JP2004171237A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily reproduce a job parameter from a script concerning arbitrary image formation, and to input an image formation job from an interface as well as an existing user interface. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is for executing an arbitrary image formation job based on a described job parameter described in an script Sc in a text format which can be editted/browsed. The apparatus is provided with a script analyzing means 37 for receiving the script Sc, and analyzing the job parameter from the script Sc and an image forming means 80 for setting the job parameter analyzed by the analyzing means 37, and for forming an image based on image data DIN. Thus, the job parameter can be easily reproduced from the script Sc described in the text format. Therefore, the image forming means 80 is able to set the job parameter analyzed by the script analyzing means 27, and to form the image based on the image data DIN. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method suitable for a digital multifunction peripheral or a copier having a copying function, a facsimile function, and a printing function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital copiers that form an image based on image data obtained from a document image have been used. In a copying machine, image information of a document is read by a scanner or the like, and the image information of the document is temporarily stored in an image memory. The image information stored in the image memory is subjected to image processing such as reduction, enlargement, and rotation of the image in response to a user request. Here, an image based on the image data subjected to the image processing is formed on a predetermined sheet by an image forming means (printer). As a result, the original image can be copied.
[0003]
Patent Document 1 discloses “a method and system for sharing parameters of an image processing apparatus”. According to this image forming system, at least one parameter (resolution in a multifunction machine such as a scanner, a printer, a facsimile, a type of a document, a density, etc.) serving as an operating condition of the image processing apparatus is provided to a server connected to the network. Is registered in advance, and the image processing apparatus acquires a desired parameter from the server when executing the job, and executes the job according to the acquired parameter.
[0004]
Patent Document 2 discloses an "image forming apparatus having a self-healing function". According to this image forming apparatus, when it is determined that a failure has occurred for some reason, repair operation information for repairing the failure is read from the work script table, and the repair operation is executed according to the script.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-346288
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-6-124012
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, according to the conventional type image forming apparatus, setting operation of parameters and the like and its operation are performed, and an image forming job is executed based on a script (hereinafter also referred to as an image forming program) read from a script table. At this time, a parameter is acquired, and a job is executed based on the parameter. Therefore, there are the following problems.
[0007]
{Circle around (1)} When a copy job is reserved for the image forming apparatus, for example, if there are a large number of print jobs waiting to be output, if the previously reserved job is not completed, the copy, print, etc. Often does not start.
[0008]
{Circle around (2)} When the previously reserved job ends, the job reserved by the user is automatically started. Therefore, in the case of a highly confidential document, even if a long waiting time is required regardless of the fact that the original has been read, the reading is deleted once and the original is re-executed when all the jobs are completed. Often you have to re-read the.
[0009]
{Circle around (3)} Further, if the parameters that were not necessary at the time of reading the original document but were required for printing (hereinafter also referred to as image forming conditions) were to be changed, the printing was not started. Regardless, the contents cannot be changed in many cases.
[0010]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and enables an image forming condition to be easily reproduced from an image forming program for an arbitrary image forming, and also allows an image forming job to be input from other than the existing user interface. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that can be used.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus that executes an arbitrary image forming job based on desired image forming conditions described in an image forming program in a text format that can be edited and viewed. Analyzing means for inputting an image forming program and analyzing image forming conditions from the image forming program; and image forming means for setting image forming conditions analyzed by the analyzing means and forming an image based on image information. Means.
[0012]
According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when an arbitrary image forming job is executed based on desired image forming conditions, an image forming program described in a text format that can be edited and viewed is input to the analysis unit. Is done. For example, the image forming conditions are input by operating the input unit for the image forming job. An image forming program in a text format that can be edited from the image forming conditions input and operated by the input means is created by the program creating means. The image forming program created by the program creating unit is stored in the first storage unit together with the image information. The analyzing means analyzes the image forming conditions from the image forming program read from the first storage means.
[0013]
Therefore, since the image forming conditions can be easily reproduced from the image forming program described in the text format, the image forming means can set the image forming conditions analyzed by the analyzing means and form an image based on the image information. Become. Thus, in addition to a user interface such as an existing input unit, an image forming job can be input from a personal computer capable of generating an image forming program or a non-dedicated electronic device such as a mobile phone connected to a network. This allows for virtually unlimited expansion of image forming functions.
[0014]
An image forming method according to the present invention is a method for forming an arbitrary image based on image information. When an image forming job is submitted, an image forming condition is input for an arbitrary image, and the image forming condition input here is input. The conditions are converted into an editable text format image forming program, and at the time of image formation, the image forming conditions are analyzed from the image forming program, and the analyzed image forming conditions are set and an image is formed based on the image information. It is characterized by doing.
[0015]
According to the image forming method of the present invention, when an arbitrary image forming job is executed based on a desired image forming condition, the image forming condition can be easily reproduced from an image forming program described in a text format. The image forming means sets the image forming conditions analyzed by the analyzing means and can form an image based on the image information.
[0016]
Therefore, in addition to the existing user interface, an image forming job can be input from a personal computer capable of generating an image forming program or a non-dedicated electronic device connected to a network such as a mobile phone. The image forming function can be extended without limitation.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and an image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a multifunction peripheral 100 to which an image forming apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
In this embodiment, an analysis unit is provided for analyzing image forming conditions from a text-format image forming program that can be edited and viewed, so that the image forming conditions can be easily reproduced from the image forming program described in the text format. The image forming job can be input from other than the existing user interface.
