JP2002281222A - Image controller, its control method and storage medium thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately and easily distribute output corresponding to not only the capability of each printer and physical distance to a user but also the convenience of the user and special circumstances at that point in time in the case of continuous copying. SOLUTION: The number of copies for outputting the same image data is authorized by an operation section 2012, one or at least two image output units used for forming an image are selected from a plurality of image output units, the authorized number of copies is distributed to the selected one or at least two image output units, the number of copies that is distributed to each image output unit is displayed at the operation section 2012 corresponding to the image output unit, and the user corrects the distributed result by the operation section 2012 as required.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image control apparatus which is applied to an image forming system in which an image input section and a plurality of image output apparatuses are connected by a transmission medium via the image control apparatus, and in particular, an image forming amount distribution amount. The present invention relates to an image control apparatus, a control method of the image control apparatus, and a storage medium that allow a user to readjust an allocation amount.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, an image forming system in which an image input unit and a plurality of image output devices are connected by a network via an image control device has been devised. An image forming system in which an input device (scanner) and a plurality of image output devices (printers) are connected by a network is known.

[0003] In a conventional tandem system to which an image control device is applied, a plurality of image output devices (printers) are often placed at locations close to each other with the same function and each image output device. In general, the image formation amount automatically distributed to the printer is mechanically uniform, so that the user can select the device to be used for output and control the image control without instructing the distribution of the image formation amount of each device. Optimal power distribution was made in the device.

In recent years, due to the development of a network environment and the like, a plurality of image output apparatuses (printers) including a printer connected to a normal business network have different characteristics (speed / function) and have different characteristics. It is now connected via a transmission medium. Further, when an ordinary network is used as a transmission medium, individual image output apparatuses are often installed at a distance from each other.

[0005] Against this background, a next-generation cluster print system has been proposed that performs image formation amount distribution taking into account the characteristics of the device and the physical distance between the user and the device.

[0006]

However, since there are individual circumstances of the user and circumstances specific at that time, the above-described automatic distribution based on the characteristics of the device and the physical distance between the user and the device is all necessary. The distribution is not always optimal for the user. As described above, there is a problem that it is difficult for all users to always perform optimal image formation amount distribution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention is to specify the number of copies for outputting the same image data, Selecting one or more image output devices to be used for image formation from the plurality of image output devices, distributing the designated number of copies to the selected one or more image output devices, The number of copies distributed to the printer is displayed in association with the image output device, and the distribution result is corrected by the user as necessary, so that when performing continuous copying, the temporary number of copies automatically distributed to each printer is displayed. If necessary, the user can modify the number of copies to determine the optimal output distribution not only for the capabilities of each printer and the physical distance to the user, but also for the personal convenience of the user and the circumstances specific to that time. Can be easily realized It is to provide a control method and a storage medium with excellent image control apparatus and an image control apparatus in usability.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image output devices (a printer 30 shown in FIG. 1) capable of communicating input image data via a predetermined communication medium are provided.
0, 400, 500, and 600) in an image controller (image controller 2000 shown in FIG. 1) capable of forming an image by sending the same image data to the number of copies specifying means (shown in FIG. 12). Numeric keypad 3
006) and output device selecting means (CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2, output printer display / selection area 1301 shown in FIG. 13) for selecting one or more image output devices to be used for image formation from the plurality of image output devices. Distribution means for distributing the number of copies designated by the number-of-copies designation means to one or more image output devices selected by the output device selection means (CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2;
1. The output printer display / selection area 1301, shown in FIG.
2), a distribution display unit (output printer display / selection area 1301 shown in FIG. 14) for displaying the number of copies distributed to each image output device by the distribution unit in association with the image output device, and A distribution correction unit (an output printer display / selection area 130 shown in FIG. 13) in which the user corrects the distribution result by the distribution unit as necessary.
1, a numeric keypad 3006) shown in FIG.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distribution correction instruction means (a distribution confirmation key 130 shown in FIG. 13) for switching between validity and invalidity of the distribution display means and the distribution correction means.
2).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the output device selection means (output printer display / selection area 1301 shown in FIG. 13) selects one or a plurality of image output devices by a user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the output device selecting means (CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2) automatically
One or a plurality of image output devices are selected.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the distribution means (CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2) automatically determines the distribution to each image output device selected by the output device selection means. .

