JP2004082354A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system in which convenience of a user is enhanced by transmitting image data independently from the arrangement of the opposite party without increasing the traffic more than required. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus comprises a section for spooling a job, i.e. a combination of image data and processing information or the content of processing to be performed when the image data is printed, a means for acquiring information concerning to PDL being supported by an image printer connected with a network, and a means for transmitting the job spooled at the spooling section to the image printer while converting into PDL when the PDL being supported by itself matches the PDL acquired by the PDL information acquiring means and supported by the image printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine and an image forming system configured by connecting the image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having an image reading unit that reads an image from a document on which an image is recorded and outputs the image as image data and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data is often used. Are known.
[0003]
In such an image forming apparatus, for example, simple image processing such as trimming is performed on image data read by the image reading unit, and the image forming unit forms an image based on the image data subjected to the image processing. be able to.
[0004]
Further, an image forming system used in a network environment has been conventionally provided.
[0005]
This image forming system includes, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine and an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or a workstation for instructing the image forming apparatus to scan (read) or print (print) an image. It is configured to be interconnected by a network. Further, a configuration in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected to a network may be adopted.
[0006]
In such an image forming system, for example, the information processing apparatus instructs the image forming apparatus to print an image, and is used as a printer mode in which the image forming apparatus prints on paper based on image data from the information processing apparatus. It has been known.
[0007]
The print instruction includes, in addition to the image data, processing information that is the content of a process to be performed when printing the image data. The processing information includes, for example, from what page to what page of the image data, how many copies are to be printed, whether a plurality of images are to be allocated to one sheet for printing (imposition), and Perforating paper, stapling paper, and the like. Hereinafter, the combination of the image data and the processing information is referred to as a job.
[0008]
Conventional image forming systems are known in which an image forming apparatus receives a job from, for example, an information processing apparatus, the job can be spooled in the image forming apparatus, and the job can be viewed by a user. ing.
[0009]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-115279 discloses an "information processing apparatus and method, and a storage medium storing the program", in which a job in the printing apparatus can be printed from another printing apparatus, and a jam ( Even if data is received or held (spooled) at the time of occurrence of a paper jam, etc., the job is transferred to another printing apparatus via the WEB server and printing is delayed by printing at the transfer destination printing apparatus. Without being able to do it.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described related art has the following problems.
[0011]
That is, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-115279, “Information Processing Apparatus and Method, and Storage Medium that Stores Its Program” does not mention the data format when transmitting image data.
[0012]
Conventionally, the RAW format has been generally used as this data format. However, the amount of the RAW data is large, and when the RAW data is transferred from a printing apparatus to another printing apparatus via a server, the traffic increases by that amount, and the load on the network system becomes a problem.
[0013]
Further, even if the data format is not the RAW format but PDL (Page Description Language (Page Description Language) data that can be interpreted by a printing apparatus by software called an application program or a printer driver), the PDL data is converted into, for example, an IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). A communication method when printing to a remote print server via the Internet), and printing is not possible if the communication partner does not support the same PDL. Was.
[0014]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is capable of transmitting image data without depending on the configuration of a communication partner and without increasing traffic more than necessary. It is an object to provide a forming apparatus and an image forming system.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus having image forming means for printing on paper, a network interface unit connected to a network, image data and processing to be performed when printing the image data. A spool unit that spools a job that is a combination of the processing information that is the contents of the above, a rasterizing unit that rasterizes the job spooled in the spool unit to obtain raster data, and raster data obtained by the rasterizing unit. Format conversion means for format conversion to one of a predetermined type of supported PDL, PDL information obtaining means for obtaining information on PDL supported by the image printing apparatus connected to the network, and format conversion means PDL supported by When the PDL supported by the image printing apparatus acquired by the DL information acquiring unit matches, the job spooled in the spool unit is converted into the matching PDL by the rasterizing unit and the format converting unit, and the network is converted by the network. Data transmission means for transmitting the data to the image printing apparatus via the interface unit.