[0018]
The multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and is based on desired image forming conditions (hereinafter, referred to as job parameters) described in an image forming program (hereinafter, referred to as a script) in a text format that can be edited and viewed. The device executes an arbitrary image forming job. The script is an example of an image forming program, and is a simple program that describes a command group for setting job parameters. That is, it is a series of texts (same meaning as a program) describing the image forming procedure. It may also refer to the scripting language used to create this script.
[0019]
The job parameter refers to an image forming condition or a group of image forming conditions necessary to execute a job specified by a user. This script includes at least job parameters specified by the user and specification information for specifying a storage destination of the image information.
[0020]
A black-and-white digital multifunction peripheral (copier; hereinafter, simply referred to as a multifunction peripheral) 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and is an apparatus that forms an image based on an image forming script and arbitrary image data. The multifunction peripheral 100 has a communication function of reading an original and transmitting image data to the other party, a copy function of reading the original and forming an image on a predetermined sheet, and a facsimile transmission (FAX transmission) of reading the original and transmitting the original image to the other party. ) Function, facsimile reception (hereinafter referred to as FAX reception) function of forming an original image received from a terminal device of the other party on paper, and image formation on paper based on image data received from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as personal computer). It has five print functions.
[0021]
In FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 roughly includes a paper feeding unit 30, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 40, an image reading unit 50, an image writing unit 60, an image forming unit 80, and the like. The paper feed trays 30a, 30b,... Constitute a paper feed unit 30, and, for example, A4-size copy paper is set on the paper feed tray 30a in a horizontal direction. For example, A3-size copy paper is set on the paper feed tray 30b in a horizontal direction.
[0022]
FIG. 1 shows a case in which the number of the paper feed trays 30a and 30b is two. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and although not shown, a paper feed tray in which A4 size copy paper is set vertically, A paper feed tray on which copy paper such as the above is set is prepared.
[0023]
52.3-63.9 kg / m as these papers P ² (1000 sheets) of thin paper or 64.0-81.4 kg / m ² (1000 sheets) of plain paper or 83.0 to 130.0 kg / m ² (1000 sheets) or 150.0kg / m ² (Thousands) super thick paper is used. The thickness (paper thickness) of the paper P is about 0.05 to 0.15 mm. It is preferable to set the linear velocity to about 80 to 350 mm / sec, and to set the environmental conditions such that the temperature is about 5 to 35 ° C. and the humidity is about 15 to 85%.
[0024]
Further, the automatic document feeder 40 includes a document placing portion 41, rollers 42a and 42b, a roller 43, a reversing roller 44, a reversing portion 45, and a sheet discharge tray 46. For example, a plurality of documents 20 are placed on the document placing portion 41 with the surface of the document facing up. When the rollers 42 a and 42 b are driven by an ADF control unit (not shown), the first sheet of the original 20 fed through the rollers 42 a and 42 b is conveyed to the image reading unit 50 via the rollers 43. Is done.
[0025]
The image reading unit 50 has a first platen glass 51, a second platen glass 52, a light source 53, mirrors 54, 55, 56, an imaging optical system 57, a CCD image pickup device 58, and an optical drive system (not shown). . In the image reading unit 50, light is emitted from the light source 53 to the image surface of the document 20. The reflected light is guided by mirrors 54, 55, 56, and the reflected light forms an image of the document 20 on the light receiving surface of the CCD image pickup device 58 via the image forming optical system 57. As a result, the original image is captured by the CCD imaging device 58.
[0026]
When the original 20 is placed on the original placing portion 41 on the platen glass 51, that is, with the reading surface of the original 20 facing downward, the optical drive system moves along the platen glass 51. By scanning the image reading unit 50, the document image is captured by the CCD image capturing device 58.
[0027]
In the automatic document feeder 40, in the case of the double-side reading mode of the document 20, the document 20 rotates around the roller 43. In this case, the image of the document is read by the image reading unit 50 with the light source 53 and the mirror 54 fixed below the platen glass 52. Then, when the front surface of the document 20 is read, a winding operation using the roller 43 is performed again via the reversing roller 44, and the image on the back surface of the document is read by the image reading unit 50. The document 20 whose front and back images have been read in this way is again inverted by the reversing roller 44 and stacked on the paper output tray 46 with the front surface facing downward.
[0028]
On the other hand, the paper P is fed out from the paper feed tray 30 a or 30 b on which the paper P is stacked, and is fed to the image forming unit 80. The image forming unit 80 includes an image writing unit 60, a photosensitive drum 71, a charging unit 72, a developing unit 73, a transfer unit 74, a separation unit 75, a cleaning unit 76, a transport mechanism 77, and a fixing unit 78.
[0029]
Here, in the case of a single-side mode in which an image is formed only on one side of the sheet P, for example, the sheet P is provided with a photoconductor after synchronization with a registration roller 61 provided near the entrance of the transfer unit 74. It is closer to the drum 71. In this state, in the image writing section 60, a laser beam having a predetermined intensity according to the image information is emitted from the laser diode onto the photosensitive drum 71. Thus, an electrostatic latent image of the document 20 is formed on the photosensitive drum 71. This electrostatic latent image is formed as a toner image on the photosensitive drum 71 after being developed by the toner from the developing unit 73.
[0030]
This toner image is transferred onto the sheet P conveyed on a transfer section 74 provided below the photosensitive drum 71. At this time, the paper P is attracted to the photosensitive drum 71. Then, the sheet P attracted to the photoconductor drum 71 is separated from the photoconductor drum 71 by the separation unit 75. Thereafter, the sheet P separated from the photosensitive drum 71 is sent to the fixing unit 78 via the transport mechanism 77, and the toner image is fixed by heat and pressure.