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the distribution means (CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2) distributes a user by designating the number of output copies to each image output device by a user.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the distribution display means (output printer display / selection area 13 shown in FIG. 14)
01) displays a list of the correspondence between the image output devices and the number of distributions on one display device (the LCD display 3001 shown in FIG. 12).

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the distribution display means (output printer display / selection area 13 shown in FIG. 14)
01) displays the number of copies allocated to each image output device on a display device (not shown) provided in each image output device selected by the output device selection means.

A ninth invention according to the present invention relates to a control method of an image control device capable of forming an image by sending input image data to a plurality of image output devices capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium. A copy number designating step of designating the number of copies for outputting the same image data (a step not shown before step S1 in FIG. 15), and one or more image output apparatuses used for image formation from the plurality of image output apparatuses. And a plurality of image output devices selected by the output device selecting step, by selecting an output device selecting step (not shown before step S1 in FIG. 15) for selecting the number of copies. Allocation process (FIG. 15)
(Step S1 before step S1), a distribution display step (step S7 in FIG. 15) for displaying the number of copies distributed to each image output device by the distribution step in association with the image output apparatus, and a distribution step Correction process in which the user corrects the distribution result by the user as necessary (step S in FIG. 15).
9).

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image control apparatus capable of transmitting input image data to a plurality of image output apparatuses capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium to form an image. A copy number specifying step of specifying the number of sets to output image data (a step (not shown) before step S1 in FIG. 15), and selecting one or more image output apparatuses to be used for image formation from the plurality of image output apparatuses. Output device selection process (not shown before step S1 in FIG. 15)
And a distribution step of distributing the number of copies designated by the number of copies designation step to one or a plurality of image output devices selected by the output device selection step (step S in FIG. 15).
1, a distribution display step of displaying the number of copies distributed to each image output device by the distribution step in association with the image output device (step S7 in FIG. 15).
A program for executing a distribution correction step (step S9 in FIG. 15) in which the user corrects the distribution result of the distribution step as needed is stored in a storage medium in a computer-readable manner.

[0018]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system to which an image control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

As shown in the figure, an image forming system to which the present invention can be applied includes a monochrome scanner (B / W scanner) 10 capable of reading a monochrome document as an image input device.
0, a color scanner (Color Scanner) 200 capable of reading a color original as the image input device;
Low-speed black-and-white printer (B / W20) which is an image output device
ppm Printer) 300, a medium-speed black-and-white printer (B / W 40 ppm Prin
ter) 400, a high-speed black-and-white printer (B / W 60 ppm Printer) 500 as the image output device,
A color printer (Color 1) as the image output device
0 ppm Printer) 600, an offline finisher (O) capable of offline post-processing of print paper
ffline Finisher) 700, a server computer having a large capacity storage (Server C)
computer), a personal computer for the same individual user (Personal Computer)
r) 900, a black-and-white dedicated video bus (Local) for connecting the black-and-white scanner 100 and the low-speed black-and-white printer 300, which is a transmission means of a known network construction
Video Bus) 1100, the same color scanner 20
0 and a color video bus (Local Video Bus) 1200 for connecting the color printer 600.

Here, an image controller (Image Controller) 2000 for performing image reading control and image transfer control is connected to the image input devices 100 and 200 via a dedicated bus (not shown).

The image output devices 300, 400, 50
At 0,600, online finishers capable of performing post-processing of print paper online are connected, respectively, but they are not directly related to the present invention and will not be described in detail.

Hereinafter, the details of the apparatus will be described using the image input device 100, the image control device 2000, and the image output device 300 as examples.

