JP2005258956A - Job management device, image formation support device, and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a job management device, an image formation support device, and an image formation system capable of stabilizing image quality of an output image by determining output sequence of print jobs in consideration of conditions of an image formation device. <P>SOLUTION: A job management section 630 comprises a job information obtaining section 632 obtaining input job information from a DFE unit 500, an output unit information obtaining section 634 obtaining information on system conditions from an IOT core unit 20 (for example, setup information on scheduled time of setup, and information on a wear degree of a component necessary for replacement), and a job editing section 636 determining output sequence of jobs so as to minimize an influence of the system conditions to image quality or productivity of recorded images on the basis of the obtained job information and the information on system conditions, and instructing the IOT core unit 20 to output the jobs in the determined sequence. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a job management apparatus, an image formation support apparatus, and an image formation system, and in particular, a job management apparatus that manages the output order of jobs, and an image formation support apparatus and an image formation having the configuration of the job management apparatus System.

  In conventional printing (for example, offset printing), intermediate products such as paper printing (printing paper) such as photosetting, block printing, net negative, net positive, PS plate (printing plate) are generated, and these intermediate products are used as the original. Printing and bookbinding. In recent years, with the popularization of DTP (DeskTop Publishing / Prepress), “direct printing” or “on-demand printing” for directly printing from DTP data is known. In DTP, printing data obtained by processing a page layout on a computer is formed on photographic paper or a plate-making film, and a printing plate is created and printed based on the printing data. In addition, CTP (Computer To Plate) that directly forms a printing plate with electronic data without generating an intermediate product is also attracting attention. As an apparatus that can be used for such a printing process, an image forming apparatus having a printing function such as a printer or a copying machine is known. Image forming apparatuses in recent years have been improved in color with improved image quality. For example, a color printer using an electrophotographic process (xerography) can form high-quality and high-speed images. In this image forming apparatus, print data can be output without receiving print data and generating a printing plate or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a conventional image forming system. As shown in FIG. 5A, the image forming system is composed of an image forming apparatus 11 and a DFE (Digital Front End Processor) apparatus that sends print data to the image forming apparatus 11 and gives a print instruction. ing. FIG. 5B shows a data flow.

  The DFE device has a drawing function and a printer controller (print control device) function. For example, the DFE device sequentially receives print data described in a page description language (PDL) from a client terminal, and receives the print data as a raster. The image data is converted into an image (RIP process; Raster image process), and the RIP-processed image data and print control information (job ticket) such as the number of printed sheets and paper size are sent to the image forming apparatus 11, and the print engine of the image forming apparatus 11 And the paper conveyance system is controlled to cause the image forming apparatus 11 to execute the printing process. That is, the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 11 is controlled by a printer controller by the DFE apparatus. The print data includes four colors (YMCK) of three basic colors for color printing, ie, yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M), and black (K). Sent to.

  The image forming apparatus 11 records an image on printing paper by using an electrophotographic process. An image output terminal (IOT) module 12 and a feed module (FM; Feeder Module) connected to the IOT module 12 are used. 5) A user interface device 18 for supporting the input of various data including an output module 17 and a touch panel. The IOT module 12 includes a toner supply unit 22 on which YMCK toner cartridges 24 are mounted, and an IOT core unit 20. The IOT core unit 20 has a so-called tandem configuration in which print engines (printing units) 30 having an optical scanning device, a photosensitive drum, and the like are arranged in a line for each color and in the belt rotation direction, and controls the print engine 30. An electric system control storage unit 39 for storing an electric circuit or the like is provided. In the IOT core unit 20, the toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred (primary transfer) to the intermediate transfer belt 43, and then the toner image is transferred to the printing paper (secondary transfer). Multiple transfer is performed on the intermediate transfer belt 43. The image (toner image) transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 43 is transferred onto the printing paper conveyed from the feed module 15 at a predetermined timing, and the toner image is melted and fixed on the paper by a fixing device (Fuser) 70. Is done. Thereafter, the paper is discharged out of the apparatus via the paper discharge processing device 72. Further, during double-sided printing, a sheet of paper that has already been printed on one side is temporarily held on a paper discharge tray (stacker) 74, pulled out from the paper discharge tray 74, reversed through a reverse conveyance path 49, and again IOT core unit 20 Passed to.

  When this system is used, in order to realize a demand for high-performance and high-speed image formation processing (print processing) (for example, color printing of 100 sheets to 200 sheets / minute or more), the image forming apparatus supports In addition, the printer controller, which is a print control portion for the RIP processing and the output side image recording unit, needs to be high speed and high performance.

  However, the DFE device not only performs RIP processing on PDL data from the client terminal, but also rearranges pages according to the print job (rearrangement in ascending / descending order, determination of processing page order in duplex printing, position shift for finisher, etc. ), And additional processing such as data conversion (for example, gray balance and color misregistration calibration) in accordance with output-side processing characteristics such as a print engine and a fixing device. For this reason, a dedicated and independent apparatus configuration in which the DFE apparatus and the image forming apparatus 11 are connected with a dedicated communication protocol has been adopted.

  Also, in order to facilitate the development of high-performance and high-performance systems, an image forming support device (BEP device: Back End Processor) having a printer controller function that performs control depending on the output side is arranged. Is also possible. The BEP device receives the image data processed by the front-end processor independently of the processing characteristics of the image recording device, and sequentially sends the image data to the image recording device according to the processing characteristics on the output side. Control the print process. As a result, when processing or recovery processing adapted to an output form based on a request from a client is performed, it is possible to cope with the processing regardless of the front-end processor.

On the other hand, in an image forming system including an image forming apparatus, setup is performed at predetermined intervals in order to stabilize the image quality of an output image. It is also possible to change the job output order according to a user instruction (Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-65784

  However, if setup is performed at a predetermined interval, there is a problem that a print job may be interrupted in the middle. For example, in an apparatus that performs setup every 1800 sheets, even if the number of unoutputted sheets is only 20 sheets, setup is performed once when 1800 sheets are output. As described above, the setup is performed to stabilize the image quality of the output image. However, if the setup is performed during execution of one print job, the image quality (for example, color) of the output image changes before and after the setup. There is a problem of doing.