[0031]
As a result, a document image is formed on a predetermined surface (formation surface) of the sheet P. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 71 is removed by the cleaning unit 76, and waits for the next image formation. The sheet P on which the image formation is completed is discharged outside the apparatus as it is (one-sided mode), for example, in accordance with the output mode (operation instructions such as the sorter function and the stepler function) in the finisher unit 300.
[0032]
The multifunction peripheral 100 is provided with a sheet reversing mechanism, and when the duplex mode is set, the sheet P is reversed. The sheet reversing mechanism includes a guide 91, a reversing roller 92, a reversing unit 93, a reversing conveyance path 94, and a sheet discharging roller 95. In the two-sided mode, the sheet P on which the toner image has been fixed is conveyed below the image forming unit 80 via the guide 91 without being shifted to the sheet discharging process, and is sent out to the reversing unit 93. Next, the sheet P sent to the reversing unit 93 is again fed upward by the reversing roller 92, and passes through a reversing conveyance path 94 provided on the sheet feeding tray 30a so as to switch back the sheet P. The image is transferred to the image forming unit 80 again.
[0033]
In the reverse conveyance path 94, the sheet P is sent to the image forming unit 80 via the registration rollers 61 on the surface on which the sheet P is to be formed (the surface on which an image has not yet been formed). In the image forming unit 80, an electrostatic latent image of the document 20 is formed on the photosensitive drum 71 in the same manner as in the case of the above-described surface, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 73. A toner image on the document 20 is formed on the document 71.
[0034]
This toner image is transferred to the other surface of the sheet P by the transfer unit 74. After the paper P adsorbed on the photoconductor drum 71 is separated from the photoconductor drum 71 by the separation unit 75, the paper P is sent to the fixing unit 78 via the transport mechanism 77, and the toner image is fixed by heat and pressure. In the image forming unit 80 in which the image formation of the document 20 has been completed, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 71 is removed by the cleaning unit 76, and the apparatus stands by to cope with the next image formation. Thus, the image of the document 20 can be formed on the front and back of the sheet P.
[0035]
[Example of control system configuration of MFP]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the multifunction peripheral 100. The multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 2 has a control unit 15, and the job parameters Jp are described in a text format that can be easily edited with a text editor or the like. The text editor is application software for creating and editing a text file containing only characters on a personal computer or the like.
[0036]
The control unit 15 includes an image processing unit 16, an operation unit 17, a display unit 18, a job registration memory 19, a paper supply unit 30, a first image storage unit 31, and a second image storage unit configured by hardware. 32, an information communication unit 33, an image reading unit 50, an image writing unit 60, and an image forming unit 80, and the script information processing unit 12 configured by software are connected.
[0037]
In the image reading section 50, an arbitrary document is exposed and scanned by an optical system (not shown) to read an image, and document reading data D1 is obtained. The document read data D1 is output to the image processing means 16. The image processing means 16 performs image processing on the document read data D1 obtained from the image reading section 50 using a predetermined image compression function or the like. In this example, the document read data D1 after the image processing is referred to as image data DIN.
[0038]
The image data DIN after the image processing is output to the first image storage means (first storage means) 31 or the like and stored. The image data DIN stored in the first image storage unit 31 becomes image forming data DOUT, and is read out to the image writing unit 60 based on a preset job parameter Jp. In the image writing section 60, an electrostatic latent image is recorded on the photoconductor based on the image forming data DOUT.
[0039]
The image forming unit 80 forms an image based on the image data DIN on a sheet of a predetermined size fed from the sheet feeding unit 30. In the paper feeding means 30, paper feeding is controlled based on paper feeding control data D5 by the control means 15, and the output of the image forming means 80 is controlled based on density control data D6 and the like. Such an image forming operation is called an image forming job.
[0040]
In this example, an operation unit 17 which is an example of an input unit is connected to the control unit 15, and a user inputs and operates a job parameter Jp regarding an image forming job. The job parameter Jp is input to the control unit 15 as operation data D2. Although not shown, an operation panel combining a liquid crystal display and a touch panel is used as the operation means 17.
[0041]
The above-described script information processing unit 12 includes a script generation unit 21, a script processing unit 22, a script storage unit 23, a script transmission unit 24, a script reception unit 25, a script determination unit 26, and a script analysis unit 27.
[0042]
The script information processing unit 12 is provided with a script generation unit 21 as an example of a program generation unit, and generates a script Sc in an editable text format from the job parameter Jp input by the operation unit 17. . For example, the script generation unit 21 describes the job input time in the script Sc, and links a plurality of scripts Sc to one file for the image forming job.
[0043]
In this way, a plurality of job parameters Jp converted into the script Sc can be stored, and the job parameters Jp set by the user are described in the text-form script Sc that can be easily edited by an editor or the like. The job parameters Jp of the job can be easily viewed. A file is data describing character information. By linking a plurality of scripts Sc, a plurality of image forming jobs can be sequentially executed.
[0044]
Also, by linking the scripts, if necessary, separate reservation jobs can be converted into continuous processing such as batch processing. Batch processing refers to a processing method in which data for a certain period or a certain amount is collected, collected, and collectively processed. Alternatively, in a process including a plurality of procedures, a series of procedures are registered in advance, and a continuous processing is automatically performed.
[0045]
The script information processing unit 12 is provided with a script processing unit 22 as an example of a program processing unit in addition to the script generation unit 21. The script Sc or the script generation generated by the script generation unit 21 for the image forming job is provided. The script Sc received and input from another information processing device other than the means 21 is divided for each independent job. For example, if the independent job is a “copy job”, the independent job is a “document reading job” or an “image forming job”.
