JP2003107817A - Image processing system, paper discharge control method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily discharge forms sent out of a plurality of image forming device by one paper discharge processor. SOLUTION: In an image processing system wherein digital copying machines 105 and 106 and finishers 107 and 108 are interconnected through a network 101, the digital copying machines 105 and 106 form images of paper discharge processing information, showing the contents of paper discharge processing to be done for forms after image formation, on the form and, for example, the finisher 108 reads the paper discharge processing information entered into the forms formed as the images by the digital copying machines 105 and 106 and performs the paper discharge processing for the forms where the digital copying machines 105 and 106 form the images according to the read paper discharge processing information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system, a paper discharge control method, a program, and a storage medium,
In particular, at least two image forming devices and at least one
An image processing system in which two sheet discharge processing apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium, a sheet discharge control method applied to the image processing system, a program for causing a computer to execute the sheet discharge control method, and the program The present invention relates to a stored storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a sheet discharge processing device is connected to an image forming apparatus, and the sheet discharge processing device performs sheet discharge processing (stapling, punching, etc.) on a printed sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus. It is well known to do.

Conventionally, a plurality of computers and image forming output devices are connected to a network, image data and the like are transmitted from the computer to the image forming output device via the network, and the image forming output device which receives the data performs print processing. An image processing system for performing is known.

A paper discharge processing device is individually connected to the plurality of image forming output devices connected to the network. Note that there is a paper discharge processing device dedicated to paper discharge processing independently of the plurality of image forming output devices.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional image processing system, for example, when two image forming apparatuses are connected to a network and a sheet discharge processing apparatus is connected to each of these image forming apparatuses. The paper discharge processing device should perform the same processing as the paper discharge processing performed on the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus that is the connection partner for the paper discharged from the other image forming apparatus that is not the connection partner. Was impossible. That is, even if a sheet discharged from another image forming apparatus that is not the connection partner is carried to the sheet discharge processing apparatus by the operator, the sheet discharge processing apparatus will cause the sheet discharge processing apparatus to connect to the image forming apparatus of the connection partner. It was not possible to perform the same processing as the paper discharge processing performed on the paper discharged from the paper.

Further, it is impossible for the paper discharge processing device to carry out the paper discharge processing by combining the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus of the connection partner and the paper discharged from the other image forming apparatus which is not the connection partner. Met. For example, it is not possible to perform a sheet discharging process of stapling monochrome printed sheets and color printed sheets aligned in a specified page order in different image forming apparatuses.

By the way, even if a sheet discharge processing apparatus dedicated to sheet discharge processing is used, the operation instruction to the sheet discharge processing apparatus must be separately given for the above two types of sheets.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and makes it possible to easily discharge a sheet output from a plurality of image forming apparatuses by a single sheet discharge processing apparatus. An object is to provide an image processing system, a paper discharge control method, a program, and a storage medium.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the invention of claim 1, at least two image forming apparatuses and at least one sheet discharge processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication medium. In the image processing system, the image forming apparatus for forming an image on the sheet includes sheet discharge processing information that is included in each of the at least two image forming apparatuses and that indicates the content of the sheet discharge processing to be performed on the sheet after the image formation. Means, reading means included in the at least one paper discharge processing device, for reading paper discharge processing information described on a paper image-formed by each of the at least two image forming devices, and the at least one paper discharge processing device. A paper included in a paper processing device, which has an image formed by each of the at least two image forming devices, based on the paper discharge processing information read by the reading unit. Image processing system is provided, characterized in that it comprises a discharge process unit which performs discharge process by.

According to the present invention, at least two image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium, and a paper discharge processing apparatus is connected to one of the at least two image forming apparatuses. In the image processing system, the sheet discharge processing information, which is included in the image forming apparatus to which the sheet discharge processing apparatus is not connected and indicates the content of the sheet discharge processing to be performed on the sheet after image formation, is displayed on the sheet. An image forming unit to be formed, and a reading unit included in the paper discharge processing apparatus, for reading paper discharge processing information described on a paper image-formed by an image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing apparatus is not connected, The paper included in the paper discharge processing device, and at least based on the paper discharge processing information read by the reading unit, for the paper on which the image is formed by each of the at least two image forming devices. The image processing system characterized by having a paper discharge process unit which performs paper treatment is provided.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a paper ejection control method applied to an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses and at least one paper ejection processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication medium. In the image forming step, each of the at least two image forming apparatuses forms an image on a sheet of paper after the sheet is formed with sheet discharge processing information indicating the content of the sheet discharge processing to be performed on the sheet after the image formation. A reading step of one sheet discharge processing device reading sheet discharge processing information described on a sheet on which an image is formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses; and a reading step of the at least one sheet discharge processing device. Based on the paper discharge processing information read in the step, the paper discharge processing is performed on the paper image-formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses. Paper discharge control method characterized by comprising a paper discharge process steps are provided.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, at least two image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium, and at least one of the at least two image forming apparatuses is provided.
In a paper discharge control method applied to an image processing system to which a paper discharge processing device is connected, an image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing device is not connected should discharge the paper after image formation. The paper discharge processing information indicating the contents of paper processing,
An image forming step of forming an image on the sheet, and a reading step in which the sheet discharge processing apparatus reads sheet discharge processing information described on a sheet image-formed by an image forming apparatus to which the sheet discharge processing apparatus is not connected. And the paper discharge processing device,
At least a paper discharge processing step of performing paper discharge processing on a paper image-formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses based on the paper discharge processing information read by the reading step. A paper discharge control method is provided.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the invention, a paper ejection control method applied to an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses and at least one paper ejection processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication medium. In a program for causing a computer to execute, the paper discharge control method is such that each of the at least two image forming apparatuses indicates the contents of the paper discharge processing to be performed on the paper after image formation. An image forming step of forming information on the paper, and the at least one paper discharge processing device reads the paper discharge processing information written on the paper image-formed by each of the at least two image forming devices. A reading step; and the at least one paper discharge processing device, based on the paper discharge processing information read by the reading step, A program characterized by comprising a paper discharge processing step of performing the discharge process for each imaged in sheet One of the image forming apparatus is provided.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, at least two image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium, and at least one of the at least two image forming apparatuses.
In a program for causing a computer to execute a paper discharge control method applied to an image processing system to which a paper discharge processing device is connected, an image in which the paper discharge control method is not connected An image forming step in which the forming apparatus forms an image of paper discharge processing information indicating the content of paper discharge processing to be performed on the paper after the image formation, and the paper discharge processing apparatus sets the paper discharge processing. A reading step of reading paper discharge processing information written on a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus to which the apparatus is not connected; and the paper discharge processing information read by the paper discharge processing apparatus at least by the reading step. Based on at least 2
A program is provided, which comprises a sheet discharge processing step for discharging a sheet on which an image is formed by each of the image forming apparatuses.