[0016]
Further, according to the present invention, the data transmission unit may be configured such that the PDL supported by the image printing apparatus acquired by the PDL information acquisition unit does not exist in the PDL supported by the format conversion unit. According to another aspect of the present invention, the job spooled on the spool unit is rasterized by the rasterizing unit and transmitted to the image printing apparatus via the network interface unit.
[0017]
Further, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for printing on paper, a network interface unit connected to a network, image data and processing information which is a content of a process to be performed when printing the image data are provided. A spool unit that spools a job that is a combination of the following: a format conversion unit that converts a job spooled in the spool unit into a predetermined format; and a job that is converted into a predetermined format by the format conversion unit. Data transmission means for transmitting the data to an information processing apparatus connected to the network via a unit.
[0018]
Further, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising at least an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for printing on paper, an information processing apparatus, and an image printing means having an image forming means for printing on paper, which are connected via a network. In the system, the image forming apparatus includes a network interface unit that connects to a network, and a spool unit that spools a job that is a combination of image data and processing information that is the content of a process to be performed when printing the image data. A rasterizing means for rasterizing a job spooled in the spool unit to obtain raster data, and a format for format-converting the raster data obtained by the rasterizing means into one of a predetermined type of supported PDL. Conversion means connected to the network A PDL information acquisition unit that acquires information about the PDL supported by the image printing apparatus from the information processing apparatus, and a PDL supported by the format conversion unit matches a PDL supported by the image printing apparatus acquired by the PDL information acquisition unit. And a data transmitting unit that converts the job spooled to the spool unit into the matching PDL by the rasterizing unit and the format converting unit, and transmits the PDL to the image printing apparatus via the network interface unit. Wherein the information processing apparatus includes a network interface unit connected to a network, a job display unit for displaying a list of jobs spooled in the spool unit, and a PDL supported by the image printing apparatus connected to the network. information Tokushi, characterized in that a PDL information transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus.
[0019]
Further, according to the present invention, in the invention according to claim 4, wherein the data transmission unit does not include a PDL supported by the image printing apparatus acquired by the PDL information acquisition unit in a PDL supported by the format conversion unit. According to another aspect of the present invention, the job spooled on the spool unit is rasterized by the rasterizing unit and transmitted to the image printing apparatus via the network interface unit.
[0020]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the PDL information transmitting unit acquires information on a PDL supported by the image printing apparatus connected to the network based on SNMP MIB information. And
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention and an image forming system having the image forming apparatus.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment connects an image forming apparatus 1, an information processing apparatus 2, an image printing apparatus 3, an information processing apparatus 4, and an information processing apparatus 5 with a network 6. Connected and configured.
[0024]
In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a digital copying machine, the information processing apparatuses 2, 4, and 5 are personal computers, and the image printing apparatus 3 is a printer. In the present invention, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a printer, like the image printing apparatus 3.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a network module 11 serving as an interface with another apparatus connected via the network 6, a job analysis unit 12 for analyzing a job of received data, A spool unit 13 for spooling, an interpreter 14 for developing PDL data into raster data, an image forming unit 15 for forming an image on paper based on input raster data, and predetermined support for raster data. And a format conversion unit 16 for converting the data into PDL data.
[0027]
Also, the network module 11 includes a WEB server unit 11a for accessing from outside by a WEB browser, a data receiving unit 11b for receiving data from outside, and an E-mail transmission for sending E-mail data to the outside. Unit 11c, an FTP transmission unit 11d that performs FTP (File Transfer Protocol) transmission of data to the outside, a transmission unit 11e to a designated folder that transmits data to a designated folder of a storage device of an external device, It comprises a data transmission unit 11f for transmitting data to the outside, and a network management unit 11g for collecting information from other devices connected to the network 6.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information processing apparatus 2 shown in FIG.