  On the other hand, to prevent setup from being executed during the execution of a print job, the execution of the setup is postponed and the setup is subsequently executed after the print job is executed, or the setup is executed before the next print job is executed. It is possible. However, when the print job to be executed is a multi-page and a large number of copies, there is a problem that the execution of the setup is postponed for a long period of time, and a problem occurs in the output image due to a decrease in image forming performance.

  Also, in the image forming apparatus, the output setting is changed according to the print job, such as changing the process speed according to the type of the recording medium, changing the screen according to the image density. However, there is a problem that the stability of the image forming operation is lowered every time the output setting is changed. That is, when a plurality of jobs are output, the image quality of the output image is deteriorated when the jobs are output at random as compared with the case where the same type of jobs that do not require changing the output setting are continuously output.

  As described above, if the print jobs are executed in the input order without considering the state of the image forming apparatus, the image quality of the output image is deteriorated. In the method described in Patent Document 1, the job output order is changed. However, the output order is determined by the user's intention, and the state of the image forming apparatus such as the setup execution time and the output setting is not considered.

  As described above, even when a BEP device is provided separately from the front-end processor, if a print job is executed without considering the state of the image forming device, the same problem occurs, and the system is substantially reduced. There is a problem that it cannot cope with higher performance and higher functionality.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to stabilize the image quality of an output image by determining the output order of a print job in consideration of the state of the image forming apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a job management apparatus, an image forming support apparatus, and an image forming system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the job management apparatus of the present invention acquires information related to the state of the image forming apparatus, such as the timing of setup, the degree of wear of parts that need to be replaced, and the output settings such as process speed and screen, By changing the output order of multiple print jobs from the information about the status and job information included in the print job (for example, the number of output sheets) so that the influence on the image quality of the output image is minimized, the print job Determine the output order.

  An image forming support apparatus installed between a front-end processor having an image data generation apparatus that processes a print job and generates image data of each page and an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium (Back-end processor) may have the configuration of the job management apparatus.

  Further, an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium, a front-end processor including an image data generation apparatus that processes a print job and generates image data of each page, the front-end processor, and the image recording apparatus And an image forming support apparatus that receives the image data of each page from the front end processor and sends the image data to the image recording apparatus to control the image recording apparatus. The image forming support apparatus may include the configuration of the job management apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that the image quality of an output image can be stabilized by determining the output order of print jobs in consideration of the state of the image forming apparatus.

  First, before describing an embodiment of the present invention, an aspect of a job management apparatus of the present invention will be described. Also, aspects including embodiments of various technical matters will be described together.

[Aspect]
<First aspect> is output device information for acquiring information related to a scheduled time when the setup is performed from an image recording device that performs the setup in order to stably maintain the image quality and records the image on a recording medium. An acquisition unit, a job information acquisition unit for storing the input print job and acquiring job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job, the job information, and the scheduled time The output order of the print jobs stored in the job information acquisition unit is determined so that the influence of the setup on the image quality of the recorded image is minimized within the same print job. A job editing unit that instructs the image recording apparatus to output a print job.

  In this aspect, the output device information acquisition unit acquires information related to the scheduled time when setup is performed from the image recording device. The job information acquisition unit stores the input print job and acquires job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job. Based on the job information acquired in this way and information related to the scheduled time, the job editing unit prints stored in the job information acquisition unit so that the influence of the setup on the image quality of the recorded image is minimized within the same print job. The job output order is determined, and the image recording apparatus is instructed to output the print job in the determined order.

  As described above, in this aspect, job information (for example, the number of output sheets) for determining the output order of jobs included in the accumulated print job, information on the scheduled time when the image recording apparatus is set up, Therefore, the output order of the print jobs stored in the job information acquisition unit is determined so that the influence of the setup on the image quality of the recorded image is minimized within the same print job. The influence of the setup on the image quality of the image can be reduced, and the image quality of the output image can be stabilized.

  <Second aspect> is an output device information acquisition unit that manages the degree of wear of a component that needs to be replaced and acquires information about the degree of wear of the component from an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium; A job information acquisition unit for storing the input print job and acquiring job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job; and information on the job information and the degree of consumption of the components; The output order of the print jobs accumulated in the job information acquisition unit is determined so that the influence of the stop of the output operation on the image quality of the recorded image is minimized within the same print job, and the determined order is And a job editing unit that instructs the image recording apparatus to output the print job.

  In this aspect, the output device information acquisition unit acquires information related to the degree of component consumption from the image recording device. The job information acquisition unit stores the input print job and acquires job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job. Based on the job information thus obtained and information on the degree of consumption of parts, the job editing unit obtains a job information acquisition unit so that the effect of stopping the output operation on the image quality of the recorded image is minimized within the same print job. The output order of the print jobs stored in is determined, and the image recording apparatus is instructed to output the print jobs in the determined order.

  As described above, in this aspect, recording is performed within the same print job based on the job information for determining the output order of the jobs included in the accumulated print job and the information on the degree of wear of the components of the image recording apparatus. The output order of print jobs stored in the job information acquisition unit is determined so that the effect of parts replacement on the image quality is minimized, so the effect of parts replacement on the image quality of recorded images within the same print job is reduced. And the image quality of the output image can be stabilized.

  <Third Aspect> is input to an output device information acquisition unit that acquires information related to the current output setting from an image recording device that changes output settings according to a print job and records an image on a recording medium. Based on the job information acquisition unit that stores job information for determining the output order of the jobs included in the stored print job, and the job information and information on the current output setting The output order of the print jobs stored in the job information acquisition unit is determined so that the influence of the change of the output setting on the image quality or productivity of the recorded image is minimized, and the print jobs in the determined order are determined. A job editing unit that instructs the image recording apparatus to output.

  In this aspect, the output device information acquisition unit acquires information related to the current output setting from the image recording device. The job information acquisition unit stores the input print job and acquires job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job. Based on the job information acquired in this way and information related to the current output setting, the job editing unit stores the job information in the job information acquisition unit so that the influence of the output setting change on the image quality or productivity of the recorded image is minimized. The print job output order is determined, and the image recording apparatus is instructed to output the print job in the determined order.

