JP2005341343A - Image processing apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily perform batch output processing for files accumulated and managed inside an image processing apparatus, and to display the situation of progress of batch output processing. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus comprises a storage section 12 for storing files, an image forming section 13 for performing output processing on a file stored in the storage section 12, and an operating section 14 for displaying an image for selecting a specific plurality of files for batch output processing on the same output conditions using the image forming section 13 out of files stored in the storage section 12. Furthermore, the situation for the progress of batch output processing performed by an output means on the specific plurality of files is displayed by the operating section 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for realizing batch output processing for a plurality of files stored in a storage unit under the same output condition.

  Conventionally, when a plurality of different electronic documents are printed together, a method of integrating documents by using functions of an application executed by a personal computer or a printer driver (for example, see Patent Document 1). ). As a result, even if there is no connection in the original document arrangement, it becomes a unified document by using the sort function, double-sided printing function, stapling function, etc. in an integrated state, reducing the user's work of creating a printed document I can do things. However, in this case, the user needs to simultaneously transmit the documents to be integrated to the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus, a method of storing and managing an electronic document in a storage device in the apparatus and printing out the stored document is employed. As a method of using the document management function in the image forming apparatus, for example, when a personally managed confidential box is opened and a fax is received at a plurality of parties or at different times with respect to the confidential box, the owner of the confidential box is used. Is used to print these received documents together.

  In addition, for example, a personal management box is transmitted from a terminal device such as a personal computer as needed to store a document in the personal management box, and the owner selects and prints the necessary document at an arbitrary timing. It can be used.

JP-A-8-278865

  Here, since the documents accumulated and managed in the storage device in the image forming apparatus are not integrated, even documents owned by the same user exist as separate documents. Therefore, when outputting these documents, the sort function, duplex printing function, stapling function, etc. cannot be used in a document integrated state as described above.

  In addition, when documents are integrated into a personal management box when transmitting a document from a terminal device such as a personal computer, the sort function, double-sided printing function, and stapling function are performed while the documents are integrated at the time of output. However, there is a problem that it is not possible to cancel integration and output only a specific document.

  On the other hand, as the processing status display, a method of displaying a list of document processing statuses of the image forming apparatus on a screen or displaying detailed information of a specific processing is used. The state of processing simultaneously selected documents (unintegrated) is a different process even if the activation user is the same, so if it is a list display, it will be displayed as multiple jobs in document units, and in the detailed display If there is, only the processing of a specific document will be displayed, so there is a problem that it is impossible to grasp the progress of the entire document processing simultaneously selected (integrated) or the progress of a specific document among the integrated documents. . These problems are not limited to printing but are also similar in output processing such as fax transmission and external transfer.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems. That is, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a file, an output unit that performs an output process on the file stored in the storage unit, and a file stored in the storage unit. And screen display control means for displaying a screen for selecting a plurality of specific files for batch output processing. The screen display control means also indicates a progress status in which a plurality of specific files are output collectively by the output means.

  The present invention also relates to an image processing method for performing an output process on a file stored in a storage unit, and among a plurality of files stored in the storage unit, a plurality of specific files for batch output processing under the same output condition This is an image processing method for performing processing for displaying a screen for selecting. Further, it is also a method of performing a process of displaying a screen showing the progress status of the output process while the batch output process is being performed on a plurality of specific files under the same output condition.

  In the present invention, among the files stored in the storage means, a plurality of specific files for batch output processing under the same output conditions can be selected based on the screen display, and the files stored separately Even if it exists, it can integrate and can perform batch output processing easily. In addition, since the progress status during the batch output process can be grasped on the screen, the progress of the process for a specific file in the entire file as well as the progress of the process for the entire file that is the target of the batch output process It becomes possible to grasp.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, a plurality of files stored in the image processing apparatus main body can be integrated and processed. In addition, it is possible to check the progress of the entire process when instructing output processing by integrating, and also check the progress of each file that makes up the integrated file as appropriate, enabling any function for each individual file. It is also possible to.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In other words, the image processing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that can mainly perform output processing on an image such as a copying machine or a multifunction peripheral, and an external terminal device including an image output apparatus such as a personal computer, a server apparatus, or a printer via a network N. 2A to 2C are connected. Further, the image processing apparatus 1 is connected to an external communication apparatus 3 including an external facsimile apparatus or a multi-function machine via a public line S as necessary.