Further, according to the invention of claim 24,
A computer-readable storage medium that stores, as a program, a discharge control method applied to an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses and at least one discharge processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication medium, According to the paper discharge control method, each of the at least two image forming apparatuses forms paper discharge processing information indicating the contents of the paper discharge processing to be performed on the paper after the image formation on the paper. At least one of the at least one paper discharge processing device, and a reading step of reading paper discharge processing information written on a paper image-formed by each of the at least two image forming devices;
And a sheet discharge processing step of performing sheet discharge processing on the sheet on which the image is formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses, based on the sheet discharge processing information read by the reading step. A storage medium having the above is provided.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, at least two image forming apparatuses are connected to each other through a communication medium, and at least one of the at least two image forming apparatuses.
In a computer-readable storage medium that stores, as a program, a paper discharge control method applied to an image processing system to which a paper discharge processing apparatus is connected, the paper discharge control method is connected to the paper discharge processing apparatus. An image forming apparatus that does not perform an image forming step on the sheet forms an image of sheet discharge processing information indicating the content of sheet discharge processing to be performed on the sheet after the image formation, and the sheet discharge processing apparatus, A reading step of reading the paper discharge processing information described on the paper image-formed by the image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing apparatus is not connected; and the paper discharge processing apparatus, at least,
And a sheet discharge processing step of performing sheet discharge processing on a sheet on which an image is formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses based on the sheet discharge processing information read by the reading step. Media is provided.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Outline of Overall Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of an image processing system according to the present invention.

Computers 102, 103, 104 are connected to a network 101 such as the Internet, and the computer 102 plays the role of a server.
3, 104 play the role of a client. After that,
Although described as “computer 103”, this means each of the plurality of client computers 103 and 104.

Reference numerals 105 and 106 denote digital copying machines connected to the network 101. Reference numeral 105 denotes a color copying machine and 106 denotes a copying machine having a monochrome printer function. The digital copier 105 has a finisher 107.
However, the finisher 108 is connected to the digital copying machine 106. The finishers 107 and 108 are connected to each copying machine main body, but are also connected to the network 101.

On the computer 102 (or computer 103), a so-called DTP (Desk Top Pub) is used.
lishing) application software is operated to create / edit various documents / figures. The computer 102 (or 103) prints the created document / graphic
It is converted into a DL language (Page Description Language), and print instructions are given to the digital copying machines 105 and 106 by the startup software called a printer driver. As a result, the document / graphic converted into the PDL language is sent to the digital copying machines 105 and 106 via the network 101 to be printed and output.

Further, the digital copying machines 105 and 106 are provided with a scanner section (not shown), and an original is read by the scanner section by being instructed by a startup software called a scanner driver on the computer 102 (or 103). , And is sent as image data to the network 101. The computer 102 (or 103) having received this can display it on the display, and the digital copying machines 106, 105 having received this can print it out.

Each of the digital copying machines 105 and 106 has a communication means for exchanging information with the computer 102 (or 103) side via the network 101, and the setting information and status of the digital copying machines 105 and 106 ( The status information is computer 102 (or 1)
03) side is sequentially notified. Furthermore,
The computer 102 (or 103) has utility software that operates by receiving the information, and the operations of the digital copying machines 105 and 106 are centrally managed by the computer 102 (or 103).

[Configuration of Digital Copier] Next, the configuration of the digital copiers 105 and 106 will be described with reference to FIG. Although the digital copying machine 106 is described here as an example, the digital copying machine 105 has basically the same configuration as the digital copying machine 106.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of the digital copying machine 106.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a scanner unit for reading an image,
Reference numeral 202 denotes a FAX unit that transmits and receives images using a telephone line typified by a facsimile, and 203 denotes Pos.
A PDL unit that interprets a printer language represented by tScript and draws an image, a NIC 204 that exchanges image data and device information using a network.
A twork interface card) unit 205 is a core unit that controls input / output, storage, and composition of images.

The image data output from the core unit 205 is sent to the printer unit 207 which forms an image. The paper on which image formation and output has been performed by the printer unit 207 is sent to the finisher 108, and paper ejection processing is performed.

The display unit 209 is also used for displaying the operating state of the digital copying machine 106 and for input operation. It is also used for the preview function to judge whether the print condition is right or wrong. The memory unit 206 temporarily stores an output image, an image for composition, and control information.

[Structure of Finisher] Next, the structure of the finishers 107 and 108 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the finisher 108 will be described as an example, but the finisher 107 has basically the same configuration as the finisher 108.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the finisher 108.

The printer unit 207 of the digital copying machine 106
The sheet discharged from the sheet enters the finisher 108. The finisher 108 aligns and sorts sheets, punches sheets,
Paper discharge processing such as binding and folding is performed.

The finisher 108 is provided with a sample tray 301 and a stack tray 302, which can be switched depending on the type of print job and the number of sheets to be ejected.

There are two sort methods, and by using a bin sort method of allocating to each of a plurality of bins and an electronic sort function which will be described later, the bin (or tray) is shifted toward the back and the output paper is output for each job. There is a shift sort method for sorting, and sorting is performed by these.

The electronic sort function is also called a collate function, and when the memory unit 206 of the digital copying machine 106 has a large capacity, the memory unit 206 is used as a buffer memory for buffering, and page order and discharge are performed. The order is changed.

Further, the finisher 108 has a group function, and sorting sorts sheets for each job, whereas the group function sorts sheets for each page.

Further, when the sheets are discharged to the stack tray 302, the sheets before being discharged are stored for each job, and the stapler 310 binds the sheets immediately before discharging.

Besides, the above two trays 301, 30
Z-folding machine 309 to fold the paper into a Z shape before discharging the paper to 2 and two (or three) for files
There is a puncher 311 for making holes, and each of them is used according to the type of job.

Further, on the inserter trays 303 and 304, the sheets to be inserted are placed, or the sheets on which image formation and output from another digital copying machine are placed once. After that, finishing processing is performed on such a sheet. Depending on the finishing process, the sheets placed on the inserter trays 303 and 304 are once moved to the trays 305 and 306, and at that time, the contact type CCD sensors 307 and 308 generate images on the sheets (particularly add-on information images described later). It is read and used for the processing described later.

Further, in the saddle stitcher 312, the sheets are folded in half so as to form a booklet format, and the center is bound. In this case, the paper is discharged to the booklet tray 313.

In addition, although not shown in the drawing, binding by glue (gluing) for bookbinding and cutting for aligning the end surface on the opposite side to the binding side after binding may be added to the finisher 108. is there.