  As described above, in this aspect, the image quality or production of the recorded image is determined based on the job information for determining the output order of the jobs included in the accumulated print job and the information on the current output setting of the image recording apparatus. The output order of the print jobs stored in the job information acquisition unit is minimized so that the influence of the change in output setting on productivity is minimized, that is, the influence including the decrease in productivity due to the change in output setting is minimized. Therefore, even when a plurality of print jobs are executed, it is possible to reduce the influence of the change of the output setting on the image quality of the recorded image, and to stabilize the image quality of the output image.

Embodiment
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Image forming system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. The image forming system includes a high-speed LAN (Local Area Network) based on a general-purpose communication protocol, and a client terminal for inputting electronic data (print data) described in, for example, a page description language (PDL) to the high-speed LAN. 400 and 402 are connected. The client terminals 400 and 402 are computers capable of executing various application programs under different operating systems (OS). A scanner device 410 that reads an image of a document and outputs the image data is also connected to the high-speed LAN. The high-speed LAN includes DFE devices 500, 502, 504, 506, and 508, BEP (Back End Processor) devices 600, 602, and 604 as image forming support devices according to the present invention, which will be described in detail later. A CTP device 702 that directly creates a printing plate with data is connected.

  Printing is performed in the press device 710 using the printing plate created by the CTP device 702. Further, a BEP device 600 is connected to the CTP device 702 in parallel (to a high-speed LAN). A high-speed printer 746 similar to the image forming apparatus 11 is connected to the BEP device 600.

  An output device 730, high-speed printers 740 and 742 having the same configuration, and a CTP device 700 are connected to the output side of the BEP device 604 connected to the high-speed LAN. The output device 730 and the high-speed printers 740 and 742 perform print output, and the CTP device 700 creates a printing plate. The DFE device 502 is connected to printer proofers 720 and 722 having the same configuration via the BEP device 602. The printer proofers 720 and 722 are for confirming output for printing, and may function as an example of an image forming apparatus.

  The DFE device 504 is connected to a high-speed printer 744, and the DFE device 504 and the high-speed printer 744 are responsible for a department in charge of on-demand printing processing. The DFE device 506 is connected to the output device 732, and the DFE device 508 is connected to the large output device 750. The configuration including the DFE device 506 and the output device 732 and the configuration including the DFE device 508 and the large output device 750 are the same as the configuration of the conventional image forming apparatus.

  The image forming system according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which CTP and an apparatus having a POD (print on demand) function can be mixed in the same system. This is because the BEP device according to the present embodiment has a function for variously processing the data after the print data from the client is converted into raster data (RIP processing).

[Configuration example]
In the image forming system having the above configuration, in order to simplify the description of the embodiment of the present invention, a representative example of a configuration in which a printing plate is created and printed and a configuration in which printing is performed without creating a printing plate are described as an embodiment. Will be described. That is, the configuration A in the case of forming an image using the client terminal 400, the DFE device 500, the CTP device 700, and the press device 710, the client terminal 400, the DFE device 500, the BEP device 600, and the high-speed printer 746 ( The configuration B in the case of forming an image using the apparatus of the image forming apparatus 11) will be described.

  The DFE apparatus 500 has a function of converting data from the client terminal 400 into raster data (RIP processing) and compressing the converted raster image. In this embodiment, the DFE apparatus 500 includes the image forming apparatus 11. Does not require a printer controller function to perform a dependent print control function. That is, the DFE device 500 may have a configuration mainly having only a function of RIP processing.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention. In other words, the configuration A in which an image instructed to be printed by the client terminal 400 is RIPed by the DFE device 500 and a printing plate is created by the CTP device 702 and then printed by the press device 710, and the RIP image is sent via the BEP device 600. The configuration B for printing by the high-speed printer 746 (image forming apparatus 11) will be described as an embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention. FIG. 2A shows an outline of a system configuration including the configuration A and the configuration B in the present embodiment, and FIG.

[Configuration A]
In the configuration A, printing is performed using a CTP device 702 that creates a printing plate, a DFE device 500 that outputs print data to the CTP device 702 and instructs printing plate creation, and a printing plate created by the CTP device 702. The press apparatus 710 constitutes a system.

  Since this configuration A is the same as the conventional printing process, detailed description is omitted, but the DFE apparatus 500 is configured by a front end processor (FEP) unit or a ROP (Raster OPeration) process by a front engine. A function of converting data from the client terminal 400 into raster data (RIP processing) and compressing the converted raster image is provided. The DFE apparatus 500 mainly executes only the RIP process in order to create a printing plate. A plate is created by the CTP device 702 from the raster data of the RIP-processed raster image (compressed). An image is pressed on a printing medium by a press device 710 using the printing plate created by the CTP device 702, and printing is performed.

  In the configuration A, the case where the CTP device 702 is connected to the high-speed LAN and the printing plate is created from the print data from the DFE device 500 has been described. However, the CTP device 702 is connected via the BEP device 600. Alternatively, the BEP device 604 and the CTP device 700 in FIG. 1 may be configured. In this case, as described in the configuration B below, the BEP apparatus 600 performs processing depending on the downstream apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 11 and outputs the data based on the print data from the DFE apparatus 500. When the CTP device 700 is adopted as the downstream device, the BEP device 600 performs processing depending on the CTP device 700 and outputs data.

[Configuration B]
Next, the configuration B includes an image forming apparatus 11, a DFE apparatus 500 that passes print data to the image forming apparatus 11 and gives a print instruction, and a BEP apparatus 600 provided between the image forming apparatus 11 and the DFE apparatus 500. Configure the system.

  The image forming apparatus 11 includes an IOT module (IOT main body) 2, a feed module (FM) 5, an output module 17, and a user interface device 18 such as a personal computer (PC). The feed module 15 may have a multistage configuration. Moreover, you may provide the connection module which connects between each module as needed. Further, a finisher (finisher) module may be connected to the subsequent stage of the output module 17. As the finisher module, for example, there are a stacker for stacking sheets and a stapler for binding one or more places, or a punching mechanism for punching holes.