[0029]
Since the information processing apparatuses 4 and 5 have the same configuration, the information processing apparatus 2 will be described as a representative here.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 2 stores an operation unit 20 for displaying information to the user or performing an operation input by the user, a control unit 21 for controlling the entire operation, and data and the like. It comprises a storage unit 22 and a network I / F unit 23 serving as an interface with the network 6.
[0031]
In the control unit 21, a web browser 21a, an application program 21b, a printer driver 21c, and the like operate.
[0032]
Here, an example of the content displayed by the information processing apparatus to the user in the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described. The operation will be described later with reference to this display example.
[0033]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display screen for displaying a list of jobs spooled in the image forming apparatus and selecting a job among display examples in the information processing apparatus 2.
[0034]
In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, a list of IDs assigned to each job and a file name of the job is displayed on a display screen 20a provided on the operation unit 20 of the information processing apparatus 2.
[0035]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display screen for inputting an instruction when transmitting a job to another information processing device, among display examples in the information processing device 2.
[0036]
In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, the file name of the job to be transmitted is displayed, and a folder name shared by the network, such as an E-mail address of the transmission destination and an IP address for FTP transmission, is input. A column is displayed, and a column for checking whether to perform Print (print) together with data transmission is also displayed.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display screen for inputting an instruction when transmitting a job to an apparatus having an image forming unit, such as an image printing apparatus or an image forming apparatus, among display examples of the information processing apparatus 2.
[0038]
In this example, as shown in FIG. 6, a list of printers connected to the network is displayed, and a column for directly inputting an IP address or the like of a desired printer is displayed.
[0039]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a DB (database) table that stores information on printers connected to a network.
[0040]
Examples of the information regarding the printer include information obtained by acquiring MIB (Management Information Base) information in a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) from the printer via a network. As an example, as shown in FIG. 7, the IP address of the printer, the model name, the printer name, the installation location, the PDL (interpreter language) supported by the printer, whether printing is available only in black and white or color, Information such as whether the state is acceptable.
[0041]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a process when printing is performed from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0042]
The user can create data using the application program 21b of the information processing device 2, and spool the data in the image forming device 1 or print (print) the data. At this time, the user can select and specify whether to perform only printing, to perform printing and spooling, or to perform only spooling.
[0043]
When the user selects and executes only printing, printing and spooling, or spooling only in the application program 21b, the information processing apparatus 2 determines whether the user has designated spooling (A-1). If so, the spool flag is turned on (A-2). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not execution of printing is specified (A-3). If this is specified, the print flag is turned on (A-3). A-4).
[0044]
Also, the print flag is turned ON even when the execution of the spool is not specified in the step (A-1) (A-4). This is because there is no case where neither the print nor the spool is specified when coming here.
[0045]
The data created by using the application program 21b is described in a predetermined PDL by the printer driver 21C to form a job, and the job, the print flag, and the spool flag are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (A-5). .
[0046]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the image forming apparatus when a job and a flag are received from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG.
[0047]
When the image forming apparatus 1 receives data from an information processing apparatus connected to the network 6, for example, the information processing apparatus 2 (B-1), it determines whether the spool flag is ON (B-2). The job of the received data is spooled on the spool unit 13 composed of, for example, a hard disk (B-3).
[0048]
Subsequently, it is determined whether the print flag is ON (B-4). If the print flag is ON, rasterizing processing is performed by the interpreter 14 to develop the PDL data into raster data (B-5), and the image forming unit 15 A printing process is performed (B-6).
[0049]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the information processing apparatus when a job spooled in the image forming apparatus is transmitted to an arbitrary information processing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. It is.
[0050]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process performed by the information processing apparatus when a job spooled in the image forming apparatus is transmitted to an arbitrary information processing apparatus according to an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the process following FIG.
[0051]
In the information processing apparatus 2, the web browser 21a accesses the web server unit 11a of the image forming apparatus 1 and monitors a list of jobs spooled in the spool unit 13 (C-1). The display screen 20a in FIG. 4 is an example of the display screen of the information processing device 2 at this time.
