JP2005100019A - Image processor and data processing method, computer-readable storage medium having program stored thereon, and the program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely construct a system for easily implementing print process management by using media suitable for portability and security. <P>SOLUTION: This image processor for managing print process information necessary for acquiring print results with a predetermined printing device is configured to select various process data constituting print process information when the mounting of portable data is detected, and to register the print process information in the media when a print process based on the print process information including generated print image data and the selected various process data is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing process management technique, and more particularly to an on-demand printing system that prints a highly confidential order receiving document.

  Conventionally, when an orderer requests a printing work from a printing company, there is no way of knowing how each process is performed until the printed material becomes a printed material.

  And the quality of the printed matter depends on the unique technology of the printing process, and there was no way for the orderer to know the know-how.

  Moreover, even if the orderer expects the same print quality as when the previous request was made for printing, even if the orderer requested the same location depending on the settings of the operator and equipment, a satisfactory printed matter could not always be obtained.

  Furthermore, when printing a confidential document, it is necessary to prevent the printed matter itself or the contents of the printed matter from leaking out of the process in each step.

  However, the conventional technique for printing process management cannot perform such confidentiality management.

  Until now, printing companies have received and printed print data from orderers on removable media such as MO (magneto-optical) disks.

  In addition, with the recent progress in broadband technology in the Internet technology, with the spread of networks, printers have begun processing to receive data from orderers through online exchanges.

  On the other hand, USB flash memories are becoming popular as devices that are convenient for carrying data.

  USB flash memory can be installed on a normal personal computer without the need to install specific driver software using a USB interface that is standard on recent PCs and that also supports OS (eg WINDOWS (registered trademark) XP) as standard. The USB flash memory is most noted as a small removable medium.

  Currently, the memory capacity that can be used as a USB flash memory is gradually increasing to 128 MB, 256 MB, and the like, and a function that can restrict access by a password is also provided.

Conventionally, as this type of image processing system, the following Patent Document 1 is disclosed.
JP 2002-230372 A

  In conventional printing process management systems, it has been pointed out that the know-how of the printing company required by the orderer cannot be automatically collected, and the use of the information is restricted.

  In addition, the printing process management system includes information for ensuring security during the process of printed matter. However, when normal media is used, information for ensuring security is easily leaked. The above issues were also pointed out.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable an image processing apparatus capable of managing printing process information necessary to obtain a printing result with a predetermined printing apparatus. When detecting the loading of portable media, various process data constituting the printing process information is selected, and printing is performed at the end of the printing process based on the generated printing image data and the printing process information including the selected various process data. By registering the process information in the medium, the image processing apparatus, the data processing method, and the computer that can freely construct a system that can easily manage the printing process using a medium that is suitable for portability and security can be read. It is to provide a storage medium storing a simple program and a program.

  A first invention according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of managing printing process information required until a print result is obtained by a predetermined printing apparatus, and is a portable medium (USB memory 68 shown in FIG. 3). And a selection means (user interface 58 shown in FIG. 3) for selecting various process data constituting the printing process information, and print image data to be generated and the selection means selected when mounting on the medium is detected. It comprises registration means (system controller 54 shown in FIG. 3) for registering the printing process information in the medium at the end of the printing process based on the printing process information including various process data.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the selecting means includes start time, end time, worker, retry, device type, device name, connection form, paper type, number of color prints, number of black and white prints, ICC profile, data One or a plurality of process data necessary for creating a predetermined printed matter can be selected from process data including erasure, the number of misprints, and the number of finishes.

  A third invention according to the present invention is an authentication means for authenticating an access right to the medium by searching and collating ID information in the medium upon detection of attachment to the medium (system controller 54 shown in FIG. 3). It is characterized by having.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided control means for controlling processing of an image input / output device using the process data based on a print instruction from a user who has obtained an access right after authentication by the authentication means. The system controller 54 shown in FIG. 3 shown in FIG. 3 is provided.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image input / output device includes a printer unit including a plurality of paper discharge function processing units, a plurality of sheet post-processing function processing units, and a scanner unit for reading a document. It is characterized by.

  A sixth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the media can store viewerware for browsing the process data.

  A seventh invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the process data can be managed by a process ID.