  The DFE device 500 has a function of converting data from the client terminal 400 into raster data (RIP processing) and compressing the converted raster image, and mainly performs RIP processing. This data is processed by the BEP device 600 and output to the image forming apparatus 11.

  The BEP device 600 has a process control function depending on the image forming apparatus 11, but this control function may be instructed by the user interface device 18 or may be determined in advance. When instructing by the user interface device 18, the user interface device 18 has an input device such as a keyboard or a GUI (Graphic User Interface) function for receiving an instruction input while presenting an image to the user, and depends on the image forming apparatus 11. What is necessary is just to comprise so that a process may be instruct | indicated.

  The BEP device 600 enables efficient high-speed output by using the RIP processed data stored in the DFE device. That is, the BEP device 600 generates a command code based on the print control information received from the DFE device 500, and controls the processing timing of each unit in the image forming apparatus 11 according to the engine characteristics. Further, the BEP device 600 completes the spool processing so as to match the engine characteristics of the IOT module 12, the feed module 15, the output module 17, etc., and then passes the image data to the IOT module 12.

  For example, data including a raster base image subjected to RIP processing is sent from the DFE device 500 to the BEP device 600. As this data, in addition to compressed raster-based image file data such as TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format, the number of copies, double-sided / single-sided, color / monochrome, composite printing, presence / absence of sorting, presence / absence of stapler, etc. are printed. Control information and the like are included.

  Rotation, page allocation (N-UP) within one sheet, repeat processing, paper size adjustment, CMS (Color Management System) for correcting device differences, resolution conversion, contrast adjustment Processing related to RIP processing such as compression ratio designation (low / medium / high) is processed by the DFE device 500, and the control command is not notified to the BEP device 600 (non-notification).

  In addition, collation (booking), double-sided printing, stamping / punching / stapler finisher devices or paper tray alignment processing, discharge surface (up / down) alignment, calibration processing such as gray balance and color shift correction As for screen designation processing and the like (IOT-dependent processing) that is strongly related to the processing characteristics of the image forming apparatus 11, the BEP device 600 processes the control command through the DFE device 500.

  As described above, the DFE device side of this embodiment transfers one job (JOB) unilaterally to the BEP device side in the order of RIP processing without depending on the engine characteristics, and rearranges pages for printing on the BEP device side. To do.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual block diagram that focuses on the flow of data when the BEP device 600 is interposed between the DFE device 500 and the image forming device 11.

  The DFE device 500 receives print data (hereinafter referred to as PDL data) described in PDL from the client terminal 400, and temporarily stores the PDL data once, and reads and interprets the PDL data from the data storage unit 502. And RIP processing unit 510 that generates (rasterizes) image data (raster data) in units of pages, and a compression processing unit 530 that compresses the image data generated by RIP processing unit 510 according to a predetermined format. An interface unit 542 is provided following the compression processing unit 530. The RIP processing unit 510 develops PDL data to generate image data. Therefore, the RIP processing unit 510 incorporates a PDL interpretation unit and a decomposer functioning as an imager, a so-called RIP engine. When the RIP processing unit 510 reads the PDL data, the RIP processing unit 510 notifies the job information acquisition unit 632 (to be described later) to that effect. The compression processing unit 530 compresses the image data from the RIP 510 and immediately transfers the compressed image data to the BEP device 600.

  On the other hand, the BEP device 600 receives and holds compressed image data processed by the DFE device 500 regardless of the print job and the processing characteristics of the print engine 30 (for example, processed asynchronously with the processing speed of the print engine 30). The compressed image data is read from the image storage unit 602 and the compressed image data from the image storage unit 602, and the compressed image data on the DFE device 500 side is read out, corresponding to the compression processing of the compression processing unit 530 on the DFE device 500 side. A decompression processing unit 610 is provided that performs decompression processing and sends the decompressed image data to the IOT core unit 20 side. The decompression processing unit 610 has image editing functions such as image rotation, image position adjustment on paper, enlargement or reduction, and the like for image data read from the image storage unit 602 and decompressed. A data receiving unit 601 is provided in the previous stage of the image storage unit 602, and an output side interface unit 650 is provided in the subsequent stage of the decompression processing unit 610.

  The BEP device 600 also includes a print control unit 620 that functions as a printer controller that controls each unit of the BEP device 600 and the IOT core unit 20 depending on the processing performance of the IOT core unit 20, and a job output to the IOT core unit 20. A job management unit 630 for instructing the order.

  The print control unit 620 interprets (decodes) the job ticket from the DFE device 500 or receives a user instruction via the GUI unit 80, and outputs an output form (in accordance with the processing characteristics of the print engine 30, the fixing device 70, or the finisher). An output form specifying unit 622 for specifying the image position in the page or the page discharge order and orientation), and each part such as the print engine 30, the fixing device 70 or the finisher so that the printed matter is output in the specified output form. And a control unit 624 for controlling. The output form specifying unit 622 has a function as an output form information acquiring unit that receives information regarding the output form desired by the client.

  The job management unit 630 includes a job information acquisition unit 632 that acquires job information input from the DFE device 500, and information related to the device state from the IOT core unit 20 (for example, setup information regarding a scheduled time when setup is performed, exchange of information) Output device information acquisition unit 634 that acquires information on the degree of wear of necessary parts), and the influence of the device state on the image quality or productivity of the recorded image is minimized based on the obtained job information and information on the device state. And a job editing unit 636 that instructs the IOT core unit 20 to output jobs in that order.

  Therefore, in the DFE device 500, the image data rasterized (drawn and developed) from the page description language by the RIP processing unit 510 is transferred to the BEP device 600 side in the order of pages. The BEP device 600 temporarily stores the image data transferred from the DFE device 500 in the image storage unit 602 that functions as a buffer. The decompression processing unit 610 reads the compressed image data from the image storage unit 602 and decompresses it, assembles page data according to a print job designated from the client terminal or the DFE device 500 (rearrangement of page data), Prepare for transfer to the designated print engine. The BEP device 600 sends page data to the IOT core unit 20 in a predetermined order at a speed that maximizes engine productivity while exchanging control commands in synchronization with the processing speed of the print engine 30.