[0046]
In this way, even if the job is a plurality of series of jobs registered by the user, the job parameter Jp can be divided for each independent job. Can be sent to the user. Therefore, the execution timing can be left to the user again, so that printing of highly confidential documents and the like can be prevented from automatically starting printout, and can be deleted from the job registration list. Can not be registered.
[0047]
Further, the script information processing means 12 is provided with a script storage means 23 for storing a script Sc relating to the image forming job generated by the script generating means 21 or a script Sc relating to the image forming job processed by the script processing means 22. You.
[0048]
The script information processing unit 12 is provided with a script transmission unit 24 as an example of a transmission unit, and transmits the script Sc created by the script generation unit 21 to a user interface such as an LCD panel or another multifunction peripheral. Made. For example, the script transmission unit 24 transmits the script Sc created by the script generation unit 21 to the administrator or to the management unit.
[0049]
Further, a display unit 18 is connected to the control unit 15 so that the job input by the operation unit 17 is displayed on the registration list. As the display means 18, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD panel) is used. In this example, the control unit 15 controls the user interface or the script Sc transmitted to another multifunction peripheral 100 to delete the display of the job from the registration list of the display unit 18. The registration list is displayed by the display data D3.
[0050]
The control unit 15 receives the script Sc linked by the script generation unit 21 and sequentially executes each job. The script information processing unit 12 is provided with a script reception unit 25 as an example of a reception unit, and receives a script Sc from an information processing device other than the script generation unit 21 for an image forming job.
[0051]
The script information processing means 12 is provided with a script determination means 26 as an example of a program determination means in addition to the script reception means 25, and determines whether or not data received from another information processing device is a script Sc. Made. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the script determination unit 26 determines whether the job is an operation input by the operation unit 17 or a job received and input from another information processing device other than the operation input by the operation unit 17. You may make it.
[0052]
In this example, when a script received and input from another information processing device is detected by the script determination unit 26, the control unit 15 retransmits the script Sc corresponding to the job received and input from the information processing device. It is made to prohibit. In this way, it is possible to prevent another person from transferring his / her own script Sc without permission and printing it with another device.
[0053]
Further, the control unit 15 detects whether or not there is a description that cannot be analyzed in the script Sc determined by the script determination unit 26. For example, if the script determination unit 26 determines that the data received from the information processing device is the script Sc, and the script Sc includes a description that cannot be analyzed, the control unit 15 indicates that analysis is not possible. Is transmitted to the transmission source of the script Sc.
[0054]
The script information processing unit 12 is provided with a script analysis unit 27 which is an example of an analysis unit. The script Sc determined by the script determination unit 26 is input, and the job parameter Jp is analyzed from the script Sc. Of course, the job parameter Jp may be analyzed from the script Sc created by the script generation unit 21.
[0055]
In this example, the control unit 15 detects whether the script Sc includes a description necessary for the job parameter Jp. If the description is not present, the control unit 15 sets a default value of the multifunction peripheral 100 for the missing information. To control. This is for smooth image formation control. A job registration memory 19 is connected to the control unit 15, and an image forming job based on the job parameter Jp analyzed by the script analysis unit 27 is registered (recorded). The image forming job is stored, for example, as job registration data D4.
[0056]
The control unit 15 is connected to a first image storage unit 31 as an example of a first storage unit, and stores the script Sc created by the script generation unit 21 together with the image data DIN obtained from the document reading unit 50. It is made to do. The above-described image forming unit 80 sets the image forming job read out from the job registration memory 19, that is, the job parameter Jp analyzed by the script analyzing unit 27, and reads out the image forming job read out from the first image storing unit 31. The image is formed based on the image data DIN.
[0057]
The above-mentioned operation means 17 constitutes a selection means in addition to the input means, deletes only the script Sc with respect to the script Sc and the image data DIN stored in the script storage means 23, and leaves the related image data DIN, or An operation is performed to select whether to delete both the script Sc and the image data DIN. In this case, in the former case, only the script Sc is deleted, and in the latter case, both the script Sc and the image data DIN are deleted. In the former case, the operation of the image data DIN (job execution) becomes possible by receiving the script Sc again.
[0058]
The control unit 15 constitutes a monitoring unit and a program extracting unit, monitors the end of the currently executing job with respect to the image forming job, and extracts a script Sc of the monitored job. In this example, together with the job corresponding to the script Sc cut out by the control unit 15, the image data DIN related to the job is recorded in the first image storage unit 31 described above.
[0059]
Further, when the control unit 15 detects a waiting job while the previous job is being executed, the control unit 15 transmits a script Sc corresponding to the waiting job cut out by the control unit 15 to a user interface or another multifunction peripheral. Is made. The control means 15 is connected to a second image storage means 32, which is an example of a second storage means, and stores the script Sc cut out by the control means 15 and reads the script Sc using a password. Protected. In the script Sc, a password related to access to the storage unit 32 or a password related to access to an unencrypted storage unit, which is encrypted by an encryption algorithm in advance, is described. When data is received, the password is analyzed. Then, the second image storage means 32 is accessed.
[0060]
In addition to the second image storage unit 32, the control unit 15 is connected to an information communication unit 33 which is an example of a communication unit. The information communication unit 33 stores the script Sc and transmits the script Sc to a user interface or a user interface. If another MFP 100 is not set, the script Sc stored in the information communication unit 33 is executed.