[0052]
The user selects a desired job from the list of jobs shown on the display screen 20a of the information processing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 4 (C-2), and inputs "execute". In response to this, the information processing apparatus 2 displays the display screen 20a of FIG. 5 and prompts for input of each item.
[0053]
If the user inputs each item and inputs “OK”, the information processing device 2 performs TIFF (Tagged Image File Format; a file format for handling high-density bitmap images) based on the user's input. A format such as PDF (Portable Document Format; a file format developed by Adobe Systems, Inc. for realizing digital document communication) is set (C-3), and if there is transmission by E-mail, the destination is set. The upload destination is set (C-4, C-5), and if there is transmission by FTP, the upload destination is set (C-6, C-7).
[0054]
Proceeding to FIG. 11, if there is a transmission to the designated folder, the upload destination is set (C-8, C-9), and if there is a print instruction, the print flag is turned ON (C-10, C-10). C-11), the execution of the processing of the image forming apparatus 1 is started by transmitting data such as these selection results, setting results, and flags to the image forming apparatus 1 (C-12).
[0055]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the image forming apparatus when the job spooled in the image forming apparatus is transmitted to an arbitrary information processing apparatus according to an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. It is.
[0056]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a process of the image forming apparatus when transmitting a job spooled in the image forming apparatus to an arbitrary information processing apparatus according to an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating processing subsequent to FIG. 12.
[0057]
The image forming apparatus 1 starts processing upon receiving (D-1) the data transmitted by the information processing apparatus 2 in step (C-12) of FIG. 11, and first, the image data (spool) of the job selected by the user. The rasterizing process for expanding the PDL data spooled in the unit 13 into raster data by the interpreter 14 is performed (D-2). If the print flag is ON, the image forming unit 15 performs the printing process (D-3. D-4).
[0058]
Subsequently, the format converter 16 converts the format of the raster data into a format (TIFF / PDF) set by the user on the display screen 20a of FIG. 5 (D-5).
[0059]
Further, when the user has set the transmission by E-mail, the data converted in the step (D-5) is transmitted to the destination (D-6, D-7).
[0060]
Proceeding to FIG. 13, if the transmission by FTP has been set, the data converted in step (D-5) is transmitted to the upload destination (D-8, D-9), and the data is transferred to the designated folder. If transmission is set, the data converted in step (D-5) is transmitted to the upload destination (D-10, D-11).
[0061]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the information processing apparatus when a job spooled in the image forming apparatus is transmitted to an arbitrary image printing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. It is.
[0062]
In the information processing apparatus 2, the web browser 21a accesses the web server unit 11a of the image forming apparatus 1 and monitors a list of jobs spooled in the spool unit 13 (E-1). The display screen 20a in FIG. 4 is an example of the display screen of the information processing device 2 at this time.
[0063]
The user selects a desired job from the list of jobs shown on the display screen 20a of the information processing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 4 (E-2), and inputs "execute".
[0064]
Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 2 performs a printer detection process described later in detail with reference to FIG. 15 (E-3), and waits for the end of the process (E-4).
[0065]
Subsequently, a list of printers detected by a printer detection process described later and a DB table of information on the printers are displayed (E-5). A display example of this printer list is the display screen 20a shown in FIG. An example of the DB table is the database table shown in FIG.
[0066]
The user selects a desired printer from the list shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, or directly inputs the printer IP address or the like in the direct input column of FIG. 6, and inputs "execute" (E-6). ).
[0067]
In response to this, the information processing apparatus 2 determines whether the selected printer is a printer existing in the table (E-7), and if the printer is in the table, turns on the DB flag (E-8). Then, the execution of the processing of the image forming apparatus 1 is started by transmitting data such as these selection results and flags to the image forming apparatus 1 (E-9).
[0068]
FIG. 15 illustrates an image printing apparatus connected to a network when a job spooled in the image forming apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1 is transmitted to an arbitrary image printing apparatus according to an instruction from the information processing apparatus. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing to be performed.