  In this way, the DFE device 500 side only needs to unilaterally transfer one job (JOB) to the BEP device 600 side in the order of RIP processing without depending on the engine characteristics. The BEP device 600 is in charge of processing depending on the print job and the print engine 30 such as rearranging pages for printing.

  In this configuration, processing related to the RIP processing is performed by the DFE device. However, when the RIP processing needs to be performed again, the image is not requested to the DFE device 500 for re-RIP processing (independent of the DFE device 500). The data stored in the storage unit 602 is reused. Thereby, the re-RIP process in the DFE apparatus 500 becomes unnecessary. In addition, the BEP device 600 having a performance adapted to the processing characteristics on the output side such as the print engine can be processed depending on the processing characteristics on the output side in the BEP device 600 connected to the print engine 30 or the like.

  For example, when outputting in the output format desired by the client, an example of requiring processing that depends on processing characteristics on the output side, and reprocessing related to RIP processing is a page within one sheet. There are layout (N-UP), repeat processing, paper size adjustment, CMS (Color Management System) for correcting device differences, resolution conversion, contrast adjustment, compression ratio designation (low / medium / high), and the like.

  In addition, as an example of the case where processing dependent on the processing characteristics of the image forming apparatus 11 (for example, the print engine) on the output side (depending on processing strongly related to the processing characteristics on the output side) is required, image rotation (Rotation) is required. , Collation, double-sided printing, stamping, punching, stapler, and other finisher devices or paper tray alignment processing (shift: image shift), discharge surface (up / down) alignment, gray balance and color There are calibration processing such as misalignment correction and screen designation processing.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a usage example of the system according to the present embodiment. 4A is an explanatory diagram of processing of the back-end processor in relation to the output form based on the client instruction, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram of processing of the back-end processor when an abnormality occurs on the output side. It is.

  As shown in the first item of FIG. 4A, when the output form specifying unit 622 having the function of the output form information acquiring unit receives information indicating a double-sided output instruction as information regarding the output form desired by the client. The control unit 624 generates a single-sided image in sequence order depending on processing characteristics of the print engine 30 and the fixing device 70 on the output side, and outputs them to the print engine 30 side. The unit 610 is controlled. As a result, double-sided images are generated in the sequence order depending on the processing characteristics on the output side.

  For example, the BEP device 600 outputs the images to the print engine 30 in the order of the sequence on the belt on the print engine 30 side based on the duplex discharge instruction (client instruction) specified via the DFE device 500. More specifically, the DFE apparatus 500 includes the first sheet (P1T) → first sheet back (P1B) → second sheet table (P2T) → second sheet table (P2B) → third sheet table (P3T). RIP processing is performed in order such that the back of the third sheet (P3B) →... And the generated image data is sent to the BEP device 600 in order.

  On the other hand, in the BEP device 600, the first sheet table (P1T) → second sheet table (P2T) → third sheet table (P3T) → fourth sheet table (P4T) → fifth sheet table (P5T) → There may be a sequence such as the first back (P1B) → the sixth front (P6T) → the second back (P2B) → the seventh front (P7T) → the third back (P3B) →. This arrangement order varies depending on processing characteristics related to the printing speed of the apparatus.

  Also, as shown in the second item of FIG. 4A, the DFE device 500 performs the color components Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) in parallel for each page. RIP processing is performed, and YMCK image data is sent to the BEP device 600 for each page. In this case, when the print engine 30 is a four-cycle engine that processes in the order of Y → M → C → K, the BEP device 600 basically (at one-side printing), the first sheet Y (yellow) → 1st sheet M (magenta) → 1st sheet C (cyan) → 1st sheet K (black) → 2nd sheet Y → 2nd sheet M → 2nd sheet C → 2nd sheet K → ... Rearrange the target pages.

  When double-sided printing is incorporated, as shown in the third item of FIG. 4A, the DFE device 500 performs page-to-back order for each page, that is, the first sheet table (P1YMKT) → first sheet. Image data is sent to the BEP device 600 in the order of back (P1YMCKB) → second sheet front (P2YMCKT) → second sheet back (P2YMCKB) →. Correspondingly, the BEP device 600, for example, has a first sheet Y table (P1YT) → first sheet M table (P1MT) → first sheet C table (P1CT) → first sheet K table (P1KT) → two sheets. Table Y table (P2YT) → Second sheet M table (P2MT) → First sheet Y back (P1YB) → Second sheet C table (P2YT) → First sheet M back (P1MB) → Second sheet K table (P2KT) ) → ... and rearrange in order.

  In this way, without affecting the DFE device 500 side (without giving a load to the DFE device 500), depending on the processing characteristics on the output side (including the configuration form of the print engine), on the BEP device 600 side, Image formation can be controlled in the order of sequences adapted to the device.

  Further, as shown in the fourth item of FIG. 4A, the output form specifying unit 622 having the function of the output form information acquiring unit includes information indicating an instruction related to collation as information on the output form desired by the client. When accepted, the control unit 624 controls the expansion processing unit 610 in the BEP device 600 so as to perform collation processing according to the discharge surface depending on the processing characteristics of the output side (image recording unit). Accordingly, the printed material can be discharged in a direction desired by the client without depending on the output processing characteristics on the output side.

  For example, when either one of upward FU (FACE up) and downward FD (FACE down) can be selected as the discharge surface instruction, the result of the downward FD is in page order. Output from the first page. However, since the completion is in page order during upward FU, output (reordering of pages to be processed) is required from the last page of the job. Since the BEP device 600 of the present embodiment can read and process a desired page from the image storage unit 602, the BEP device 600 does not affect the DFE device 500 side (without giving a load to the DFE device 500). The pages can be rearranged and read from the image storage unit 602, decompressed, and output to the print engine 30.

  Further, as shown in the fifth item in FIG. 4A, the output form specifying unit 622 having the function of the output form information acquiring unit includes information indicating an instruction related to the closing position as information on the output form desired by the client. When accepted, the control unit 624 controls the expansion processing unit 610 in the back-end processor BEP 600 so as to adjust the closing position depending on the processing characteristics of the output side (image recording unit).