[Detailed description of device (example of black-and-white scanner + image control device + black-and-white printer)] [Image control device (lmage Control)
r)] FIG. 2 shows the image control device (Image) shown in FIG.
2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a (Controller) 2000, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, an image control device (Image)
The controller 2000 is connected to a scanner 100 which is an image input device and a printer 300 which is an image output device. On the other hand, a LAN 1000 and a public line (WAN) 20 are connected.
51 is a controller for inputting and outputting image information and device information by connecting to the controller 51.

Reference numeral 2001 denotes a CPU, which is a controller for controlling the entire system. 2002 is a RAM, a CPU
This is a system work memory for operating the image processing apparatus 2001 and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. Reference numeral 2003 denotes a ROM, which is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. A hard disk drive (HDD) 2004 stores system software and image data.

Reference numeral 2006 denotes an operation unit I / F.
I) The interface unit with the 2012
Is output to the operation unit 2012. In addition, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001. 20
Reference numeral 10 denotes a network unit (Network), and a LAN 1
000 to input and output information. Reference numeral 2050 denotes a modem (MODEM) which is connected to the public line 2051 to input and output information. The above devices are connected to the system bus 200.
7.

Reference numeral 2005 denotes an image bus interface (Image Bus I / F).
07 is a bus bridge that connects the image bus 2008 for transferring image data at high speed and converts the data structure. 2
Reference numeral 008 denotes an image bus, which is constituted by a high-speed bus such as a PCI bus. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008.

Reference numeral 2060 denotes a raster image processor (R
In IP), the PDL code is developed into a bitmap image. Reference numeral 2020 denotes a device I / F unit that connects the controller 2000 to the scanner 100 or the printer 300, which is an image input / output device, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 2080 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data. A printer image processing unit 2090 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. An image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. Reference numeral 2040 denotes an image compression unit which performs JPEG compression of multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH compression of binary image data.

The HDD 2004 stores information such as an image output speed and an installation position for each node connected to the network (LAN 1000) for each address.

[Image Input Apparatus (Scanner)] FIG. 3 is an external view showing the configuration of the image input apparatus (scanner) 100 shown in FIG. 2, and the same parts as those in FIG. It is.

In the figure, a scanner 100 as an image input device illuminates an image on a paper serving as a document, and
By scanning a line sensor (not shown), the image data is converted into an electric signal as raster image data and transmitted to the device I / F 2020 shown in FIG. The manuscript paper is set on a tray 2073 of a manuscript feeder 2072, and when the apparatus user gives an instruction to start reading from the operation unit 2012 shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2 gives an instruction to the scanner 100, and the feeder 2072 1 manuscript paper
The document is fed one by one and the reading operation of the document image is performed.

[Image Output Apparatus (Printer)] FIG. 4 is an external view showing the configuration of the image output apparatus (printer) 300 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. It is.

In the figure, a printer 300 as an image output device is a part for converting raster image data input via the device I / F 2020 shown in FIG. 2 into an image on a sheet. There are an electrophotographic method using a drum and a photoreceptor belt, an ink jet method in which an image is printed directly on paper by discharging ink from a minute nozzle array, and the like, but any method may be used.

The print operation is started by the CP shown in FIG.
It is started by an instruction from U2001. Printer unit 3
00 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and includes paper cassettes 2101, 1022, 2103, and 2104 corresponding thereto. The paper discharge tray 2111 receives the printed paper.

[Scanner Image Processing Unit] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 2081 denotes an image bus I / F controller which is connected to the image bus 2008 to control a bus access sequence and to control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080. A filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation using a spatial filter. 2083 is an editorial department,
For example, a closed area surrounded by a marker pen is recognized from input image data, and image processing such as shadowing, shading, and negative / positive inversion is performed on the image data in the closed area.

Reference numeral 2084 denotes a scaling unit for performing enlargement and reduction by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image when changing the resolution of the read image. Image magnification line sensor (not shown) for zooming in the sub-scanning direction
By changing the scanning speed.

