JP2003087477A - Network copying machine system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network copying machine system that can complete a series of operations from transmission of job data until print in digital copying machines at once even when the system handles a plurality of image data and a plurality of the digital copying machines. SOLUTION: In the network copying machine system where digital copying machines and a computer system are interconnected via a network system, the computer system includes; an output destination designation means for designating at least one of the digital copying machines receiving transmitted data; a password authentication means for requesting the digital copying machine to enter its password for transmission of the image data to the digital copying machine and transmitting the image data only when the password is adapted; an output operation selection means for allowing the digital copying machines to select the image forming operations; and at least one data spool means consisting of a state confirmation means for confirming the reception propriety state of the digital copying machines and of a job data storage means for temporarily storing transmitted job data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network copying machine system having a digital copying machine for forming an image based on job data stored in a computer system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a digital copying machine has been used which forms an image based on job data including image data obtained from an original image or the like. Further, it is possible to combine such a digital copying machine with a printer function and the like and connect it to a computer system to use the digital copying machine as an external printer of the computer system.

Such a digital copying machine is equipped with image reading means for reading a document to create image data and storage means for storing the created image data as a part of job data. As a result, when the user does not immediately form an image of the read original, the user temporarily stores the read image data in the storage means provided in the digital copying machine and operates the digital copying machine when forming the image. Then, desired image data can be read out from the storage means provided in the digital copying machine, and this image data can be image-formed.

Further, if a digital copying machine having a composite printer function is connected to a computer system, the job data stored in the storage means provided in the computer system is transmitted to the digital copying machine, whereby the digital copying machine is operated. The printer function of the copying machine enables image formation (printout) on the digital copying machine side.

[0005]

By the way, in a digital copying machine having a composite printer function as described above, particularly when used as a printer of a computer system, image formation is performed based on a plurality of types of job data. In this case, desired job data is sequentially taken out from the storage means provided in the computer system, transmitted, stored in the storage means provided in the digital copying machine, and image formation is performed according to the stored order.

However, when the digital copying machine is performing priority processing that has priority over the printer function, or when the job data waiting for the image forming process has already been completed, the storage area of the storage means provided in the digital copying machine has a free space. If it does not exist, the storage unit provided in the digital copying machine does not accept the transmission of the job data from the storage unit provided in the computer system, and therefore the transmission of the job data from the computer system is stopped. Therefore, the user needs to perform the job data transmission operation again after the priority process is completed, and the operation becomes complicated as the number of job data to be image-formed increases.

Further, when a plurality of digital copying machines are connected to the computer system and the same job data is transmitted to the plurality of digital copying machines to form an image, each digital copying machine is separately provided. Therefore, as the number of models for which image formation is performed and the types of job data for which image formation is performed increase, the same transmission operation is repeated and the operation becomes complicated. .

Further, in the conventional copying machine, there has been one in which use management and print number management are performed by setting a password, but it is necessary to input the password by operating the copying machine main body. If a similar configuration is used in a digital copier with a complex printer function, every time job data is sent from the computer system and an image is formed on the digital copier, the operation on the digital copier will be forced each time. The more job data to be formed, the more complicated the series of operations from the job data transmission operation to the image forming operation in the digital copying machine.

Further, in the conventional digital copying machine,
When the job data was sent from the computer system, the images were formed as they were in the order in which they were sent. For this reason, for example, when a paper discharge tray is shared by a plurality of persons, one's own and others' are printed in a mixed manner, and sorting becomes complicated. When the number of prints is large, all the copies are printed without confirming the actual print status, and once the job data is sent from the computer system, the print settings cannot be changed after that, so the print contents cannot be changed. If a correction is made, paper resources and printing ink are wasted. In this case, it is possible to confirm the print contents by first printing only one copy. However, when printing a plurality of copies, if the print contents are not changed, the job data is transmitted in the computer system. The operation is repeated at least twice, and the operation becomes complicated as the number of types of job data for forming an image increases.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and from the job data transmission operation to the image forming operation in the digital copying machine, even when handling a plurality of job data and a plurality of digital copying machines. It is an object of the present invention to provide a network copying machine system capable of preventing the complexity of the series of operations described above and completing the series of operations once.

[0011]

A network copying machine system according to the present invention is a network copying machine system in which a digital copying machine and a computer system are connected via a network system, and the computer system includes job data. Transmitting / receiving means, a job data accumulating means capable of storing job data acquired by the digital copying machine or other image acquisition device, and the stored job data in the computer system and the network system. In a network copying machine system, the computer system further includes a data processing unit capable of transmitting the data to a digital copying machine connected via the network and outputting the data to the digital copying machine. When the digital copying machines connected through a click system there are a plurality, and having an output destination designation means for designating at least one digital copier for receiving the transmission.

