JP2003108342A - System for image output and apparatus for information processing used for the system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for image output with excellent power savings when making a plurality of image output devices connected to a network. SOLUTION: In the system, a job output from a computer connected to the network is divided into one page units and an image output device which has been shifted to a power saving mode is omitted from consideration for clustering outputs. Accordingly, it is avoided for the image output device which has been shifted to the power saving mode at one time to be selected and forced to a return to a normal power mode, so that the system for image output with excellent power saving is provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output system, and more specifically, to power saving when outputting the contents of a job created by a user terminal to a plurality of image output devices connected to a network. Excellent image output system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for performing so-called network printing in an image output system in which a plurality of printers are connected to a network is known.

In this case, the user selects at least one printer from the plurality of printers connected to the network from the terminal of the client computer, which is the user terminal, and executes printing on the designated printer. Let

Further, so-called clustering printing is known, in which one print job is divided, the divided jobs are assigned to a plurality of printers, and these printers are simultaneously printed to increase the printing speed. .

Generally, in addition to the normal power mode during normal operation, the printer is provided with a power saving mode which shifts when the operation standby time exceeds a predetermined time, and a predetermined constant time is set. If no job is assigned to the printer during this period, the printer automatically shifts to the power saving mode.

In the normal power saving mode, the holding temperature of the fixing device provided in the printer is set lower than that when printing is performed, thereby saving power in the standby state of the printer.

[0007]

However, in such a conventional network printing system, the printer after shifting to the power saving mode is recognized as a printer that can be selected to execute the clustering printing. It remains as it is. Therefore, it is possible that the printer after the power saving mode transition is selected by the user.

In such a case, the selected printer must execute printing after once returning from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, which is an effective power saving for the network printing system as a whole. There is a problem that it cannot be realized.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to save power in an image output system in which a plurality of image output devices (for example, printers) are connected to a network. An object of the present invention is to provide an image output system excellent in power saving by excluding an image output device that has switched to a mode from selection targets.

[0010]

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides a plurality of image output means connected from a user terminal to a network via a server. An image output system for outputting an image to a server, wherein each of the server and the user terminal monitors the operation mode of the plurality of image output means, and the monitoring means determines that the power saving mode is set. Selecting the image output means to execute the job from the remaining image output means excluding the selected image output means, and dividing the job to be executed by the image output means selected by the selecting means in page units And a assigning unit that assigns the job divided by the dividing unit to the image output unit selected by the selecting unit.

The invention described in claim 2 is the same as claim 1.
The image output system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of image output units determines whether or not the job assigned by the assigning unit is executable, in page units according to a predetermined determination criterion, and is inexecutable. An information processing unit that attaches a page to a job and sends the job to the server together with the determination content, and the server allocates the received job to another image processing unit on a page-by-page basis based on the determination content. To do.

The invention described in claim 3 is the same as claim 1
Or the image output system according to 2, wherein the user is
It is characterized by further comprising second selecting means for enabling selection of the image output means judged to be in the power saving mode by the monitoring means.

The invention according to claim 4 is the same as claim 1.
The image output system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image output means has at least one function of a copy function, a network scan function, a network print function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a display function. Characterize.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of outputting an image from a user terminal to a plurality of image output means connected via a server via a network, wherein each of the server and the user terminal. Includes a first step of monitoring the operation modes of the plurality of image output means, and selecting an image output means for executing a job from the remaining image output means excluding the image output means determined to be in the power saving mode. A second step of performing the job, a third step of dividing the job to be executed by the selected image output unit into page units, and a fourth step of assigning the job of the page unit to the selected image output unit. It consists of and.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of outputting an image from a user terminal to a plurality of image output means connected via a server via a network, wherein each of the server and the user terminal. Includes a first step of monitoring the operation modes of the plurality of image output means, and selecting an image output means for executing a job from the remaining image output means excluding the image output means determined to be in the power saving mode. A second step of performing the job, a third step of dividing the job to be executed by the selected image output unit into page units, and a fourth step of assigning the job of the page unit to the selected image output unit. Then, each of the image output means to which the job is assigned determines whether or not the assigned job can be executed according to a predetermined criterion. A fifth step of making a judgment on a per-unit basis, a sixth step of adding a page to an inexecutable job and transmitting the judgment contents to the server together with the judgment contents, and the server based on the judgment contents of the received job. A seventh step of allocating to other image processing means page by page.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a job dividing device for dividing a job and outputting the image to a plurality of image output means connected by a network. Monitoring means for monitoring the operation mode; selecting means for excluding the image output means determined to be in the power saving mode by the monitoring means and selecting image output means for executing the job from the remaining image output means; The image output unit selected by the selection unit includes a dividing unit that divides the job to be executed in page units, and an allocation unit that allocates the job divided by the dividing unit to the image output unit selected by the selecting unit. It is characterized by

The invention according to claim 8 is a job dividing method for dividing a job from a user terminal and outputting the image to a plurality of image outputting means connected via a server via a network. A first step in which each of the server and the user terminal monitors the operation mode of the plurality of image output means, and the remaining image output means excluding the image output means determined to be in the power saving mode. The second step of selecting the image output means for executing the job, the third step of dividing the job to be executed by the selected image output means in page units, and the job divided in page units are selected. And a fourth step assigned to the image output means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device provided in an image output means connected to a user terminal and a network via a server, the storage device storing job data in page units. Means, sampling means for sequentially sampling job data for each page at a preset sampling period, judging means for judging a job for each sampling point according to preset judgment criteria, and the judgment result. It is characterized by comprising a dividing unit for dividing the job determined to be unexecutable on a page basis, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the job determined to be inexecutable to the server in page units.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method used by image output means connected to the job dividing apparatus according to the seventh aspect via a network, wherein job data is stored in page units. The first step to do,
A second step of sequentially sampling job data of each page at a preset sampling period, a third step of determining a job for each sampling point according to a preset determination criterion, and the determination result. And a fifth step of dividing the job determined to be unexecutable on a page basis into the job dividing apparatus based on the Characterize.

