queuing table 44 of the file server 2 (corresponding to the user) can be monitored. The user can be notified immediately.

Next, in step S31, the client server 3 requests an image file ID for registering new image data in the plane memory 68 from the memory controller 69 of the raster image storage unit 64. In step S32, Print information such as a layout position and image information is registered in a position information table (not shown) corresponding to the designated image file ID. That is, the client server 3 determines, based on the command information of the command packet obtained by the above-described command read, print information such as a parameter of position information of a layout to be printed, a color balance, the number of prints, and an image size of image data ( Width, height), image data type (RGB, CMYK,
Parameters such as a bitmap, an 8-bit palette, and a transfer unit of image data (line-sequential, plane-sequential, dot-sequential) are obtained and registered in the position information table.

Next, proceeding to step S33 in FIG. 28, the client server 3 requests reading of the image data of the queuing file of the file server 2. That is, the main controller 56 issues a command packet to the file server 3 by the above-described method in order to read the queued image data.

In the following step S34, only the packet data 104 in which the image data is written is extracted from the file information of the queuing file previously obtained on the file server 2 and transferred to the client server 3.

Then, in step S35, it is determined whether or not the conversion of the image data is necessary. If the conversion of the image data is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S37. On the other hand, when it is determined that the conversion of the image data is necessary, that is, in step S3
If 0 is registered in the warning status storage unit 49f of the queuing table 44 to warn the client server 3, the process proceeds to step S36 to perform image data conversion processing.

The image data conversion processing is specifically described in FIG.
29, it is first determined in step S51 whether or not the image data type is the gray scale type. If the answer is affirmative (Yes), the gray scale is converted into binary data, and the process returns to the routine of FIG.

On the other hand, the answer in step S51 is negative (No).
If affirmative (Yes), the image type is the RGB data type, and the flow advances to step S52 to determine whether the data type that can be output by the color copying machine 7, which is the output device, is grayscale. (Step S5
2) If the answer is affirmative (Yes), the RGB data is converted to gray scale (step S54) and the process returns to the routine of FIG.

If the answer in step S52 is negative (No)
In this case, the RGB data is converted into binary data (step S55), and the process returns to the routine of FIG.

Next, in step S37, the divided image data is registered in the raster image storage unit 64. That is, in the client server 3, the image data obtained by the transfer is transferred as a series of image data packets by the interrupted packet ID, and as soon as the packet is obtained from the network controller 61, the image data is rasterized. Transferred to the image storage unit 64,
Register with.

Then, in a step S38, it is determined whether or not all the image packets have been transferred. When all the image packets have not been transferred, the process returns to step S34 to repeat the above-described processes of steps S35 to S37. When all the image packets have been transferred, the process proceeds to step S39, and the client server 3 The layout information and print information are set in a layout controller (not shown). Then, in step S40, the raster image of the specified image file ID is enlarged / reduced / deformed, and in step S41, the raster image is color-copied. Output to the printer unit 6 of the printer 7.

Next, in step S42, a command packet for setting the status information of the client server 3 in the file server 2 is issued as a status set command, and the number of prints during printing and error information are stored in the queuing table 44 of the file server 2. Is written to the job status storage unit 49e.

This status set command is a command to set the job ID of the execution queue of the current print output, and to set the current output number and the output end flag in the corresponding queuing table 44.

That is, first, when the command parameters are registered in the raster image storage unit 64 by command reading, the job ID is set in the execution queue storage area 48 of the queuing table 44 by the status set command, and the job status storage unit The fact that data is being transferred is written into 49e, and the total number of prints is set to the total number of prints, and the number of printed sheets is set to 1.

When the raster image storage unit 64 starts print output, the main controller 56 of the client server 3 informs the job status storage unit 49e of the queuing table 44 of the file server 2 that printing is being executed. Write. At the time when printing is started, the main controller 56 inquires of the raster image storage unit 64 at regular intervals about the status of printing, thereby confirming the current error status such as the number of printed sheets or the absence of paper. The information is set in the print completed parameter of the queuing table 44.

Finally, in step S43, it is determined whether or not the job status storage section 49e of the queuing table 44 of the file server 2 indicates that printing has been completed. If the printing has been completed, the operation processing of the present system ends. . That is, the status executed by the client server 3 is always notified to the queue management controller 43 of the file server 2 and monitored. That is, as described above, after the client server 3 issues a print execution packet and further issues all command packets and image data packets, the client server 3 monitors the status of the queuing table 44 of the file server 2. .
The main controller 56 of the client server 3 issues a command packet of a job status request command via the network controller 61. This command packet contains the job I specified as a parameter.
The job data in the queuing table of D is returned to the client server 3, whereby the current job data can be monitored.

