JP2000108465A - System for controlling image formation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation-controlling system which facilitates document judgment and document management by printing identification figures on output documents. SOLUTION: In the image formation-controlling system, a printer control apparatus 2 comprises a data reception-processing part 221, an input memory 22, a command-analyzing part 23, a page memory 24, a plotting-processing part 25, a frame memory 26, an engine I/F control part 27 and an identification figure data-storing part 28. The printer control apparatus receives print data and control commands input by a host apparatus 1 and analyzes information included in the control commands. After the commands are analyzed, when an identification figure is designated to be printed, identification figures stored in the identification figure data-storing part 28 are obtained and plotted on an image by the plotting-processing part 25. The processed and plotted image data are sent to a printer engine 3 via the I/F control part 27, where the data are processed to be printed. In the constitution, document judgment and document management are facilitated by printing identification figures to output documents.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming control system to which an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile is connected, and more particularly to an image forming control system having a function of identifying a printed document.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer or the like for recording image data on a recording sheet, a predetermined output group is used when obtaining outputs of a large number of different recording sheets. You may want to classify and save.
In order to cope with such a situation, the following methods have been proposed.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-61068 discloses an image forming apparatus in which the recording paper itself is processed to form a heading tag, thereby improving the ease of sorting and organizing the output recording paper. It has been disclosed.

The above-described image forming apparatus will be described in detail. A cut is made in a U-shape in a part of the recording paper, and the part is folded back so as to protrude from the recording paper. By entering information as a heading in advance, the information can be used as a heading tag, and the output recording paper can be easily classified and arranged.

[0005]

However, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer commonly used by a plurality of users as shown in the above-mentioned conventional example, a plurality of documents from different users are output to a discharge port of the printer. It is often stored, and if it is used in a shared manner, the frequency of use is high. Therefore, especially in the case where the location where each user instructs printing is separated from the printer, the output original is particularly required. Tend to accumulate and be left unattended. In such a case, a first problem occurs, for example, in which a break between documents (print job) becomes difficult to understand or a part of another document is accidentally taken away.

Further, when each user saves a printed document in a file, unless a user inserts a separator between documents or attaches a tag to the head of each document, the user can refer to the document later. A second problem arises that it takes time and effort to reach the target document because the boundaries of the document are not clear.

Further, in order to solve the second problem,
A new operation such as attaching a heading tag or inserting a separator by the user is required, and a third problem occurs in that the effect of using the solution is reduced by half.

According to the present invention, by printing an identification figure for each document (print job) output from an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copier, troubles relating to output documents of the image forming apparatus can be avoided and user convenience can be improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming control system that improves the image quality.

[0009]

According to an aspect of the present invention, at least one host device is connected to an image forming apparatus via an image forming control device, and the host device is connected to the host device. Comprises input means for inputting print data and control information of print processing of the print data as a control command, the image forming control device includes: a receiving means for receiving the print data and the control command input by the input means; Analyzing means for analyzing the contents of the control command received by the analyzing means, drawing means for drawing print data on an image based on the contents of the control command analyzed by the analyzing means, and image formation of the image drawn by the drawing means An image forming control system comprising: a transmitting unit for transmitting the image data to the apparatus; When the control command analyzed by the analyzing means includes an instruction to print an identification graphic, the drawing means acquires the identification graphic data stored in the identification graphic data storage means and draws the identification graphic data on the image. It is characterized by doing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the image forming control device stores a plurality of identification graphic data in the identification graphic data storage means, and stores the plurality of identification graphic data in the stored plurality of identification graphic data. Is configured so that a desired identification figure can be specified by the input means. If the control command analyzed by the analysis means includes identification information designating information, the desired identification figure specified by the input means is designated. Is obtained from a plurality of pieces of identification graphic data stored in the identification graphic data storage means and is drawn on an image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the image forming control device selects an arbitrary identification graphic from a plurality of identification graphic data stored in the identification graphic data storage means. An identification graphic data selecting means is provided, and the drawing means selects an arbitrary identification graphic by the identification graphic data selection means when the control command analyzed by the analysis means does not include the identification graphic designation information. The obtained identification graphic is obtained from a plurality of pieces of identification graphic data stored in the identification graphic data storage means and is drawn on an image.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming control device includes a color data storage unit for storing color data for coloring an identification figure. The drawing means obtains the color data stored in the color data storage means when the control command analyzed by the analysis means includes designation of coloring of the identification figure, and identifies the image using the obtained color data. It is characterized in that a figure is colored and drawn on an image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming control device stores a plurality of color data in the color data storage means and selects a desired one from the plurality of stored color data. The color data can be designated by the input means, and the drawing means stores the desired color data designated by the input means when the control command analyzed by the analysis means includes the color data designation information. It is characterized by acquiring from a plurality of color data stored in the means, coloring the identification figure using the acquired color data, and drawing on the image.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image forming control device selects color data from a plurality of color data stored in the color data storage means. When the control command analyzed by the analysis means does not include the color data designation information, the drawing means selects any color data by the color data selection means and converts the selected color data into a color. It is characterized by acquiring from a plurality of color data stored in the data storage means, coloring the identification figure using the acquired color data, and drawing on the image.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the drawing means draws the identification graphic data outside the print area of the print data,
An area other than the print area on the image is enlarged, and the identification graphic is drawn in the enlarged area.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the identification figure can be designated for each page of the print data by the input means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, the identification figure can be designated by the input means for each print data job.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of an image forming control system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 to FIG. 15 show details of an image forming control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming control system according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an image forming control system 100 includes a host device 1, a printer control device 2,
And a printer engine 3.

