JP2004056658A - Information processing system and printing image display method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system and a printing image display method constituted so that a printing result on the reception side is easily confirmed by an image in the case of performing facsimile transmission. <P>SOLUTION: A PC-FAX system 100 is provided with a computer 10 and an image forming apparatus 20 having a facsimile function, displays the printing image with prescribed transmission resolution based on document image data according to printing image display request of a user, displays a plurality of alternatives held by the image forming apparatus 20 in the same picture in the case of performing the facsimile transmission of the document image data on the computer 10 via the image forming apparatus 20 having the facsimile function, switches a preview picture and displays the printing image on a display means 12 with selected transmission resolution when other transmission resolution is selected from the plurality of alternatives displayed in the same picture by a selection means 11. Thus, the transmission resolution is easily changed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is suitable for application to a PC-FAX system or the like that performs facsimile transmission of image information handled by an information processing apparatus such as a computer via an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function connected to the information processing apparatus. The present invention relates to a simple information processing system and a print image display method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when performing facsimile transmission using a facsimile machine, after creating an original by handwriting, or after creating an original using a computer and printing it on paper with a printer, a facsimile device, for example, a copying machine having a facsimile function A method is used in which an original is read by an image forming apparatus such as the one described above, and image information of the read original is transmitted to another facsimile apparatus via a telephone line.
[0003]
According to such a method, for example, when a document is created using a computer, it is necessary to print a document for transmission created by application software on the computer on paper with a printer, so that the procedure is complicated and printing paper is wasted. .
[0004]
Recently, in order to simplify the operation procedure and save printing paper, a facsimile apparatus (PC-FAX) that performs facsimile transmission of image data on a computer via a network or an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function connected locally. System) is increasing. Such a PC-FAX system does not print a transmission original created by application software on a computer, but via a network or a locally connected image forming apparatus having a facsimile function (for example, a copying machine). Since transmission can be performed, printing paper can be saved, and a printing operation of a transmission document is not required. In this case, the print image of the transmission document is previewed before transmission, and the print image of the document image can be confirmed on a screen for predicting the print concept at the time of image formation output (hereinafter, referred to as a preview screen).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the resolution of the print image of the document image preview-displayed by the application software of the computer is increased by facsimile communication by improving the print resolution of the computer printer itself and making the application software of the computer a GUI (Graphical User Interface). It is higher than the specified communication resolution. Therefore, when facsimile transmission is performed using a conventional PC-FAX system, the resolution of image information displayed on a display such as a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) of a computer is converted to the resolution at the time of facsimile communication. The original image information may be missing.
[0006]
Further, when the print image of the transmission original is confirmed on the preview screen, there is a problem that only the preview screen having only the resolution set in advance as the resolution at the time of transmission can be displayed.
[0007]
If you want to change the transmission resolution of the original while looking at the preview screen, you must return to the initial transmission resolution setting screen to change the transmission resolution. Changing the transmission resolution is cumbersome.
[0008]
In view of the above, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and provides an information processing system and a print image display method capable of easily confirming a print result on a receiving side with an image when performing facsimile transmission. With the goal.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an information processing system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function and having a plurality of transmission resolutions, and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus. In an information processing system for facsimile transmitting image information handled by the information processing apparatus at a desired transmission resolution, the information processing apparatus includes a sub-screen for selecting the transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus and printing at the time of image formation output. Displaying a parent screen for predicting the concept in the same screen, and performing display switching processing of the parent screen for predicting the printing concept based on the selection of the transmission resolution displayed in the same screen. Is what you do.
[0010]
According to the information processing system according to the present invention, when image information handled by the information processing apparatus is transmitted by facsimile via an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function, the information processing system responds to a user's print image display request. The child screen for selecting the transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus and the parent screen for predicting the printing concept at the time of image formation output are displayed in the same screen, and the selection of the transmission resolution displayed in the same screen is performed. The parent screen for predicting the printing concept based on the switching is switched. That is, a print image of the image information is displayed at a predetermined transmission resolution in response to a print image display request of the user, and a plurality of options indicating a plurality of transmission resolutions owned by the image forming apparatus are displayed on the same screen. You. When another transmission resolution is selected from a plurality of options displayed on the same screen, the print image is displayed at another transmission resolution.