  Therefore, even when a finisher device (option) such as a stamp, a stapler, or a punch hole is attached, the DFE device 500 side is not affected (the load is not applied to the DFE device 500), and the place where they are pushed. Accordingly, the BEP device 600 can perform image editing processing such as image rotation (rotation) and position shift (shift), and send image data whose position has been adjusted to the print engine 30 side.

  Note that when the image positions on the paper are aligned, depending on the amount of movement, a part of the original image may protrude from the paper, or a portion that does not protrude but is not printed (so-called image missing) may occur. In such a case, the image size may be slightly reduced (size matching process), and the reduced image data may be sent to the print engine 30 side. Note that the reduction may be performed only in necessary vertical / horizontal directions resulting from the position shift (independent reduction).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 4B, when an output clogging phenomenon occurs in the print job processing process, the control unit 624 recovers from output clogging depending on the processing characteristics of the output side (image recording unit). Each functional part in the back-end processor is controlled so as to perform processing.

  For example, if the image cannot be ejected due to jamming of printing paper (paper jam), power off, or the like on the IOT module 12 or the output module 17 side, the BEP device 600 causes the image storage unit 602 to output a desired page (not yet output). Processing page) is read out and sent to the print engine 30 side. Thereby, the recovery process can be realized only on the BEP device 600 side without affecting the DFE device 500 side (without giving a load to the DFE device 500).

  When a proofer is configured by a BEP device, prior to direct printing by the high-speed and high-function image forming device 11, a color proof print is directly output from DTP data by, for example, a printer proofer 720. Proofing) system can be constructed. In this system, when the proof data is received as a print job, the BEP device outputs image data in a data format suitable for proofing (for example, low video rate) to the proofer, and instructs the color proof print output. When a print job is received, image data at a high video rate is output to a high-speed and high-performance machine, and a high-speed and high-function print instruction is output. In this case, it is desirable to install a CMS (Color Management System) that corrects subtle differences (device differences) in different color outputs between the high-speed and high-performance machine and the models connected to the proofer or cascade. .

Next, the job editing operation of the system of this embodiment will be described.
(When setup is performed at predetermined intervals)
The IOT core unit 20 (image forming apparatus 11) of this system performs setup every predetermined number of output sheets (for example, every 1000 sheets) in order to maintain the image quality stably. In this embodiment, an example in which setup is performed for each predetermined number of output sheets will be described. However, setup may be performed every predetermined time.

  In synchronization with the reading of the PDL data of the RIP processing unit 510 of the DFE device 500, a signal to that effect is input to the job information acquisition unit 632 of the BEP device 600. When the job information acquisition unit 632 receives the signal, the job information acquisition unit 632 reads job information necessary for determining the job output order from the data storage unit 502 and sequentially stores the job information. Such job information includes the number of output sheets, image density, object (photo image or character image), screen, paper type, and the like.

  In addition, when the setup time approaches, the IOT core unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 11 notifies the BEP device 600 of information (setup information) regarding the scheduled time when the setup is performed. The notified setup information is sequentially stored in the output device information acquisition unit 634.

  The processing routine for instructing the job output order will be described below with reference to FIG. This processing routine is executed by the job editing unit 636 of the job management unit 630.

  If it is determined in step 100 that a predetermined number of job information has been accumulated in the job information acquisition unit 632, information relating to the number of output sheets is read from the job information acquisition unit 632 in step 102. On the other hand, in step 104, setup information is read from the output device information acquisition unit 634.

  Next, in step 106, it is determined from the information regarding the number of output sheets and the setup information whether the scheduled time is reached during the execution of the job. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when 1000 sheets are output at the “scheduled time”, if job 1 (800 sheets) and job 2 (500 sheets) are output in succession, the job 2 is scheduled during execution. The time has come.

  If the scheduled time comes during execution of the job, it is determined in step 108 whether there is a combination of jobs that can be executed before the scheduled time comes. If there is such a combination of jobs, the output order is determined by rearranging the jobs in step 110, and the jobs are output in the determined order in step 112, that is, from the BEP device 600 to the IOT core unit 20. Sends page data and ends the routine.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 7, by switching the output order of job 2 and job 3, even if job 1 (800 sheets) and job 3 (200 sheets) are output continuously, the scheduled setup time has arrived. Two jobs can be executed before Accordingly, the output order is job 1 → job 3 → job 2 → job 4 and the jobs are output in this order. Alternatively, only job 1 and job 3 may be output, and job 2 and job 4 may be the targets of the next rearrangement.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 106 that the scheduled time does not come during the execution of the job, the job is output in the input order in step 114, and the routine is terminated. Also, if it is determined in step 108 that there is no combination of jobs that can be executed before the scheduled time arrives, in step 116, the jobs are output in the input order, and the routine is terminated.

  As described above, by changing the job output order in accordance with the scheduled setup time, it is possible to avoid the setup being executed during the execution of the job. As a result, it is possible to prevent abrupt color variation or the like from occurring due to setup in the same job.

  In the above description, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of pieces of job information have been accumulated, but it is also possible to determine whether or not job information has been accumulated after a predetermined time has elapsed so that output is not postponed over a long period of time. Good.

(When setup is performed before and after the job)
In the above description, an example in which setup is performed for each predetermined number of output sheets has been described. However, setup may be performed before and after a job. The processing routine in this case will be described below with reference to FIG. This processing routine is executed by the job editing unit 636 of the job management unit 630.

  If it is determined in step 200 that a predetermined number of job information has been accumulated in the job information acquisition unit 632, information relating to the number of output sheets is read from the job information acquisition unit 632 in step 202. On the other hand, in step 204, setup information is read from the output device information acquisition unit 634.

  Next, in step 206, it is determined from the information regarding the number of output sheets and the setup information whether or not the scheduled time comes during the execution of the job. If it is determined that the scheduled time does not come during the execution of the job, in step 216, the jobs are output in the input order, that is, the page data is sent from the BEP device 600 to the IOT core unit 20, and the routine is terminated.

  If the scheduled time comes during execution of the job, it is determined in step 208 whether there is a combination of jobs that can be executed before the scheduled time comes. If there is such a job combination, in step 210, the job is rearranged into a job set that is output before the setup is performed and a job set that is output after the setup is performed, and the jobs are output. Determine the order.