Reference numeral 2085 denotes a table for converting image data, which is read luminance data, into density data.
Table conversion to be performed. Reference numeral 2086 denotes a binarizing unit that binarizes multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing. The processed image data is again transferred to the image bus 2008 via the image bus I / F controller 2081.

[Printer Image Processing Unit] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 2091 denotes an image bus I / F controller which is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence and to control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090. The resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data received from the network unit (Network) 2010 or the public line 2051 illustrated in FIG. Reference numeral 2093 denotes a smoothing processing unit which performs processing for smoothing jaggies (roughness of an image appearing at a black-and-white boundary such as an oblique line) of the image data after resolution conversion.

[Image Compression Unit] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image compression unit 2040 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 2041 denotes an image bus I / F controller which is connected to the image bus 2008 to control a bus access sequence thereof.
2. Control of timing for exchanging data with the output buffer 2045 and control such as mode setting for the image compression unit 2043 are performed.

The configuration and operation procedure of the image compression section 2040 will be described below.

First, the CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2 sets the image bus I / F controller 2041 via the image bus 2008 for image compression control. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image compression (for example, settings such as MMR compression and JBIG decompression) on the image compression unit 2043. After the necessary settings are made, the CPU 2001 again permits the image bus I / F controller 2041 to transfer image data.

In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008 shown in FIG. The received image data is input buffer 2
The image is temporarily stored in the storage unit 042, and the image is transferred at a constant speed in response to the image data request of the image compression unit 2043.

At this time, the input buffer determines whether image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, reads image data from the image bus 2008, and executes If writing of an image to the compression unit 2043 is not possible,
Control is performed so as not to transfer data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as handshake).

The image compression section 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This is because several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing performed when performing image compression, and several lines of image data are prepared in order to perform the first one-line compression. This is because image compression cannot be performed unless the image is compressed.

The image data subjected to the image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045. Output buffer 2045
Then, handshaking with the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043 is performed, and the image data is transferred to the image bus I / F controller 2041. The image bus I / F controller 2041 transfers the transferred compressed (or decompressed) image data to the RAM 2002 or each device on the image bus 2008.

Such a series of processing is performed until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed) or until a stop request is issued from the image compression unit 2040 (errors during compression and decompression are generated). Time etc) is repeated.

[Image Rotation Unit] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the image rotation unit 2030 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 2031 denotes an image bus I / F controller, which is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus sequence, to set the mode and the like in the image rotation unit 2032, and to send the image data to the image rotation unit 2032. Is performed to transfer timing.

The configuration and operation procedure of the image rotation unit 2030 will be described below.

First, the CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2 sets the image bus I / F controller 2031 for image rotation control via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2031 makes settings (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, and the like) necessary for image rotation to the image rotation unit 2032. After the necessary settings are made, the CPU 2001 again permits the image bus I / F controller 2031 to transfer image data.

According to this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031 starts transfer of image data from the RAM 2002 or the devices on the image bus 2008 shown in FIG. Here, the size of the image to be rotated is 32 × 32 (bit) with 32 bits as its size.
When transferring image data to the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits (the image to be handled is assumed to be binary).

As described above, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 (bit) image, it is necessary to perform the above-described unit data transfer 32 times and to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses. (See FIG. 9 described later).

The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written to the RAM 2033 so that the image data is rotated to a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, 90
If the rotation is counterclockwise, the first transmitted 32 bi
The image data of t is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated. After the image rotation of 32 × 32 (bit) (writing to the RAM 2033) is completed, the image rotating unit 2032 reads the image data from the RAM 2033 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image to the image bus I / F controller 2031.

The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to the RAM 2002 or each device on the image bus 2008 shown in FIG. 2 by continuous addressing. Such a series of processing is performed until the processing request from the CPU 2001 disappears (when the processing of the required number of pages is completed).
Repeated.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining the image rotation processing by the image rotation unit 2030 shown in FIG.