[0011]
Thus, when the user wants to change the transmission resolution while viewing the print image, the user can return to the initial transmission resolution setting screen as in the related art, without having to set the transmission resolution, and can select the transmission resolution on the preview screen. Therefore, the transmission resolution can be easily changed. In addition, since it is easy to check for missing image information during resolution conversion from high-resolution display by application software to low resolution during facsimile communication, the print result on the receiving side is displayed as an image when sending a facsimile. It is possible to confirm and transmit at an appropriate transmission resolution. Further, since it is possible to predict the image state at the time of image formation output at the destination, it is possible to reduce communication time and communication cost by avoiding transmission at meaningless high resolution.
[0012]
A print image display method according to the present invention connects an image forming system having a facsimile function and a plurality of transmission resolutions to an information processing system that controls the image forming system, and is handled by the information processing system. In a print image display method for facsimile transmission of image information to be transmitted at a desired transmission resolution, the information processing system predicts a child screen for selecting a transmission resolution of the image forming system and a printing concept at the time of image forming output. And displaying the parent screen for predicting the printing concept based on the selection of the transmission resolution displayed in the same screen.
[0013]
According to the print image display method according to the present invention, when facsimile transmitting image information handled by the information processing device of the information processing system via the image forming device of the image forming system having the facsimile function, the user can display the print image. When you want to change the transmission resolution while watching, you can return to the initial transmission resolution setting screen as before and do not need to set the transmission resolution, you can select the transmission resolution on the preview screen, so it is easy to change the transmission resolution Can be. Further, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not image information is missing at the time of resolution conversion from high resolution display by application software to low resolution during facsimile communication.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an information processing system and a print image display method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a PC-FAX system 100 to which an information processing system as an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a main block diagram of the PC-FAX system 100.
[0015]
In this embodiment, when performing facsimile transmission of image data on a computer 10 as an information processing device via a network or a locally connected image communication device 20, the information processing system requires a user to request a print image display. A sub-screen for selecting the transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus 20 and a parent screen for predicting the printing concept at the time of image formation output are displayed on the same screen, and the transmission displayed on the same screen is performed. The main screen for predicting the printing concept is switched based on the selection of the resolution. That is, a print image is displayed at a predetermined transmission resolution based on image data in response to a user's print image display request, and a plurality of options indicating a plurality of transmission resolutions are displayed on the same screen. When another transmission resolution is selected, the print image is displayed at the selected other transmission resolution, and the transmission resolution can be selected and changed on the print image display screen. The result can be easily confirmed with an image.
[0016]
A PC-FAX system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 20 having a facsimile function, which is connected to a computer 10 via a network or a local network, and includes a computer and an image forming apparatus such as a copier and a multifunction machine having a facsimile function. It is suitable to be applied to a facsimile system composed of
[0017]
The PC-FAX system 100 includes a computer 10 as an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus 20 having a facsimile function. As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 10 includes a selection unit 11, a display unit 12, a communication unit 13, a CPU 14 as a control unit, an HDD (hard disk drive) 15, and a RAM 16. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a resolution conversion unit 21, an image forming unit 22, and a FAX communication unit 23. The image forming apparatus 20 includes, for example, a copier or a multifunction peripheral having a facsimile function and a plurality of transmission resolutions.
[0018]
The selection unit 11 selects a predetermined transmission resolution from a plurality of transmission resolutions owned by the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the transmission resolution is selected by key input using the keyboard of the computer 10. Alternatively, the transmission resolution is selected by operating the operation buttons displayed on the screen of the computer 10 using the mouse of the computer 10. In this example, a desired transmission resolution is selected by clicking a transmission resolution option displayed on the screen using a mouse.
[0019]
The display unit 12 is a display device for displaying a document image for facsimile transmission, a setting screen for facsimile transmission, a print image of the document image, and the like. For example, a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Consists of The display means 12 can display a print image based on the document image data at a predetermined transmission resolution, and can display a plurality of options indicating a plurality of transmission resolutions owned by the image forming apparatus 20 on the same screen. It is done as follows.
[0020]
The communication unit 13 connects to the image forming apparatus 20 for data communication. A local connection, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or RS-232C, or a network connection, for example, LAN (Local Area Network). As shown in FIG. 1, in this example, communication means for local connection such as USB or RS-232C is used. The computer 10 is connected to the image forming apparatus 20 via the communication unit 13 and transfers document image data to the image forming apparatus 20.
[0021]
The CPU 14 controls the entire operation of the computer 10 according to the control program stored in the HDD 15 while using the RAM 16 as a work area. The CPU 14 controls a child screen (for example, a resolution option display screen) for selecting a transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus 20 and a parent screen for predicting a printing concept at the time of image formation output, that is, a print image screen. Are displayed in the same screen, and display switching processing of the print image screen is performed based on the selection of the transmission resolution displayed in the same screen.