  Next, in step 212, the set of jobs before setup is output in the determined order, and the IOT core unit 20 is instructed to perform setup after execution of the job. In step 214, the set of jobs after setup is output in the determined order, and the routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 208 that there is no combination of jobs that can be executed before the scheduled time arrives, in step 218, the number of sheets output exceeding the scheduled time (excess number of sheets) is minimized. The job is rearranged into a job set to be output before the setup is performed and a job set to be output after the setup is performed, and the output order is determined.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when 1000 sheets are output at the “scheduled time”, when job 1 (1200 sheets) is output, the scheduled time arrives during the execution, and the excess number is 200 sheets. When job 2 (500 sheets) and job 3 (600 sheets) are output in succession, the scheduled time comes during execution of job 3, but the excess number is suppressed to 100 sheets. Therefore, the output order is job 2 → job 3 → job 1, and the jobs are output in this order.

  After the output order is determined, the routine is ended through step 212 and step 214 as in the case where there is a combination of jobs that can be executed.

  As described above, by changing the job output order according to the scheduled setup time, it is possible to prevent setup from being executed during job execution, and sudden color fluctuations occur in the same job. Can be prevented.

  Also, even when setup is performed during job execution, changing the job output order so that the excess number is minimized will prevent setup execution from being postponed over a long period of time. A decrease can be prevented.

(When dealing with information other than setup information)
When it is time to replace the consumables, the image forming operation stops until the replacement operation is completed. For this reason, when the degree of wear of parts that need to be replaced is managed in the image forming apparatus 11 and the time for replacement of parts approaches, for example, a message such as “Cyan toner is almost gone. Please prepare for replacement.” May be displayed on the GUI unit 80, and information regarding the degree of wear of these components may be notified to the BEP device 600.

  Whether or not the part replacement time is approaching can be determined, for example, by whether or not the remaining amount of cyan toner has become a predetermined amount or less, that is, whether or not a preset threshold value has been exceeded. Information on the notified degree of wear of the parts is sequentially stored in the output device information acquisition unit 634.

  The processing routine in this case will be described below with reference to FIG. This processing routine is executed by the job editing unit 636 of the job management unit 630.

  If it is determined in step 300 that a predetermined number of job information has been accumulated in the job information acquisition unit 632, information relating to the degree of component consumption is read from the output device information acquisition unit 634 in step 302. If the information regarding the degree of consumption of the component is, for example, information that “the remaining amount of cyan toner is low”, in step 304, information related to cyan toner consumption (for example, image density) is obtained from the job information acquisition unit 632. read out.

  Next, in step 306, it is determined from information related to cyan toner consumption whether there is a difference in cyan toner consumption between the accumulated jobs (whether the job is superior or inferior).

  If the job has superiority or inferiority, the output order is determined by rearranging the jobs in ascending order of cyan toner consumption (image density) in step 308, and outputting the jobs in the determined order in step 310. The page data is sent from the BEP device 600 to the IOT core unit 20. In step 312, for example, a message such as “Job output order has been changed” or “Is it OK to change the job output order?” Is displayed on the GUI unit 80. The routine ends.

  On the other hand, if there is no superiority or inferiority in the job, in step 314, the job is output in the input order, and the routine is terminated.

  As described above, parts are replaced during job execution by changing the job output order so that priority is given to jobs that consume less parts according to the degree of consumption of parts that need to be replaced. Can be avoided, and sudden color fluctuations and the like can be prevented from occurring in the same job due to component replacement. In addition, more jobs can be executed before parts replacement, improving productivity.

  Further, by prompting the user to prepare for component replacement by displaying a message, it is possible to reduce the stop time of the image forming operation. Further, since the user is warned that the job output order has been changed by displaying a message, confusion of the user due to the change of order can be prevented.

  In the above description, an example in which the job output order is changed in accordance with the degree of cyan toner consumption has been described. However, other parts that need to be replaced (for example, photosensitive members, charging parts, transfer members, fixing members, etc.) The job output order may be changed according to the degree of consumption. For example, in the above example, after the replacement operation of the cyan toner cassette is completed, jobs are output in the order of input, but if information on the degree of wear of other parts is notified, the degree of wear of the part Change the job output order according to.

  In the above description, a message indicating that the output order has been changed is displayed on the GUI unit, such as “Job output order has been changed.” However, the client may be notified directly. Moreover, you may display in the output order as a result of having changed.

(When dealing with information related to output settings)
Some image forming apparatuses change the process speed according to the paper type (material, size, weighing), and switch the screen according to the job. Changes in settings such as process speed and screen switching cause color fluctuations and corrections such as setup are required, so output settings are not changed from the standpoint of productivity and image stability. It is preferable to output a job. For this reason, the setting state of the apparatus may be managed in the image forming apparatus 11, and information regarding the current output setting may be notified to the BEP apparatus 600 when the setting state is changed. Information regarding the notified output setting is sequentially stored in the output device information acquisition unit 634.

  If it is determined in step 400 that a predetermined number of job information has been stored in the job information acquisition unit 632, information regarding the current output setting is read from the output device information acquisition unit 634 in step 402. The information regarding the output setting includes, for example, a process speed mode and a screen type. In step 404, information related to the output setting condition (for example, paper type for process speed) is read from the job information acquisition unit 632.

  Next, in step 406, it is determined from the information relating to the output setting and the information relating to the condition of the output setting whether or not the output setting needs to be changed when outputting the accumulated job.

  If it is necessary to change the output setting, in step 408, the jobs are rearranged in the order of few changes in the output setting to determine the output order, and in step 410, the jobs are output in the determined order, ie, the BEP device. The page data is sent from 600 to the IOT core unit 20.

  For example, if the process speed and screen are set, the job that can be output without changing any of the conditions has the highest priority, and the job that can be output without changing the process speed even if the screen is changed Is the next highest priority. From the viewpoint of job information, a job with the same paper type and screen has the highest priority because there is no need to change the output setting. Jobs with different screens but common paper types have the next highest priority without having to change the process speed.

  On the other hand, if there is no need to change the output setting, in step 412, the jobs are output in the order of input, and the routine is terminated.