A network copying machine system according to the present invention is a network copying machine system in which a digital copying machine and a computer system are connected via a network system, and the computer system sends and receives job data. A transmission / reception unit capable of storing the job data, a job data storage unit capable of storing the job data acquired by the image acquisition device such as the digital copying machine, and the stored job data connected to the computer system via the network system. Data processing means capable of transmitting to the digital copier and output to the digital copier.
In the network copying machine system, the computer system further requests the input of a password for transmitting the job data stored in the computer system to the digital copying machine and outputting the job data, and only when the password matches, It is characterized by having a password authentication means that enables transmission of the saved image data.

A network copying machine system according to the present invention is a network copying machine system in which a digital copying machine and a computer system are connected via a network system, and the computer system sends and receives job data. A transmission / reception unit capable of storing the job data, a job data storage unit capable of storing the job data acquired by the image acquisition device such as the digital copying machine, and the stored job data connected to the computer system via the network system. Data processing means capable of transmitting to the digital copier and output to the digital copier.
In the network copying machine system, the computer system further includes image forming operation selecting means for selecting handling of an image forming operation in the digital copying machine of the job data transmitted to the digital copying machine.

A network copying machine system according to the present invention is a network copying machine system in which a digital copying machine and a computer system are connected via a network system, and the computer system transmits and receives job data. A transmission / reception unit capable of storing the job data, a job data storage unit capable of storing the job data acquired by the image acquisition device such as the digital copying machine, and the stored job data connected to the computer system via the network system. Data processing means capable of transmitting to the digital copier and output to the digital copier.
In a network copying machine system, the computer system further confirms a status of acceptance / rejection of a digital copying machine that receives the transmission, and the transmission when the status confirmed by the status confirmation means is unreceivable. Job data holding means capable of temporarily holding the job data to be stored.

In the network copying machine system, when the computer system has an output destination designating means, it is preferable that the computer system further has the password authenticating means, or the image forming operation selecting means. It is preferable to have the above, or it is preferable to have the above-mentioned state confirmation means and the above-mentioned job data holding means.

In the network copying machine system, when the computer system has a password authentication means, the computer system further comprises:
It is preferable to have the output destination designating unit, or it is preferable to have the image forming operation selecting unit, or it is preferable to have the state confirming unit and the job data holding unit. .

In the network copying machine system, when the computer system has an image forming operation selecting means, it is preferable that the computer system further has the output destination designating means,
Alternatively, it is preferable to have the password authentication means, or it is preferable to have the state confirmation means and the job data holding means.

In the network copying machine system, when the computer system has the status confirmation means and the job data holding means, it is preferable that the computer system further has the output destination designating means. Alternatively, it is preferable to have the password authentication means, or it is preferable to have an image forming operation selecting means.

As described above, the "output destination designating means", "password authentication means", "image forming operation selecting means", or "state confirmation means and job data holding means"
If the "state confirming means and the job data holding means" are made into one means, all of them are arbitrary means, and in the present invention, these four means may be provided one by one, or all means may be provided. It may be configured to have.

That is, it suffices to have at least one of the above four means, and more specifically, (1) "output destination designating means", "password authentication means", "image forming operation" (2) "output destination designating means", "password authentication means", and "image forming operation selecting means", (3) "output" Destination designation means ",
In the case of having "password authentication means", "state confirmation means and job data holding means", (4) "output destination designation means", "image forming operation selection means", "state confirmation means and job data holding means" In the case (5) having "password authentication means", "image forming operation selection means", "state confirmation means and job data holding means",
(6) "output destination designating means", "password authentication means", (7) "output destination designating means", "image forming operation selection means", (8) "output destination designating means", In the case of having "state confirmation means and job data holding means", (9) "password authentication means", in the case of having "image forming operation selection means", (10) "password authentication means",
(11) "Image forming operation selecting means" when having "state confirmation means and job data holding means", and (12) "output destination designating means" when having "state confirmation means and job data holding means" In this case, there are (13) "password authentication means", (14) "image forming operation selection means", and (15) "state confirmation means and job data holding means".

Of these, for example, at least "output destination designating means" and "state confirmation means and job data holding means"
In the case of having the following, it is possible to specify a plurality of digital copying machines and transmit the job data by one operation, but among the plurality of designated digital copying machines, the digital copying machine that does not accept the transmission Even if there is, in the digital copying machine, the "status confirmation means and the job data holding means" can automatically suspend the transmission of the job data and perform the transmission operation again. Further, when the designated digital copying machine is in a state of not accepting the transmission, the job data to be transmitted is spooled by the "state confirmation means and the job data holding means", while the job data is transmitted to the destination. By specifying another digital copying machine, output destinations can be sorted.