The invention according to claim 11 is the job dividing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the job received from the image output means is sent to other image processing means in page units based on the contents of the judgment result. It is characterized by comprising a second dividing means for dividing by.

The invention according to claim 12 is a program for causing a computer to execute each step according to claim 8 or 10.

The invention according to claim 13 is a computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to claim 12 is recorded.

[0023]

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

[System Outline] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining one aspect of a data output system of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 101 is a network such as a LAN, and this network 101 includes: Server computer 10
2. Client computer 103, MPF (Mult
An i Function Peripheral (multi-function peripheral device) 104 and a collator 106 are connected.

The number of these devices connected to the network 101 can be arbitrarily determined as needed. In the case of FIG. 1, the client computers 103a to 103n and the MFPs 104a to 104 are provided.
p and the collator 106 are connected. In addition, MF
A black-and-white MFP and a color MFP may be mixed in P104a to 104p so as to support black-and-white and color printing.

Further, the network 101 may be connected with other devices such as a scanner, a printer, or a fax (not shown).

The client computer 103 operates application software for executing so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing: desktop publishing), creates and edits image data of various characters, figures, photographs, etc. Information of PDL
Convert to (Page Description Language).

The PDL-converted information is sent to the client.
The information is transmitted from the computer 103 to the MFP 104 via the network 101, and the MPF 104 reproduces the PDL-converted information as characters and images and prints it out.

The MPF 104 is provided with a communication means capable of mutually exchanging information with the server computer 102 and the client computer 103 via the network 101, and sends a signal regarding the state of the device via the network 101. Host computer 102
And the client computer 103 to sequentially transmit.

The host computer 102 and the client computer 103 are preinstalled with utility software to be executed when the device status signal from the MPF 104 is received.

In this way, the device state of the MPF 104 is managed by the host computer 102 and the client computer 103.

[Arrangement of MPF] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of the apparatus when the MPF processes image data.
P section 202, FAX section 203, NIC (Network I
nterface Card: network interface card section 204, PDL section 205, core section 206,
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) unit 2
07, the printer unit 208, and the display unit 210
And a sorter unit 211.

The image data read by the scanner unit 201 is transferred to the IP connected to the scanner unit 201.
Image processing is performed by transmitting the signal to the unit 202 and processing the signal.

The FAX unit 203 is connected to at least one external device (not shown) via a telephone line, and can transmit / receive image data to / from such an external device.

The NIC unit 204 is connected to a network and transmits / receives image data and device information to / from one or more external devices (not shown). NIC section 204
From a client computer, which is one of the external devices connected to the network, to a page description language (PD
L) When the data is received, the data is received by the PDL unit 205.
Is transmitted to and is expanded into an image signal.

IP section 202, FAX section 203, and PD
Each of the L units 205 is independently connected to the core unit 206, and the image data output from these devices is stored by the core unit 206. Then, the core unit 206
Stores the stored image data temporarily or determines a route for delivering the image data to another device according to the purpose of use of the MFP.

When the image data stored in the core unit 206 is reproduced to print an image, the image data is transmitted to the PWM unit 207 connected to the core unit 206, and the pulse width of the image data is increased. After modulation, it is sent to the printer unit 208 which is an image output device.

The printer unit 208 reproduces an image based on the image data and prints the image, and the printed sheet is sent to the sorter unit 211 for sheet sorting processing.

In addition to the printer unit 208, a display unit 210 as an image output device is also connected to the core unit 206. The display unit 210 is used for confirming the content of the image without printing the image, confirming the state of the image before printing (preview), and the like.

[Structure of Scanner Unit] FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the structure of the scanner unit. A document table glass 301 is provided on a part of the upper surface of the scanner unit 201, and the scanner unit 201 is used. The original 302 to be read is set on the original platen glass 301.

The image reading surface of the set original 302 is illuminated by the light emitted from the illumination lamp 303 capable of scanning the lower surface of the original glass plate 301.

The first mirror unit 310 is composed of an illumination lamp 303 and a mirror 304, and scans the lower surface of the original platen glass 301 at a speed v. The second mirror unit 311 is composed of a mirror 305 and a mirror 306, and scans at a speed v / 2 in synchronization with the scanning of the first mirror unit 310. First mirror unit 3
10 and the second mirror unit 311 are both the motor 3
The scanning control is performed by driving 09.

The light reflected from the image reading surface of the original 302 is driven by the mirror 30 which is driven in synchronization with the scanning of the illumination lamp.
4, 305, and 306 are reflected in this order,
It is condensed by the lens 307 and imaged on the CCD 308. Then, the image signal received by the CCD 308 is transmitted to the IP unit 202 for image processing.

[Arrangement of IP Unit] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of the IP unit that executes image processing.
The unit 202 includes an A / D conversion unit 401, a shading unit 402, a line interpolation unit 403, and an input masking unit 4
04, a LOG conversion unit 405, and an output masking unit 40.
6, a gamma conversion unit 407, and a spatial filter 408.