  An eighth invention according to the present invention is a data processing method in an image processing apparatus capable of managing printing process information necessary until a printing result is obtained by a predetermined printing apparatus, and at the time of detecting the mounting of a portable medium, A selection step (not shown) for selecting various process data constituting the printing process information, and a printing process based on the printing process information including generated print image data and various process data selected by the selection step A registration step (step (1006) shown in FIG. 24) for registering the printing process information in the medium at the end is provided.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the selection step includes start time, end time, operator, retry, device type, device name, connection form, paper type, number of color prints, number of black and white prints, ICC profile, data One or a plurality of process data necessary for creating a predetermined printed matter can be selected from process data including erasure, the number of misprints, and the number of finishes.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is an authentication step (not shown) for authenticating an access right to the medium by searching for ID information in the medium and collating it when detecting attachment to the medium. And

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a program for realizing the data processing method according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects is stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a program for realizing the data processing method according to any of the eighth to tenth aspects.

  According to the present invention, in an image processing apparatus capable of managing printing process information necessary until a printing result is obtained by a predetermined printing apparatus, various process data constituting the printing process information is detected when portable media loading is detected. At the end of the printing process based on the selected printing image data and the printing process information including the selected various process data, the orderer requests confidentiality by registering the printing process information in the medium. Can be registered and managed on the media in a state where security is ensured.

  In addition, media with registered process data is installed in the image processing device, and new input image data is printed in the same or similar printing process using the process data created at any time, with high reproducibility. An image processing system capable of obtaining a print result can be freely constructed.

  Therefore, using a secure device for history management of printing process information results in a highly secure system.

  In addition, by recording the printing process information required by the orderer on various types of information accompanying the printing process on removable media, detailed verification of the cost of the print job and the improvement of the printing method when reprinting is requested There is an effect that the person can give instructions.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and all modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It is intended to encompass products, alternatives, and equivalents.

  The present invention will be described using an image processing system as an example. However, the creation and registration of printing process information, which will be described later, can be freely performed by a personal computer system that is separated from the image processing system. , Software for browsing and registering can be stored at the same time.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a printing process workflow in this type of image processing system. It is assumed that print data is sent from the print orderer by PDF.

  In FIG. 1, preflight is performed in phase 201. Preflighting is a process in which data is checked for problems before output. Check the font used in the print data, spot color (spot color), image mode, overprint, etc., and contact the client if there is a problem.

  In phase 202, a proof is printed and proofreading is performed. In this case, printing is performed using the color LBP, and the color and the like are confirmed with the orderer.

  Then, imposition is performed in phase 203. Each page of the print data is allocated according to the size of the paper to be used, the size of the final printed matter, and the bookbinding method.

  In phase 204, printing is performed. Here, a high-speed electrophotographic color copying machine is used. Of course, conventional printing processes such as plate making, printing plate, and offset printing may be used.

  In phase 205, the paper is folded by a paper folding machine. In phase 206, the sheet is cut into a predetermined size by a cutting machine. Then, in phase 207, binding is performed by a binding machine in a predetermined binding method, and bookbinding is performed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing system to which the image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied, and is of a type suitable for use in a preferred embodiment for processing a print job. This corresponds to an example digital printing system.

  In FIG. 2, the digital printing system 10 includes a document feeder 20, a print engine 30, a finisher 40, and a controller 50. Digital printing system 10 is coupled to image input section 60.

  FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing system shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image input section 60 sends a signal to the controller 50. In this example, the image input section 60 has on-site image input and enables the digital printing system 10 to provide printing services.

  In this example, the remote image input is a computer network 62 and the on-site image input is a scanner 64, but the digital printing system 10 can be coupled remotely or on-site to multiple networks or scan units.

  As another system, a stand-alone digital printing system including an on-site image input, a controller, and a printer may be considered. Although a particular digital printing system is shown and described, the present invention may be used as other types of printing systems, such as analog printing systems.

  The digital printing system 10 can be received in the form of a digital image signal to process image data that may include pixels from the computer network 62 via a suitable communication channel such as a telephone line, computer cable, ISDN line or the like.

  Typically, the computer network 62 includes clients that generate jobs that each include a plurality of electronic pages and image data in the form of a processing instruction set. Each job is converted into an expression written in a page description language (PDL) such as PostScript (registered trademark) including image data.