  The image processing apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 13, a storage unit 12 that stores and manages documents, and an operation unit 14 that receives user operations. Here, it is assumed that the image reading unit 11 performs processing for reading a document image by the scanner device and processing for reading files sent from the external terminal devices 2A to 2C via the network N.

  FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the image processing apparatus. The system configuration of the image processing apparatus includes an image input unit 102 corresponding to the image reading unit 11 shown in FIG. 1, a data holding unit 103 corresponding to the storage unit 12, an image output unit 105 corresponding to the image forming unit 13, and an operation unit. 14 is provided with a data processing unit 104 that executes image processing on a file such as an image, and a processing control unit 100 that controls each unit.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus having such a configuration will be described.
(Accumulation operation)
1. A document image is read by the scanner from the image reading unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 and held in the storage unit 12.
2. The electronic document in the terminal device is received from the external terminal devices 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> C connected to the image processing device 1 through the network, and held in the storage unit 12.
3. The electronic document in the terminal device is received from the external communication terminal 3 connected to the image processing apparatus 1 through the public line, and held in the storage unit 12.

(File processing operation)
1. A list of files held in the storage unit 12 is displayed on the monitor of the operation unit 14.
2. In accordance with the parameters set in the operation unit 14, the image forming unit 13 performs processing such as file printout.
3. The file is transferred to the external terminal devices 2A to 2C such as server devices connected to the network.
4). The file is transmitted to the external communication terminal 3 connected to the public line.

The above operation corresponds to the operation of each part of the system configuration diagram shown in FIG. 2 as follows.
(Accumulation operation)
When the accumulation instruction from the user is notified to the process control unit 100 through the operation / display unit 101, the process control unit 100 instructs the image input unit 102 to read the file. The process control unit 100 stores the read image in the data holding unit 103.

(File processing operation)
When an output instruction from the user is notified to the process control unit 100 through the operation / display unit 101, the process control unit 100 acquires image data that is a file from the data holding unit 103. The process control unit 100 instructs the data processing unit 104 to process the acquired image data. The process control unit 100 passes the processed image data to the image output unit 105 and instructs image output.

  In the image processing apparatus 1 that performs such an operation, in the present embodiment, among the files stored in the storage unit 12 (Data holding unit 103), the image forming unit 13 (image output unit 105) performs batch processing under the same output conditions. A screen for allowing the user to select a plurality of files for output processing is displayed on the monitor of the operation unit 14 (operation / display unit 101). As a result, the user selects a plurality of specific files to be integrated along the contents displayed on the screen of the operation / display unit 101 of the image processing apparatus 1 for the files stored separately in the storage unit 12, and the output condition By specifying, multiple files can be processed together under the same output conditions.

  During the batch output process, the operation / display unit 101 displays the progress of the output process on the monitor. By referring to the display on the monitor, the user can grasp not only the overall progress of the batch output process but also the progress of the output process for each file that is the target of the batch process.

  Here, as batch output processing, a plurality of files specified by a user are printed on a sheet for stapling, a plurality of files are printed on a sheet for punching processing, or a plurality of files are specified. Are sorted and output in that order, or a function of simultaneously printing a plurality of pages on one sheet (Nup function) is performed.

  The target of the file specified by the user can correspond to various formats such as a document file, a read image file, and a file received by facsimile. In the batch output process, the data processing unit 104 determines the format of a plurality of files passed in accordance with an instruction from the process control unit 100, and matches the format according to the output format such as paper output or file transfer corresponding to each format. The image is output to the image output unit 105 as one job. Therefore, a plurality of files having various formats stored in the storage unit 2 of the image processing apparatus 1 can be collectively output.