The image signal received by the CCD 308 is photoelectrically converted by a sensor provided in the CCD 308 and converted into an electric signal. This CCD sensor
It is a color sensor consisting of three RGB lines.

The electrical signals as the image signals of RGB are input to the A / D conversion unit 401 provided in the IP unit 202, and after gain adjustment and offset adjustment are performed,
Each RGB color signal is converted into an 8-bit digital image signal (R0, G0, B0).

The 8-bit digital image signal thus obtained is sent to the shading section 402 and is subjected to shading correction for each color using the read signal of the reference white plate. Since the color line sensors of the CCD sensor are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line interpolation unit 403 which is a line delay adjustment circuit.
At, the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction is corrected.

The input masking unit 404 sets the read color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters provided in the CCD sensor to NTSC (National Tele).
vision System Committee: The part that converts to the standard color space of the American Television System Committee. The input masking unit 404 performs a 3 × 3 matrix operation using a device-specific constant determined in consideration of various characteristics such as the sensitivity characteristic of the CCD sensor and the spectral characteristic of the illumination lamp, and the input R0, The G0 and B0 signals are converted into standard RGB signals.

LOG converter 40 which is a brightness / density converter
Reference numeral 5 is composed of a look-up table (LUT) RAM, and the RGB luminance signals are C1, M1, Y1, and K1.
Is converted so that it becomes the density signal of.

An output masking unit 406, which is an output masking / UCR circuit diagram, performs a matrix operation on each of the C1, M1, Y1, and K1 signals input from the LOG conversion unit 405, and thereby the printer 20 which is a data output device.
8 is a portion for converting into C, M, Y and K signals which are toner colors. The output masking unit 406 uses C1, M1, Y1, and K1 based on the RGB signals read by the CCD sensor.
The respective signals of C, M, Y, and
The K signal is corrected and output to the gamma conversion unit 407.

The gamma conversion section 407 converts the C, M, Y, K data for image output into a spatial filter 408 by a look-up table RAM in consideration of various tint characteristics of the toner. Output.

In the spatial filter 408, C, M, Y, K
An image signal obtained by subjecting the data to sharpness and / or smoothing is transmitted to the core unit.

[Configuration of FAX Unit] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the FAX unit. The FAX unit 203 includes a NCU 501 which is a network control device and a modem unit 502.
A compression unit 505, a decompression unit 506, and a memory unit 507.
The modem unit 502 includes a modulator 503 and a demodulator 504.

The data input to the FAX unit 203 via the telephone line is received by the NCU unit 501 and converted into a voltage, and the demodulation unit 504 provided in the modem unit 502 converts the data into an A / A signal.
D conversion and demodulation operations are performed.

The demodulated data is sent to the decompression unit 506 and expanded into raster data. Generally, a run length method or the like is used for expanding raster data when compressing / expanding an image signal in a fax machine.

The image data converted into raster data is stored in the memory unit 507 and temporarily stored therein, and is sent to the core unit after it is confirmed that the image data has no transfer error.

On the other hand, when transmitting image data from the FAX unit 203 to an external device connected to the telephone line, the image signal of the raster image transmitted from the core unit is stored in the memory unit 507. After that, the image signal of the raster image is transmitted to the compression unit 505 using a technique such as a run length method, D / A conversion and modulation operations are performed by the modulation unit 503 included in the modem unit 502, and then the NC
It is transmitted to the telephone line via the U unit 501.

[Configuration of NIC Unit] FIG. 6 shows the NIC unit and P.
In the block diagram for explaining the configuration of the DL unit and the mutual relationship, the NIC unit 204 includes a transformer unit 601 and a LAN.
It is composed of a controller unit 602. NIC part 2
04 has an interface function for communicating with an external device via a network, for example, 10Bas
Ethernet such as s-T / 100Base-TX
A (registered trademark) cable or the like is used to receive a signal from an external device or transmit a signal to the external device.

When receiving a signal from an external device,
The signal input through the network is the transformer unit 60.
The voltage is converted by 1 and sent to the LAN controller unit 602.

The LAN controller unit 602 has a first buffer memory (not shown) therein, and determines whether or not the input signal is a signal relating to required information. When it is determined that the input signal is a signal relating to necessary information, the signal is transmitted to the second buffer memory (not shown) provided in the LAN controller unit 602, and further transmitted to the PDL unit 205. .

On the other hand, when a signal is sent from the LAN controller unit 602 to an external device, the LAN controller unit 602 adds a signal necessary for sending information to the external device to the data input from the PDL unit 205, It is transmitted to the network via the transformer unit 601.

[Structure of PDL Unit] The PDL unit is composed of a CPU 603 which is an arithmetic unit, an HDD 604 and a DRAM 605 which are storage devices, and the HDD 604 and the DRA.
Each of the M605s is communicably connected to the CPU 603.

These image data are composed of a combination of image expression elements such as a character code, a graphic code, and raster image data. This is PD
L (Page Description Language)
Called PostScript of Adobe
It is represented by the ^TM (registered trademark) language.

The PDL unit 205 performs conversion processing from PDL data to raster image data.

The PDL data input from the NIC unit 204 to the CPU unit 603 is temporarily stored in the HD which is a large capacity memory.
It is stored in D604 and managed / saved for each job.

The CPU unit 603 has a RIP (Raster Imag
Rasterized image processing called e Processing)
Expand PDL data into a raster image.