Incidentally, the finisher 108 of the present embodiment.
Is provided with an operation unit (not shown), and the setting for ejecting the sheets set in the inserter trays 303 and 304 and the I when the finisher 108 operates independently
It is possible to set the P address and the like.

[Printer Driver] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a process of transmitting image data from the computer 103 to the digital copying machine 106 by the printer driver will be described. The printer driver is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for instructing print operations.
With this setting, the user can specify a desired setting parameter and send a desired image to a destination such as the digital copying machine 106.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a printer driver setting screen displayed on the display of the computer 103.

Here, 401 is a printer driver window, and as a setting item therein, 402 is a transmission destination selection column for designating an image output destination. 40
Reference numeral 3 denotes a page setting column for designating an output page from the job, which designates which page of the image image created by the application software operating on the computer 103 is to be output. Reference numeral 404 is a copy number setting column for specifying the number of copies. 407 is a property key for performing detailed settings for the destination device specified in the destination selection column 402. Click here to enter device-specific setting information on a separate screen, and to perform special image processing, For example, it is possible to perform finer color reproduction and sharpness adjustment by changing the settings of gamma conversion and spatial filter parameters.

Reference numeral 408 is a column for setting paper discharge processing (finishing), and the setting items differ depending on the selected output destination device.

When the triangle mark button of the transmission destination selection column 402 is clicked, a list of output destination devices such as a printable printer and a digital copying machine is displayed. In addition,
For this display, it is necessary to search the output destination device on the network 101 in advance. To search for an output destination device on the network 101, for example, LDAP (Li
A search function called a directory service using ghtweight Directory Access Protocol) is used.
LDAP is an IETF (Internet Engineering Task For
RFC (Request Fo), which is a standard specification issued by
r Comments) 1777.

By searching the output destination devices connected to the network 101 using the directory service, a list of network addresses of the output destination devices available on the network 101 can be obtained. Computer 102 on network 101 is L
It functions as a DAP server and stores all information about devices on the network 101. Computer 1
03 is not able to search by himself, but it becomes possible to search for a desired output destination device by inquiring the LDAP server 102.

By registering the position information of the device together with the equipment information and the state information of the device, it is possible to search for a device close to the computer or a device closest to the computer and having a desired function. In the position information, for example, the distance from the reference point is defined in the XY directions for each floor of the building, and floor information and the like are also added.
For example, 3m (3
When the position is 5 m in the Y direction, the position information such as 3X5Y2 is registered.

Thus, the printer driver is LDAP
Destination selection column 4 by inquiring the server 102
It is possible to display a list of output destination devices on 02.

It is impossible to simultaneously select two output destination devices with the conventional printer driver, but in the present embodiment, the key 409 for selecting the second output destination device is provided. . By selecting this key 409, a further destination selection column is displayed, and the second,
An output destination device such as a third printer or finisher can be selected.

When selecting another output destination device, the property key 407 can be pressed to move to another setting screen, and the order of selecting the output destination device can be changed.

Normally, when the triangular mark button in the transmission destination selection column 402 of the printer driver is clicked with the pointing device, a list of selectable output destination devices is displayed. At this time, it is possible to change the output destination device (printer) appearing at the top of the list display by using the screen for designating the display order as shown in FIG.
Thereby, for example, it is possible to easily select the output destination device (printer) selected first under the condition that the output destination device is the closest. Figure 15
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen for designating a display order in a list of output destination devices.

Further, when two output destination devices are selected, if processing cannot be performed in the order of combination, for example, processing of stapling and punching is impossible, and in that case, a warning display is displayed. Done.

When the desired setting is completed using the setting screen of the printer driver, printing is started by clicking the OK key 405 in FIG. When canceling the setting, the cancel key 406 cancels the new setting.

[Network Utility Software] Next, the utility software operating on the computer 103 will be described.

A standardized database called MIB (Management Information Base) is built in the network interface portion of the digital copying machines 105, 106 and finishers 107, 108.
Network 10 via a network management protocol called NMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
One can communicate with the computer above. As a result, the digital copying machines 105, 106 and the finisher 10
7, 108 can be managed by the communication destination computer.

On the other hand, the computer 102 (or 10)
In 3), a software program using the MIB is operating, and the MIB is executed by using the digital copying machines 105 and 106 via the network 101 and the SNMP.
Necessary information can be exchanged using.

The computer 102 (or 103) is
IfPhysAddress defined in RFC1213
By acquiring MIB information such as s, sysObjectID, and hrDeviceID defined in RFC1514, it is possible to obtain information that identifies a device connected to the network 101. The equipment information of the device and the capability of the device are defined as the private MIB, and it is possible to detect whether or not the finisher is connected by the equipment information.

Further, the devices on the network 101 can communicate with each other by acquiring the MIB information, and can acquire information such as the status and capability of the other device.

The computer 102 is the network 101
The function, state, etc. of each device are constantly grasped by periodically communicating with the above device or by transmitting from each device. W based on MIB data collected from each device
Since the EB server is built in the computer 102, the computer 103 uses HTTP (HyperText Transf
It is possible to grasp the state of each device even if the computer 102 is accessed by browsing software based on the er protocol).

By the way, the computer 103 sends all print jobs to the computer 102 once, and thereafter, inputs the job from the computer 102 to the printer section of each digital copying machine, and the computer 102 makes the user name of the job, department to which the job belongs, The file name, the number of pages, the job content, etc. are analyzed, and the number of times of printing and the total number of pages for each user or each department are stored. The computer 102 also collects the number of prints and the number of errors in each digital copying machine, the remaining amount of paper and toner being printed, and the like, and thereby manages and manages devices and jobs on the network 101. .

Further, the computer 102 also converts the print protocol. For example, digital copying machine 106
Computer only supports LPD
When an attempt is made to print from 03 by IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), the computer 102 can automatically convert the job into LPR and send the job to the digital copying machine 106.

The printed data is stored in the memory, and the computer 102 automatically erases it according to parameters such as the remaining memory capacity and date.

[GUI] Next, a screen called GUI, which is displayed by the utility software running on the computer 102 (or 103), will be described with reference to FIGS.

When the utility software is started on the computer 102 (or 103), a screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the utility software.

In FIG. 5, 501 is a status tab for opening a status page, 502 is a job tab for opening a page used for a print job operation, and 503 is used for checking the equipment of the digital copying machine and the like. An information tab 504 for opening a page to be opened is a network tab for opening a page used for network setting.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 505 is a display section showing the external appearance of the digital copying machine, on which an image corresponding to equipment information such as a finisher or a deck is displayed. On the right side of the display unit 505, the information on the paper feed stage is displayed, and the information on the paper loaded in each cassette is displayed. Reference numeral 506 is a portion for displaying the operation status of the digital copying machine, and the display items are changed according to the operation status.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an information page displayed by clicking the information tab 503 in FIG. By looking at this information page, the operator can confirm the information such as the presence / absence of the finisher, the presence / absence of the finisher option, and the fonts provided in the printer, which cannot be identified only by looking at the appearance.