[Device I / F Unit] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the device I / F unit 2020 shown in FIG. 2. The same components as those in FIG. is there.

In the figure, reference numeral 2021 denotes an image bus I / F controller which is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, and to control and generate timing for each device in the device I / F unit 2020. . The external scanner 100 and the printer 300
To generate a control signal.

Reference numeral 2022 denotes a scan buffer which temporarily stores image data sent from the scanner 100 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008. 20
Reference numeral 23 denotes a serial-parallel-parallel-serial conversion, which sequentially arranges or decomposes image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 and converts the image data into a data width of image data that can be transferred to the image bus 2008.

Reference numeral 2024 denotes a parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion, which decomposes or arranges image data transferred from the image bus 2008 and converts the image data into a data width of image data that can be stored in the print buffer 2025. Reference numeral 2025 denotes a print buffer.
8 temporarily stores the image data sent from it, and outputs the image data in synchronization with the printer 300.

The processing procedure of the device I / F 2020 at the time of image scanning will be described below.

The image data sent from the scanner 100 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 100. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when the buffer contains 32 bits or more of image data, the image data is sent from the buffer to the serial / parallel / serial converter 2023 in a first-in / first-out manner, and is sent to the serial / parallel / serial converter 2023. Image bus I / F
The data is transferred to the image bus 2008 via the controller 2021.

The image bus 2008 is connected to the IEEE 139
In the case of No. 4, the image data in the buffer is sent from the buffer to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial converter 2023 on a first-in first-out basis, and is converted into serial image data.
008.

The processing procedure of the device I / F unit 2020 at the time of printing an image will be described below.

First, when the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller 2021 and converted into a parallel-serial / serial-parallel converter 2024.
And the image data is decomposed into image data of the number of input data bits of the printer 300 and stored in the print buffer 2025.

The image bus 2008 is connected to the IEEE 139
In the case of No. 4, serial image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller 2021 and is converted into a parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion 2024.
And converts the image data into image data of the number of input data bits of the printer 300, and stores the image data in the print buffer 2025.
The image data in the buffer is sent to the printer 300 on a first-in first-out basis in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the printer 300.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation unit 2012 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 3001 denotes an LCD display unit.
A touch panel sheet is stuck on the LCD to display an operation screen of the system, and when a displayed key is pressed (pressed), the position information is displayed on a CP shown in FIG.
Tell U2001. A start key 3002 is used to start a document image reading operation. A two-color LED of green and red is provided at the center of the start key 3002, and the color indicates whether the start key can be used.

Reference numeral 3003 denotes a stop key, which functions to stop the operation during operation. An ID key 3004 is used to input a user ID of a user. A reset key 3005 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit 2012. Numeral 3006 is used to input various numerical values including the total number of output copies. Reference numeral 3007 denotes a clear key, which is used to clear a numerical value input by the ten keys 3006.

FIG. 13 shows the LCD display unit 3 shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer selection screen displayed at 001, which is displayed by pressing a cluster print key (not shown) on the LCD display unit 3001 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes an output printer display / selection area, which includes Local, Remote1 to Rem.
By pressing the area where the note 4 is displayed, L
One or a plurality of output printers can be selected from ocal, Remote1 to Remote4. Also,
The CPU 20 shown in FIG. 2 based on the total number of output copies set by the user, the image output speed of each image output device, and the installation position.
01 may automatically select one or more output printers.

In the output printer display / selection area 1301, the presence / absence of selection (for example, check point), the printer name (for example, Local, Remote1 to Remote) are displayed.
e4), the state (for example, OK, JAM), and the number of distributed copies (at this point, since they have not been distributed yet, they are all "0") are displayed. Here, the user sets the output printer to Local, Remote1, Remote2.
3 shows a case where three devices are selected.