The data expanded into a raster image is
A CMYK color component and a job are stored in page units in a DRAM 605 that can be accessed at high speed.
It is transmitted to the core unit according to the operation status of the printer unit 208 judged by the U unit 603.

[Structure of Core Unit] FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of the core unit. The core unit 206 includes a bus selector unit 701, a compression unit 702, and a memory unit 703.
And a telescopic unit 704, and the bus selector unit 70
1, an IP unit, a FAX unit, and a PDL unit are independently connected.

The bus selector unit 701 plays a role of traffic control when using an MFP connected by a network. Specifically, the bus is switched according to various functions of the MFP, such as a copy function, a network scan function, a network print function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, or a display display function.

This bus switching pattern is, for example,
The copy function is scanner section → core section → printer section, the network scan function is scanner section → core section → NIC section, and the network print function is NIC section → core section → printer section, The facsimile transmission function is the scanner section → the core section → the FAX section, the facsimile reception function is the FAX section → the core section → the printer section, and the display display function is the scanner section or the FAX section or N.
It depends on the pattern of IC section → core section → display section.

The image data output from the bus selector unit 701 is sent to the printer unit or the display unit via the compression unit 702, the memory unit 703 including a large capacity memory, and the decompression unit 704 in this order.

In the compression unit 702, JPEG, JBIG,
Image data is compressed by a general image data compression method such as ZIP, and the compressed image data is managed for each job by the memory unit 703, and a file name, creator, creation date and time, file size, etc. are added. Stored with the data.

If the job number and the user password are associated with each other and these data are also stored in the memory unit 703 together with the image data, the personal box function can be supported. In this case, when a printout command designating a job stored in the memory unit 703 is issued, the password input by the user is compared with the instructed job number, and the password of the user is associated with the job number. Only when it is confirmed, the job data is loaded from the memory unit 703 to the decompression unit 704, the image is decompressed to return to the raster image, and the result is sent to the printer unit.

[Configuration of PWM Unit] FIGS. 8A and 8B
FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the PWM unit, the configuration of the PWM unit and the printer unit, and the state of the comparator signal formed in the PWM unit. FIG.
It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of M part and a printer part, and FIG.8 (b) is a figure for demonstrating the mode of the signal formed by a comparator.

In FIG. 8A, the PWM unit 207 is
The printer unit 208 includes a triangular wave generation unit 801, a D / A conversion unit 802, and a comparator 803.
Is a laser driving unit 804, a laser 805, a polygon scanner 913, and a photosensitive drum 917 (or 921, 9).
25, 929).

Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), which are color-separated into four colors, sent from the core section,
And image signals (MFP) corresponding to each color of black (K)
In the case of a black-and-white MFP, it becomes K single color) is inputted to the PWM unit 207 associated with each color.

The horizontal axis of FIG. 8B shows the time, and the vertical axis shows the signal strength at each time. The signal a from the triangular wave generator 801 and the signal b from the D / A converter 802, which are input to the comparator 803, are compared in signal intensity at each time point, and a comparator signal c is formed based on the result. .

[Configuration of Printer Unit] Comparator 803
The comparator signal c formed by the above is transmitted to the laser driving unit 804, and each image signal corresponding to the four colors of CMYK oscillates a laser 805 such as a semiconductor laser associated with each image signal to oscillate the laser. Emit the beam.

Then, the respective laser beams are caused to act on the photosensitive drum 917 by the action of the polygon mirror 913.
Irradiation is performed while scanning the surface of (or 921, 925, 929).

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a more detailed structure of the printer unit. The polygon mirror 913 is CMY.
It receives four laser beams oscillated from four lasers provided corresponding to the four colors of K. One of them scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 917 through the mirrors 914, 915, and 916 in this order, and the next one scans the mirror 91.
8, 919, and 920 in this order, through the photosensitive drum 92.
Scan over the surface of 1 and the next one is mirror 922,
923 and 924 are scanned in this order over the surface of the photosensitive drum 925, and the last one is a mirror 926.
The surface of the photosensitive drum 929 is scanned through 927 and 928 in this order.

The developing device 930 for supplying yellow (Y) toner forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 917 corresponding to the irradiation trajectory of the laser beam, and supplies magenta (M) toner. The developing device 931 that forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 921 corresponding to the irradiation trajectory of the laser beam, and the developing device 932 that supplies cyan (C) toner, the irradiation trajectory of the laser beam. The developing device 933 that forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 925 and supplies black (K) toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 929 corresponds to the irradiation trajectory of the laser beam. To form a black toner image. In this way, the four color toner images are transferred to the sheet, and a full color output image can be obtained.

The sheet supplied from either the sheet cassette 934, 935 or the manual feed tray 936 is
It is adsorbed on the transfer belt 938 via the registration rollers 937 and conveyed.

Toners of respective colors have been developed on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 in advance in synchronization with the feeding timing, and the toners are transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed. The sheet onto which the toners of the respective colors have been transferred is separated and conveyed by the conveyor belt 939,
The fixing device 940 fixes the toner on the sheet.

The sheet discharged from the fixing device 940 is once guided downward by the flapper 950, and after the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the flapper 950, it is switched back and discharged. By adopting such a discharge method, the sheets are discharged face down, and the order of printing and the order of discharged sheets match. The four photosensitive drums 91
7, 921, 925, and 929 are arranged at equal intervals d.

The sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyor belt 939, and the four semiconductor lasers are driven in synchronization with the sheet conveying timing.