<First Embodiment> The structure of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, a host device 1 is a PC device owned by each user, is connected by a network such as a LAN, and has an input unit (not shown) for the user to input print data and control commands. Printer control device 2
Receives print data and a control command from a user, performs predetermined processing, and then executes a printer engine 3 described later.
To send to. The printer engine 3 prints image data from the printer control device 2 on recording paper.

Further, a detailed configuration of the printer control device 2 will be described. The printer control device 2 includes a data reception processing unit 21, an input memory 22, a command analysis unit 23
, A page memory 24, a drawing processing unit 25, a frame memory 26, an engine I / F control unit 27, and an identification graphic data storage unit 28.

The data reception processing unit 21 receives print data and control commands (including an instruction to print an identification graphic) input by input means (for example, an operation panel) (not shown) of the host device 1, and receives an input memory 22. To memorize. The command analysis unit 23 includes the input memory 22
Is analyzed, the character / graphic / image data is edited so as to be easily processed by a drawing processing unit 25 described later, and the result is stored in the page memory 24. When the analyzed control command stored in the page memory 24 includes an identification graphic print instruction, the drawing processing unit 25 acquires the identification graphic data from the identification graphic data storage unit 28, and performs rasterization together with the print data. The image is developed and written into the frame memory 26. The engine I / F control unit 27 sends the rasterized image data written in the frame memory 26 to the printer engine 3, and the subsequent printer engine 3 performs printing processing.

Next, an operation example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When print data and a control command are input by the user at the host device 1, the printer control device 2 receives the data at the data reception processing unit 21 and sends the data to the input memory 22.
(Step S1). The command analysis unit 23
The control command stored in the input memory 22 is analyzed and edited, and stored in the page memory 24 (step S2). As a result of analyzing the control command by the command analysis unit 23, if there is a print instruction of the identification graphic (step S3 / Yes), the drawing processing unit 25 enlarges the print area uniquely determined by the paper size for printing the identification graphic. The frame memory 26 is secured by resetting (step S4).

Subsequently, the drawing processor 25 draws the normal print data at a position converted into the original print area on the frame memory 26 (step S5). Thereafter, the identification graphic is obtained from the identification graphic data storage unit 28 (step S6),
The obtained identification figure is drawn in the enlarged print area (step S7). The image data after the drawing is completed is transmitted from the engine I / F control unit 27 to the printer engine 3, and the printer engine 3 performs a printing process (step S8). In step S3, if there is no instruction to print the identification graphic (step S3 / No), only the normal print data is drawn in the print area (step S9), and the print processing by the printer engine 3 is performed (step S3).
8).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter output by the image forming control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a star is printed in the lower right corner of the sheet.