[0061]
In this example, the information communication means 33 is provided with a means for requesting a password, and when executing the script Sc, the password is analyzed and the information communication means 33 is accessed. Further, the script Sc stored in the information communication unit 33 is transmitted to another user interface or another MFP, and the setting of the user interface or another MFP is changed again. In addition to such a function, the information communication unit 33 has a function of transmitting the document reading data D1 as FAX data D7 and receiving the FAX data D7 received from the terminal device of the other party.
[0062]
Next, an example in which the job parameter Jp is converted into the script Sc will be described. FIGS. 3A and 3B are image diagrams showing an example of conversion from the job parameter Jp to the script Sc.
[0063]
The job parameter Jp illustrated in FIG. 3A is an example specified by the user using the operation unit 17. The job parameter Jp is composed of various setting items and parameters corresponding thereto. In this example, the parameter “A4” is set for the setting item “document size”, and the parameter “tray 1” is set for the setting item “output destination tray”. Similarly, the parameter “A4” is set for the setting item “output paper size”. Further, a parameter “character” is set for the setting item “document type 1”, and a parameter “pencil” is set for the setting item “document type 2”. The parameter “3” is set for the setting item “density”, and the parameter “03-1234-5678” is set for the setting item “Fax transmission destination”.
[0064]
A script Sc as shown in FIG. 3B is generated from the job parameters Jp shown in FIG. 3A. The script Sc shown in FIG. 3B is created by the script generation unit 21 and the script processing unit 22 and described in a file.
[0065]
In this example, the script generation unit 21 shown in FIG. 1 generates a script Sc in a text format that can be edited from the job parameter Jp input by the operation unit 17. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a title such as [Job Parameter Setting Script] is described in a script Sc in a text format, and a job input date such as “Throw Day: 2002/04/05” is described below the title. It is described by a script Sc of the form.
[0066]
Below the date, the job submission time such as “Throw Time: am 10:24:32” is described by a script Sc in a text format, and below the submission time, the operation unit 17 such as “Script Info: Panel”. Is described in a text format script Sc, and a machine name such as “Machin Info: Machine 01” is described below the operation means 17 in the text format script Sc. In this way, a plurality of scripts can be linked to one file in association with the time information. Moreover, when the linked script is received, the job parameters Jp and the timing of the job submitted by the user can be reproduced.
[0067]
Further, a document reading setting column is provided after a title such as [Job Parameter Setting Script], and [Scan] and the like are described in a script Sc in a text format. "JobPara DocSize A4" or the like is described by a script Sc in a text format. Further, for the document type 1, "Set JobPara DocType1 Letter" and the like are described in a text script Sc, and for the document type 2, "Set JobPara DocType2 Pencil" and the like are described in a text script Sc.
[0068]
As for the density at the time of image formation, “Set Job Para Density 3” and the like are described in a script Sc in a text format. Further, regarding the document reading apparatus, “Set ScanImageName” Machine 01 / Copy Scan 01 ”and the like are described in a script Sc in a text format.
[0069]
Further, a print setting column is provided below the document reading setting column, and [Print] and the like are described in a script Sc in a text format. In the print setting column, "Set PrintImageName" Machin01 / CopyScan01 "and the like regarding the printer are text. It is described by a script Sc of the form. Further, for the output paper size A4, “Set JobPara PaperSize A4” and the like are described in a text format script Sc, and for the output destination tray “1”, “Set JobPara OutputTrayTray1” and the like are described in a text format script Sc. .
[0070]
Further, a Fax transmission destination field is provided below the print setting field, and [FaxComm] and the like are described in a script Sc in a text format. Etc. are described in a script Sc in a text format. As for the fax transmission destination, “Set JobPara FaxNumber 03-1234-5678” or the like is described in a script Sc in a text format.
[0071]
In this manner, the job parameter Jp input by the operation unit 17 can be converted into four scripts Sc by the script generation unit 21 and the script processing unit 22. Regarding this image forming job, the four scripts Sc, [Job Parameter Setting Script], [Scan], [Print], and [FaxComm] are linked to one file. By linking such four scripts Sc, it is possible to execute a plurality of jobs sequentially.
[0072]
4 to 7 are image diagrams showing display examples of the transition screens P1 to P7 on the display unit 18. FIG. 4A and 4B are image diagrams showing display examples of transition screens P1 and P2. The transition screen P1 shown in FIG. 4A is displayed, for example, by selecting a script mode on an initial screen (not shown). According to this display example, the display screen of the display means 18 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with an item column of “call script”, a touch key K1 of “OK”, and a touch key K2 of “return”. At the center of the display screen, there are provided a user ID input field and a password input field.
[0073]
The user enters a user ID or a password on the transition screen P1. The user ID, password, and the like are input using numeric keys (not shown) of “0” to “9” and symbol keys such as “*” and “#”. When these input operations are completed, the user presses the "OK" touch key K1.
[0074]
When the script is not registered in the transition screen P1, the display switches to the transition screen P2 as shown in FIG. 4B. On this transition screen P2, a message such as "There is no script for the specified user" is displayed. When this screen is displayed, the user presses the "return" touch key K3 to return from the transition screen P2 to the transition screen P1. This is because the script Sc is registered by inputting parameters from the beginning.
[0075]
In the case of an erroneous input of an ID / password or the like, the display is switched to a transition screen P3 as shown in FIG. 5A. On this transition screen P3, a message such as "The user ID or password is incorrect" is displayed. When this screen is displayed, the user presses the "return" touch key K2 to return from the transition screen P2 to the transition screen P1. This is for inputting the user ID, the password and the like again.