[0022]
The CPU 14 processes the original image data by, for example, image processing software of the computer 10, displays a print image based on the original image data, or processes the original image data by the resolution converter 21 of the image forming apparatus 20. The document image data obtained is uploaded to the computer 10 and a print image can be displayed based on the document image data. In this embodiment, original image data is processed by image processing software of the computer 10.
[0023]
In addition to the control program, the HDD 15 also stores application software for creating a document for facsimile transmission, driver software for PC-FAX, registration data for a facsimile transmission destination, and the like.
[0024]
The resolution conversion unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 is a circuit that processes original image data of facsimile transmission and converts the transmission resolution. The resolution converter 21 converts the original image data transferred from the computer 10 to a set resolution, and uploads the processed original image data to the computer 10 in response to a request from the computer 10. Is made.
[0025]
The image forming section 22 forms an image on a recording paper by an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 22 is provided with an exposure device, which has a laser diode that emits light based on image information (print data) and an optical system that guides a light beam from the laser diode onto a photoconductor. I have. In the image forming unit 22, an electrostatic latent image based on the document image data is recorded on the photoconductor, and after toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image, the toner image formed on the photoconductor is transferred to recording paper, Then, the toner image is fixed on the recording paper by the fixing roller.
[0026]
The communication means 23 is means for connecting to the computer 10 for data communication. For example, it is composed of USB, RS-232C, or LAN. In this example, communication means for local connection such as USB or RS-232C is used. The facsimile communication unit 24 includes, for example, a telephone line. The image information of the document is transmitted to the destination facsimile machine via the telephone line.
[0027]
Subsequently, an operation example of the PC-FAX system 100 regarding the print image display method according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of facsimile transmission in the PC-FAX system 100. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the PC-FAX transmission setting.
[0028]
In this embodiment, when facsimile transmission of document image data on the computer 10 is performed via the locally connected image forming apparatus 20, image processing software of the computer 10 is used in response to a print image display request from the user. A sub-screen (resolution option display screen) for selecting the transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus 20 and a parent screen (print image screen) for predicting a printing concept at the time of image formation output Are displayed on the same screen, and the display of the parent screen for predicting the printing concept is switched based on the selection of the transmission resolution displayed on the same screen.
[0029]
An operation example of facsimile transmission in the PC-FAX system 100 will be described on the basis of the above operation conditions.
When facsimile transmission is performed by the PC-FAX system 100, first, PC-FAX transmission setting is performed in step S10 of the flowchart shown in FIG. For example, the setting of the transmission destination and the setting of the transmission resolution are performed. In this step S10, the operation (subroutine) of the PC-FAX transmission setting shown in FIG. 4 is performed.
[0030]
First, a destination of facsimile transmission is set in step S101a or step 101b of the flowchart shown in FIG. The destination is set on the transmission setting screen shown in FIG. When a facsimile transmission destination is selected from destination registration data stored in the computer 10 or the image forming apparatus 20, the process is performed in step S101a. If the setting is made by directly inputting the destination, the processing is performed in step 101b.
[0031]
Next, in step 102, it is determined whether or not to add a destination. If the user determines that it is necessary to add a facsimile transmission destination, the process returns to step S101a or step 101b, and additional destination settings are performed. If it is determined that there is no need to add a destination, it is next determined in step S103 whether to change the transmission resolution from the initial value. When changing, in step S104, a desired resolution is selected from the transmission resolution options displayed on the PC-FAX transmission setting screen. For example, on the PC-FAX transmission setting screen as shown in FIG. 5, a transmission resolution of 200 × 200 dpi is selected from the displayed transmission resolution options. The transmission resolution is set to 200 × 200 dpi.
[0032]
Next, in step S105, it is determined whether or not to preview the image data of the transmission document. When the preview display is not performed, for example, when the “OK” button BO displayed on the PC-FAX transmission setting screen as shown in FIG. 5 is clicked using a mouse, the setting is completed, and the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG. Move to S11. The operation after step S11 will be described later. When the “Cancel” button BK displayed on the setting screen is clicked, the transmission operation ends.
[0033]
In the case of preview display, for example, when a “Preview” button BP displayed on the PC-FAX transmission setting screen as shown in FIG. The image data of the document is processed by software, and a print image, for example, a preview screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed based on the document image data. In this case, a print image of the transmission original image data is displayed, and at the same time, a plurality of options B1 and B2 (for example, 200 × 200 dpi and 400 × 400 dpi) indicating all transmission resolutions owned by the image forming apparatus 20 are also displayed on the same screen. Is done.