As shown in FIG. 3, the identification graphics are not printed on the documents 1 and 3, whereas the black star is printed on the lower right corner of the document 2.
It can be seen that the document 1 and the document 3 can be easily distinguished, and it is not necessary to check the contents of the document.

<Second Embodiment> The configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration shown in the first embodiment. The difference is that data can be stored and a user-identified desired figure can be designated by the host device.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the control command sent from the host device 1 to the printer control device 2 includes an instruction to print an identification graphic and information on the identification graphic desired by the user.

In the printer control device 2, the data reception processing unit 21 receives print data and control commands (including desired identification figures) input by input means (such as an operation panel) (not shown) of the host device 1, It is stored in the input memory 22. The command analysis unit 23 analyzes the contents of the control commands stored in the input memory 22, performs editing processing of character, graphic, and image data so as to be easily processed by a drawing processing unit 25 described later, and stores the result in a page memory. 24. When the analyzed control command stored in the page memory 24 includes an instruction to print an identification graphic and information on a desired identification graphic, the drawing processing unit 25 stores the instruction in the identification graphic data storage unit 28. An identification graphic desired by the user is acquired from the plurality of identification graphic data, and is developed into a raster image together with the print data and written into the frame memory 26. The raster image written in the frame memory 26 is sent to the printer engine 3 via the engine I / F control unit 27, and the printer engine 3 performs printing processing.

Next, an operation example of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a user inputs print data and a control command (including a print instruction for an identification graphic and a desired identification graphic) at the host device 1, the printer control device 2 receives the data at the data reception processing unit 21, and It is stored in the input memory 22 (step S11). The command analysis unit 23 analyzes and edits the control command stored in the input memory 22, and stores it in the page memory 24 (Step S12). As a result of analyzing the control command by the command analysis unit 23, when there is a print instruction of the identification graphic and designation of the desired identification graphic (step S13 / Yes), the drawing processing unit 25 identifies the print area uniquely determined by the paper size. The frame memory 26 is secured by enlarging and resetting the figure for printing (step S14).

Subsequently, the drawing processing unit 25 draws the normal print data at a position converted into the original print area on the frame memory 26 (step S15). Thereafter, the desired identification graphic specified by the user is stored in the identification graphic data storage unit 2.
8 (step S16), and draws the obtained identification figure in the enlarged print area (step S17). The image data after the drawing is completed is stored in the engine I / F control unit 2
7 to the printer engine 3, and the printer engine 3 performs a printing process (step S18). In step S13, if there is no instruction to print the identification graphic (step S13 / No), only the normal print data is drawn in the print area (step S19), and the printing process is performed by the printer engine 3 (step S18).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter output by the image forming control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the user has printed a desired identification graphic “▲”.

As shown in FIG. 5, the document 1 and the document 3 are not instructed to print the identification graphic, whereas the lower right corner of the document 2 has the identification graphic “▲” designated by the user. Is printed, the user can access document 1
And the document 3 can be easily distinguished, and it is obvious at a glance that the document has been instructed by the user to print.

<Third Embodiment> The configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention is a configuration in which an identification figure selecting unit 29 is provided in the configuration shown in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

In the printer control device 2, the data reception processing unit 21 receives print data and control commands (including only a print instruction for an identification figure) input by input means (such as an operation panel) (not shown) of the host device 1. Then, it is stored in the input memory 22. The command analysis unit 23 analyzes the contents of the control commands stored in the input memory 22, performs editing processing of character, graphic, and image data so as to be easily processed by a drawing processing unit 25 described later, and stores the result in a page memory. 24. When the analyzed control command stored in the page memory 24 includes only the instruction to print the identification graphic, the drawing processing unit 25 notifies the identification graphic selection unit 29 of the fact. The identification graphic selecting section 29 stores the identification graphic data storage 2
8 is selected and acquired from the plurality of pieces of identification graphic data arbitrarily, and the acquired identification graphic data is sent to the drawing processing unit 25. The drawing processing unit 25 develops the transmitted identification graphic into a raster image together with the print data and writes the raster image into the frame memory 26. The raster image written in the frame memory 26 is sent to the printer engine 3 via the engine I / F control unit 27, and the printer engine 3 performs printing processing.