Further, in the present invention, when the computer system transmits the stored job data to the digital copying machine which receives the transmission, the image forming content confirmation means for confirming the image forming content in the digital copying machine. It is preferable to have Further, when the computer system includes a password authenticating means and the password is not matched by the password authenticating means,
It is preferable that the computer system has display means for displaying the reason for the failure.

When the computer system is provided with an image forming operation selecting means, it is preferable that the image forming operation selecting means selects any one of the group consisting of all print, proof and stop. When the proof or stop is selected by the image forming operation selection means, it is preferable that the computer system has a display means for displaying that an operation instruction is necessary in the digital copying machine after transmission.

Further, in the case where the computer system is provided with the status confirmation means and the job data holding means, in the computer system, the status confirmation by the status confirmation means and the status confirmed by the status confirmation means cannot be received. It is preferable that the job data temporary holding by the job data holding unit is repeatedly performed.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of a network copying machine system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. <Network Copying Machine System> The embodiment of the network copying machine system is, as shown in FIG. 1, a digital copying machine 10 in which at least a printer function is combined.
And a computer system 30.

<Digital Copier> The digital copier 1
For 0, a conventionally known digital copying machine can be used as long as it is a combination of a digital copying function for forming an image based on at least job data acquired from a document image and a printer function, and other functions. For example, the facsimile function may be further combined.

As such a digital copying machine 10,
Although not shown, for example, an image input unit that reads a document to obtain image data, a hard disk that is a job data storage unit that stores job data including image data,
An image forming unit that forms an image based on job data, a transmitting / receiving unit that is a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting / receiving job data, and image data that is extracted from the image input unit and sent to the hard disk, and stored in the hard disk. And a data processing unit that is a data processing unit for sending the job data to the output unit or the transmission / reception unit and sending the job data received by the transmission / reception unit to the hard disk.

<Network System> The network system 20 is not necessary when the digital copying machine 10 and the computer system 30 are directly connected,
When the digital copying machine 10 and the computer system 30 are separated from each other, or when connecting to a plurality of digital copying machines 10, it is preferable to connect them via the network system 20.

The network system 20 is, for example, the Internet, a local area network (LAN),
Wide area net (WAN) and the like can be mentioned. <Computer system> The computer system 3
0 is a transmission / reception unit capable of transmitting / receiving job data, and if necessary, temporarily holds the job data to be transmitted when the state confirmed by the state confirmation unit described later is unreceivable. A transmission / reception unit 370 as a job data holding unit capable of storing the image data, a hard disk 320 as a job data storage unit capable of storing the image data acquired by the digital copying machine 10 and other image acquisition devices as a part of the job data, The stored job data is transmitted to the digital copying machine 10 connected to the computer system 30 and the digital copying machine 1
Operation as a data processing means capable of forming an image on 0, and optionally, when there are a plurality of digital copying machines connected to the computer system 30, at least one of the digital copying machines to be transmitted is designated. Operation as an output destination designating means, operation for transmitting a job data stored in the computer system 30 to the digital copying machine to request input of a password for forming an image, and the storage is performed only when the password matches. To transmit the job data transmitted to the digital copying machine, the operation as the image forming operation selecting means for selecting the handling of the image forming operation in the digital copying machine, and the reception of the digital copying machine receiving the transmission. Operates as a status confirmation means that can confirm the availability status And over data processing unit 310, a password determination unit 360 the input password by request determines whether the adaptation of the data processing unit 310, a display unit 340 for displaying predetermined information are provided.

The details will be described below. Transmitter / receiver 370
Transmits and receives job data including image data to and from an external device. Further, the transmission / reception unit 370 may, if necessary,
When the state confirmed by the state confirmation means described later is unreceivable, the job data to be transmitted is temporarily held and stored in a transmission standby state.

Here, the image data in this specification is
The data is data created by an image input device such as a scanner or a digital camera, or by another computer system, etc., and is data that enables image-like image formation by an output device such as a display or a printer. Specifically, for example, bitmap, TIFF, JPEG, JBIG, J
A known image data file format such as PEG2000 can be used.

The job data in this specification is data that includes at least the image data and is necessary for the digital copying machine of the present invention to form an image. Further, the job data preferably includes, in addition to the image data, image formation control data indicating how an image is formed in the digital copying machine based on the image data and post-processing.

The data structure of such job data is
It is preferable that the image formation control data and the image data have a structure that can be managed in units of jobs, which are work units of a series of copying or printing. For example, all the image formation control data and all the image data related to the job It is preferable that the data is stored in one data file or file directory in order to edit and send the job data. Furthermore, markup languages such as XML that includes metafiles (information that manages data) and HTML that includes tags, and binary that is the program itself.
It may be data or the like.