  When the PDL of the input image data is different from the PDL used in the digital printing system, the input PDL is converted into the PDL used in the digital printing system by an appropriate conversion unit. A suitable conversion unit may be provided in the interface unit 52 in the controller 50. As other remote image data sources, an FDD 66, a memory card 67, and a USB flash memory (USB memory) 68 which is a main element of the present case can be considered. These can also write log information and the like.

  For on-site image input, the operator may scan the document using the scanner 64 and provide the interface unit 52 with digital image data including pixels.

  Whether digital image data is received from scanner 64 or from computer network 62, interface unit 52 processes the digital image data in the form necessary to perform each programmed job. Interface unit 52 is preferably part of digital printing system 10, but computer network 62 or scanner 64 may share the function of converting digital image data into a form not used by digital printing system 10.

  As described above, the digital printing system 10 includes one or more (1 to N) feeders 20 (see FIG. 2), a print engine 30, one or more (1 to M) finishers 40, and a controller. 50.

  Each feeder 20 preferably includes one or more trays that feed various types of support to the print engine 30. In FIG. 3, all the feeders in the digital printing system 10 are collectively referred to as a supply unit 25, and all of the finishers 40 are collectively referred to as an output unit 45.

  The output unit 45 may include various types of finishers 40 such as an inserter, a stacker, a stapler, and a binder. The output unit 45 receives finished pages from the print engine 30 and uses them to finish into a finished product.

  The controller 50 controls and monitors the entire digital printing system 10 and interfaces to both on-site and remote input units in the image input section 60.

  The controller 50 includes an interface unit 52, a system controller 54, a memory 56, and a user interface 58. The system controller 54 receives print engine information from the sensors of the entire digital printing system 10.

  The user interface 58 includes a feeder 20 of the digital printing system 10, a print engine 30, and an area that holds a graphical representation or picture of the finisher.

  The user interface 58 then navigates through a series of menus by the operator highlighting, clicking, double-clicking, or opening a section of the graphical representation of the interface 58, and that element of the digital printing system. Reaching information and control on the document allows the document feeder 20, the print engine 30, and the finisher 40 to be monitored. Thus, a user (also referred to as an operator) can associate tasks performed on the user interface 58 with a physical location on the digital printing system 10, thereby enabling faster and more intuitive navigation. Preferably, the user interface 58 has a display screen 59.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a flash memory system including the USB memory 68 shown in FIG. 3, and schematically shows the main components of the flash memory device and the system.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the flash memory system 100 includes a host platform 101. The host platform 101 operates the USB flash device 102 as a non-volatile storage space. The host platform 101 here is a PC or a controller 50.

  The host platform 101 is connected to the USB flash device 102 according to the present invention via the USB cable 103. The host platform 101 is connected to the USB cable 103 via the USB host connector 104, while the USB flash device 102 is connected via the USB flash device connector 105. The host platform 101 includes a USB host controller 106 for controlling and processing all USB transfers on the USB bus.

  The USB flash device 102 controls the other elements of the USB flash device 102 and provides an interface to the USB bus of the USB flash device 102, a USB flash device connector 105, and at least One flash memory module 108. The flash memory module (flash component) 108 is preferably an array of multiple flash memory modules 108 in which data is stored.

  When the USB flash device 102 is connected to the host platform 101, standard USB enumeration processing begins. In this process, the host platform 101 recognizes the USB flash device 102 and forms a communication mode with the USB flash device 102.

  There are many different ways to configure the USB flash device 102, but for purposes of clarity, it is not intended to be limiting, and the host platform 101 sends commands and commands to the USB flash device 102 via the endpoint. The method of making a request will be described in detail.

  The host platform 101 queries the USB flash device 102 via other endpoints for state changes and receives any relevant packets to be received.

  The host platform 101 requests a service from the USB flash device 102 by sending a request packet to the USB host controller 106. The USB host controller 106 transmits a packet on the USB cable 103. If the USB flash device 102 is a device on the end point of this request, these requests are received by the USB control unit 107.

  Next, the USB control unit 107 reads various data from the flash memory module 108, performs various access operations such as writing or erasing data in the flash memory module 108, or lists and configures devices. Supports basic USB functions.