Next, an operation example of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a user inputs print data and a control command (including only an instruction to print an identification graphic) in the host device 1, the printer control device 2 receives the data in the data reception processing unit 21 and stores the data in the input memory 22. It is stored (step S21). The command analysis unit 23 analyzes and edits the control command stored in the input memory 22, and stores it in the page memory 24 (step S2).
2). As a result of analyzing the control command by the command analysis unit 23, if there is an instruction to print the identification graphic (step S2)
3 / Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the identification graphic desired by the user is designated in the host device 1 (step S2).
4).

In step S24, if a user-desired identification graphic is designated by the host device 1 (step S24 / Yes), the drawing processing unit 25 sets a print area uniquely determined by the paper size for printing the identification graphic. And the frame memory 26 is secured (step S25).

Subsequently, the drawing processor 25 draws the normal print data at a position converted into the original print area on the frame memory 26 (step S26). Thereafter, the host device 1 obtains a desired identification graphic designated by the user from the identification graphic data storage unit 28 (step S27), and draws the obtained identification graphic in the enlarged print area (step S28). The image data after the drawing is completed is transmitted from the engine I / F control unit 27 to the printer engine 3, and the printer engine 3 performs a printing process (step S29).

In step S23, if there is no instruction to print the identification graphic in the control command (step S23 /
No), the normal print data is drawn on the image, and the printing process is performed by the printer engine 3 (step S3).
0).

In step S24, if the user does not specify an identification graphic desired by the host device 1 (step S24 / No), the identification graphic selection unit 29 stores a plurality of identification graphics stored in the identification graphic data storage unit 28. An arbitrary identification figure is selected from the figure data (step S3
1). Next, the drawing processing unit 25 secures the frame memory 26 by enlarging and resetting the print area uniquely determined by the paper size for printing the identification figure (step S3).
2).

Subsequently, the drawing processing section 25 draws the normal print data at a position converted into the original print area on the frame memory 26 (step S33). Thereafter, the identification figure arbitrarily selected by the identification figure selection unit 29 is obtained from the identification figure data storage unit 28 (step S34), and the obtained identification figure is drawn in the enlarged print area (step S35). The image data after drawing is completed
/ F control unit 27 transmits the data to the printer engine 3 and the printer engine 3 performs a printing process (step S).
29).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter output by the image forming control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the identification figure “◎” arbitrarily selected by the identification figure selection unit 29 is printed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the document 1 and the document 3 are not instructed to print the identification figure, whereas the identification figure selection section 29 arbitrarily selects the document 2 at the lower right corner of the document 2. Since the identification figure "◎" is printed, it can be easily distinguished from the document 1 and the document 3, there is no need to check the document content, and the user only has to give a print instruction of the identification figure. It is.

Incidentally, polygons, lines, etc. can be printed as identification figures in each of the above embodiments, and the printing position can be considered to be the end of the paper outside the normal data printing area. FIG.
2 shows an example in which an identification figure is printed on the upper right end of a sheet.

As shown in FIG. 9, document 1 has a horizontal line,
The document 2 is blacked out, and the document 3 is printed with the identification graphic in which a large number of small crosses are arranged or designated by the user or arbitrarily selected.
Can be easily distinguished, and the trouble of confirming the contents of the document is greatly reduced.

Next, an embodiment in which the identification figure is colored and printed will be described below.

<Fourth Embodiment> A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a color data storage unit 30 for storing color data for coloring and printing when printing an identification graphic is provided in the configuration shown in the first embodiment. It is.

In the printer control device 2, the data reception processing unit 21 includes print data and control commands (including a print instruction and a coloring instruction for an identification figure) input by input means (such as an operation panel) (not shown) of the host device 1. Is received and stored in the input memory 22. The command analysis unit 23 analyzes the contents of the control commands stored in the input memory 22, performs editing processing of character, graphic, and image data so as to be easily processed by a drawing processing unit 25 described later, and stores the result in a page memory. 24. When the analyzed control command stored in the page memory 24 includes an identification graphic printing instruction and a coloring instruction, the drawing processing unit 25 stores the identification graphic data from the identification graphic data storage unit 28, The color data is acquired from the data storage unit 30, and the colored identification graphic is developed into a raster image together with the print data and written into the frame memory 26. The engine I / F control unit 27
The image data developed into the raster image written in the frame memory 26 is sent to the printer engine 3, and the printer engine 3 at the subsequent stage performs a printing process.