  As described above, by changing the output order of jobs so that the change in the output setting is reduced according to the current output setting of the image forming apparatus, a sudden color variation or the like occurs due to the change in the output setting. Can be prevented.

  In the above description, an example in which jobs are rearranged in the order of few changes in output settings has been described. However, jobs may be rearranged so that the number of output setting changes is reduced.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and embodiments to which such changes or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above description, an embodiment in which a BEP device that functions as a printer controller includes a job management unit has been described. However, the present invention is characterized in that the job output order is changed, and a RIP processing function and a function as a printer controller are provided. The present invention can also be applied to a conventional DFE apparatus that combines the above.

  Further, the above embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. Absent. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. Even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, as long as an effect is obtained, a configuration from which these some constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  In the compression / decompression process, image objects (line drawing character object LW (Line Work)) mainly represented by binary values such as line drawings and characters, and background portions, photograph portions, etc. are mainly represented by multiple gradations. An adaptive process can be performed according to the characteristics of an image object such as an image object (multi-tone image object CT (Continuous Tone)).

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming system. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of a DFE apparatus and a BEP apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of the system utilization form in connection with the said embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a conventional image forming system. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine for instructing the job output order when setup is performed at predetermined intervals. It is a figure which shows an example of rearrangement of a job. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine for instructing the job output order when the setup is performed before and after the job. It is a figure which shows the other example of rearrangement of a job. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine for instructing a job output order in the case of corresponding to information on the degree of wear of parts. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine for instructing an output order of jobs when corresponding to information related to output settings.

Explanation of symbols

LAN ... high speed 11 ... image forming apparatus 400 ... client terminal 500 ... DFE apparatus 600 ... BEP apparatus 700 ... CTP apparatus 710 ... press apparatus 720 ... printer proofer 730 ... output machine 740 ... high speed printer 750 ... large output machine

Claims (15)

An output device information acquisition unit that acquires information on the current state of the device from an image recording device that records an image on a recording medium;
A job information acquisition unit that stores the input print job and acquires job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job;
Based on the job information and the information on the state of the image recording apparatus, the output of the print job accumulated in the job information acquisition unit so that the influence of the state of the image recording apparatus on the image quality of the recorded image is minimized. A job editing unit that determines an order and instructs the image recording apparatus to output a print job in the determined order;
A job management device. An output device information acquisition unit that acquires information about a scheduled time when the setup is performed from an image recording device that performs setup and records an image on a recording medium in order to maintain image quality stably;
A job information acquisition unit that stores the input print job and acquires job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job;
Based on the job information and the information on the scheduled time, the output order of the print jobs stored in the job information acquisition unit is determined so that the influence of the setup on the image quality of the recorded image within the same print job is minimized. A job editing unit that instructs the image recording apparatus to output a print job in the determined order;
A job management device.   The job management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the job information includes at least one selected from the group consisting of the number of output sheets, image density, object, screen, and paper type. If the scheduled time arrives during execution of the print job, when setup is performed at the scheduled time,
4. The job management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the job editing unit determines an output order of the print jobs stored in the job information acquisition unit so that the scheduled time does not come during execution of the print job. . When setup is performed before or after execution of the print job,
5. The job according to claim 2, wherein the job editing unit determines an output order of the print jobs accumulated in the job information acquisition unit so that a postponement period of the scheduled time is minimized. Management device. An output device information acquisition unit that manages the degree of wear of a component that needs to be replaced and acquires information about the degree of wear of the component from an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium;
A job information acquisition unit that stores the input print job and acquires job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job;
Based on the job information and the information about the degree of consumption of the parts, the output of the print job stored in the job information acquisition unit so that the influence of parts replacement on the image quality of the recorded image is minimized in the same print job. A job editing unit that determines an order and instructs the image recording apparatus to output a print job in the determined order;
A job management device.   The job management apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the job information is at least one selected from the group consisting of the number of output sheets, image density, object, screen, and paper type.   The job management apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the job editing unit determines an output order of the print jobs stored in the job information acquisition unit so that an output operation does not stop during execution of the print job. An output device information acquisition unit that acquires information on the current output settings from an image recording device that changes output settings according to a print job and records an image on a recording medium;
A job information acquisition unit that stores the input print job and acquires job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job;
Based on the job information and the information on the current output setting, the output of the print job accumulated in the job information acquisition unit so that the influence of the change of the output setting on the image quality or productivity of the recorded image is minimized. A job editing unit that determines an order and instructs the image recording apparatus to output a print job in the determined order;
A job management device.   The job management apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the job information is at least one selected from the group consisting of the number of output sheets, image density, object, screen, and paper type.   The job management apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the output setting is a setting related to a process speed or a screen.   12. The job according to claim 9, wherein the job editing unit determines an output order of the print jobs accumulated in the job information acquisition unit so that the number of changes in the output setting is minimized. Management device.   The job management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising display means for displaying that the print job output order or the output order has been changed. An image formation support apparatus (back) installed between a front-end processor having an image data generation apparatus that processes a print job and generates image data of each page and an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium End processor),
An output device information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the current state of the device from the image recording device;
A job information acquisition unit that stores the input print job and acquires job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job;
Based on the job information and information on the state of the image recording device, the job information acquisition unit stores the image recording device so that the influence of the state of the image recording device on the image quality of the recorded image is minimized within the same print job. A job editing unit that determines an output order of the print jobs, and instructs the image recording apparatus to output the print jobs in the determined order;
An image forming support apparatus. An image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium, a front-end processor including an image data generation apparatus that processes a print job and generates image data of each page, and the front-end processor and the image recording apparatus An image forming system comprising: an image forming support device that is installed in between and receives image data of each page from the front end processor and sends the image data to the image recording device to control the image recording device;
The image forming support device
An output device information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the current state of the device from the image recording device;
A job information acquisition unit that stores the input print job and acquires job information for determining the output order of jobs included in the stored print job;
Based on the job information and information on the state of the image recording device, the job information acquisition unit stores the image recording device so that the influence of the state of the image recording device on the image quality of the recorded image is minimized within the same print job. A job editing unit that determines an output order of the print jobs, and instructs the image recording apparatus to output the print jobs in the determined order;
An image forming system.

Images