[0076]
When the “OK” touch key K1 is pressed on the above-described transition screen P1 of FIG. 4A, the display is switched to the transition screen P4 shown in FIG. 5B. On the transition screen P4, an item column of “script list” and a name column of “User Name: Taro Yamada” are displayed. Below this display, an image forming job display column is provided. As this image forming job, for example, “A4 one-sheet printer” is displayed for serial No. “001”, and below that is displayed for serial No. “002”. "B4 3 sheets copy" is displayed, "A4 6 sheets copy" is displayed below the serial number "003", and "A4 1 sheet printer" is displayed below the serial number "004" below it. I have.
[0077]
Further, touch keys K5, K6, K7, K8, and K9 of "combine", "change", "transfer", "delete", and "execute" are displayed below the image forming job display column. This is for registering each script Sc. In this example, when the “transfer” touch key K7 is selected and pressed, the display is switched from the transition screen P4 to the transition screen P5 shown in FIG. 6A. This is for registering “transfer” in the script Sc.
[0078]
On the transition screen P5, an item column of “script transfer” and a name column of “User Name: Taro Yamada” are displayed. Below this display, an image forming job display field is provided. As this image forming job, for example, "A4 single printer" is displayed for serial No. "001". Below that, a message field “Please select a transfer destination” is displayed. Below this message column, touch keys K12, K13, K14, K15 such as "MFP A", "MFP B", "Printer C", and "Printer D" are respectively displayed. The user selects a transfer destination such as a multifunction peripheral or a printer and presses the “OK” touch key K10. Thereby, "transfer" in the script Sc can be registered.
[0079]
When the user selects and presses the "change" touch key K6 in FIG. 5B, the display is switched from the transition screen P4 to the transition screen P6 shown in FIG. 6B. This is for registering “change” of the user ID in the script Sc. On the transition screen P6, an item column of "script change" and a name column of "User Name: Taro Yamada" are displayed. Below the display, an image forming job display field is provided. As the image forming job, for example, “B4 three copies” is displayed for serial No. “002”. Below that, a message field "Please enter the user name to be changed" is displayed. An input field for a user ID is displayed below the message field. Here, the user ID pertaining to the change is input and the touch key K13 of "OK" is pressed. Thereby, “change” of the user ID in the script Sc can be registered.
[0080]
Further, when the user selects and presses the touch key K5 of "COMBINATION" in FIG. 5B, the display is switched from the transition screen P4 to the transition screen P7 shown in FIG. This is for registering “combination” of the script Sc.
[0081]
On the transition screen P7, an item column of “script connection” and a name column of “User Name: Taro Yamada” are displayed. Below this display, an image forming job display field is provided, and as this image forming job, for example, “B4 three copies” of serial No. “002” is displayed. Below this, “A4 single printer” with serial No. “004” is displayed. In the center of the image forming job display field, a message such as "The above two scripts are combined to create the following script" is displayed. Below this message, “combination script 002/004 combination” is displayed as serial No. “006”. The user who has confirmed (agreeed) this connection presses the "execute" touch key K9. As a result, the combination of the script Sc of the serial No. “002” and the script Sc of the serial No. “004” can be registered.
[0082]
Subsequently, an operation example of the multifunction peripheral 100 regarding the image forming method according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example when a script is generated in the multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example at the time of script analysis in the multifunction peripheral 100.
[0083]
In this embodiment, it is assumed that an arbitrary image is formed based on the image data DIN. When an image forming job is submitted, a job parameter Jp is input for an arbitrary image. The input job parameter Jp is converted into an editable text script Sc. At the time of image formation, the job parameters Jp are analyzed from the script Sc. Here, a case will be taken as an example where the analyzed job parameter Jp is set and an image is formed based on the image data DIN. In this example, a description will be given of a script generation process and a script analysis process.
[0084]
[Script generation processing]
In this processing example, the job parameter Jp is converted into a script Sc when submitting a job so that the user can easily edit the text with a text editor or the like. That is, the job parameter Jp input by the user is converted into a text-form script Sc that can be edited.
[0085]
Under these processing conditions, parameter setting and a job are input from a user interface such as an LCD panel in step A1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. At this time, the user operates and inputs job parameters Jp as shown in FIG. The job parameter Jp is input to the control unit 15 as operation data D2.
[0086]
Then, in step A2, the control unit 15 or the script analysis unit 27 analyzes the parameter item name and its parameter value from the setting parameter. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step A3, where the parameter item name and the parameter value are converted into text data. At this time, the script generation unit 21 creates a script Sc in a text format that can be edited from the job parameter Jp input by the operation unit 17. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the script generation unit 21 describes the job submission time in the script Sc, or links a plurality of scripts Sc to one file for an image forming job. By linking a plurality of scripts Sc, a plurality of image forming jobs can be sequentially executed.
[0087]
The script processing unit 22 divides the script Sc created by the script generation unit 21 for the image forming job or the script Sc received and input from another information processing device other than the script generation unit 21 into independent jobs. It is done as follows. In this way, even if the job is a plurality of series of jobs registered by the user, the job parameter Jp can be divided for each independent job. Can be sent to the user. Therefore, the execution timing can be left to the user again. A copy of a highly confidential document or the like can be prevented from automatically starting printout, and can also be deleted from the registered job list, so that no job can be registered in appearance.
[0088]
Then, in step A4, a script (text data) Sc in a text format is output to the script storage unit 23 or the script transmission unit 24. At this time, the script Sc relating to the image forming job generated by the script generating unit 21 or the script Sc relating to the image forming job processed by the script processing unit 22, that is, the text data is stored (filed) in the script storage unit 23. . When transmitting a script to the display unit 18, the script is output through the script transmission unit 24. The display unit 18 displays a job registration list. This registration list is displayed by the display data D3.