The image formation control data is control data including information on how to perform image formation and post-processing in a digital copying machine based on the image data. For example, the number of copies to be image-formed based on the image data, the size of the paper on which the image is formed, and a plurality (number
N) method of image processing (Nup) for forming an image based on the image data on one sheet, distinction between image formation on both sides or only one side of the sheet, image formation on a digital copying machine When a post-processing device capable of performing processing such as stapling, punching, and binding on the finished paper is attached, the content of the post-processing, the presence or absence of the date when the image is formed, and the like are included.

An example of a typical data structure of such job data and the data contained therein is shown in FIG. In the transmitting / receiving unit 370, job data sent from the data processing unit 310 is stored in a transmittable state as described later, and when the digital copying machine 10 is connected to the network system 20 and becomes online, the job data is transferred to the network system. It is sent to the digital copying machine 10 via 20.

Further, the transmitting / receiving unit 370 receives the job data transmitted from the digital copying machine 10 when the digital copying machine 10 is online connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 370. The transmission / reception unit 370 can also receive job data created or stored in the above-described image input device from these devices. In this case, the transmission / reception unit 370 may pass through the network system 20 or the network system 20. It is also possible to directly connect to each other to perform transmission / reception between these devices and the computer system 30 without intervention. The received job data is sent to the data processing unit 310.

If the job data sent from the transmission / reception unit 370 to the data processing unit 310 cannot be edited in the computer system 30, the job data is sent from the data processing unit 310 as necessary. The data is sent to the data conversion unit 350 to perform data conversion. That is,
In the data conversion unit 350, the job data sent from the external device and extracted from the data processing unit 310 is converted into data that can be edited by the computer system 30, and the converted data is the data processing unit 310 as a data processing unit. Hard disk 320 while being sent to
From the data processing unit 310, which is a data processing unit and is sent to the digital copying machine 10, is converted into job data that can be processed by the digital copying machine 10.
The converted job data is sent to the data processing unit 310.

In general, the format of job data when stored in the hard disk of a digital copying machine is different from the format of data that can be operated by a computer system operating on a general purpose operation system (OS).
Therefore, when it is desired to edit the job data on the computer system side and send the job data to the digital copying machine 10, it is preferable to provide a data conversion unit such as the data conversion unit 350. Needless to say, the data conversion unit 350 need not be provided when the job data is not edited in the computer system 30.

The data processing section 310 sends the data sent from the transmitting / receiving section 370 or the data converting section 350 provided as necessary to the hard disk 320. Also,
Predetermined data is taken out from the hard disk 320. In addition, the job data extracted from the data conversion unit 350 or the hard disk 320 provided as necessary is edited according to the operation by the operation input unit 330.
In addition, according to an operation from the operation input unit 330, predetermined data is sent to the transmission / reception unit 370.

Further, if there are a plurality of digital copying machines connected to the computer system 30, the data processing section 3 can be operated by the operation input section 330, if necessary.
10 creates data designating at least one digital copier to be transmitted. By including such output destination designation data in, for example, job data to be transmitted to the digital copying machine 10, the job data can be automatically transmitted to any digital copying machine 10.

By doing so, it is possible to specify a plurality of digital copying machines to receive the transmission, and therefore, even when image forming job data having the same contents with a plurality of digital copying machines, the same contents are transmitted. Since it is not necessary to repeat the operation input, the complexity of the operation is prevented. This is particularly effective when a large number of digital copying machines for which an image is to be formed are desired.

Further, when it is necessary to edit the job data as required and to authenticate the password for transmitting to the digital copying machine 10 to form an image, the data processing unit 310 uses the input of the password. Request to someone. Then, the job data is transmitted to the digital copying machine 10 only when the password matches. The password is input by the user using the operation input unit 330 described later, but may be input each time an image is formed on the digital copying machine 10, or may be stored in a predetermined storage device in advance. You may make it read out.

That is, for example, a password required for connection to the network system is stored by, for example, providing a check box such as "save password", and the password is stored by the user when connecting to the network system. No need to enter password,
The computer system may automatically read the password.

The determination as to whether or not the password matches may be performed by the password determination unit 360 included in the computer system 30 or by the digital copying machine 10. Password determination unit 3
In the case of 60, the data processing unit 310 sends the password input by the operation of the operation input unit 330 to the password determination unit 360, and the password determination unit 360.
And the result is sent to the data processing unit 310. In the case of the digital copying machine 10, apart from the job data, the password is transferred from the computer system 30 to the digital copying machine 1 prior to the transmission of the job data.
0, the digital copying machine 10 is authenticated, the result is sent to the digital copying machine 10, and the computer system 30 receives the result.