Next, an operation example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a user inputs print data and a control command (including a print instruction and a coloring instruction for an identification graphic) at the host device 1, the printer control device 2 receives the data at the data reception processing unit 21 and inputs the data to the input memory. 22 (step S41). The command analysis unit 23 analyzes and edits the control command stored in the input memory 22, and stores it in the page memory 24 (Step S42). As a result of analyzing the control command by the command analysis unit 23, if there is a print instruction and a coloring instruction of the identification graphic (step S43 / Yes), the drawing processing unit 25 sets the print area uniquely determined by the sheet size for printing the identification graphic. The frame memory 26 is secured by enlarging and resetting (step S44).

Subsequently, the drawing processor 25 draws the normal print data at a position converted into the original print area on the frame memory 26 (step S45). Thereafter, the identification graphic is obtained from the identification graphic data storage unit 28 (step S4).
6) The color data is acquired from the color data storage unit 31 (step S47), and the identification figure colored using the acquired color data is drawn in the enlarged print area (step S4).
8). The image data after drawing is completed is stored in the engine I / F.
The print data is transmitted from the control unit 27 to the printer engine 3, and the printer engine 3 performs a printing process (step S4).
9). In step S43, when there is no printing instruction and coloring instruction of the identification graphic (step S43 / No),
Only the normal print data is drawn in the print area (step S50), and the printing process is performed by the printer engine 3 (step S49).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter output by the image forming control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the identification data is colored red and output when red data is stored in the color data storage unit 30.

As shown in FIG. 12, the document 1 and the document 3 are not instructed to print the identification graphic, whereas the lower right corner of the document 2 is instructed by the user to print the identification graphic and coloring. Since a red circle is printed according to the instruction, the user can easily distinguish between document 1 and document 3 only by paying attention to the red mark printed at the lower right, and there is no need to check the document contents. Things.

<Fifth Embodiment> A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the configuration of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of color data are stored in the color data storage unit 30 shown in the fourth embodiment, and the user inputs the data by an input unit (not shown) (not shown) of the host device 1. It is possible to specify desired color data.

In the printer control device 2, the data reception processing section 21 includes print data and control commands (including print designation and color data designation of an identification figure) input by input means (such as an operation panel) (not shown) of the host device 1. ) Is received and stored in the input memory 22. The command analysis unit 23 analyzes the content of the control command stored in the input memory 22 and draws a drawing processing unit 25 described later.
The editing processing of the character / graphic / image data is performed so that the processing can be easily performed, and the result is stored in the page memory 24. The drawing processing unit 25 includes a page memory 24
If the analyzed control command stored in the storage unit includes print designation and color data designation of the identification graphic, the identification graphic data desired by the user from the identification graphic data storage unit 28 and the color data storage unit 30 The color data desired by the user is acquired, and the identification graphic colored using the acquired color data together with the print data is developed into a raster image and written into the frame memory 26. The engine I / F control unit 27 sends the rasterized image data written in the frame memory 26 to the printer engine 3, and the printer engine 3 performs print processing.

Next, an operation example of the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When print data and a control command (including a desired identification graphic and desired color data) are input to the host device 1 by the user, the printer control device 2
In step S61, the data is received and stored in the input memory 22. The command analysis unit 23
The control command stored in the input memory 22 is analyzed and edited, and stored in the page memory 24 (step S62). As a result of analyzing the control command by the command analysis unit 23, when a desired identification figure and a desired color data are specified (step S63 / Ye)
s), the drawing processing unit 25 enlarges and resets the print area uniquely determined by the paper size for printing the identification figure, and secures the frame memory 26 (step S64).

Subsequently, the drawing processing section 25 draws the normal print data at a position converted into the original print area on the frame memory 26 (step S65). Thereafter, the desired identification graphic specified by the user is stored in the identification graphic data storage unit 2.
8 (step S66), the desired color data specified by the user is obtained from the color data storage unit 31 (step S67), and the identification graphic colored using the obtained color data is placed in the enlarged print area. Drawing is performed (step S68). The image data after drawing is completed
/ F control unit 27 transmits the data to the printer engine 3 and the printer engine 3 performs a printing process (step S).
69). In step S63, if there is no print instruction by designating the desired identification figure and the desired color data (step S63 / No), only the normal print data is drawn in the print area (step S70), and the printer engine 3 Print processing is performed (step S69).