  The USB flash device controller 107 uses the control line 109 that controls the output of the flash memory module 108, and, for example, via various other signals such as chip enable and read / write signals. Control memory access to module 108.

  The flash memory module 108 is also connected to the USB flash device controller 107 by an address / data bus 110. The address / data bus 110 transfers read, write or erase commands to the flash memory module 108 and addresses and data for these commands as defined by the manufacturer of the flash memory module 108.

  In order to inform the host platform 101 about the results and status for various operations requested by the host platform 101, the USB flash device 102 transmits a status packet using a “status endpoint”. In this processing, the host platform 101 checks whether there is a status packet (polling), and the USB flash device 102 determines that an empty packet is used when there is no new status message packet, or alternatively, the status packet itself. return it.

  5 to 19 are diagrams for explaining examples of display screens including a series of menus and graphic representations displayed on the display screen 59 shown in FIG. 3, which are components or supplies of the digital printing system 10. Used for information or control.

  For example, the display screen example shown in FIG. 5 shows a printer status window 70 having a printer icon 72. The printer icon 72 includes a feeder icon AD, a print engine icon E, and a finisher icon FJ. However, as described above, feeder icons and finisher icons can be added or deleted so that the printer icon 72 correctly depicts the printing system that the operator is actually using. The printer status window 70 also includes a job progress meter 74, which is the total time required to finish the print job (eg, 33 minutes), the elapsed time since the print job started (eg, 28 minutes), and the rest. The operator is continuously informed of the time (eg 7 minutes). This allows the operator to choose whether to suspend or suspend the current job in order to process higher priority jobs.

  Also shown in FIG. 5 is a path access window 76 that provides access to information and control of the digital printing system 10.

  A display screen in which the print engine information 78 is shown in FIG. 6 by highlighting and clicking the print engine icon E in the printer status window 70 or by clicking the print engine icon / button in the path access window 76. Displayed as an example.

  Here, the print engine information is an outline of the current amount of consumables such as toner, the current magnification, registration (registration), and color curve setting. When the consumable item is clicked, more detailed consumable item information 80 about the current toner level in the print engine 30 is displayed as shown in the display screen example shown in FIG.

  This window shows the user the current toner level and the amount each job in the print ready queue (queue) needs. If the total amount of toner required by all jobs currently in the print ready queue exceeds the amount currently available, the system alerts the user that there is no toner. As an example, magenta is shown in this state. When all the jobs in the queue are combined, the amount of magenta toner that exceeds the remaining amount is required, so the system stops after 22 minutes. When the magnification is clicked, more detailed magnification information and a control window 82 are displayed as in the display screen example shown in FIG. By moving the slider control 83, the operator can adjust the magnification of the image printed on the support. Clicking on registration will give the operator more detailed information and control regarding the image on stock, the position of the back print, and the color adjustment, as shown in the example display screens shown in FIGS. Can be accessed.

  The tab for images to stock gives the control that allows the user to adjust the position of the image printed in the front side of the page (in either portrait or landscape). The back side print position adjustment tab allows the user to adjust the position of the image printed on the back side of the page (both in the vertical and horizontal directions) and print it on the front of the page when double-sided printing is possible. Gives controls that allow alignment with the image. The color registration tab provides controls that allow the user to individually adjust the relative position of each color (eg, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) on the page, either vertically or horizontally. .

  As described above, the operator can monitor the feeder 20 by highlighting and clicking the tray of the feeder as in the display screen example shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows a display of the information 92 of the tray 1 of the feeder A, and shows the attributes of the support material, ie, stock, currently in the tray 1 of the feeder A. From here, the operator can change the type of stock contained in the tray and can turn the tray override setting on or off. An overview of the attributes of the stock in each tray of each feeder is displayed by clicking on the feeder in the path access window 76 as in the example of the display screen shown in FIG.

  Similarly, the operator can monitor the finisher 40 by highlighting and clicking the finisher 40, for example, the tray 2 of the inserter F, as in the display screen example shown in FIG. FIG. 15 shows a display of the information 94 of the tray 2 of the inserter F, which shows the attributes of the support material or stock currently in the tray 2 of the inserter F. The inserter F inserts a preprinted material as necessary to complete the job. From here, the operator can change the type of stock contained in the tray and can turn the tray override setting on or off.