By doing so, the computer system 30 manages the user when the job data is transmitted from the computer system 30 to the digital copying machine 10 and the digital copying machine 10 forms an image based on the job data.
Can be done in. Since the password input operation can be performed on the computer system 30,
The complexity of the password input operation in the digital copying machine every time an image is formed based on the job data in the digital copying machine is prevented.

Then, the job data is sent to the digital copying machine 1
If the password for transmitting the image data to 0 for performing image formation based on the job data is not suitable, the reason (the result of the determination) not being suitable is determined by the password determining unit 36.
0 or received from the digital copier 10, the computer system 30 preferably receives the data processor 310.
Is a display unit 34 provided in the computer system 30.
It is preferable to display 0. Examples of such reasons include password mismatches and exceeding the limit on the number of image forming sheets specified for each password. By displaying the reason why the password does not match in this way, it is possible to prompt the user to re-enter the password or change the number of images to be formed, and notify the user what operation is required. be able to.

In addition, the data processing unit 310 operates the operation input unit 330 as necessary, so that the image data included in the job data transmitted to the digital copying machine 10 is
Data for selecting the handling of the image forming operation in the digital copying machine is created. By including such image forming operation selection data in the job data to be transmitted to the digital copying machine 10, for example, the information regarding the handling can be transmitted to the digital copying machine 10 together with the job data.

As this output operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, "print all", "proof", "stop"
Is particularly effective when trying to print a plurality of copies. Here, "print all" means
When a plurality of copies are input by the operation input unit 330, all the plurality of copies are continuously printed (image formation), and “proof” means
Even if more than one copy is input as the number of prints, it means not to print all the copies continuously, but to print only a part for confirmation, and then stop.
It means that the job data is not printed immediately even if it is sent to the digital copying machine, regardless of the input value of the number of print copies.

By making the handling of the image forming operation selectable as described above, the actual print state can be confirmed by selecting "proof" even when the number of prints is large. In addition, by performing the print stop operation in the digital copying machine 10, it is possible to prevent waste of paper resources and printing ink. This is to print only a part for confirmation, and the remaining number of copies is simply in the print standby state in the digital copying machine. Differently, since the job data has already been transmitted to the digital copying machine, if there is no change in the print contents, it is not necessary to input the transmission operation or the like again in the computer system 30, and the complexity of the operation can be prevented.

Further, even when the discharge tray is shared by a plurality of persons, if "stop" is selected, the print operation is performed at the time when the job data to be printed is collected, so that another person can perform printing. Can be prevented from being mixed with the printed one. When “proof” or “stop” is selected by the image forming operation selecting means, as shown in FIG.
However, it is preferable that the data processing unit 310 display on the display unit 340 provided in the computer system 30 that the operation instruction is required in the digital copying machine after transmission.

When "proof" or "stop" is selected,
Since the job data transmitted to the digital copying machine 10 is in a state of waiting for image formation in the digital copying machine 10, such a display can alert the user. Further, the data processing unit 310 confirms the receivable / unreceivable state of the digital copying machine 10 that is the transmission destination, which is to be transmitted from the computer system 30, as necessary. As a result, when the confirmed state of the digital copying machine 10 as the transmission destination is not receivable, the job data to be transmitted is sent to the transmission / reception unit 370, and then temporarily transmitted to the transmission / reception unit 370 in the transmission standby state. Hold it.

By temporarily holding the transmission / reception unit 370 in the transmission standby state in this way, although the digital copying machine 10 is connected to the network system 20 and is online, the digital copying machine that is the transmission destination. Even if 10 is in the unreceivable state, the job data is stored in the digital copying machine 1
It is not sent to 0, and the transmission of job data is not stopped due to the reception failure of the digital copying machine 10.
Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat the job data transmission operation, and the complexity of the operation is eliminated.

When the result of the status confirmation is receivable, the job data to be transmitted is transmitted / received by the transmission / reception unit 370.
To the digital copier 10, which is the destination. Further, when the job data is temporarily held in the transmission / reception unit 370 in the transmission standby state, in the computer system 30, the data processing unit 310 again confirms the state of the digital copying machine 10 that is the destination of the job data. If the result of this reconfirmation is also unreceivable, it is preferable that the job data to be transmitted is continuously held in the transmission / reception unit 370 in the transmission standby state, and these operations are repeated. It is preferable. By repeating the above operation, the computer system 30 transmits the job data when the digital copier receives the receivable / non-receivable state. Therefore, the job data based on the unreceivability of the digital copier is received. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to perform the transmission operation again, and the complexity of the operation is eliminated.