[0089]
When the script is transmitted to another multifunction device or the like, the script is transmitted to the outside through the script transmission unit 24 and the information communication unit 33 under the control of the control unit 15. For example, the script transmission unit 24 transmits the script Sc created by the script generation unit 21 to the administrator or to the management unit. In this example, the control unit 15 controls the user interface or the script Sc transmitted to another multifunction peripheral 100 to delete the display of the job from the registration list of the display unit 18.
[0090]
[Script analysis example]
In this processing example, the job execution unit on the script information processing unit 12 analyzes the script Sc again, sets the job parameter Jp, and executes the image forming job. Therefore, only the unexecuted job can be transmitted to the user again, and the timing of resubmission can be prompted.
[0091]
Under these processing conditions, the script Sc is received in step B1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. At this time, for example, the control unit 15 receives the script Sc linked by the script generation unit 21 and sequentially executes each job. Of course, the script Sc may be received from the information processing device other than the script generating unit 21 for the image forming job via the script receiving unit 25.
[0092]
At this time, the script determination unit 26 determines whether the data received from another information processing device is the script Sc. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the script determination unit 26 determines whether the job is an operation input by the operation unit 17 or a job received and input from another information processing device other than the operation input by the operation unit 17. You may make it.
[0093]
In this example, when a script received and input from another information processing device is detected by the script determination unit 26, the control unit 15 retransmits the script Sc corresponding to the job received and input from the information processing device. It is made to prohibit. In this way, it is possible to prevent another person from transferring his / her own script Sc without permission and printing it with another device.
[0094]
Further, the control unit 15 detects whether or not there is a description that cannot be analyzed in the script Sc determined by the script determination unit 26. For example, if the script determination unit 26 determines that the data received from the information processing device is the script Sc, and the script Sc includes a description that cannot be analyzed, the control unit 15 indicates that analysis is not possible. Is transmitted to the transmission source of the script Sc.
[0095]
Then, in step B2, the description of the script Sc is analyzed. At this time, the script analyzing unit 27 receives the script Sc determined by the script determining unit 26 and analyzes the job parameter Jp from the script Sc. Of course, the job parameter Jp may be analyzed from the script Sc created by the script generation unit 21. Then, a value corresponding to the setting parameter of the own device is acquired from the script Sc, and the parameter of the own device is set.
[0096]
Thereafter, in step B3, parameters not described in the script Sc are determined. At this time, the control unit 15 detects whether or not the script Sc includes a description necessary for the job parameter Jp. If there is no description, control is performed such that the default value of the multifunction peripheral 100 for the missing information is set in the own device. Thereby, the default value of the own device can be set to the own device, and the image forming control can be smoothly performed.
[0097]
Then, the parameter setting is completed in step B4, and the image forming job is registered. At this time, an image forming job based on the job parameter Jp analyzed by the script analysis unit 27 is registered (recorded) in the job registration memory 19 as, for example, job registration data D4.
[0098]
When the image forming job is actually executed, a document is read by the job document reading unit 50 based on the job registration data D4, and the image data DIN is stored and stored in the first image storage unit 31 together with the script Sc. . The image data DIN stored in the first image storage unit 31 becomes image forming data DOUT, and is read out to the image writing unit 60 based on a preset job parameter Jp. In the image writing section 60, an electrostatic latent image is recorded on the photoconductor based on the image forming data DOUT.
[0099]
The image forming unit 80 forms an image based on the image data DIN on a sheet of a predetermined size fed from the sheet feeding unit 30. In the paper feeding means 30, paper feeding is controlled based on paper feeding control data D5 by the control means 15, and the output of the image forming means 80 is controlled based on density control data D6 and the like.
[0100]
As described above, according to the MFP 100 and the image forming method according to the embodiment of the present invention, when an arbitrary image forming job is executed based on a desired job parameter Jp, the script analysis unit 27 causes the script analysis unit 27 to execute editing / editing. A script Sc described in a browsable text format is input, and job parameters Jp are analyzed from the script Sc.
[0101]
Therefore, since the job parameters Jp can be easily reproduced from the script Sc described in the text format, the image forming means 80 sets the job parameters Jp analyzed by the script analyzing means 27 and forms an image based on the image data DIN. become able to.
[0102]
As a result, in addition to a user interface such as an existing input unit, an image forming job can be input from a personal computer capable of generating the script Sc or a non-dedicated electronic device such as a mobile phone connected to a network. Thus, the image forming function can be extended virtually without limitation.
[0103]
In addition, by using data that can be viewed and edited with a text editor as a basic interface, input means such as a dedicated user interface is not required.
[0104]
In this embodiment, the case of the multifunction peripheral 200 for black and white has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and similar effects can be obtained in the case of a multifunction peripheral or copier for color.
[0105]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes an analyzing unit that inputs an image forming program in a text format that can be edited and viewed, and analyzes image forming conditions from the image forming program. .
[0106]
With this configuration, the image forming conditions can be easily reproduced from the image forming program described in the text format. Therefore, in addition to the existing user interface, an image forming job can be input from a personal computer capable of generating an image forming program or a non-dedicated electronic device connected to a network such as a mobile phone. The image forming function can be extended without limitation.