Reference numeral 1302 denotes a distribution confirmation key which is used to set distribution copy number confirmation to valid / invalid. A start key 1303 is used to start print output (when the number of copies to be distributed is "invalid") or to confirm the output distribution amount automatically distributed to each printer (when the number of copies to distribute is "valid").
Case).

FIG. 14 shows the LCD display unit 3 shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a distribution amount confirmation screen displayed at 001, which is displayed when the start key 1303 shown in FIG. 13 is pressed in a state where the distribution copy number confirmation is “valid”. The same components as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in the figure, here, the number of copies specified by the user is 15, and the user sets the output printer to L.
ocal, Remote1, and Remote2 are selected, and the distribution confirmation key 1302 is pressed.
"10" for "emote1" and "Remote2", "4"
The example shows a case where one copy is distributed.

The number of copies (distribution of the number of output copies to each image output device) is determined by CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2 by the total number of output copies set by the user, the image output speed of each image output device, and the installation position. Automatically distributed based on

On this screen, the user selects one printer on the screen (or may select a printer whose number of copies is "0") by using the numeric keypad 3006 shown in FIG. To change the distribution to that printer. At this time, the number of copies to be allocated to other printers may be changed in conjunction with the initially set total number of output copies (“15” in this figure), or the value input from the ten key 3006 may be changed. The total number of copies may be changed by utilizing the status as it is. Also,
The total number of copies at that time may be immediately displayed on the screen.

Further, in the state shown in FIG. 13 (the state in which distribution to each printer has not yet been performed), the user selects one printer and inputs the number of copies using the numeric keypad 3006 shown in FIG. By doing so, it is also possible to manually distribute the number of output copies to each printer.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15, a method of confirming and displaying the number of copies to be distributed in an image forming system to which the image control apparatus of the present invention can be applied, and a method of correcting the distribution, particularly, the number of copies designated by the user. The following describes a method of confirming the number of copies to be distributed and correcting distribution when the user selects three output printers, Local, Remote1, and Remote2, as shown in the screen of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the first processing procedure (procedure for confirming the number of copies to be distributed and correcting the distribution) in the image forming system to which the image control apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The processing in this flowchart is performed by the CPU 2001 shown in FIG.
004 or a program stored in another storage medium (not shown).

In this embodiment, the image read by the image input device 100 shown in FIG.
This is an example in which an image is output by one or more image output devices arbitrarily selected by the user from 00, 500, 600 and an image output device on a network (not shown).

First, in step S1, the distribution copy number confirmation valid flag stored in the RAM 2002 shown in FIG. 2 is cleared (flag = 0). The distribution copy number confirmation valid flag is used to determine whether the distribution copy number confirmation is valid / invalid in step S6 described later.

Next, in step S2, a button (key)
When the button (key) is pressed, the process proceeds to step S3, and the pressed key is assigned to the distribution confirmation key 13
It is determined whether it is 02 or not, and if it is the distribution confirmation key 1302, the distribution copy number confirmation valid flag is inverted in step S4, and the process proceeds to step S5.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the pressed key is not the distribution confirmation key 1302, the process proceeds to step S5.

Next, in step S5, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is the start key 1303. If the pressed key is the start key 1303, the flow advances to step S6, while the pressed key is pressed. If the key is not the start key 1303, the process returns to step S2.

Next, in step S6, the value of the distribution copy number confirmation valid flag is determined, and if the distribution copy number confirmation valid flag is not "1"("0"), that is, if the distribution copy number confirmation is invalid, Proceeding to step S10, the distribution is automatically determined in the device, and the number of output copies and image data read by the image input device 100 are transmitted to each output device together with the output command.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the distribution copy number confirmation valid flag is "1", that is, the distribution copy number confirmation is valid, then in step S7 the value automatically distributed in the device is displayed. The information is displayed on the operation screen as shown in FIG. 14 and the processing is temporarily stopped.