  Next, an example of a user interface in the image processing apparatus of this embodiment will be described. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a user interface. Among these, FIG. 3 shows a screen transition for selecting a plurality of files for batch processing, and FIG. 4 shows a screen transition for referring to the progress status during the batch processing. In the following example, each screen is displayed on the monitor of the operation / display unit 101.

  First, selection of a plurality of files for performing batch processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the user instructs to display a list of files, a list of files stored in the storage unit is displayed in a list format as shown in FIG. The screen can be instructed to select along the screen content by using, for example, a touch panel. When the file numbers “6” and “12” are selected, for example, the screen is selected as shown in FIG. The list corresponding to the file numbers “6” and “12” is highlighted.

  Next, the user instructs output processing for the selected files. Here, “Print” as a print output, “FAX” as a facsimile transmission, and “Transfer” as a file transfer via a network can be selected. In addition, when performing batch output processing for a plurality of selected files, “integrate” can be selected.

  Here, a case where “Print” is selected is taken as an example. Subsequent screen transitions differ depending on whether “integrate” is selected. First, when “Merge” is not selected, the screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. On this screen, a list of a plurality of previously selected files is displayed, and output conditions for each file can be set. For example, when the file number “12” is selected from the list on the touch panel or the like, the output condition corresponding to the file with the file number “12” can be set. On the other hand, when the file number “6” is selected on the touch panel or the like, the output condition corresponding to the file with the file number “6” can be set. The user can set each output condition for these files and then press a start button (not shown) to print out each file under the set output conditions.

  In this example, print output is started after setting the output conditions for each file. However, if the start button is pressed after setting the output conditions for one file, the print output of the file is started. During the process, an output condition for another file may be set and a start button may be pressed to generate the next job.

  Also, the screen shown in FIG. 3C is provided with an “integrate” button, and even if “integrate” is not selected on the previous screen shown in FIG. You can now select “Merge”. When “Integrate” is selected on the screen of FIG. 3B or 3C, the screen shifts to the screen of FIG.

  In the screen shown in FIG. 3D, the same output condition for a plurality of previously selected files can be set. Since “Merge” is selected, the list display for all the previously selected files is highlighted, and output conditions are set in this state. For example, it is possible to set whether to perform double-sided printing, whether to select the Nup function, whether to perform stapling processing, and the like. After setting the output conditions, pressing the start button executes batch output processing for a plurality of files.

  In this example, since duplex printing, no Nup function, and stapling processing (upper right) are selected as output conditions, the files with the file numbers “6” and “12” are put together on each sheet for both pages. Printing is performed, and the upper right of the paper is stapled and output.

  The screen shown in FIG. 3D is provided with a “do not integrate” button. Even when “integrate” is selected on the previous screen shown in FIG. You can select “Do not merge”. When “Do not integrate” is selected on the screen of FIG. 3D, the screen shifts to the screen of FIG. 3B, and the individual output conditions described above can be set.

  Next, the case of referring to the progress status during batch processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the user instructs a job list, a list of currently accepted jobs is displayed in a list format as shown in FIG. In this list, the progress status, destination / content, number of pages, etc. of each job are displayed. Among these, a job whose destination / content is “integrated document” is a job for performing batch output processing.

  When the user selects a list that is “integrated document” from this screen and selects the “detail” button on the touch panel or the like, a list of integrated files in the job of the integrated document as shown in FIG. Will be listed. In this file list, a list of a plurality of files selected by the user in FIG. 3 is displayed. This list also displays the progress status of output processing for the file. For example, the file number “6” is currently being printed, and the file number “12” is currently waiting to be printed. For the file currently being printed, the number of pages processed / the total number of pages of the file is displayed as the number of pages.