  When the stacker G, the stapler H, or the binder I is highlighted and clicked, the stacker information 95, the stapler information 96, and the binder information 97 are displayed as in the display screen examples shown in FIGS. . The operator can change some settings in these windows. In the stacker G setting window, the operator can use the unload button to adjust the offset and capacity limit settings. In the stapler and binder (H and I) settings window, settings can be entered for the color and type of staples (needles). In addition, you can turn on or off the options for folding, trimming, and rotating. The outline of the finisher information 98 of each finisher 40 is displayed by clicking the finisher icon / button of the path access window 76 as in the display screen example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a management table in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a process ID correspondence table for identifying a printing process in the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, process IDs are uniquely assigned to all work items that can be used in the printing process, and are used for process management.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of process information ID managed in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a list example of print process information that can be instructed for each process by the print orderer in this embodiment. . It should be noted that a history is recorded each time the process proceeds with the printing process information instructed by the print orderer.

  In FIG. 21, the start time indicates the time when the process is started (2002/12/12/15: 10), and the end time indicates the time when the process ends. Further, the worker shows a list of workers who are actually in charge of the process, and the retry indicates the number of times of redoing. The device type is the type name of the device actually used (for example, a product name manufactured by Canon Inc .; iRC3200), and the device name indicates the unique name of the device actually used (color MFP No. 5 or No. 6).

  The connection type indicates Inline or Offline, and the paper type indicates the paper name, paper size, vase amount, paper color, special paper (coated paper, non-coated paper, resack paper), preprint paper, etc. . In addition, the number of color prints, the number of black and white prints, and an ICC profile (color conversion profile) are shown. Further, data erasure indicates whether data remains in the device, the number of misprints indicates the number of failed prints, and the number of finished products indicates the number of finished products.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a printing process information list item selection screen in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and a printing process information list item selection screen for the print orderer to select in this embodiment. Corresponds to the example.

  The screen shown in FIG. 22 is for selecting a printing process information necessary for grasping a work history when a print orderer requests printing or using it as an instruction when reordering. Operate on the PC and enter ○ or × in the selection item. This selection result is put into a removable medium (USB memory) such as a USB flash memory.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the USB memory in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a memory map example of the USB memory used in the present embodiment.

  The USB memory is distributed to the orderer together with a print process information list setting software for print ordering, and the orderer uses the software to select the print process information and stores it in the USB memory 68. The printing process history table 221 is generated in the USB memory 68 according to the selected content by the writing software. The printing process history table 221 is a table including a process ID and printing process information selected by the orderer (in the example, 1 start time, 2 end time, 13 misprinted sheets).

  The state shown in FIG. 23 is a state in which work up to printing is completed, and the start time and end time of the process up to that point and the number of misprints are written in the USB memory. These data are written by the manager of each work process using the writing software on the PC, or the apparatus itself automatically enters the data into the USB memory 68 via the interface unit 52 after completing the work with the administrator authority. .

  It is also conceivable to improve the confidentiality of data by managing authentication processing so that general users cannot access each data in the USB memory 68 without a password set in the USB memory.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a process management procedure using the USB memory 68. In addition, (1001)-(1009) show each step. Note that the same processing is basically performed for any work item in the printing process as shown in FIG. Each step is executed by the system controller 54 loading a program corresponding to the processing into the memory 56.

  First, in step (1001), for example, it is checked whether or not the USB memory 68 shown in FIG. 3 is inserted into the USB insertion slot, and if it is determined that nothing is inserted, the USB memory 68 is inserted. The following processing is not performed until

  If it is determined in step (1001) that the USB memory is inserted, in step (1002), the printing process table in the USB memory 68 matches the process ID of the process that the apparatus is responsible for. It is checked whether the process to be performed is stored. Here, it is assumed that the apparatus corresponding to each work item of the printing process or its processing software holds a process ID corresponding to its own work content based on the process ID correspondence table shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1003) that the process corresponding to the process ID of the process handled by the apparatus is not stored in the printing process table in the USB memory, error processing is performed in step (1009). 2 and go to step (1007).