[0069]
As described above, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in (E-3) of FIG.
[0070]
First, the information processing apparatus 2 sends a Broadcast to the network 6 (F-1), and clears a counter N for counting the number of image printing apparatuses responding to the broadcast (F-2).
[0071]
Subsequently, when there is a response to the Broadcast, the image printing apparatus is registered in the DB (F-4), and 1 is added to the counter N (F-5). Thereafter, a response is kept waiting until a predetermined time-out occurs (F-6).
[0072]
Thereafter, while decrementing the counter N (F-8), MIB information is obtained from each of the responding image printing apparatuses (SNMP GET command) (F-7), and all the responding image printing apparatuses respond. Then, the respective MIB information is acquired from (F-9). The acquired information is reflected on the database table of FIG. 7 and the display screen 20a of FIG.
[0073]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the image forming apparatus when transmitting a job spooled in the image forming apparatus to an arbitrary image printing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. It is.
[0074]
The image forming apparatus 1 starts processing when the data transmitted by the information processing apparatus 2 is received (G-1) in step (E-9) of FIG. 14, and first, the DB flag received from the information processing apparatus 2 is turned on. If (G-2), the information of the PDL supported by the destination image printing apparatus is acquired from the DB table (G-3), and it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 1 supports the PDL. (G-4).
[0075]
If the PDL is supported in step (G-4), conversion is performed as necessary (if the PDL of the job spooled in the spool unit 13 is the same as the PDL supported by the destination image printing apparatus, conversion is performed). ), And converts the image data of the job selected by the user (PDL data spooled in the spool unit 13) into PDL data supported by the destination image printing apparatus (interpreter 14 and format). The conversion unit 16) transmits the image to the image printing apparatus (G-6).
[0076]
If the DB flag is not ON in step (G-2) and if the image forming apparatus 1 does not support the PDL of the image printing apparatus in step (G-4), the job selected by the user The image data (PDL data spooled in the spool unit 13) is developed into raster data (G-5) and transmitted to the image printing apparatus selected by the user (G-6).
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to transmit image data without depending on the configuration of a communication partner and without increasing traffic more than necessary, and an image forming apparatus with improved user-friendliness And an image forming system.
[0078]
Further, according to the present invention, the job stored in the spool unit is converted into a PDL supported by the destination image printing apparatus and transmitted, so that the data amount is small and the traffic is increased more than necessary. The transmission time is short, and transmission can be always performed in an efficient format. Further, when the PDL does not match, the data is transmitted in the form of raster data. For this reason, the image printing apparatus on the side to which the data is sent has an effect that an image can be printed without requiring a new interpreter.
[0079]
Further, according to the present invention, for example, a color image spooled in a monochrome image forming apparatus can be transmitted to a color image printing apparatus, whereby a color output can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention and an image forming system having the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display screen for displaying a list of jobs spooled in the image forming apparatus and selecting a job among display examples in the information processing apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display screen for inputting an instruction when transmitting a job to another information processing apparatus among display examples of the information processing apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display screen for inputting an instruction when transmitting a job to an apparatus having an image forming unit, such as an image printing apparatus or an image forming apparatus, among display examples in the information processing apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a DB (database) table that stores information on printers connected to a network.
8 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a process when printing is performed from an information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1;
9 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of processing of the image forming apparatus when a job and a flag are received from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG.
10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing of the information processing apparatus when transmitting a job spooled in the image forming apparatus to an arbitrary information processing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1; It is.
11 is a view showing a flowchart of processing of the information processing apparatus when a job spooled in the image forming apparatus is transmitted to an arbitrary information processing apparatus according to an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating processing subsequent to FIG. 10.
12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing of the image forming apparatus when transmitting a job spooled in the image forming apparatus to an arbitrary information processing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG. It is.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the image forming apparatus when a job spooled in the image forming apparatus is transmitted to an arbitrary information processing apparatus according to an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating processing subsequent to FIG. 12.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the information processing apparatus when transmitting a job spooled in the image forming apparatus to an arbitrary image printing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1; It is.