[Addon] Next, an addon for adding a command image to image data will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the concept of add-on.

An original image 701 in FIG. 7 is an example of an image generated by application software on the computer 103.

The add-on information 702 is paper discharge processing command information created by the printer driver when the image data generated on the computer is transferred to the digital copying machine, and has a shape as shown in FIG. 7, for example. Image pattern. The add-on information 702 is composed of, for example, operation instructions such as stapling, punching and inserting, and information such as the number of pages, and is read by the finisher sensors (307 and 308 in FIG. 3). The finisher uses the read information to perform the paper discharge process.

The add-on information 702 is combined with the original image 701 to generate the add-on image 703.

In the add-on information 702, a plurality of pieces of the same information are arranged in a pattern. That is, since the add-on information may be buried in the original image with only one add-on information, a plurality of the same information is prepared, dispersed at different positions and added to the original image 701.

[Add-on Information Addition Pattern] An example of an addition pattern added as add-on information will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an add-on information addition pattern.

FIG. 8 shows an additional pattern in the case of 200 line processing. In the 4 × 4 pixels included in the area 801, the gradation of the image signal is modulated to be, for example, + α, and the areas 802 and 802 are arranged. The 2 × 4 pixels included in each 803 are modulated such that the gradation of the image signal is −α, and the pixels other than the regions 801 to 803 do not perform the modulation. And areas 801 to 803
The 8 × 4 pixels included in are the unit dots of the additional pattern.

In the case of 400 line processing, 4 × 4
Perform pixel processing. In case of 100 line processing, 2
× 2 pixels or 1 pixel is used as an additional pattern.

Hereinafter, description will be made taking 8 × 4 pixels as an example. The same applies to processing methods for other pixel numbers.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the add-on line.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes an add-on line, which has a width of 4 pixels. Reference numerals 901a to 901e are the unit dots of 8 × 4 pixels shown in FIG.
The unit dots 901a to 901e are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction with a distance d1 (for example, a distance of 128 pixels).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an add online group.

In FIG. 10, reference numerals 1001 to 1010 denote add-on lines, each having a width of 4 pixels and arranged in the sub-scanning direction at a distance of d2 (for example, a distance of 16 pixels). Although details will be described later, for example, one add-online represents 4-bit information, and
Eight ad online from 2 to 1009 form a group,
Represents 32-bit additional information. In addition,
The add-on lines 1001 and 1009 shown in FIG. 10, for example, which are sequentially and repeatedly formed in the sub-scanning direction, represent the same information.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method of expressing information by add online.

In FIG. 11, 1101 and 1102 are add-on lines, and both add-on lines are adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction. Also, 1101a and 1101b
And 1102a are unit dots, and adjacent unit dots on the add-on line are arranged so as to be separated from each other by at least a distance d3 (for example, a distance of 32 pixels) in the main scanning direction. This prevents adjacent unit dots of the add-on line from approaching each other and making the original image difficult to see.

The data represented by the unit dot is determined by the phase difference between the unit dot 1102a and the unit dot 1101a. FIG. 11 shows an example showing 4-bit information, and the unit dot 1102a is data “3”.
Is represented. For example, if the unit dot 1102a is at the leftmost end, data "0" is shown, and if the unit dot 1102a is at the rightmost end, data "F" is shown.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a method of expressing information by add online.

In FIG. 12, (A) shows the first add-online line0 in the set of add-on lines representing all the additional information, and (B) shows the fourth add-on line li.
Represents ne3. In line0, the original unit dot 12
01a to 1201d to the right of each of the dots 1202a to 1202d.
1202d are added, and in line 3, to the right of each of the original unit dots 1204a to 1204d,
Dots 1205a to 1205d are added with a distance of d5 (for example, a distance of 32 pixels). These additional dots are markers for clearly indicating what number of each add-on line is. In addition,
The reason why the markers are added to the two add-on lines is that the upper and lower sides in the sub-scanning direction can be determined even from the output image.

If the digital copying machine is a copying machine capable of full-color printing, the additional pattern has a low discrimination ability with respect to the pattern drawn by yellow (Y) toner by human eyes. It is used to add only Y color information. This makes it difficult for the user to recognize the additional pattern even when printed out.

Further, when the digital copying machine is a copying machine for black and white printing, if a density signal of 256 gradations (8 bits) is used, the signal value of the original image is -8 to +.
A value of about 8 is added as add-on information,
The additional pattern is difficult for the user to recognize.

The dot interval in the main scanning direction of the additional pattern and the repeating interval of all the additional information in the sub-scanning direction are set to a thin and uniform area where the dots can be surely identified in the specific original document. It is necessary to determine that all information will be added to. As a guide, information may be added at a pitch that is ½ or less of the width of a thin and uniform area that allows dots to be reliably identified in the target specific document.

User information may be added to the additional pattern in addition to the paper discharge processing information. In such a case, the information may be added alternately or the information may be exchanged at every specific cycle. To Also,
By applying the above-mentioned method of using the yellow (Y) toner and the method of converting the density of black and white to these pieces of information, it is possible to add both pieces of information to the same position.

On the paper on which these additional patterns are printed out, the user can hardly visually identify the additional patterns, but the sensors 307 and 308 of the digital copying machine of the present embodiment can sufficiently identify them. .
However, if these sheets are further copied, this additional information will be lost, so even if the copied sheets are set in the digital copying machine of this embodiment, the command will not be effective.

[Add-on processing in digital copying machine]
Next, the process of adding the add-on information to the image signal in the digital copying machine will be described.

FIG. 13 shows a digital copying machine 10 shown in FIG.
6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an add-on additional circuit included in a core unit 205 of No. 6; FIG.

First, in the add-on addition circuit, the PDL section 2
An 8-bit image signal 1301 rasterized from 03 (FIG. 2) is input. On the other hand, the add-on information as described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12 is stored in advance in the add-on information page memory 1302. From this add-on information page memory 1302, 8-bit add-on information is input to the image signal 1301. It is output in synchronization. That is, in the add-on information page memory 1302, FIG.
In the information format as shown in Fig. 8, 8-bit add-on information data in which the most significant bit is the sign bit of the data of -127 to +127 is stored, and the +4 part and the -4 part are the regions of Fig. 801 to 803.