The above-mentioned state confirmation can be automatically performed in the computer system 30 without receiving an operation input from the user after a lapse of a certain time from the last state confirmation. The time interval may be set in advance in the computer system 30 or may be set to any time desired by the user.

Further, it is preferable to set the number of times of repeating the above-mentioned state confirmation again, and the state confirmation may be set to be repeated until the transmission is completed.
When setting the number of times of state confirmation, it may be set in advance in the computer system 30 or may be set to any number desired by the user. When the number of status confirmations is set as described above, if the job data cannot be transmitted even in the final status confirmation, the computer system 30 stops the transmission operation and temporarily stores the job in the transmission / reception unit 370. The data may be deleted from the transmission / reception unit 370, or the user may be asked to perform another transmission operation before deletion.

Further, preferably, when the computer system 30 transmits the job data to the digital copying machine 10, the data processing section 310 causes the user to perform final confirmation of the print contents in the digital copying machine which receives the transmission. Check the output content. This output content confirmation can be performed by displaying a predetermined display on the display unit 340 included in the computer system 30. Examples of the print content displayed on the display unit 340 for confirmation include a print image image when image data is printed, the number of copies to be image-formed based on the image data, the size of the paper on which the image is formed, and a plurality (number: N). ) Image processing (Nup) method for performing image formation based on the image data on one sheet, distinction between double-sided image formation / single-sided image formation, distinction between image enlargement / image reduction, stapling, punching, bookbinding, etc. , Related to image forming information such as the presence or absence of date printing of the image formed, the state of the image obtained after printing such as sorting, the number of distribution of print copies for each model (proportion) when multiple digital copying machines are specified, The time until reconfirmation by the state confirmation means and the number of reconfirmations are included.

The operation input section 330 is the data processing section 310.
Input operation related to data processing operation. Specifically, an operation input for storing the job data sent from the transmission / reception unit 370 or the data conversion unit 350 provided as necessary in the hard disk 320, and a desired job for extracting the job data stored in the hard disk 320. Operation input for specifying data, and, if necessary, C as a data processing means
An operation input for applying a certain process to be described later to desired job data in the PU 310 and, if necessary, job data designated by the operation input in the operation input unit 330 is used as an image in the digital copying machine 10. Examples include inputting the image forming information on how to form (print) an image in the forming unit.

Here, the "certain processing" is, for example, image editing, for example, processing of modifying an image read by the image input unit of the digital copying machine 10, processing of changing image forming information, and changing to a password. Processing, adding / deleting / rearranging images for each page, changing the shift amount as data that gives the starting point for forming or displaying images when there are multiple images in the data, Examples include a process of rotating 180 degrees. Moreover,
In an image obtained by reading a table, etc., when reading at an angle to the paper frame at the time of reading, specify the reference line and set that line to be horizontal / vertical, and other elements It is also possible to perform "tilt processing" for rearranging images, "remove isolated points" for deleting images that are "points" such as stains formed due to some cause, and processing for emphasizing specific lines. is there.

Further, the operation input section 330, if necessary, when there are a plurality of digital copying machines 10 connected to the computer system 30, an operation input for designating at least one of the digital copying machines to receive the transmission. , And, if necessary, input of a password for transmitting the job data stored in the computer system 30 to the digital copying machine 10 to form an image, and if necessary,
An operation input for selecting handling of an image forming operation in the digital copying machine of job data transmitted to the digital copying machine 10 is performed.

Therefore, the above-mentioned "output destination designating means", "password authentication means", "image forming operation selecting means", and "state confirmation means and job data holding means" are "state confirmation means and job data holding means". "
Are all arbitrary means, and in the present invention, the four means may be provided one by one, or all means may be provided. That is, it can be configured to have at least one of the above four means.

Here, the "output destination designating means", the "password authentication means", the "image forming operation selecting means", and the "state confirmation means and the job data holding" described above regarding the flow of the job data accumulated in the computer system 30 are described. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in the case of having four means of “means”.
Will be explained. Job data including image data created and converted into data by the digital copying machine 10 or another image input device is provided with identification data (file name) for each job data to be accumulated by operation on the operation input unit 330. If necessary, it is stored in the hard disk 320 of the computer system 30 as job data together with the corresponding image formation information (step S0).

Next, in accordance with the operation of the operation input section 330, the data processing section 310 takes out desired job data from the hard disk 320 (step S10),
It proceeds to step S20. In step S20, according to the operation of the operation input unit 330, the data processing unit 310
Job data retrieved from the hard disk 320
Network system 20 to computer system 30
Data for designating which of the digital copiers 10 to be used for image formation is created via the, and the process proceeds to step S30. The output destination designation data can be included in the job data extracted in step S10 and transmitted to the digital copying machine 10.