15 detects an image printing apparatus connected to a network when transmitting a job spooled in the image forming apparatus to an arbitrary image printing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing to be performed.
16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the image forming apparatus when transmitting a job spooled in the image forming apparatus to an arbitrary image printing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1; It is.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image forming apparatus
2,4,5 Information processing device
3 Image printing device
6 Network
11 Network module
11a Web server section
11b Data receiving unit
11c E-mail transmission unit
11d FTP transmission unit
11e Transmission unit to specified folder
11f Data transmission unit
11g Network Management Department
12 Job analysis unit
13 Spool section
14 Interpreter
15 Image forming unit
16 Format conversion unit
20 Operation unit
20a Display screen
21 Control unit
21a Web browser
21b Application program
21c printer driver
22 Memory
23 Network I / F

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus having image forming means for performing printing on paper,
A network interface unit for connecting to a network,
A spool unit that spools a job that is a combination of image data and processing information that is the content of processing to be performed when printing the image data;
Rasterizing means for rasterizing a job spooled in the spool unit to obtain raster data;
Format conversion means for format-converting the raster data obtained by the rasterizing means into one of a predetermined type of supported PDL;
PDL information acquisition means for acquiring information on PDL supported by the image printing apparatus connected to the network;
If the PDL supported by the format conversion unit and the PDL supported by the image printing apparatus acquired by the PDL information acquisition unit match, the job spooled on the spool unit is processed by the rasterization unit and the format conversion unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a data transmitting unit that converts the data into the matching PDL and transmits the converted PDL to the image printing apparatus via the network interface unit. When the data transmission unit does not include the PDL supported by the image printing apparatus acquired by the PDL information acquisition unit in the PDL supported by the format conversion unit, the data transmission unit may execute the rasterizing job on the spool unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus rasterizes the image data and transmits the image data to the image printing apparatus via the network interface unit. In an image forming apparatus having image forming means for performing printing on paper,
A network interface unit for connecting to a network,
A spool unit that spools a job that is a combination of image data and processing information that is the content of processing to be performed when printing the image data;
Format conversion means for converting a job spooled in the spool unit into a predetermined format;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a data transmitting unit that transmits a job converted into a predetermined format by the format converting unit to an information processing device connected to the network via the network interface unit. In an image forming system configured by connecting at least an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that prints on a sheet, an information processing apparatus, and an image printing unit having an image forming unit that prints on a sheet via a network,
The image forming apparatus,
A network interface unit for connecting to a network,
A spool unit that spools a job that is a combination of image data and processing information that is the content of processing to be performed when printing the image data;
Rasterizing means for rasterizing a job spooled in the spool unit to obtain raster data;
Format conversion means for format-converting the raster data obtained by the rasterizing means into one of a predetermined type of supported PDL;
A PDL information acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the information processing apparatus, information on a PDL supported by the image printing apparatus connected to the network;
When the PDL supported by the format conversion unit matches the PDL supported by the image printing apparatus acquired by the PDL information acquisition unit, the job spooled to the spool unit is processed by the rasterization unit and the format conversion unit. Data transmission means for converting the data into a matching PDL and transmitting the converted PDL to the image printing apparatus via the network interface unit.
The information processing device,
A network interface unit for connecting to a network,
Job display means for displaying a list of jobs spooled in the spool unit,
An image forming system comprising: a PDL information transmitting unit that acquires information on a PDL supported by the image printing apparatus connected to the network and transmits the information to the image forming apparatus. When the data transmission unit does not include the PDL supported by the image printing apparatus acquired by the PDL information acquisition unit in the PDL supported by the format conversion unit, the data transmission unit may execute the rasterizing job on the spool unit. 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the image data is rasterized by means and transmitted to the image printing apparatus via the network interface unit. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the PDL information transmitting unit acquires information on a PDL supported by the image printing apparatus connected to the network, based on SNMP MIB information.

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