Returning to FIG. 13, the 8-bit image signal 13
01 and the lower 7 bits of the add-on information data read from the add-on information page memory 1302 in synchronization with the input of the image signal 1301 are input to the adder 1303 and the subtractor 1304. The addition result of the adder 1303 is input to the OR gate 1305, and the subtractor 1304
The subtraction result at is input to the AND gate 1306. When the addition result of the adder 1303 is saturated above FFH, the carrier signal is input to the OR gate 1305,
Further, when the subtraction result of the subtractor 1304 becomes 00H or less, the carrier signal is transmitted through the inverter to the AND gate 1
It is input to 306. The outputs of the OR gate 1305 and the AND gate 1306 are input to the selector 1307. The most significant bit (sign bit) of the add-on information data read from the add-on information page memory 1302 is input to the selector 1307 as a select signal 1308. The selector 1307 is switched according to whether the add-on information data is positive or negative, and outputs the image signal 1309. The image signal 1309 is directly output from the core unit 205.

FIG. 14 shows the add-on information page memory 13
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of add-on information data stored in 02, and the selector 1307 can be switched based on whether the unit dot of 8 × 4 pixels in the drawing is positive or negative.

The add-on information data has already been added to the image signal 1301. To remove this add-on information data from the image signal 1301, the most significant bit of the add-on information data stored in the add-on information page memory 1302 ( The sign bit) may be inverted.
By this, the operation is reversed and the same add-on information data is removed.

The add-on addition circuit shown in FIG. 13 is added to the YMC and K signal systems in the digital copying machine. By storing the additional patterns in the add-on information page memories of the YMC and K signal systems, the respective additional patterns can be added to the image.

For example, if the additional pattern is stored only in the add-on information page memory of the Y signal system, only Y is added. When the add-on information is added in black and white density, if the additional pattern is stored only in the K signal system add-on information page memory, the add-on information is added in black and white density.

Next, the operation of the image processing system in the case of performing printing and paper discharge processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22.

19 and 20 are flow charts showing the procedure of the operation of the image processing system when the finisher not connected to the digital copying machine is made to perform the paper discharge process. In the following, printing is performed by the digital copying machine 105 and the digital copying machine 106, respectively, based on a document in which black and white and color are mixed, and each printed sheet is stapled by the finisher 108 not connected to the digital copying machine. The operation of performing the paper discharge process will be described as an example.

First, the operator performs an input operation via the operation unit of the computer 103. That is, a document of mixed color black and white is created using well-known DTP software or the like. Before printing, the status of each digital copying machine is checked (S101). As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the status of the digital copying machine is displayed.

When the status of the digital copying machine 106 is displayed, the digital copying machine 106 and the finisher 108 are
An operator presses a key (not shown) for disconnecting the connection with the finisher 108 to move the finisher 108 to the digital copying machine 106.
Is separated from (S102). It should be noted that this detaching operation can be performed by the operation unit of the digital copying machine 106 or the finisher 108.

By the way, the utility software has a function called a device list for displaying a list of devices connected to the network 101. Before such a device list is separated from the digital copying machine 106 and the finisher 108, for example, If three devices are displayed as shown in FIG. 17, by disconnecting the connection, four devices including the finisher 108 are displayed as shown in FIG. FIG. 17 shows a digital copying machine 106.
19 is a diagram showing a device list before separation of the finisher 108, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a device list after separation of the digital copying machine 106 and the finisher 108. That is, since the separated finisher 108 starts to operate independently and supports SNMP, after the separation, the finisher 108 is added to the device list.
The four devices including will be displayed.

Next, in step S103, the operator confirms the state of the digital copying machine to be printed,
Instruct to print. As a result, the screen of the printer driver as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display of the computer 103.

In step S104, the destination selection column 4
02 (FIG. 4) is used to select the first printer to be printed. For example, the monochrome digital copying machine 106 is selected. Then, the process proceeds to step S105, and the key 409 (FIG. 4) is used to select the second printer to be printed. For example, the color digital copying machine 105 is selected.
If there is a finisher that needs to perform the paper discharge process, that is selected. For example, finisher 10
Select 8 to specify stapling.

The paper discharge process is performed by the transmission destination selection column 402.
As a general rule, the finisher connected to the digital copying machine designated as the first printer in step 1 performs the process. However, when the finisher is selected, the selected finisher gives priority to the paper discharge process. I do. In this example, the finisher 108 performs the paper discharge process. If there is a process that cannot be performed by the finisher 108 and that can be performed by the finisher 107 of the digital copying machine 105, that setting is also valid.

Next, when the OK key 405 (FIG. 4) is pressed, the process proceeds to step S106 to display the password input window shown in FIG. The job number is displayed in this window. The job number is an arbitrary number created by the computer 103 and a character string used by the operator to log in, and serves as information for identifying the operator and the document. The password is,
When performing the paper discharge process in step S111 described below,
It is set in advance in order to confirm that the operator is a legitimate operator who can perform this processing, and is composed of, for example, a combination of alphabets and numbers within 8 characters.

When the operator sets a password in the password input window shown in FIG. 16 and presses the OK key, the computer 103 creates print data (S107). To this print data, along with the conventional PDL drawing data, a command for paper discharge processing such as stapling processing, monochrome / color mixed processing, interlocking processing of two finishers, and add-on processing is added.

When the print data is created, the computer 103 transfers the print data to the computer 102 (S107).

The computer 102 transfers the print data to the two digital copying machines designated as the first and second printers. A well-known LPD or the like is used as the transfer protocol.

Digital copying machine 1 to which print data is transferred
Reference numeral 06 analyzes a processing command, draws only a black and white page, and outputs it to the paper discharge tray. When this is finished, the end notice is sent to the computer 103. At this stage, since the finisher has been set in step S105,
The paper output processing is not performed on the paper output to the paper output tray.

The color digital copying machine 105 also analyzes the print data, draws only the color page, and starts printing. When the printing is completed, the end notification is sent to the computer 103. Again, since the finisher has been set in step S105, the printed paper is output to the paper discharge tray, but the paper discharge process is not performed (S).
108).

In any of the digital copying machines, the job number, the number of pages, etc. are added to the drawing data as add-on information and printed as necessary.

When the computer 103 receives the print end notification, since the finisher is set in step S105, the operator is instructed to set the discharged sheet in the finisher 108 (S1).
09). This display is also displayed on the operation unit of each digital copying machine.

Upon seeing this display, the operator takes out the paper from the paper discharge tray of the digital copying machine 105 and sets the paper on the insert tray 303 of the finisher 108.
Further, the paper is taken out from the paper discharge tray of the digital copying machine 106 and set in the insert tray 304 of the finisher 108.

After that, when the operator presses the start key (not shown) of the finisher 108, the finisher 108 reads the add-on information by the sensors 307 and 308 while moving each sheet to the trays 305 and 306. The job number is read from the add-on information and the password input standby state is entered.