The job data is monitored by the client server 3 based on the status information obtained from the file server 2, based on the job ID of the data printed out, the server ID of the registration destination, and the color copier 7 to be printed. This is performed by displaying the ID of the client server and the information stored in the queuing table 44 on the color display 52. Each ID is
It is also possible to display the unique name managed on the file server 2 or the client server 3 in comparison with the unique name, so that the file server 2 can be easily identified. In the displayed queuing table 44 of the file server 2, it is possible to display the total number of queues, the execution process of the client server 3, the number of pasted prints, and the error status. Information can be obtained from the file server 2 via a status set command packet. With this monitor function, the client server 3 can know the completion of printing.

As described in detail above, in the present embodiment, desired data conversion is performed according to the type of device to which image data is input / output, and color conversion for achieving desired color reproducibility is performed. Thus, the user can perform desired information processing without being aware of the data types that can be output from the color copying machine 7.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a file server 131 showing another embodiment. The file server 131 is provided with a raster image conversion unit 132 in addition to the file server 2 of the previous embodiment. ing. That is, in the above embodiment, the image data conversion processing is performed by the client server 3, but the file server 131
By arranging the raster image conversion unit 132 in the image server, it is also possible for the file server 131 to perform the conversion processing of the image data.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation procedure of the other embodiment.

First, when the client server 3 starts,
The main controller 56 controls the digital interface controller 65 to detect a data type that can be output by the color copier 7 as an output device (step S61), and then notifies the file server 131 of the detected data type (step S61). S62). The file server 131 stores the notified data type in the server main memory 36.

Next, the client server 3 lays out an image / document (step S63), performs rasterization by a device driver, and registers a layout command (step S64).
After the queue information confirmation (step S65) and the job registration to the file server 131 (step S66), the client server 3 transfers the packet data including the command packet and the image data to the file server 2 (step S67).

Next, the file server 131 compares the image data type stored in the server main memory 36 in advance with the image data type in the command packet,
It is determined whether the conversion of the image data is necessary (Step S)
68). If conversion is necessary, step S69
Then, as in the previous embodiment (see FIG. 29), only the image data portion in the packet data is image-converted, and the conversion result is registered in the hard disk 41 (step S70).

The client server 3 checks whether there is a corresponding print queue in the queuing table 44 of the file server 131 (step S7).
1) Set up the registered command packet of the client server 3 and sequentially convert the image data into the raster image conversion unit 13 of the file server 2 as in the previous embodiment.
2 and thereafter, when the client server 3 confirms that there is a print queue, it receives image data for the queue (step S73), performs layout and the like, and outputs it (step S74). Thereafter, the entire operation is terminated by terminating the monitoring during output (step S75).

As described above, in the other embodiment, the intended object of the present invention can be achieved as in the previous embodiment. In addition, in the other embodiment, since the image conversion is performed by the file server 2, the image is input to the client server 3 from the color copier 7 or the image is output to the color copier 7. Even in the case where the image data is busy, for example, the image data transferred from the client server 3 can be converted on the file server 2 in advance during this time, thereby converting the image data on the client server 3. This saves the time required for the print operation, and the client server 3 can immediately proceed to the next print operation when the operation is completed.

[0111]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
By converting the image data into a data type that can be output by the printer or a color reproduction range that can be output, the user can be aware of the data type that can be output by the printer connected to the network or the appropriate color reproduction range. A desired output result can be obtained without performing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a scanner / information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a printer client / server system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a color copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a file server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a queuing table.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a client server.

FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram showing a main part of a client server.

FIG. 7 is a block circuit diagram of a color conversion circuit.

FIG. 8 is a color conversion table built in a color conversion circuit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where an image is formed by a color copying machine.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing synchronization timing of image transfer.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a signal configuration among a client server, a color copier, and a film scanner.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a module configuration of a control program.

FIG. 13 is a format diagram (1/2) showing a storage format of device information of a client server.

FIG. 14 is a format diagram (2/2) showing a storage format of device information of a client server.

FIG. 15 is a format diagram showing a storage format of paper cassette information of the client server.

FIG. 16 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing software of the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a setting procedure of a color conversion process.

FIG. 18 is a format diagram of a create command.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an image type and an image type corresponding to the image type option code.

FIG. 20 is a format diagram showing file information.

FIG. 21 is a format diagram of a primary color space automatic conversion page command.

FIG. 22 is a packet-based format diagram.