The above-mentioned printer section has been described as the case of a color printer, but the operation is the same when the printer section is a monochrome printer.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the monochrome printer section. The laser beam reflected by the polygon mirror 1013 passes through the mirrors 1014, 1015, and 1016 in this order, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 1017. Scan over.

The developing device 1030 for supplying toner forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1017 in accordance with the irradiation trajectory of the laser beam, and the sheet cassette 1034,
The sheet supplied from either 1035 or the manual feed tray 1036 is adsorbed on the transfer belt 1038 via the registration rollers 1037 and conveyed. Further, the toner is developed on the photosensitive drum 1017 in advance in synchronization with the feeding timing, the toner is transferred onto the sheet as the sheet is conveyed, and the toner is fixed onto the sheet by the fixing device 1040.

[Structure of Display Unit] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the display unit. The display unit 210 includes an inverse LOG conversion unit 1101, a gamma conversion unit 1102, a memory unit 1103, and a CRT 1104. It consists of

The image data output from the core is CMY.
Since the data is K data, the inverse LOG conversion unit 1101 outputs R data.
The image data converted into GB data and converted into RGB is CRT1 which is a display device for outputting an image.
In order to match the color characteristics of 104, the gamma conversion unit 110
2 performs output conversion using a look-up table. Then, the output-converted image data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 1103 and then stored in the CRT 1104.
Is displayed as an image.

By providing such a display unit 210, it is possible to check the output image in advance and to verify in advance whether the output image is the intended one, and it is possible to reduce the waste of the print sheet. It becomes possible to do.

[Explanation of Power Saving Mode] FIG. 12 shows the MFP.
3 is a flow chart for explaining the transition between the normal operation mode and the power saving mode included in.

The MFP has at least two or more power modes, one is a normal operation mode at the time of normal operation, and one is a power saving mode which shifts when the operation standby time exceeds a certain time. Mode.

In the power saving mode, the power supply to the CRT, which is the display device that constitutes the display unit, is turned off, and the fan, which is an unillustrated blower for internal cooling, provided in the MFP device is half as usual This is a power mode for realizing power saving by driving with the power of 1, or by setting the control temperature of the fixing device lower than the normal standby temperature.

When the power of the MFP is turned on (S120
1), the normal operation mode of the two power modes described above is selected (S1202).

The MFP measures the waiting time, which is the time until the job is assigned, and determines whether or not the preset waiting time is exceeded (S1203).

When the standby time exceeds the set time (S1
In 203: Yes, the power saving mode is entered (S1).
204), if the set time has not been exceeded (S1203:
No), maintain the normal operation mode.

The MFP that has entered the power saving mode determines whether or not a new job has been assigned (S120).
5) If a new job is assigned (S1205:
If Yes, the operation mode is changed to the normal operation mode (S120).
2). On the other hand, if the new job is not assigned (S1205: No), the power saving mode is maintained.

The power mode information regarding the MFP is as follows:
It is a mechanism that is sequentially transmitted to a server computer and a client computer via a network.

[Structure of Sorter Unit] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the sorter unit. The sheet printed by the printer unit is sent to the sorter unit 211, and the sort bin 1301 is selected according to the type of job. , Or one of the non-sort bins 1302.

At this time, when the sheets are discharged to the sort bin 1301, the pages in the job, the number of copies, the color /
Black-and-white output, or discharge according to the job format or the type of OS (operating system) of the client computer, or according to the output of a paper presence sensor or paper amount sensor for each sort bin (not shown) It is possible to

[Structure of Collator Unit] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the collator unit. Input bin units 1401 and 1402 for setting the sheet bundle discharged from the MFP.
And a finishing unit 140 that applies finishing processing to the sheets fed from the input bin units 1401 and 1402.
3 and a sort bin unit 1405 that sorts the collected sheet bundle for each job.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the finishing section. It is possible to store the sheets for each job before ejecting the sheets to the sort bin section 1405 and bind them by the stapler 1505 immediately before the ejection. It is possible.

In addition, Z for folding the sheet into a Z shape
A folder 1504 and a puncher 1506 for punching two or three holes for filing a sheet are provided, and each processing can be performed according to the type of assigned job.

Further, although not shown, the sheets are folded in half by binding the central portions of the sheets at two places and then bending the central portions of the sheets by rollers to form a booklet such as a weekly magazine or pamphlet. It is also possible to add processing such as saddle stitcher for performing processing, binding with glue (gluing) for bookbinding, or cutting for aligning the end surface on the opposite side to the binding side after binding.

[Job Division] Next, the image data is MF
Job division when P is allocated will be described.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the driver window of the software driver operating on the server computer and the client computer.

When a job is allocated from the server computer or the client computer, 1
When printing a job in which a color page and a black-and-white page are mixed in one job, the job is transferred to the MPF by this software driver.

The setting items in the driver window 1601 displayed on the computer screen include a color MFP.
A color printer selection column 1602 for selecting a black and white MFP, a black and white printer selection column 1603 for selecting a black and white MFP,
A page setting column 1604 for selecting an output page from a job, a copy number setting column 1605 for specifying the number of copies, and a job color mode column 1606 for instructing division of a color image and a monochrome image when a color job and a monochrome job are mixed. There are an OK key 1607 for starting printing, a cancel key 1608 for canceling printing, and a property key 1609 for making further detailed settings.

Here, the job color mode column 160
From 6, it is possible to select one mode from automatic division, manual division, all-page color, all-page black and white. When the manual division mode is selected, the user can select each mode. On the other hand, it becomes possible to select the MFP to be output.

[Selection of MFP] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for selecting an MFP when assigning a job to the MFP.