The operation unit of the finisher 108 or the operation unit of the digital copying machine requests the operator to input the job number and password. The operator displays a list of job numbers and specifies the job number from the list. Alternatively, enter the job number directly. In addition, the password set in step S106 is input (S110). When the input job number or password does not exist, the operation unit of the finisher 108 or the operation unit of the digital copying machine displays a warning. If the processing is still in progress, the warning is displayed as such.

When the job number and the password are normally input, the process proceeds to step S111, and the finisher 108 feeds the sheets of the trays 305 and 306 in the designated order and performs the finishing process (paper discharge process).

Here, in the course of this finishing process, it is judged whether or not a paper jam has occurred (S).
112). For example, if a paper jam from the tray 305 has occurred, the process proceeds to step S113, and the finisher 1
A jam occurrence display is displayed on the operation unit 08, and a display is displayed to inquire of the operator whether to reprint the jammed paper.

When the operator judges that the jammed paper cannot be used and presses the reprint key, the finisher 108 notifies the computer 102 of the occurrence of the jam and the page where the jam has occurred. The computer 102 requests the digital copying machine that has printed the jammed page to reprint only the jammed page, and causes the page to be reprinted (S114).

When the operator sets the reprinted page on the tray 303, the paper discharge process is restarted (S11).
5).

When the paper discharge process is completed, the computer 10
The computer 2 notifies the computer 103 of the end of the job and erases the data in the memory. Computer 10
3 displays the end of the job. The finisher 108 is again connected to the digital copying machine 106, and as shown in FIG. 17, the finisher 108 is erased from the device list and the operation ends (S116).

21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the operation of the image processing system in the case where the finisher connected to the digital copying machine is made to perform the paper discharge processing. In the following, printing is performed by the digital copying machine 105 and the digital copying machine 106, respectively, based on a document in which black and white and color are mixed, and each printed sheet is connected to the finisher 10 connected to the digital copying machine 106.
The operation for performing the staple discharge processing in 8 will be described as an example.

First, the operator performs an input operation via the operation unit of the computer 103. That is, a document of mixed color black and white is created using well-known DTP software or the like. Then, when the operator instructs the printing, the printing is started (S201).

When printing is started, the computer 103
A screen of the printer driver as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display.

In step S202, the destination selection column 4
02 (FIG. 4) is used to select the first printer to be printed. For example, the monochrome digital copying machine 106 is selected. Then, the process proceeds to step S203, and the key 409 (FIG. 4) is used to select the second printer to be printed. For example, the color digital copying machine 105 is selected.
Here, a finisher 108 is connected to the black-and-white digital copying machine 106 and a finisher 107 is connected to the color digital copying machine 105, and the finisher is not particularly selected.

Therefore, the paper discharge process is performed by the finisher 108 connected to the digital copying machine 106 designated as the first printer in the destination selection column 402. Next, the OK key 405 (FIG. 4). When is pressed, the process proceeds to step S204, and the password input window shown in FIG. 16 is displayed.

When the operator sets a password in the password input window and presses the OK key, the computer 103 creates print data (S20).
5). This print data includes stapling processing, black-and-white / color mixing processing, 2 as well as conventional PDL drawing data.
Commands for paper discharge processing such as interlocking processing of the finisher of the table and add-on processing are added.

When the print data is created, the computer 103 transfers the print data to the computer 102 (S205).

The computer 102 transfers the print data to the two digital copying machines designated as the first and second printers. A well-known LPD or the like is used as the transfer protocol.

Digital copier 1 to which print data has been transferred
In step 06, the processing command is analyzed, only the black and white page is drawn, and the drawing data is temporarily stored in the memory (S20).
6). At that time, the add-on information is not added to the drawing data.

The color digital copying machine 105 also analyzes the print data and draws only the color page.
Add-on information such as a processing command, a job number, and the number of pages is expressed by a yellow (Y) signal and added to the drawing data to start printing (S07). When this printing is completed, the end notification is sent to the computer 103.
Since the second printer is set in step S203, the printed paper is output to the paper discharge tray, but the paper discharge process is not performed.

When the computer 103 receives the print end notification, the second printer is set in step S203, so that the ejected paper is used as the finisher 10 of the digital copying machine 106 which is the first printer.
It is displayed to the operator to set to 8 (S20
8). This display is also displayed on the operation unit of each digital copying machine.

Upon seeing this display, the operator takes out the paper from the paper discharge tray of the digital copying machine 105 and inserts the insert tray 30 of the finisher 108 of the digital copying machine 106.
Set the paper in 3.

After that, when the operator presses the start key (not shown) of the finisher 108, the finisher 108 causes the sensor 307 to read the add-on information while moving the sheet to the tray 305. The job number is read from the add-on information and the password input standby state is entered.

The operation unit of the finisher 108 or the operation unit of the digital copying machine 106 requests the operator to input the job number and password. The operator displays a list of job numbers and specifies the job number from the list. Alternatively, enter the job number directly. Also, step S2
The password set in 04 is input (S209). When the input job number or password does not exist, the operation unit of the finisher 108 or the operation unit of the digital copying machine displays a warning. If the processing is still in progress, the warning is displayed as such.

When the job number and password are entered normally, the process proceeds to step S210, and the digital copying machine 106
In step S206, the drawing data already stored in the memory is read, and the printing process and the paper discharge process are performed. At this time, the paper discharge processing is also performed on the paper on the tray 305 of the finisher 108. In this example, the finisher 10
The paper is ejected in consideration of the alternating insertion order of the paper in the tray 305 of No. 8 and the paper printed based on the drawing data. For example, if the first and second pages are output from the digital copying machine 106 and the third page is the first page output from the digital copying machine 105, the number of add-on information pages is 3, Copier 1
When the sheet 06 has discharged up to the second page, the finisher 108 feeds the sheet corresponding to the third page from the tray 305.
This is the case of the back side sheet discharge, and in the case of the front side sheet discharge, the sheet is discharged from the last page.

Then, the finisher 108 performs the designated stapling and outputs it to the tray.

Here, it is determined whether or not a paper jam has occurred in the course of this finishing process (S).
211). For example, if a paper jam from the tray 305 has occurred, the process proceeds to step S212, and the finisher 1
A jam occurrence display is displayed on the operation unit 08, and a display is displayed to inquire of the operator whether to reprint the jammed paper.

When the operator judges that the jammed paper cannot be used and presses the reprint key, the finisher 108 informs the computer 102 of the occurrence of the jam and the page where the jam has occurred. The computer 102 requests the digital copying machine 105 that printed the jammed page to reprint only the jammed page, and causes the page to be reprinted (S213).

When the operator sets the reprinted page on the tray 303, the paper discharge process is restarted (S21).
4).

When the paper discharge process is completed, the computer 10
2 notifies the computer 103 of the end of the job, and the computer 103 displays the end of the job (S215).