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter output by the image forming control system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows an example in which red color data is designated by the user, red data stored in the color data storage unit 30 is acquired, and the identification graphic is colored red and output.

As shown in FIG. 14, the document 1 and the document 3 are not instructed to print the identification graphic, whereas the lower right corner of the document 2 has the user's print designation and color of the identification graphic. Since a red square is printed by data designation, the user can easily distinguish between document 1 and document 3 simply by paying attention to the red square printed at the lower right.
It is not necessary to check the contents of the document.

<Sixth Embodiment> A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The configuration of the sixth embodiment of the present invention is a configuration in which a color data storage unit 30 and a color data selection unit 31 are added to the configuration shown in the third embodiment.

In the printer control unit 2, the data reception processing unit 21 includes print data and control commands (only print instructions and coloring instructions for identification figures) input by input means (such as an operation panel) (not shown) of the host device 1. ) Is received and stored in the input memory 22. The command analysis unit 23 analyzes the content of the control command stored in the input memory 22 and draws a drawing processing unit 25 described later.
The editing processing of the character / graphic / image data is performed so that the processing can be easily performed, and the result is stored in the page memory 24. The drawing processing unit 25 includes a page memory 24
If the analyzed control command stored in the... Includes only a print instruction and a coloring instruction for the identification graphic, this is transmitted to the identification graphic selection unit 29 and the color data selection unit 31.
The identification graphic selecting unit 29 arbitrarily selects an identification graphic from a plurality of identification graphic data stored in the identification graphic data storage unit 28, and the color data selection unit 31 is stored in the color data storage unit. Arbitrary color data is obtained from the plurality of color data, and the colored identification graphic is developed into a raster image together with the print data and written into the frame memory 26. The raster image written in the frame memory 26 is sent to the printer engine 3 via the engine I / F control unit 27, and the printer engine 3 performs printing processing.

Next, an operation example of the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a user inputs print data and a control command in the host device 1, the printer control device 2 receives the data in the data reception processing unit 21 and sends the data to the input memory 2.
2 (step S81). Command analysis unit 23
Analyzes and edits the control command stored in the input memory 22, and stores it in the page memory 24 (step S82). As a result of analyzing the control command by the command analysis unit 23, if there is a print instruction and a coloring instruction of the identification graphic (step S83 / Yes), it is determined whether or not the identification graphic and the color data desired by the user are specified in the host device 1. Confirm (step S84).

In step S83, if the control command does not include a print instruction and a coloring instruction for the identification figure (step S83 / No), the normal print data is drawn on the image, and the print processing by the printer engine 3 is performed (step S83) S91).

In step S84, when the user-designated identification figure and color data are designated by the host device 1 (step S84 / Yes), the drawing processing section 25
Enlarges and resets the print area uniquely determined by the paper size for printing the identification figure, and secures the frame memory 26 (step S85).

Subsequently, the drawing processing section 25 draws the normal print data at a position converted into the original print area on the frame memory 26 (step S86). Thereafter, the host device 1 obtains a desired identification graphic specified by the user from the identification graphic data storage unit 28 (step S87), and obtains color data specified by the user from the color data storage unit 31 (step S88). ), And draws the obtained identification figure in the enlarged print area (step S89). The image data after the drawing is completed is transmitted from the engine I / F control unit 27 to the printer engine 3,
The printing process is performed (step S90).

In step S84, if the user does not specify the identification graphic and color data desired by the host device 1 (step S84 / No), the identification graphic selection unit 2
9, an identification figure is arbitrarily selected from the plurality of identification figure data stored in the identification figure data storage section 28 (step S92), and the plurality of colors stored in the color data storage section 31 are selected by the color data selection section 32. Color data is arbitrarily selected from the data (step S93). Next, the drawing processing unit 25 enlarges and resets the print area uniquely determined by the paper size for printing the identification figure, and secures the frame memory 26 (step S93).