As described above, the server computer and the client computer recognize, via the network, whether each MFP is set to the normal operation mode or the power saving mode.

The server computer and / or the client computer starts a program for assigning a job to the MFP (S1701), and determines whether the power mode of the MFP connected by the network is the normal operation mode. (S1702), when it is determined that the operation mode is the normal operation mode (S1702: Yes), it is added to the job allocation selection target list (S170).
3). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal operation mode is not set (that is, the power saving mode is entered) (S170
2: No), do not add to the allocation selection list.

This determination of the power mode is executed for all MFPs connected by the network, and all M
It is judged whether or not the judgment about the FP is completed (S1704), and if there is any unjudged MFP (S1).
704: No), and steps S1702 to S1704 are repeated.

When the determination of the power mode is completed for all the MFPs (S1704: Yes), the job is assigned to the MFPs that are listed in the job assignment selection target list (S1705). Then, the scheduled job allocation is completed and the series of operations is completed (S1706).

It should be noted that if the user of the system of the present invention desires, even if the MFP has transitioned to the power saving mode by making settings from the operation unit of the MFP in advance, it will be added to the job allocation selection list. It is also possible to allow addition.

[Automatic job division and color / monochrome determination]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure for automatically dividing a job.

When the OK key in the driver window is selected, the driver operating on the client computer provides a print job and information indicating that this job is a job in which color pages and monochrome pages are mixed. To the server computer.

Then, the server computer sends these data to the color MFP and the black-and-white MFP corresponding to each job via the network, and the job automatic division program in the MFP is started (S180).
1).

When the job is automatically divided, it cannot be determined at this point whether the page to be output is a color page or a black-and-white page. Send to. In this case, the color page and the black-and-white page may be sent in the order of a color MFP and a black-and-white MFP with a time difference, or may be sent to these two types of MFPs at the same time.

Note that the monochrome MFP that has received the information indicating that the job includes both color pages and monochrome pages does not start printing immediately after reception, but
It waits without printing until a monochrome page number notification is sent from the color MFP.

The MFP automatically divides the job (Auto Sepa
(ration) is set (S180)
2) If automatic division is set (S1802: Yes)
s), the setting contents of the sampling period are transmitted to the color MFP (S1803).

Here, the sampling period is preset on the window for detailed setting displayed by the property key.

If sampling is performed at a rate of 1 point per 100 pixels × 100 lines, the sampling time is 1/1
It becomes possible to shorten to 0000, and if the image of 400 dpi is sampled in the lattice unit of the inch (= 6.35 mm) period, if the sheet of letter size (11 inches x 8.5 inches) is close to 1500 points, the color /
It can be determined to some extent whether it is black and white.

In the case of an image for which color / monochrome determination is still difficult, set the sampling cycle more finely, or
Job Separation of Color Mode column (Manual Separa
option) and manually set in advance whether each page is color or black and white in the detailed setting window.

Upon receipt of the job and the sampling period, the PDL unit of the color MFP sequentially performs rasterization development processing (RIP) on the pages in the job from the first page, and then RI.
For the image after P, for each page, for each color component (CMYK),
It is stored in the DRAM, which is a semiconductor memory.

First, a page is searched (S1803),
Next, the sample points of the image stored in the DRAM are searched (S1805), and C is calculated for each sample point.
Color / monochrome determination is performed by the PU (S180).
5). This determination is performed based on whether or not each sample in the DRAM has a component (CMY component) other than black (K).

Here, in order to increase the speed of color / monochrome judgment, 1 is set in the sampling points in the page.
If it is determined that there is a color component even at points (S1
806: No), since the page is a color image, the color / monochrome determination of the page is stopped at that point, and the page is processed as a color page inside the color MFP.

At this time, since reprinting may be performed for this job, the page number information of the page, together with the information indicating that it is a color page,
The server computer is notified via the network (S1810), and the page is color printed by the color MFP (S1811).

This color / monochrome determination is repeated until the determination is completed for all the samples in the page (S1807), and 1 is added to the sampling points in the page.
If the point also has no color component (S1807:
Yes), since the page is processed as a monochrome page in black and white, the page number information of the page and the information indicating that it is a monochrome page are formed (S1808), and this information is transmitted via the network to the server. -Send to computer and monochrome MFP (S1812) and notify monochrome page number (S1812). Then, the page is RIP expanded and printed by the monochrome MFP (S1814).

These series of steps are repeated until the final page (S1816) unless a job cancel interrupt is input, and when the job of the final page is finished (S1816: Yes), the job of the MFP is finished. (S1817).

If it is determined in step S1802 that the automatic division setting is not made (that is, the manual division is set) (S1802: No), the server computer causes the driver to print each page in color. The color page, and instruct accordingly to the color MFP to print the color page,
For a monochrome page, the monochrome instruction is given to the monochrome MFP (S18).
09). Then, the color MFP prints a color page and the monochrome MFP prints a monochrome page (S1815). In this way, a job in which color pages and monochrome pages are mixed can be printed by the color MFP for color pages and by the monochrome MFP for monochrome pages.

In the present embodiment, the description has been made assuming that rasterization is sequentially performed page by page, but the entire job is once RIP-expanded in the HDD, which is a large-capacity memory, and then sequentially in the semiconductor memory. The determination processing may be performed by reading out each page or a plurality of pages from the DRAM.

Further, although the above-described automatic job division is performed by dividing the pages into color pages and black and white pages, the job may be divided into units of a predetermined number of copies, or may be divided into photo pages and character pages. It may be set.