  When the user selects, for example, a list of “printing” jobs (file number “6”) from this screen and selects the “details” button on the touch panel or the like, the screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. In the screen of FIG. 4C, detailed information regarding the file number “6” currently being printed is displayed. In addition, the number of currently processed pages for the entire integrated file and the number of processed pages in the file with the file number “6” are also displayed.

  When the print processing for this file is completed, the screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. On this screen, detailed information regarding the file number “12” currently being printed is displayed. Similarly to the above, the current number of processed pages for the entire integrated file and the number of processed pages in the file with the file number “12” are also displayed.

  On the screen showing the details of the job being printed, a “Stop” button is prepared. When this “Stop” button is selected, the entire batch output process can be stopped.

  On the other hand, when the user selects a list of “waiting to print” jobs (file number “12”) on the screen shown in FIG. 4B and selects the “details” button on the touch panel or the like, the screen shown in FIG. Move to the screen. In the screen of FIG. 4E, detailed information regarding the file number “12” currently waiting for printing is displayed. In addition, the current number of processed pages for the entire integrated file and the number of processed pages in the file with the file number “12” (here, 0 pages are waiting for printing) are displayed. Note that a “Cancel” button is prepared on this screen, and when this “Cancel” button is selected on the touch panel or the like, only the print processing of the file number “12” waiting for printing can be canceled.

  Here, when the preceding job is finished and printing of the file with the file number “12” which has been “waiting for printing” is started, the screen shown in FIG. 4D or the screen shown in FIG. Migrate to Which screen to shift to can be set on the system side. In the screen shown in FIG. 4 (f), a plurality of integrated files are displayed in a list, but a file that has already been printed is displayed so that the completion of processing can be seen, such as gray display.

  By such a screen transition, the user can refer to the progress status of the batch output process for a plurality of integrated files, and can also refer to the progress status for each file. Further, according to the screen display, it is possible to select a plurality of files to be integrated and to switch whether or not to integrate the selected plurality of files, thereby improving the user-friendliness.

In addition to the operations of the image processing apparatus described above, the following operations can be considered as storage operations.
Receive security prints from external terminal devices connected to the network.
-Confirmation print reception from an external terminal device connected to the network.
・ Receiving a time-designated print from an external terminal connected to the network.
-Confidential box storage and reception from external terminal devices connected to the network.
-Confidential fax reception from an external communication device (facsimile device) connected to the public line.
-Polling accumulation for transmission to external communication devices.
-Confidential polling accumulation for transmission to external communication devices.
A confidential box scan read by the image reading unit 11 of the image processing apparatus.

The following management methods are conceivable as management methods for the stored files in the image processing apparatus.
・ Management in security box / private box by authentication management such as user ID and password.
-Management in a polling box that stores polling reservation files.

As the document selection method, the following method can be considered.
-Method to select all files in the box.
-Method to select any file in the box.

The following means can be considered as means for determining the integrated state of files.
The file type notation is divided into “individual file (document)” (print, fax, etc.) and “integrated file (document)”.
-Differentiate individual files (documents) and integrated files (documents) by icons.

The following types can be considered as user interfaces.
A user interface displayed on the panel of the image processing apparatus main body.
A user interface displayed on a monitor in an external terminal device such as a personal computer connected on the network.

The processing control unit 100 can be of the following types.
・ A built-in image processing device.
A device incorporated in an external terminal device such as a personal computer connected on the network.

The following can be considered as output conditions for the selected file.
-Specify duplex printing for the entire selected file.
-Sort print specification for the entire selected file.
-Staple designation for the entire selected file.
-Specify punching for the entire selected file.
-Print / send / transfer and color mode specification for the entire selected file.
-Send / transfer and specify resolution for the entire selected file.
-Specify duplex printing for each selected file.
・ Specify sort printing for each selected file.
-Staple designation for selected individual files.
-Specify punching for each selected file.
-Print / send / transfer and color mode specification for each selected file.
-Send / transfer and specify resolution for each selected file.