  As the error processing 2, for example, “This job does not work with this device” is displayed on the display screen 59 of the device.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1003) that the printing process table in the USB memory stores a process that matches the process ID of the process handled by the apparatus, the process proceeds to step (1004), and the USB Check the work completion flag of the process ID younger than the process that matches the process ID of the process that the device is in charge of, which is stored in the printing process table in the memory, and check whether all the processes are completed. If it is determined that all have been completed, the process proceeds to step (1005). If it is determined that all have not been completed, the process proceeds to step (1008) to display error processing 1 and display step (100). Go to 1007).

  As the error processing 1, for example, “This job requires other processing before work by this device” is displayed on the display screen 59 of the device.

  As for this error processing 1, the printing process table in the USB memory 68 is checked in the order of process ID, and according to the process that has not been completed, “This job needs to be executed first,” and next. The work items to be performed may be specified.

  Next, in step (1005), processing of the work item itself in the printing process is shown. For example, for printing, first, print process information (start time, operator, device type, device name, etc.) that can be entered in the print process history table 221 in the USB memory is set, and the data in the USB memory is used. Print.

  In step (1006), the printing process information (end time, number of misprints, etc.) selected by the orderer is added to the printing process history table 221 in the USB memory. In step (1007), the operator is instructed to remove the USB memory, and when it is detected that the USB memory has been removed, the process returns to step (1001).

  According to the above processing flow, the USB memory 68 is inserted, and if it is not determined that the process is correct, the process cannot be performed. The printing process information selected by the orderer for each process is accurately stored in the USB. Recorded in the memory 68.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIG. 24 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

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

  As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

  In the above embodiment, an example of a USB memory is described as a portable and portable memory medium. However, any other memory medium may be used as long as it is a portable and portable memory medium. However, the present invention is applicable.

It is a block diagram explaining the printing process workflow in this kind of image processing system. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing system to which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of main components of the USB flash memory device and system shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display screen containing a series of menus and graphic representation displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the management table in the image processing apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of process information ID managed in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the item selection screen of the list of the printing process information in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory map of the USB memory in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read with the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

30 Print Engine 45 Output Unit 50 Controller 52 Interface Unit 54 System Controller 56 Memory 59 Display Screen 60 Image Input Section 62 Computer Network 66 FDD
67 Memory card 68 USB memory

Claims (12)

An image processing apparatus capable of managing printing process information necessary for obtaining a printing result with a predetermined printing apparatus,
Portable media,
Upon detection of attachment to the media,
Selection means for selecting various process data constituting the printing process information;
Registration means for registering the print process information in the medium at the end of the print process based on the print process information including the generated print image data and various process data selected by the selection means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The selection means includes start time, end time, worker, retry, device type, device name, connection form, paper type, number of color prints, number of black and white prints, ICC profile, data erasure, number of misprints, number of finishes 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or a plurality of process data necessary for creating a predetermined printed matter can be selected from the process data.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit that authenticates an access right to the medium by searching and collating ID information in the medium when the medium is detected to be attached.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls processing of the image input / output device using the process data based on a print instruction from a user who has obtained an access right after authentication by the authentication unit. Image processing apparatus.   5. The image according to claim 4, wherein the image input / output device includes a printer unit including a plurality of paper discharge function processing units, a plurality of sheet post-processing function processing units, and a scanner unit for reading a document. Processing equipment.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the media can store viewerware for browsing the process data.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process data can be managed by a process ID. A data processing method in an image processing apparatus capable of managing printing process information necessary for obtaining a printing result with a predetermined printing apparatus,
A selection step of selecting various process data constituting the printing process information when detecting the mounting of a portable medium;
A registration step of registering the print process information in the medium at the end of the print process based on the print process information including the generated print image data and various process data selected in the selection step;
A data processing method comprising:   The selection step includes start time, end time, operator, retry, device type, device name, connection form, paper type, number of color prints, number of black and white prints, ICC profile, data erasure, number of misprints, and number of finishes. 9. The data processing method according to claim 8, wherein one or a plurality of process data necessary for creating a predetermined printed matter can be selected from the process data.   9. The data processing method according to claim 8, further comprising an authentication step of authenticating an access right to the medium by searching and collating ID information in the medium when the medium is detected to be attached.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for realizing the processing method according to claim 8.   The program which implement | achieves the processing method in any one of Claims 8-10.

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