When the number of print copies is large, the color / monochrome division is performed by the plurality of color MFPs and the plurality of black-and-white MFPs, and the division processing is performed in units of the number of copies. desirable.

[Bar Code Add-on] FIG.
This is a diagram for explaining how P prints a job. As shown in this figure, the MFP adds one page to the top of all the job bundles for which a cover page with a barcode added is divided and output. And output. This barcode is for the job number, page number based on the color / monochrome judgment result, page order information (collate, group, etc.),
It shows the information of the finishing process for the collator.

In this case, the sorter section is used to switch the sorter bin for each job (job separate mode) so that some jobs can be stored, and the sorter bins are sorted into a predetermined bin for each user or job. Sorting can be made easier by inserting the bins (mail bin mode) or sequentially loading bins when the bins are full (stack mode).

The generation of this bar code data is P
This is performed in the DL unit, and in the case of face-down paper ejection, it is output like a kind of banner page before printing the job. For face-up paper ejection, the barcode is printed after the job is printed. Information such as the job number is set to a unique value by changing the line width and spacing of the barcode.

[Automatic Mixing of Jobs] The automatic mixing of jobs in this embodiment will be described below.

Each of the sheet bundles printed by each MFP and discharged to each bin of the sorter section is set by the user in each empty bin of the input bins of the collator.

Then, in response to a start command from the server computer or the client computer, the collator simultaneously reads the bar code on the cover page of each job bundle set in the input bin, and inputs the sheet bundle of which input bin and which input. It recognizes which page position and which finishing process is to be performed by mixing with the bin sheet bundle.

According to the recognition result, the collator sequentially feeds the job bundles in the input bins to form mixed job bundles, performs finishing processing, and discharges them to one of the sorter bins.

When a plurality of copies are generated by such a method, the MFP outputs, for example, 1, 1,
Output in the order of 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, or 1,
The output may be in the order of 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3. However, information on the order and the number of copies is also represented by a bar code, and the collator is also mixed accordingly. You should sort it out.

[Explanation of Network Utility Software] The utility software operating on the server computer and the client computer of this embodiment will be described below.

MIB (Manage) is provided in the network interface part (NIC part and PDL part) in the MFP.
standard database called “ment Information Base” has been built, and SNMP (Simple Netw
It is possible to communicate with a computer on a network via a network management protocol called an ork Management Protocol) and manage an MFP, a scanner, a printer or a FAX connected to the network.

On the other hand, a software program called a utility operates on the server computer and the client computer, and necessary information can be exchanged using the MIB by using the SNMP via the network.

For example, the equipment information of the MFP is used to detect whether or not the sorter is connected, the status information is used to detect whether printing is possible at the present time, or the name or installation of the MFP. For example, you can fill in, change, and confirm the location.

That is, by using the MIB,
The user can obtain the information of the MFP connected to the network,
It can be verified on the server computer and / or the client computer.

It is also possible to limit the read / write of these pieces of information by distinguishing between the server computer and the client computer.

Therefore, by using this function, the user can obtain information such as the equipment information of the MFP, the state of the apparatus, the setting of the network, the history of the job, the management of the usage status, the control, etc. on the server computer and / or the client. -It can be obtained on a computer.

[Explanation of GUI] FIG. 20 shows GUI (Graphic) which is utility software operating on a server computer and a client computer.
It is a figure for demonstrating the screen of (User Interface).

When the utility software GUI is activated, the screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. When the window 2001 is clicked with the cursor 2020, another window opens or transitions to the next state. The current window hierarchy and title are displayed in the display title bar 2002. The tabs 2003 to 2007 are organized according to their respective classifications, and by clicking the tab as required, it is possible to view and select necessary information.

The existence of the device and its outline can be known from the device tab 2003. Device tab 20
03 has bitmap images 2008 and 2009 corresponding to the color MFP and the monochrome MFP, and messages 2010 to 2013 displayed on the device tab 2003 are displayed.
Thus, the status of these MFPs is displayed.

More detailed device status is shown in the status tab 2
This can be known by clicking 004. To know the status of jobs queued in each device and the congestion of devices, click the queue tab 2005.

Further, by clicking the config tab 2006, it is possible to know the device information such as what kind of function the finisher is attached to. For example,
A finisher is attached to an MFP, and the finisher has functions such as a stapler, a saddle stitcher, a folding machine, a punching machine, and an inserter.
For example, a letter-size paper deck that can store up to 000 sheets is installed, how much remaining sheets are available, or a unit that performs double-sided processing is installed.

Further, by clicking the setup tab 2007, the network setting information of the device can be known.

[Various OS, Various Formats] FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the entire system according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the system having this configuration, each client computer is supposed to have a different type of OS.
Even if it is operated by (Operating System), if each job has a cover page with a barcode added, pages can be mixed even if the job is output to any bin of any MFP. Becomes

Further, each job has pdf (po
rtable document format), tiff (tag image
file format), gif (graphic interchange form
It is also compatible with different image file formats such as at), PS (Post Script),
Different types of PDL (Page Descriptio
n Language), page mixing is possible even if the MFP has only one PDL interpreter.

In the above-described embodiments, the data created by the client computer using the application software is described as image data. However, image data means that the created data is one or more pixels. Means data composed of a combination of
In addition to so-called "Esgata", it may represent characters, figures, photographs, etc., and may also be an arbitrary combination of these data.

As for the network, in addition to the wired LAN,
It may be a network means including another communication network such as a wireless LAN or the Internet.