The following means can be considered as means for displaying the status of an arbitrary job.
-List multiple jobs.
-Display specific jobs.

The following means can be considered as means for presenting the progress of output processing.
-The detailed information screen is displayed by an arbitrary operation from the object displaying the status of the arbitrary job, and the progress status is displayed on the detailed screen.
-Change the display screen of the object displaying the status of an arbitrary job according to the progress of processing.

The following changes can be considered as the types of screen changes according to the processing progress.
-Change the color of the object displaying the arbitrary job.
-Change the colored area of the object displaying the arbitrary job.
-Change the shape of the object displaying the arbitrary job.
-Change the notation (numbers, etc.) in the object displaying the arbitrary job.

The following method can be considered as a display method of the output processing details screen.
-When detailed display is instructed for a job displayed as an integrated document on the job list screen, a list of individual jobs is displayed.
-When detailed display is instructed for a job displayed as an integrated document on the job list screen, the details of the currently processed document are displayed, and when processing is completed, the information is automatically switched to the information of the next document.

The following contents can be considered as the progress display contents of the output processing state.
-Display the number of document pages of the entire integrated file.
-Display of processing progress on the entire integrated file page.
-Display the number of integrated files.
-Display of processing progress in the number of integrated files.

The following procedure can be considered as an operation procedure for the file being output.
-If cancellation is instructed for a job displayed as an integrated file, processing of the entire integrated file is canceled.
-If cancellation is instructed while the information of individual files in the integrated file is displayed, the processing of the integrated file itself is continued, but only the processing of the operated file is canceled.

It is a schematic diagram explaining the system configuration | structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an image processing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a user interface. It is a schematic diagram (example 2) which shows an example of a user interface.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image processing apparatus, 11 ... Image reading part, 12 ... Memory | storage part, 13 ... Image formation part, 14 ... Operation part, 100 ... Processing control part, 101 ... Operation / display part, 102 ... Image input part, 103 ... Data Holding unit, 104 ... Data processing unit, 105 ... Image output unit, N ... Network, S ... Public line

Claims (12)

Storage means for storing files;
Output means for performing output processing on the file stored in the storage means;
Screen display control means for displaying a screen for selecting a plurality of specific files for batch output processing by the output means under the same output condition from among the files stored in the storage means, An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen display control unit displays a screen showing a progress status in which the output unit collectively outputs the specific files. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output condition by the output unit includes a condition for printing the specific plurality of files on a sheet and performing a staple process. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output condition by the output unit includes a condition for performing punching processing by printing the specific files on a sheet. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the output condition by the output unit includes a condition for performing a process of assigning a continuous page number to each sheet when the specific files are printed on the sheet. Processing equipment. Storage means for storing files;
Output means for performing output processing on the file stored in the storage means;
A screen for selecting a plurality of specific files among the files stored in the storage unit is displayed, and the output unit collectively outputs the selected plurality of the specific files under the same output condition. Or a screen display control means for displaying a screen for selecting whether to perform output processing under different output conditions. In an image processing method for performing output processing on a file stored in a storage means,
An image processing method, comprising: performing a process of displaying a screen for selecting a plurality of specific files for batch output processing under the same output condition from among the files stored in the storage unit. The image processing according to claim 7, wherein a process for displaying a screen indicating a progress status of the output process is performed while the batch output process is performed on the plurality of specific files under the same output condition. Method. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the output condition includes a condition for printing the specific plurality of files on a sheet and performing a stapling process. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the output condition includes a condition for performing the punching process by printing the plurality of specific files on a sheet. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the output condition includes a condition for performing a process of assigning continuous page numbers to each sheet when the specific files are printed on the sheet. In an image processing method for performing output processing on a file stored in a storage means,
A screen for selecting a plurality of specific files among the files stored in the storage means is displayed, and the selected plurality of specific files are collectively output under the same output condition or separately. An image processing method comprising: performing a process of displaying a screen for selecting whether to perform each output process under the output conditions.

Images