Subsequently, the drawing processing section 25 draws the normal print data at a position converted into the original print area on the frame memory 26 (step S94). Thereafter, the identification figure arbitrarily selected by the identification figure selection unit 29 is obtained from the identification figure data storage unit 28 (step S95), and the color data arbitrarily selected by the color data selection unit 32 is obtained (step S96). Then, the identification figure colored using the acquired color data is drawn in the enlarged print area (step S97). The image data after drawing is completed
/ F control unit 27 transmits the data to the printer engine 3 and the printer engine 3 performs a printing process (step S).
90).

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter output by the image forming control system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 shows an output example in which a circle as an arbitrarily selected identification figure is colored with blue as arbitrarily selected color data and printed.

As shown in FIG. 17, the document 1 and the document 3 are not instructed to print the identification graphic and the coloring instruction, whereas the lower right corner of the document 2 is printed by the user. Since the blue circle is printed according to the instruction and the coloring instruction, the user can easily distinguish between the document 1 and the document 3 simply by paying attention to the blue circle printed at the lower right, and has the trouble of confirming the document contents. Can be greatly reduced.

As described in each of the above embodiments, when the identification graphic is printed in the print area of the normal print data, the print area remains as the normal print area, but the identification graphic is out of the print area. It is also possible to newly set an enlarged print area only when printing.

FIG. 18 shows an output example in which the identification graphic is printed on the edge of the paper outside the print area. For example, FIG.
As shown in, when the host device 1 instructs the printing of a black square on the upper right end of the paper at a position shifted according to each document, the output document can be viewed from the side. Documents can be easily distinguished at a glance.

FIG. 19 shows an output example when the identification graphic is printed for each page desired by the user. When the user inputs print data in the host device 1, by specifying a place where an identification graphic is to be provided in the print data, for example, as shown in FIG. Without printing the identification figure, 2-3 pages, 4-5
By printing a double circle and an asterisk on each page, it is possible to discriminate a document into sections and page breaks in one document.

FIG. 20 shows an output example when the identification graphic is printed for each print job. For example,
If print data is input simultaneously by a plurality of users and each control command does not include designation of an identification graphic and designation of color data, the color data arbitrarily selected by the graphic selection unit and the color data selection unit is displayed. The identification figure arbitrarily selected is colored and printed. As shown in FIG. 20, the document 1 has a black star, and the document 2 has
Only when the user gives an identification instruction and a coloring instruction, for example, a red circle and a white triangle (black line border) on the document 3, discrimination when the documents 1 to 3 are output. Can be facilitated.

[0073]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the host device can instruct the printing of the identification graphic on the print document, the discharge of the printer shared by a plurality of users can be performed. In the mouth, the document of another user and the document output by the user can be easily identified.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a user-specified identification graphic can be designated from among a plurality of identification graphic data, so that the designated graphic data is obtained from a plurality of identification graphic candidates when a document is printed. Since the document can be printed on the recording paper, the document in the file can be easily arranged without performing operations such as inserting a separator or attaching a tag when the document is stored in the file. Also,
By giving meaning to each identification figure individually or as a group, more efficient document management can be easily realized.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, even when the identification graphic is not designated by the user, a plurality of identification graphics can be automatically selected according to a specific rule and inserted into the document. , It is possible to easily identify a plurality of documents of a plurality of users at the discharge port of the user.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the host device can give an instruction to add a color to the identification figure to the print document and instruct the insertion, so that another user's document can be output at the paper discharge port of the printer shared by a plurality of users. And the document output by the user can be easily identified.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the color data when the identification figure is printed with a color can be designated from among a plurality of color data. Documents of other users and documents output by the user can be easily identified.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even when the identification graphic and the color data are not designated by the user, the identification graphic and the color data are automatically selected from the plurality of identification graphic data and the plurality of color data in accordance with a specific rule. Since the selected identification graphic can be selected and colored and inserted into the document using the selected color data, it is possible to easily identify a plurality of documents of a plurality of users at a discharge port of the shared printer. it can.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the identification graphic can be printed outside the print area of the print data.
It can be printed on the edge of the paper, facilitating confirmation by the user.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since an identification figure can be designated for each page of one print data, it is easy to determine a page in one document.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even when a plurality of pieces of print data are input, an identification figure can be inserted for each job, thereby facilitating discrimination for each job.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an output example according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an output example according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an output example according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another output example in the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment and a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an output example according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an output example according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an output example according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an output example in which an identification graphic is printed on the right end of a sheet in each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an output example in a case where printing of an identification graphic is designated for each page in each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a job (document) in each embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an output example when printing of an identification graphic is designated for each of the images.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Host device 2 Printer control device 3 Printer engine 21 Data reception processing part 22 Input memory 23 Command analysis part 24 Page memory 25 Drawing processing part 26 Frame memory 27 Engine I / F control part 28 Identification graphic data storage part 29 Identification graphic selection part 30 color data storage unit 31 color data selection unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 BB10 JJ02 JJ12 JJ13 2C087 AA03 BC07 BD13 BD46 CA01 CB07 5B021 AA05 AA19 BB01 BB02 DD03 EE01 LB07 LL05 LL07 5C062 AA02 AC04 AC07 AC08 AE10 AF00 AF07 AF16 BA00 5C076 AA14 AA21 BA04 BA06 CA06 CA07 CA08