[0034]
Next, in step S107, the user looks at the displayed print image and determines a display result (that is, a print result). For example, since the print image shown in FIG. 6 has a low transmission resolution (200 × 200 dpi), the print image of the original image is coarse, and when image formation and output are performed on the receiving side, image information may be lost. It is determined that the resolution needs to be changed. Then, in step S108, another resolution is selected. For example, a higher resolution (400 × 400 dpi) is selected. In this case, when the transmission resolution option button B2 displayed on the screen is clicked using the mouse, a preview screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed (step S106).
[0035]
Then, in step S107 again, the user determines the display result by looking at the displayed print image. In the case of OK, for example, when the “OK” button B01 displayed on the screen is clicked, in step S109, the transmission resolution is set to the transmission resolution during preview display (400 × 400 dpi). After the transmission resolution is set, the setting operation ends.
[0036]
In step S107, when the user looks at the displayed print image and determines that the print image is worse than before, for example, when changing from high resolution to low resolution, the print image of the original image becomes coarse. In this case, or when it is determined that the transmission is not required to be transmitted at a very high resolution although the resolution is changed from the low resolution to the high resolution, the “Cancel” button BK1 displayed on the screen is clicked. Is set to the resolution before the change, and the operation of the transmission setting ends.
[0037]
After the transmission setting is completed, the process returns to the transmission operation (main routine) shown in FIG. 3, and in step S11 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, it is confirmed whether facsimile (FAX) transmission is to be performed. If not, the facsimile transmission operation ends. In the case of transmission, in step S12, the user satisfies the necessary transmission settings on a setting content confirmation screen (for example, a screen for displaying the contents such as a set destination and transmission resolution) displayed on the screen. To determine If not satisfied, the process returns to step S10, and the setting is reset. If the transmission setting is satisfied, facsimile (FAX) transmission is performed in step S13. After the facsimile transmission has been performed normally, the facsimile transmission operation ends.
[0038]
As described above, when performing the PC-FAX transmission setting, check the print image on the preview screen, and if you want to change the transmission resolution, select the desired transmission resolution from the transmission resolution options displayed on the same screen. By doing so, the preview screen is switched, and the print image is displayed at the selected transmission resolution.
[0039]
As described above, according to the PC-FAX system 100 and the print image display method according to the embodiment of the present invention, when facsimile transmission of original image data on the computer 10 via the image forming apparatus 20 having the facsimile function is performed. In response to a print image display request from a user, a print image is displayed at a predetermined transmission resolution based on the document image data, and a plurality of options indicating a plurality of transmission resolutions owned by the image forming apparatus 20 are displayed on the same screen. When a different transmission resolution is selected from the plurality of options displayed and selected by the selection means 11, the preview screen is switched and a print image is displayed at the selected transmission resolution.
[0040]
Thus, when the user wants to change the transmission resolution while viewing the print image, the user can return to the initial transmission resolution setting screen as in the related art, without having to set the transmission resolution, and can select the transmission resolution on the preview screen. Therefore, the transmission resolution can be easily changed.
[0041]
In addition, since it is easy to check for missing image information during resolution conversion from high-resolution display by application software to low resolution during facsimile communication, the print result on the receiving side is displayed as an image when sending a facsimile. It is possible to confirm and transmit at an appropriate transmission resolution.
[0042]
Furthermore, since the image state at the time of image output at the destination can be predicted by selecting the transmission resolution, communication time and communication cost can be reduced by avoiding transmission at meaningless high resolution.
[0043]
In the above-described embodiment, the document image data is processed by the image processing software of the computer 10 and the print image is displayed based on the document image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not. The original image data is transferred to the image forming apparatus 20, the original image data processed by the resolution converter 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 is uploaded to the computer 10, and a print image is displayed based on the original image data. It may be.
[0044]
In this case, the original image data for facsimile transmission created by the computer 10 is transferred to the image forming apparatus 20, and the original image data transferred from the computer 10 is transmitted by the resolution converter 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 according to an instruction from the computer 10. The data is converted to the set resolution, and the processed image data is uploaded to the computer 10 and displayed on the display means 12 in response to a request from the computer 10. Thereby, the image data processing load on the computer 10 can be reduced.
[0045]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus uses the computer 10, but the information processing apparatus is not limited to this. An information processing device other than a computer may be used.