In step S30, in accordance with the operation of the operation input section 330, the data processing section 310, for each digital copying machine designated in step S20, transmits the job data and then receives the job data. Data for selecting the handling of the image forming operation in 10 is created, and the process proceeds to step S40. Also in this case, the image forming operation selection data can be included in the job data extracted in step S10 and transmitted to the digital copying machine 10 together with the job data.

The option of the image forming operation in step S30 is a group consisting of "print all", "proof", and "stop" (FIG. 3). When "proof" and "stop" are selected, it is preferable. Proceeds to step S32,
The display unit 340 included in the computer system 30 displays that the digital copying machine 10 after transmission requires an operation instruction (FIG. 4), and proceeds to step S40.

In step S40, the password set for printing job data for each digital copying machine 10 specified in step S20 or each user is input according to the operation of the operation input section 330. After the password is input, the password is authenticated (step S42). If the authentication result is YES, that is, if the password allows job data to be transmitted, step S42
If the authentication result is NO, that is, if the password cannot transmit the job data (the password does not match), the process proceeds to step S44, and preferably the display unit 34 provided in the computer system 30 proceeds to step S44.
Displays the reason why the password does not match 0. If the password does not match, or if the process proceeds to step S44, the process preferably proceeds to step S46, and the reason why transmission is impossible (for example, password mismatch)
Is input, and the process returns to step S42.

When the password authentication result in step S42 is NO, preferably step S44.
After the reason for nonconformity is displayed at, the transmission operation can be terminated (not shown). With this configuration,
It becomes possible to eliminate the transmission operation by an unauthorized person.
In this case, it is possible to terminate the transmission operation after the password authentication result becomes NO multiple times consecutively (for example, three times). By doing so, the transmission operation by an unauthorized person is eliminated. On the other hand, it is possible to avoid the end of the transmission operation based on a simple password input error.

After the password authentication is determined, step S60
Prior to step S50, it is preferable to provide step S50 to convert the job data to be transmitted into data that can be handled by the destination digital copying machine 10 by the data conversion section 350, if necessary. In step S60, step S20
The receivable / unreceivable state of the job data in the digital copying machine 10 designated in step 1 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the digital copying machine 10 can receive the job data. If the result of this determination is YES, that is, if transmission from the computer system 30 to the digital copying machine 10 is possible, then the processing advances to step S70. If the determination result is NO, that is, if transmission from the computer system 30 to the digital copying machine 10 is impossible, step S6.
2, the job data is temporarily held (spooled) by the transmission / reception unit 370. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the state of the digital copying machine 10 is checked again in step S60. The digital copying machine 1 specified in step S20
Whether 0 is in the online state or not is determined to be in the online state when the result of the state confirmation of the digital copying machine 10 can be received. On the contrary, if the digital copying machine 10 is not in the online state, the result of the state confirmation of the digital copying machine 10 is determined to be unreceivable.

Further, the number of times of checking the state is set,
When the job data cannot be transmitted to the digital copying machine even after the repetition of the number of times, the job data temporarily held (spooled) in the transmission / reception unit 370 is deleted after the number of times has elapsed. Step S
At 70, the job data sent to the transmission / reception unit 370 is
The data is transmitted to the digital copying machine via the network system 20 and the transmission operation from the computer system 30 is completed.

Note that this embodiment has the above-mentioned four means of "output destination designating means", "password authentication means", "image forming operation selecting means", and "state confirmation means and job data holding means". In the present invention, since these four means are arbitrary means, step S20 corresponding to "output destination designating means" and step S30 corresponding to "image forming operation selecting means" are described. ~ Step S32, steps S40 to S46 corresponding to "password authentication means", and steps S60 to S62 corresponding to "state confirmation means and job data holding means" are arbitrary steps. Further, step S50 corresponding to the operation of the data conversion unit is also an arbitrary step, as described above.

Although the preferred embodiment of the flow of job data accumulated in the computer system 30 has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described flow of job data and deviates from the object of the present invention. To the extent not
It is also possible to set step S20, step S30 to step S32, step S40 to step S46, and step S60 to step S62 as one group and set them in any order.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it is understood that a configuration in which the above embodiment is appropriately modified without departing from the scope of the present invention also belongs to the scope of the present invention.