Claims (9)

[Claims] At least one or more host devices and an image forming device are connected via an image forming control device, and the host device inputs print data and control information of print processing of the print data as a control command. An input unit that receives the print data and the control command input by the input unit; and an analysis unit that analyzes the content of the control command received by the reception unit. Means, drawing means for drawing the print data on an image based on the content of the control command analyzed by the analysis means, and transmission means for transmitting the image drawn by the drawing means to the image forming apparatus An image forming control system comprising: an image forming control device comprising: When the control command analyzed by the analysis means includes an instruction to print an identification graphic, the drawing means acquires the identification graphic data stored in the identification graphic data storage means. An image forming control system, wherein drawing is performed on the image. 2. The image forming control device stores a plurality of identification graphic data in the identification graphic data storage means and designates a desired identification graphic from the stored plurality of identification graphic data by the input means. Wherein the drawing means stores the desired identification graphic specified by the input means in the identification graphic data when the control command analyzed by the analysis means includes the specification information of the identification graphic. 2. The image forming control system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming control system acquires from the plurality of pieces of identification graphic data stored in the means and draws on the image. 3. An image forming control device comprising: identification graphic data selecting means for selecting an arbitrary identification graphic from the plurality of identification graphic data stored in the identification graphic data storage means; Means for selecting any identification figure by the identification figure data selecting means when the control command analyzed by the analysis means does not include the designation information of the identification figure, and converting the selected identification figure to the identification figure; 3. The image forming control system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming control system acquires from the plurality of pieces of identification graphic data stored in the data storage unit and draws the data on the image. 4. The image forming control device has color data storage means for storing color data for coloring the identification graphic, and the drawing means stores an identification graphic in the control command analyzed by the analysis means. When the color designation is included, the color data stored in the color data storage means is acquired, and the identification graphic is colored using the acquired color data and drawn on the image. Claims 1 to 3
The image forming control system according to any one of the above items. 5. The image forming control device stores a plurality of color data in the color data storage means, and allows the input means to specify desired color data from the plurality of stored color data. When the color data designation information is included in the control command analyzed by the analysis means, the drawing means stores the desired color data designated by the input means in the color data storage means. 5. The image forming control system according to claim 4, wherein the image data is acquired from the plurality of pieces of color data, and the identification pattern is colored using the acquired color data and drawn on the image. 6. The image forming control device further comprises: color data selection means for selecting any color data from the plurality of color data stored in the color data storage means; If the control command analyzed by the analysis means does not include the color data designation information, the color data selection means selects any color data, and the selected color data is stored in the color data storage means. 6. The image forming control system according to claim 5, wherein the image data is obtained from a plurality of pieces of color data, and the identification figure is colored using the obtained color data and drawn on the image. 7. The rendering means, when rendering the identification graphic data outside a print area of the print data, enlarges an area other than a print area on the image, and includes the identification information in the enlarged area. The image forming control system according to claim 1, wherein a graphic is drawn. 8. The image forming control system according to claim 1, wherein the input unit can designate printing of the identification graphic for each page of the print data. 9. The image forming control system according to claim 1, wherein the input unit can designate printing of the identification graphic for each job of the print data.