Here, the user can change the distribution as required (S8, S9). Specifically, the user inputs a new number of copies with the hard numeric keypad while selecting one printer on the screen. At this time, the number of copies of another printer may be changed in conjunction with the initially set total number of copies, or the total number of copies may be changed by utilizing the input value as it is. Further, the total number of copies at that time may be immediately displayed on the screen of FIG.

Thereafter, the flow returns to step S1, and is repeated until the distribution confirmation and distribution correction work is completed. Finally, the process proceeds to step S10, where the distribution is automatically determined in the device, and the number of output copies and the image data read by the image input device 100 are transmitted to each output device together with the output command.

As described above, in an image forming system that realizes continuous copying, a method is provided in which the temporary number of copies automatically allocated to each printer is displayed, and the user can modify the number of allocated copies as necessary. Accordingly, it is possible to easily realize an optimal output distribution corresponding to not only the capabilities of each printer and the physical distance to the user but also the circumstances of the user and circumstances specific to that time.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a case has been described where the correspondence between the output device and the number of copies distributed to each output is displayed in a list on one display device. May be configured to display the number of copies allocated to the output device on a display device (not shown) provided in the device.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which image data input from an input device such as a scanner is output in a cascade (double output).
D2004, image data input from the personal computer 900 shown in FIG.
The image data developed by the RIP 2060 may be configured to be cascaded (multiple output).

Further, the processing of the image controller 2000 shown in this embodiment is performed by the personal computer 7.
The cascade output (multiplex output) may be performed from the personal computer 900 by a device driver or application software on the PC 00.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by an image forming system to which the image control device according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by an image forming system to which the image control device according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, is stored. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, if the programs and data to be installed are compressed,
A program for decompressing may also be stored.

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

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

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

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape,
A non-volatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon disk, or the like can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS (Operating System) running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program codes. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

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

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0109]

As described above, according to the first, ninth, and tenth aspects of the present invention, the number of copies for outputting the same image data is designated and the plurality of image output devices are used for image formation. Select one or more image output devices to be
The designated number of copies is distributed to the selected one or more image output devices, the number of copies distributed to each image output device is displayed in association with the image output device, and the distribution result is displayed as necessary. Since the user makes corrections, it is possible to easily realize the optimal output distribution that flexibly responds not only to the capabilities of each printer and the physical distance to the user, but also to the circumstances of the user and circumstances specific to that time. it can.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distribution correction instructing means for switching between the validity and invalidity of the distribution display means and the distribution correcting means. The user who does not need to change the setting confirmation can distribute and output the output without going through useless processing, and can efficiently perform the multiple output.

According to the third aspect, the output device selecting means selects one or a plurality of output devices by the user, so that only the printer to be used is selected by the user, and the distribution is selected by the user. It can be easily changed in response to circumstances and circumstances specific at that time.

According to the fourth aspect, the output device selection means automatically selects one or a plurality of image output devices, so that both selection of a printer to be used and distribution to each printer are automatically performed. Then, the selection and distribution of the printer can be easily changed flexibly in accordance with the circumstances of the user and circumstances specific to the user.

According to the fifth aspect, the distribution means automatically determines the distribution to each output device selected by the output device selection means, so that the distribution of each selected printer is automatically performed. In addition, the distribution to each printer can be easily changed flexibly in accordance with the personal circumstances of the user and circumstances specific to the time.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the distribution unit distributes the image data by designating the number of output copies to each image output device by the user. The distribution to the printers can be easily changed flexibly in response to the personal circumstances of the user and circumstances specific to that time.

According to the seventh aspect, the distribution display means displays a list of the correspondence between the image output device and the number of distribution copies on one display device, so that the user can distribute the output to each printer at the time of cascade output. And easily realize the optimal output distribution that flexibly responds not only to the capabilities of each printer and the physical distance to the user, but also to the circumstances of the user and circumstances specific to that time. be able to.

According to the eighth aspect, the distribution display means displays the number of copies distributed to the image output device on a display device provided in each image output device selected by the output device selection means. Therefore, the user can easily know the output distribution to each printer at the time of cascade output,
It is possible to easily realize an optimum output distribution that flexibly responds to not only the capabilities of each printer and the physical distance to the user but also the circumstances of the user and circumstances specific to the time.