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily carry out the paper discharge processing of the paper image-formed and output from the plurality of digital copying machines (image forming apparatuses) by one paper discharge processing device. .

(Other Embodiments) A storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus is supplied.
Needless to say, the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the (or MPU).

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of each of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. .

A storage medium for supplying the program code is, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk,
Hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-
ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. Does some or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing,
Needless to say, it is included in the present invention.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. Yes.

[0152]

[Effects of the Invention] As described in detail above, claim 1 and claim 1
According to the invention of claim 4, claim 22 or claim 24,
In an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses and at least one paper discharge processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication medium, each of the at least two image forming apparatuses performs on a sheet after image formation. Paper discharge processing information indicating the content of the paper discharge processing to be formed is image-formed on the paper, and the at least one paper discharge processing apparatus is described on the paper image-formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses. The discharged paper discharge processing information is read, and the paper discharge processing is performed on the paper on which the image is formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses based on the read paper discharge processing information.

In addition, claim 8, claim 18, claim 23.
According to the invention of claim 25, image processing in which at least two image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium and a paper discharge processing apparatus is connected to one of the at least two image forming apparatuses. In the system, an image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing device is not connected forms paper discharge processing information indicating contents of paper discharge processing to be performed on the paper after image formation on the paper, The paper discharge processing device reads the paper discharge processing information described on the sheet image-formed by the image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing device is not connected, and at least based on the read paper discharge processing information, The paper discharge processing is performed on the paper on which the image is formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses.

As a result, it becomes possible to easily discharge the paper output from the plurality of image forming devices by using one paper discharge processing device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a finisher.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a printer driver setting screen displayed on a display of a computer.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by utility software.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an information page displayed by clicking an information tab in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a concept of add-on.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an addition pattern of add-on information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an add-on line.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an add online group.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method of expressing information by add online.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a method of expressing information by add online.

13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an add-on addition circuit included in the core unit of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of add-on information data stored in an add-on information page memory.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a screen for designating a display order in a list of output destination devices.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a password input window.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a device list before the digital copying machine and the finisher are separated.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a device list after the digital copying machine and the finisher are separated.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart (1/2) showing the procedure of the operation of the image processing system when the finisher that is not connected to the digital copying machine is caused to perform the paper discharge process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart (2/2) showing the procedure of the operation of the image processing system when the finisher not connected to the digital copying machine performs the paper discharge process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart (1/2) showing the procedure of the operation of the image processing system when the finisher connected to the digital copying machine is made to perform the paper discharge processing.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart (2/2) showing the procedure of the operation of the image processing system in the case where the finisher connected to the digital copying machine is made to perform the paper discharge processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 network (communication medium) 102 computer (server terminal device, display means, instruction means, control means) 103, 104 computer (client terminal device) 105, 106 digital copying machine (image forming apparatus) 107, 108 finisher (paper discharge processing) Apparatus, paper discharge processing means) 201 Scanner section 202 FAX section 203 PDL section 204 NIC section 205 Core section (image forming section) 206 Memory section 207 Printer section (image forming section) 209 Display sections 307, 308 Sensors (reading section)

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) B65H 37/04 B65H 37/04 Z 5C062 37/06 5C076 37/06 39/11 39/11 G06T 1/00 500B G06T 1 / 00 500 H04N 1/00 108L H04N 1/00 108 1/387 1/387 B41J 29/00 HF term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AR01 CK04 CK06 CL08 2H072 AA16 AB10 AB12 AB13 AB27 CA01 FA01 FA05 FB02 FB03 FC02 GA01 GA02 GA07 JA02 JA04 3F050 BE12 CA01 CB07 LA01 LB03 3F108 GA02 GB01 GB03 GB07 HA02 HA32 5B057 AA11 CA01 CB01 CB19 CE08 CH01 CH11 5C062 AA05 AA35 AB17 AB53 AC15 AF16 BA04 5C076 AA14 BA06