FIG. 23 is a format diagram showing details of a data block part.

FIG. 24 is a format diagram showing details of a command block in a data block unit.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart (1/4) showing an embodiment of a processing procedure of an information processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart (2/4) showing an embodiment of a processing procedure of the information processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart (3/4) showing an embodiment of a processing procedure of the information processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart (4/4) showing an embodiment of a processing procedure of the information processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image data conversion processing.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a transfer state of a packet.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the file server.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an outline of another embodiment of the processing procedure of the information processing method according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 file server 3 client server 4 network (predetermined communication network) 5 scanner unit (image reading unit) 6 printer unit (printing unit) 7 color copier 43 queue management controller (queuing information management unit) 56 main controller (first unit) Data type detecting means, second data type detecting means) 64 raster image storage unit (registering means) 65 digital interface controller (output means) 72 color conversion circuit (first and second color conversion means) 131 file server 132 raster Image conversion unit (first and second color conversion means, registration means)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/46 H04N 1/46 Z

Claims (11)

[Claims] At least a plurality of client servers having both a function as a client and a function as a print server, and a server that exchanges data with the client server are connected via a predetermined communication network, and In an information processing system in which image reading means for reading image data and printing means for printing and outputting image data are connected to the client server, the server manages queuing information of the printing means. Wherein the client server detects a data type of image data input from the image reading means, and a data type of image data which can be output by the printing means. Second data type detection means, and the first data type detection When the detection result of the step is different from the detection result of the second data type detection means, the data type detected by the first data type detection means is replaced by the data type detected by the second data type detection means. Data conversion means for converting image data into image data with a data type converted by the data conversion means based on the queuing information from the queuing information management means. Information processing system. 2. A plurality of client servers having at least a function as a client and a function as a print server, and a server which exchanges data with the client server are connected via a predetermined communication network, and In an information processing system in which an image reading unit that reads image data and a printing unit that prints and outputs image data are connected to the client server, the client server sets a data type of image data that can be output by the printing unit. A data type detecting unit that detects the data type, and a notifying unit that notifies the server of a detection result of the first data type detecting unit. The server stores a data type of the image data read by the image reading unit. Storage means for performing the operation and data stored by the storage means Data conversion means for converting the data type stored by the storage means to the data type notified by the notification means when the data type notified by the client server by the notification means is different from the data type; Queuing information management means for managing the queuing information of the image, and the client server has an image with a data type converted by the data conversion means based on the queuing information from the queuing information management means. An information processing system comprising: output means for outputting data. 3. The first color conversion means for converting the data type detected by the first data type detection means into a plurality of types of color space data, and the first color conversion means. A registration unit for registering the color space data converted by the second unit, and a second unit for converting the color space data registered by the registration unit into color space data corresponding to the data type detected by the second data type detection unit. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a color conversion unit. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data type of the image data includes at least an RGB data type, a gray scale data type, and a binary data type. Information processing system. 5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the server includes an output state monitoring unit that monitors an output state of the output unit. 6. The image reading means and the printing means,
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing system is incorporated in a single unit. 7. At least a plurality of client servers having both a function as a client and a function as a print server are connected to a server which exchanges data with the client server via a predetermined communication network,
And an image reading means for reading the image data and a printing means for printing and outputting the image data, the information processing method performing information processing by connecting to the client server. The client server determines whether or not the data type of the image data input from the image reading unit is different, and when the data types are different from each other, the data type of the image data input from the image reading unit is The image data is converted into a data type of image data that can be output by a printing unit, and thereafter, based on the queuing information of the printing unit managed by the server, the image data is output with the converted data type. Information processing method. 8. At least a plurality of client servers having both a function as a client and a function as a print server are connected to a server which exchanges data with the client server via a predetermined communication network, and In an information processing method for performing information processing by connecting an image reading unit that reads image data and a printing unit that prints and outputs image data to the client server, the data type of the image data that can be output by the printing unit is The client server detects and notifies the server, and the server compares the data type of the input image stored in advance with the data type notified from the client server. The data type of the image data type notified from the client server Into a flop, thereafter, based on said queuing information printing means, information processing method and outputting the image data with in the transformed data types which the server manages. 9. A method of converting the data type of the image data input from the image reading unit into a plurality of types of color space data and registering the converted data, and thereafter converting the registered color space data to color space data corresponding to the printing unit. 9. The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein the data type is converted into a data type. 10. The image data according to claim 7, wherein the data type of the image data includes at least an RGB data type, a gray scale data type, and a binary data type. Information processing method. 11. The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein the server monitors an output state of the image data from the client server.