Therefore, when performing the continuous copy, the provisional number of copies automatically allocated to each printer is displayed, and the number of copies is corrected by the user as necessary, so that the capabilities of each printer and the physical It is possible to easily achieve an optimum output distribution flexibly corresponding to not only the distance but also the circumstances of the user and circumstances specific to the time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system to which an image control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an image control apparatus (Image Co.) shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a (controller).

FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating a configuration of the image input device (scanner) illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an external view showing a configuration of the image output device (printer) shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a scanner image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image compression unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image rotating unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

9 is a diagram illustrating an image rotation process performed by the image rotation unit illustrated in FIG.

10 is a diagram illustrating an image rotation process performed by the image rotation unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device I / F unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer selection screen displayed on the LCD display unit shown in FIG.

14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a distribution amount confirmation screen displayed on the LCD display unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first processing procedure (distribution copy number confirmation and distribution correction procedure) in an image forming system to which the image control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image forming system to which the image control device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Scanner 2000 Image controller 2001 CPU 2002 RAM 2003 ROM 2004 HDD

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HJ08 HK05 HN16 HQ12 HQ17 HR07 2C087 AB01 AB05 AB08 AC07 AC08 BB03 BB10 CB10 CB17 2C187 AC07 AC08 AE01 AE11 CD06 CD15 5B021 AA01 EE03 KK01 ABAB2 AB AF07 BA04

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image control apparatus capable of transmitting input image data to a plurality of image output devices capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium and specifying the number of copies for outputting the same image data in an image control device capable of forming an image. Means for specifying the number of copies to be output, output device selecting means for selecting one or more image output devices to be used for image formation from the plurality of image output devices, and selecting the number of copies specified by the number of copies specifying device Distribution means for distributing to one or more image output devices selected by the means; distribution display means for displaying the number of copies distributed to each image output device by the distribution means in association with the image output device; An image control device, comprising: a distribution correction unit for correcting a distribution result by a user by a user. 2. The image control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a distribution correction instruction unit for switching between validity and invalidity of the distribution display unit and the distribution correction unit. 3. The image control device according to claim 1, wherein the output device selection means selects one or a plurality of image output devices by a user. 4. The image control device according to claim 1, wherein said output device selection means automatically selects one or a plurality of image output devices. 5. The image control device according to claim 1, wherein the distribution unit automatically determines distribution to each image output device selected by the output device selection unit. 6. The image control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distribution unit specifies and distributes the number of output copies to each image output apparatus by a user. 7. The image control device according to claim 1, wherein the distribution display means displays a list of the correspondence between the image output device and the number of distribution copies on one display device. 8. The distribution display means displays the number of copies distributed to each image output device on a display device mounted on each image output device selected by the output device selection means. The image control device according to claim 1. 9. A method for controlling an image control apparatus capable of forming an image by transmitting input image data to a plurality of image output apparatuses capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the same image data is output. A copy number designation step of designating the number of copies, an output device selection step of selecting one or more image output devices to be used for image formation from the plurality of image output devices, and a copy number designated by the copy number designation step, An allocation step of allocating to one or a plurality of image output apparatuses selected by the output apparatus selection step; And a distribution correcting step in which a user corrects a distribution result in the distribution step. 10. Designating the number of copies for outputting the same image data to an image control device capable of transmitting image data to be input to a plurality of image output devices capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium and forming an image. Specifying the number of copies to be output; selecting one or more image output devices to be used for image formation from the plurality of image output devices; and selecting the number of copies specified by the number of copies specifying process. A distribution step of distributing to one or a plurality of image output devices selected in the step; a distribution display step of displaying the number of copies distributed to each image output device in the distribution step in association with the image output device; A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a distribution correcting step in which a user corrects a distribution result by a step.