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. An image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses and at least one paper discharge processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication medium, wherein each of the at least two image forming apparatuses includes:
An image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet with sheet discharge processing information indicating the content of the sheet discharge processing that should be performed on the sheet after the image formation, and the at least one sheet discharge processing apparatus. A reading unit for reading the paper discharge processing information written on the paper on which the image is formed by each of the two image forming apparatuses; and the paper discharge processing information included in the at least one paper discharge processing apparatus and read by the reading unit. Based on the above, an image processing system comprising: a sheet discharge processing unit that performs a sheet discharge process on a sheet on which an image is formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses. 2. The at least one paper discharge processing device,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system is not connected to any of the at least two image forming apparatuses. 3. The paper discharging process includes a process of aligning or classifying paper, a process of punching the paper, a process of binding the paper,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system is at least one of a sheet folding process and a sheet folding process. 4. The sheet on which an image is formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses is artificially conveyed to the at least one sheet discharge processing apparatus.
The image processing system according to claim 3. 5. The image forming unit forms an image of the paper discharge processing information on the paper by a method that is difficult for human eyes to perceive. Image processing system. 6. A display means for detecting all devices connected to the communication medium and displaying the same on a display device, and a device selected by an operator from among devices displayed on the display device. An instruction means for giving an instruction for image forming and paper discharge processing, the image forming means in the image forming apparatus that receives the instruction from the instruction means, and the reading in the paper discharge processing apparatus that receives the instruction from the instruction means The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a controller and a controller that operates the paper discharge processor. 7. A server terminal device and a client terminal device are connected to the communication medium, the instruction means and the control means are included in the server terminal device, and the display means is the client terminal device and the client terminal device. Included in an image forming apparatus, the server terminal device receives a processing instruction from the client terminal device, analyzes the processing content, and displays the display means,
7. The image processing system according to claim 6, wherein the instruction means and the control means are operated. 8. An image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium and a paper discharge processing apparatus is connected to one of the at least two image forming apparatuses, An image forming unit that is included in an image forming apparatus to which a processing device is not connected, and that forms paper discharge processing information indicating the content of paper discharge processing that should be performed on a paper after image formation on the paper; A reading unit included in the paper discharge processing device and configured to read paper discharge processing information described on a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing device is not connected; and a reading unit included in the paper discharge processing device. , At least 2 based on the paper discharge processing information read by the reading means.
An image processing system comprising: a sheet discharge processing unit that performs a sheet discharge process on a sheet on which an image is formed by each of the image forming apparatuses. 9. The paper discharge process includes a process of aligning or classifying paper, a process of punching the paper, a process of binding the paper,
9. The image processing system according to claim 8, wherein the image processing system is at least one of a sheet folding process and a sheet folding process. 10. The sheet according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus to which the sheet discharge processing device is not connected is artificially carried to the sheet discharge processing apparatus. The image processing system described. 11. The image forming means forms an image of the paper discharge processing information on the paper by a method that is difficult for human eyes to perceive. Image processing system. 12. The display means for detecting and displaying on a display device all the image forming devices connected to the communication medium, and an image forming device displayed on the display device, selected by an operator. Instructing means for giving an instruction of image forming and paper discharge processing to the image forming apparatus, the image forming means in each image forming apparatus that has received the instruction from the instructing means, and the instruction from the instructing means 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: control means for operating the reading means and the paper discharge processing means in the paper discharge processing device of the image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing device is connected. 11. The image processing system according to any one of 11. 13. A server terminal device and a client terminal device are connected to the communication medium, the instruction means and the control means are included in the server terminal device, and the display means is the client terminal device and the client terminal device. Included in an image forming apparatus, the server terminal device receives a processing instruction from the client terminal device, analyzes the processing content, and displays the display means,
The image processing system according to claim 12, wherein the instruction unit and the control unit are operated. 14. A paper ejection control method applied to an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses and at least one paper ejection processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication medium, wherein the at least two image forming apparatuses include: An image forming step for forming an image on the sheet with sheet discharge processing information indicating the content of the sheet discharge processing to be performed on the sheet after the image formation; and the at least one sheet discharge processing apparatus. A reading step of reading the paper discharge processing information described on the paper on which the image is formed by each of the two image forming apparatuses; and the at least one paper discharge processing apparatus based on the paper discharge processing information read by the reading step. Based on the above, there is provided a paper discharge processing step for carrying out paper discharge processing on the paper on which the image is formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses. Discharge control method characterized by. 15. The paper discharge process is at least one of a process of aligning or classifying paper, a process of punching paper, a process of binding paper, and a process of folding paper. 14. The discharge control method described in 14. 16. The sheet according to claim 14, wherein the sheet on which the image is formed by each of the at least two image forming apparatuses is artificially conveyed to the at least one sheet discharge processing apparatus. Paper ejection control method. 17. A display step of detecting all devices connected to the communication medium and displaying them on a display device, and for a device selected by an operator from among the devices displayed on the display device. An instruction step of giving an instruction of image forming and paper discharge processing, causing the image forming apparatus that has received the instruction in the instruction step to execute the image forming step, and causing the paper discharge processing apparatus that has received the instruction in the instruction step. The discharge control method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising a control step for executing the reading step and the discharge processing step. 18. An ejecting apparatus applied to an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium and a paper ejection processing apparatus is connected to one of the at least two image forming apparatuses. In the paper control method, the image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing device is not connected,
An image forming step of forming an image on the paper with paper ejection processing information indicating the contents of paper ejection processing to be performed on the paper after the image formation, the paper ejection processing device is connected to the paper ejection processing device. And a reading step of reading the paper discharge processing information described on the paper image-formed by the image forming apparatus, and the paper discharge processing apparatus, based on at least the paper discharge processing information read by the reading step, A paper ejection control method, comprising a paper ejection processing step of performing paper ejection processing on paper on which an image has been formed by each of at least two image forming apparatuses. 19. The paper discharge process is at least one of a process of aligning or classifying paper, a process of punching paper, a process of binding paper, and a process of folding paper. 18. The discharge control method according to item 18. 20. The paper according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the paper on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing device is not connected is artificially carried to the paper discharge processing device. The described discharge control method. 21. A display step of detecting all image forming apparatuses connected to the communication medium and displaying them on a display device, and an image forming apparatus displayed on the display device, selected by an operator. An instruction step of giving an instruction of image forming and paper discharge processing to the image forming apparatus, causing each image forming apparatus that has received the instruction by the instruction hand step to execute the image forming step, and the instruction step by the instruction step. 19. The control method according to claim 18, further comprising: a control step that causes the sheet discharge processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus to which the sheet discharge processing apparatus is connected to execute the reading step and the sheet discharge processing step. The paper discharge control method according to claim 20. 22. A program for causing a computer to execute a paper discharge control method applied to an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses and at least one paper discharge processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication medium. The image forming method for forming a sheet on the sheet by the sheet discharge control method, wherein each of the at least two image forming apparatuses forms sheet discharge processing information indicating content of sheet discharge processing to be performed on the sheet after image formation. A forming step; a reading step in which the at least one paper discharge processing device reads paper discharge processing information described on a paper image-formed by each of the at least two image forming devices; and the at least one paper discharge The processing device, based on the paper discharge processing information read by the reading step, performs image formation on each of the at least two image forming devices. A program characterized by comprising a paper discharge processing step of performing the discharge process with respect to made the sheet. 23. An ejection method applied to an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium and a paper ejection processing apparatus is connected to one of the at least two image forming apparatuses. A program for causing a computer to execute a paper control method, wherein the paper discharge control method is an image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing device is not connected,
An image forming step of forming an image on the paper with paper ejection processing information indicating the contents of paper ejection processing to be performed on the paper after the image formation, the paper ejection processing device is connected to the paper ejection processing device. And a reading step of reading the paper discharge processing information described on the paper image-formed by the image forming apparatus, and the paper discharge processing apparatus, based on at least the paper discharge processing information read by the reading step, A program for ejecting a sheet on which an image has been formed by each of at least two image forming apparatuses. 24. A computer-readable computer-readable program that stores a discharge control method applied to an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses and at least one discharge processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication medium. In another storage medium, the paper discharge control method includes, for each of the at least two image forming apparatuses, paper discharge processing information indicating content of paper discharge processing to be performed on the paper after image formation, on the paper. An image forming step of forming an image; a reading step in which the at least one paper discharge processing device reads paper discharge processing information described on a paper image-formed by each of the at least two image forming devices; Based on the paper discharge processing information read by the reading step, one paper discharge processing device is configured to execute the at least two paper discharge processing devices. Storage medium characterized by comprising a paper discharge processing step of performing the discharge process to the sheet on which an image is formed by each image forming apparatus. 25. An ejection method applied to an image processing system in which at least two image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium, and a paper ejection processing apparatus is connected to one of the at least two image forming apparatuses. A computer-readable storage medium storing a paper control method as a program, wherein the paper discharge control method is an image forming apparatus to which the paper discharge processing device is not connected,
An image forming step of forming an image on the paper with paper ejection processing information indicating the contents of paper ejection processing to be performed on the paper after the image formation, the paper ejection processing device is connected to the paper ejection processing device. And a reading step of reading the paper discharge processing information described on the paper image-formed by the image forming apparatus, and the paper discharge processing apparatus, based on at least the paper discharge processing information read by the reading step, A storage medium having a sheet discharge processing step of discharging a sheet on which an image is formed by each of at least two image forming apparatuses.