[0161]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In an image output system in which a plurality of image output devices are connected to a network, a job output from a user terminal connected to the network is divided page by page according to a predetermined job division rule. Then, when each page of each divided job is output by the plurality of image output devices, the image output device that has transitioned to the power saving mode is excluded from the selection target of the clustering output. Can be effectively achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a scanner unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an IP unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a FAX unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a NIC unit and a PDL unit and a mutual relationship.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a PWM unit and a printer unit, and FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining a state of a signal formed by a comparator.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a color printer unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a monochrome printer unit.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a transition between normal operation mode and power saving mode of the MFP.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a sorter unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a collator unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a finishing unit.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a driver window of a printer driver.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for selecting an MFP that is an allocation selection target.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for automatically performing color / monochrome page division.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a cover page to which a barcode is added.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a screen of utility software GUI.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the entire system of another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 network 102 server computer 103 client computer 104 MFP 106 Collator 201 Scanner section 202 IP section 203 FAX section 204 NIC department 205 PDL section 206 core 207 PWM section 208 Printer 210 Display 211 Sorter section 308 CCD 401 A / D converter 402 Shading section 403 Line interpolator 404 Input masking section 405 LOG converter 406 Output masking section 407 Gamma converter 408 Spatial filter 501 NCU 502 Modem section 503 Modulator 504 demodulator 505 Compressor 506 extension 507 memory section 601 transformer section 602 LAN controller section 603 CPU 604 HDD 605 DRAM 701 Bus selector section 702 Compressor 703 memory unit 704 extension 801 Triangular wave generator 802 D / A converter 803 Comparator 804 Laser driver 805 laser 913 polygon mirror 917 Photosensitive drum

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An image output system in which a user terminal, a server, and a plurality of image output means are connected to each other via a network, and an image is output from the user terminal to the plurality of image output means. In each of the terminal and the server, monitoring means for monitoring the operation modes of the plurality of image output means, and the remaining image output means excluding the image output means determined to be in the power saving mode by the monitoring means Selecting means for selecting an image output means for executing a job from among the above, dividing means for dividing the job to be executed by the image output means selected by the selecting means in page units, and the job divided by the dividing means, Allocation means for allocating to the image output means selected by the selection means,
An image output system comprising: 2. Each of the plurality of image output means determines whether or not the job assigned by the assigning means can be executed page by page according to a predetermined criterion, and assigns a page to an unexecutable job. 2. An information processing unit that attaches the received job to the server together with the determination content, and the server allocates the received job to another image processing unit on a page-by-page basis based on the determination content. The image output system described in 1. 3. The image according to claim 1, further comprising a second selection unit that enables a user to select an image output unit that is determined to be in a power saving mode by the monitoring unit. Output system. 4. The image output means has at least one function of a copy function, a network scan function, a network print function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a display function. The image output system according to item 3. 5. A method of outputting an image from a user terminal to a plurality of image output means connected via a server via a network, wherein each of the user terminal and the server operates as the plurality of image output means. A first step of monitoring the mode; a second step of excluding the image output means determined to be in the power saving mode and selecting an image output means for executing the job from the remaining image output means; And a fourth step of assigning the job divided into page units to the selected image output unit. Image output method. 6. A fifth step in which each of the image output means to which the job is assigned determines whether the assigned job is executable in page units according to a predetermined determination criterion, and A sixth step of attaching a page to the job and transmitting it to the server together with the determination content, and a seventh step of allocating the received job to other image processing means on a page-by-page basis based on the determination content. The image output method according to claim 5, further comprising: 7. A job dividing device for dividing a job created by a user terminal and outputting an image to a plurality of image output means connected by a network via a server, wherein the plurality of image output means are provided. Monitoring means for monitoring the operation mode, and a selecting means for excluding the image output means determined to be in the power saving mode by the monitoring means and selecting an image output means for executing the job from the remaining image output means, Dividing means for dividing the job to be executed by the image output means selected by the selecting means in page units; allocation means for allocating the job divided by the dividing means to the image output means selected by the selecting means;
A job dividing device comprising: 8. A job dividing method for dividing a job created by a user terminal and outputting an image to a plurality of image output means connected via a server via a network, wherein the plurality of image output means are provided. And a second step of selecting an image output means for executing the job from the remaining image output means by excluding the image output means determined to be in the power saving mode. A third step of dividing the job to be executed by the selected image output unit in page units, and a fourth step of allocating the job divided in page units to the selected image output unit. Job division method. 9. An information processing device provided in an image output means connected to a user terminal and a network via a server, the storage means storing job data in page units, and job data in each page unit. A sampling means for sequentially sampling at a preset sampling period, a judging means for judging a job for each sampling point according to a judgment criterion set in advance, and a job judged to be unexecutable based on the judgment result. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a dividing unit that divides each page into page units; and a transmitting unit that transmits the job determined to be unexecutable to the server in page units. 10. An information processing method used by an image output unit connected to the job dividing apparatus according to claim 7 by a network, the first step of storing job data in page units, and each page. A second step of sequentially sampling the unit job data at a preset sampling cycle, a third step of making a job decision according to a preset decision criterion at each sampling point, and based on the decision result And a fifth step of transmitting the job determined to be unexecutable to the job dividing device in page units. Information processing method. 11. The job received from the image output means,
The job dividing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a second dividing unit that divides the image processing unit into another image processing unit based on the content of the determination result. 12. A program for causing a computer to execute the steps of claim 8 or 10. 13. A computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to claim 12 is recorded.