[0072]

According to the present invention, even when a plurality of job data and a plurality of digital copying machines are handled, the complexity that may occur in a series of operations from the job data transmitting operation to the image forming operation in the digital copying machine is eliminated. It is possible to provide a network copying machine system capable of preventing the above-mentioned series of operations and completing the series of operations at one time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a network copying machine system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of job data.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of options for an image forming operation.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which a digital copier displays a message indicating that an operation instruction is required.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of job data accumulated in the computer system in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Digital copier 20 network system 30 computer system 310 Data processing unit 320 hard disk 330 Operation input unit 340 display 350 data converter 360 password discriminator 370 Transceiver

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A network copying machine system in which a digital copying machine and a computer system are connected via a network system, and the computer system includes a transmitting / receiving means capable of transmitting / receiving job data, and the digital copying machine. Data storage means capable of storing job data acquired by an image acquisition device such as a copying machine, and transmitting the stored job data to a digital copying machine connected to the computer system via the network system. In a network copying machine system including data processing means capable of outputting to a digital copying machine, the computer system further includes a plurality of digital copying machines connected to the computer system via the network system. When
A network copying machine system having an output destination designating means for designating at least one digital copying machine to receive a transmission. 2. A network copying machine system in which a digital copying machine and a computer system are connected via a network system, wherein the computer system includes a transmitting / receiving unit capable of transmitting / receiving job data, and the digital copying machine. Data storage means capable of storing job data acquired by an image acquisition device such as a copying machine, and transmitting the stored job data to a digital copying machine connected to the computer system via the network system. In a network copying machine system including a data processing unit capable of outputting to a digital copying machine, the computer system further transmits job data stored in the computer system to the digital copying machine for output. for A network copying machine system having a password authentication means for requesting a password input and transmitting the stored image data only when the password matches. 3. A network copying machine system in which a digital copying machine and a computer system are connected via a network system, wherein the computer system includes a transmitting / receiving means capable of transmitting / receiving job data, and the digital copying machine. Data storage means capable of storing job data acquired by an image acquisition device such as a copying machine, and transmitting the stored job data to a digital copying machine connected to the computer system via the network system. In a network copying machine system provided with a data processing unit capable of outputting to a digital copying machine, the computer system further includes an image forming operation of the job data transmitted to the digital copying machine. Select handling A network copying machine system having an image forming operation selecting means. 4. A network copying machine system in which a digital copying machine and a computer system are connected via a network system, wherein the computer system includes a transmitting / receiving means capable of transmitting / receiving job data, and the digital copying machine. Data storage means capable of storing job data acquired by an image acquisition device such as a copying machine, and transmitting the stored job data to a digital copying machine connected to the computer system via the network system. In a network copying machine system provided with a data processing means capable of outputting to a digital copying machine, the computer system further includes a status confirmation means capable of confirming a reception availability status of the digital copying machine to be transmitted. , The status confirmation means And a job data holding unit capable of temporarily holding the job data to be transmitted when the state confirmed in step 1 is unreceivable. 5. The computer system further comprises a plurality of digital copying machines connected to the computer system via the network system,
5. The network copying machine system according to claim 2, further comprising output destination designating means for designating at least one of the digital copying machines to receive the transmission. 6. The computer system further requests the input of a password for transmitting the job data stored in the computer system to the digital copying machine for output, and the storage is performed only when the password matches. 5. The network copying machine system according to claim 1, further comprising a password authentication means that enables the transmission of the generated image data. 7. The computer system further comprises image forming operation selecting means for selecting a handling of an image forming operation in the digital copying machine of the job data transmitted to the digital copying machine. 2. The network copying machine system according to any one of 2 and 4. 8. The computer system further comprises a status confirming means for confirming the receivability of a digital copying machine receiving the transmission, and the transmission if the status confirmed by the status confirming means is not receivable. 4. The network copying machine system according to claim 1, further comprising a job data holding unit capable of temporarily holding job data. 9. The computer system comprises image formation content confirmation means for confirming the image formation content in the digital copying machine when the stored job data is transmitted to the digital copying machine which receives the transmission. The network copying machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is characterized in that. 10. The computer system comprises a password authentication means, and when the password is not matched by the password authentication means, the computer system has a display means for displaying the reason why the password is not matched. The network copying machine system according to claim 2 or 6. 11. The image forming operation selecting means, when the computer system includes an image forming operation selecting means, wherein any one of a group consisting of print, proof and stop is selected. The network copying machine system according to claim 3. 12. The display means for displaying, when the proof or stop is selected by the image forming operation selection means, that the computer system indicates that an operation instruction is required in the digital copying machine after transmission. The network copying machine system according to claim 11, wherein: 13. When the computer system comprises a status confirmation means and a job data holding means, the computer system cannot confirm the status by the status confirmation means and the status confirmed by the status confirmation means cannot be received. 9. The network copying machine system according to claim 4, wherein the temporary holding of the job data by the job data holding means is repeatedly performed.