[0046]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus includes one computer 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 which is locally connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A PC-FAX system including one or more computers 10 and one image forming apparatus 20 may be used. In this case, the connection between the computer 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 can be a local connection or / and a network connection.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the information processing system of the present invention, an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function and having a plurality of transmission resolutions, and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus When facsimile transmitting image information handled by the information processing apparatus at a desired transmission resolution, the information processing apparatus includes a small screen for selecting a transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus in response to a print image display request of a user. A parent screen for estimating a printing concept at the time of image formation output is displayed in the same screen, and the main screen for estimating the printing concept is switched based on the selection of the transmission resolution displayed in the same screen. It is made to do.
[0048]
With this configuration, when the user wants to change the transmission resolution while viewing the print image, the user returns to the initial transmission resolution setting screen as in the past and does not need to set the transmission resolution, and selects the transmission resolution on the preview screen Therefore, the transmission resolution can be easily changed.
[0049]
In addition, since it is easy to check for missing image information during resolution conversion from high-resolution display by application software to low resolution during facsimile communication, the print result on the receiving side is displayed as an image when sending a facsimile. It is possible to confirm and transmit at an appropriate transmission resolution.
[0050]
Further, since the image state at the time of image output at the destination can be predicted by selecting the transmission resolution, communication time and communication cost can be reduced by avoiding transmission at a meaningless high resolution.
[0051]
According to the print image display method according to the present invention, when facsimile transmission of image information handled by an information processing apparatus is performed at a desired transmission resolution via an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function, a print image display request is issued in response to a user's print image display request. A sub-screen for selecting the transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus and a parent screen for predicting the printing concept at the time of image formation output are displayed on the same screen, and the transmission resolution displayed on the same screen is selected. The display of the parent screen for predicting the printing concept is switched based on.
[0052]
Thus, when the user wants to change the transmission resolution while viewing the print image, the user can return to the initial transmission resolution setting screen as in the related art, without having to set the transmission resolution, and can select the transmission resolution on the preview screen. Therefore, the transmission resolution can be easily changed.
[0053]
In addition, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not image information is missing at the time of resolution conversion from high resolution display by application software to low resolution during facsimile communication.
[0054]
The present invention is extremely applicable to a PC-FAX system including an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function and a plurality of transmission resolutions and an information processing apparatus such as a computer connected to the image forming apparatus. It is suitable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a PC-FAX system 100 to which an information processing system according to an embodiment is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of the PC-FAX system 100.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a transmission operation (main routine) of the PC-FAX system 100;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example (subroutine) of transmission setting of the PC-FAX system 100;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transmission setting screen.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a preview screen display example (in the case of 200 × 200 dpi).
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a preview screen display example (in the case of 400 × 400 dpi).
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Computer (information processing device)
11 Selection means
12 Display means
13 Communication means
14 CPU (control means)
15 HDD
16 RAM
20 Image forming apparatus
21 Resolution converter
22 Image forming unit
23 Communication means
24 FAX communication unit
100 PC-FAX system

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus having a facsimile function, and having a plurality of transmission resolutions, and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus, wherein image information handled by the information processing apparatus is transmitted at a desired transmission resolution. In an information processing system for facsimile transmission,
In the information processing device,
A child screen for selecting the transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus and a parent screen for predicting a printing concept at the time of image formation output are displayed on the same screen,
An information processing system for performing display switching processing of a main screen for predicting the printing concept based on selection of a transmission resolution displayed in the same screen. The information processing device,
Selecting means for selecting a predetermined transmission resolution from the plurality of transmission resolutions,
A display unit for displaying a sub-screen for selecting the transmission resolution and a parent screen for predicting a printing concept at the time of image formation output in the same screen,
An information processing system comprising: a control unit that performs display switching processing of a main screen for predicting the printing concept when the predetermined transmission resolution is selected by the selection unit. The control means processes data of the image information with image processing software possessed by the information processing apparatus, and performs display switching processing of a main screen for predicting the printing concept. Item 3. The information processing system according to Item 2. The control unit uploads the data of the image information processed by the resolution conversion unit of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus side, and performs display switching processing of a main screen for predicting the printing concept. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: An image forming system having a facsimile function, and having a plurality of transmission resolutions, and an information processing system that controls the image forming system are connected, and image information handled by the information processing system is transmitted at a desired transmission resolution. In the print image display method at the time of facsimile transmission,
In the information processing system,
A child screen for selecting the transmission resolution of the image forming system and a parent screen for predicting a printing concept at the time of image formation output are displayed in the same screen,
A print image display method, comprising: switching a display of a parent screen for predicting the printing concept based on a selection of a transmission resolution displayed in the same screen.

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