[0107]
According to the image forming method of the present invention, when submitting an image forming job, image forming conditions are input for an arbitrary image, and the input image forming conditions are converted into an editable text-format image forming program. At the time of image formation, the image forming conditions are analyzed from the image forming program, the analyzed image forming conditions are set, and an image is formed based on the image information.
[0108]
With this configuration, in addition to the existing user interface, an image forming job can be input from a personal computer capable of generating an image forming program or a non-dedicated electronic device such as a mobile phone connected to a network. .
[0109]
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is extremely suitable when applied to a digital multifunction peripheral or a copier having a copying function, a facsimile function and a printer function.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cross section of a multifunction peripheral 100 to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the multifunction peripheral 100.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are image diagrams illustrating conversion examples of job parameters Jp → Script Sc. FIGS.
4A and 4B are image diagrams showing display examples of transition screens P1 and P2 on a display unit 18. FIG.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are image diagrams showing display examples of transition screens P3 and P4 on the display unit 18. FIGS.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are image diagrams showing display examples of transition screens P5 and P6 on the display unit 18. FIGS.
FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing a display example of a transition screen P7 on the display means 18;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example when a script is generated in the multifunction peripheral 100.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process at the time of script analysis in the multifunction peripheral 100.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 Script information processing means
15 control means
16 Image processing means
17 operation means
18 Display means
19 Job registration memory
21 Script generation means (program creation means)
22 Script processing means (program processing means)
23 Script storage means (program storage means)
24 Script transmission means (transmission means)
25 Script receiving means (receiving means)
26 Script determination means (program determination means)
27 Script analysis means (analysis means)
31 First Image Storage Unit (First Storage Unit)
32 Second image storage means (second storage means)
50 Image reading unit
60 Image writing unit
80 Image Forming Means
100 Multifunction machine (image forming apparatus)

Claims (20)

An apparatus that executes an arbitrary image forming job based on desired image forming conditions described in an image forming program in a text format that can be edited and viewed,
Analysis means for inputting the image forming program and analyzing the image forming conditions from the image forming program;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that sets the image forming conditions analyzed by the analyzing unit and forms an image based on image information. Input means for operating and inputting image forming conditions for the image forming job;
A program creating unit that creates an image forming program in a text format that can be edited from the image forming conditions input and operated by the input unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first storage unit configured to store an image forming program created by the program creating unit together with the image information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving unit that receives an image forming program from another information processing device other than the program creating unit with respect to the image forming job. Program determining means for determining whether the data received from the information processing device is an image forming program,
Control means for detecting whether there is a description that cannot be analyzed in the image forming program determined by the program determining means,
The control means includes:
When the data received from the information processing device is determined to be an image forming program by the program determining means,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when there is a description that cannot be analyzed in the image forming program, information indicating that the analysis is not possible is transmitted to a transmission source of the image forming program. An image forming program created by the program creating unit with respect to the image forming job, or a program processing unit that divides an image forming program received and input from another information processing device other than the program creating unit into independent jobs. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit the image forming program created by the program creating unit to a user interface or another image forming apparatus. The transmitting means,
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming program created by the program creating unit is transmitted to a manager or to a managing unit. A determination unit that determines whether the job is an operation input by the input unit or a job received and input from another information processing device other than the operation input by the input unit.
When the determination unit detects a job received and input from the information processing device, the control unit prohibits transmission of an image forming program corresponding to the job received and input from the information processing device again. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein Display means for displaying a job operation-input by the input means on a registration list;
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit configured to delete a display of the job from the registration list of the display unit with respect to the user interface or the image forming program transmitted to another image forming apparatus. apparatus. With respect to the image forming program and the image information stored in the first storage means, select whether to delete only the image forming program and leave the related image information or delete both the image forming program and the image information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a selection unit operated to perform the operation. In the program creating means,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a job input time is described in the image forming program. The program creating means links a plurality of image forming programs to one file for an image forming job,
The control means includes:
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming programs connected by the program creating unit are received and each job is sequentially executed. Monitoring means for monitoring the end of the currently executing job with respect to the image forming job;
A program extracting unit for extracting an image forming program of a job monitored by the monitoring unit,
When a preceding job is being executed and a waiting job is detected by the monitoring unit, an image forming program corresponding to the waiting job cut out by the program cutting unit is transmitted to a user interface or another image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein together with the job corresponding to the image forming program cut by the program cutting unit, image information related to the job is stored in the first storage unit. Detecting whether the image forming program includes a description necessary under the image forming conditions,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that sets a default value of the image forming apparatus with respect to missing information when the description is not provided. 3. A second storage unit that stores the image forming program and is protected by a password;
The image forming program includes:
A password related to access to the storage unit that has been encrypted by an encryption algorithm in advance, or a password related to access to the storage unit that is not encrypted is described.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein upon receiving data, the password is analyzed to access the storage unit. An information communication unit that stores the image forming program and can be attached to the image forming apparatus main body or can be connected to the apparatus main body;
If the user interface to which the image forming program is transmitted or another image forming apparatus is not set,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming program stored in the information communication unit is executed. The information communication means includes means for requesting a password,
18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, when the image forming program is executed, the password is analyzed to access the information communication unit. Transmitting the image forming program stored in the information communication means to another user interface or another image forming apparatus,
18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the setting of the user interface or another image forming apparatus is changed again. A method of forming an arbitrary image based on image information,
When submitting an image forming job,
Entering image forming conditions for the image,
Converting the input image forming conditions into an image forming program in an editable text format,
During image formation,
Analyzing the image forming conditions from the image forming program,
An image forming method, comprising: setting the analyzed image forming conditions and forming an image based on the image information.

Images