JP2006201850A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform a work in response to the momentarily changing situation until book binding work is performed to one job through two or more kinds of image forming devices and a plurality of finishers in an image forming system comprising a sever and a client computer connected to a network, and a plurality of image forming devices and a plurality of finishers connected to the server. <P>SOLUTION: This system comprises a means displaying, when a job is processible, a screen of starting state on a user interface connected to the image forming device or the finisher, and a transmission means transmitting data of the job to the image forming device or the finisher. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system including a server and a client that provide a controller function, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  When producing printed matter, skilled operators have selected a device for each process such as a printing press and an offline finisher.

  In forming an image, the user selects a desired printer from the computer and prints the desired job on the selected printer via a general-purpose interface such as a LAN.

  Also known as a server / client method, a method in which a client user's job is sent to a printer via a controller server is widely known.

  In recent years, in the light printing market called print-on-demand, the opportunity to print a large amount of jobs from a computer to an image forming apparatus is increasing, and it is necessary to find how cheap and efficient printing a large number of jobs is. It has been.

  For this purpose, since it is inefficient to print one job on one image forming apparatus, a server providing a high-performance controller function capable of handling a large number of jobs, a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected thereto, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses A finisher is indispensable, and a document server system that simultaneously performs a plurality of printed bookbinding operations by connecting an offline finisher conventionally used in a printed material production process to a LAN is used.

As another conventional example, Patent Document 1 can be cited.
JP 2002-077487 A

  However, in order to perform a bookbinding operation for a printed material through a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of finishers, it is necessary to go through a number of processes such as a printing process and a finishing process. A skilled operator was needed. In addition, because the device to be used in the next process is instructed in advance to the print job, if you find a free device in front of you and think about changing it, you can not change the device designation and throw the print job again. It was necessary to correct the situation, and it was impossible to cope with the situation changing from moment to moment, and the work could not be performed efficiently.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the image forming system according to the present invention checks the connection status of the image forming apparatus and finisher connected to the job management server when a print job is input, Check the optimal job processing method by acquiring the finisher's work status and the functions of each device, and by selecting the optimal next process device at the time of work, from the job management server, The work content of the next process, the job name, and the installation location of the next process equipment are displayed on the user interface of the current process equipment. The user interface of the next process device displays the work content of the next process and the job name. By doing this, the operator can work according to the instructions displayed on the equipment, and when the work of the current process is completed, the operator can go to the equipment of the next process with the printed material in the middle of the work. It is possible to perform printing work in an efficient work process without grasping work contents and information on work equipment and without needing to employ an operator skilled in work.

  As described above, the image forming system according to the present invention is a document server system that simultaneously performs jobs for a plurality of devices and a plurality of printed materials. When a print job is input, the image forming apparatus or finisher connected to the job management server is used. Check the connection status, obtain the work status of the connected image forming device or finisher and the functions of each device, check the optimal job processing method, and perform the work to optimize the job The next process device is selected, and the job management server displays the work content, job name, and installation location of the next process device on the user interface of the current process device. The user interface of the next process device displays the work content of the next process and the job name. By doing this, the operator can work according to the instructions displayed on the equipment, and when the work of the current process is completed, the operator can go to the equipment of the next process with the printed material in the middle of the work. It is possible to perform printing work in an efficient work process without grasping work contents and information on work equipment and without needing to employ an operator skilled in work.

Example 1
[System overview]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment system of the present invention, which is compared with FIG. 43, which shows a conventional system.

  In FIG. 1, in order to prioritize performance, the network 101 in FIG. 43 is divided into two systems and is called a public network 101a and a private network 101b.

  The document server 102 has two network interface cards (NICs) on the hardware, one is connected to the NIC 111 connected to the public network 101a side, and the other is connected to the private network 101b side connected to the printer side. There is a NIC 112.

  Computers 103a, 103b, and 103c are clients that send jobs to the document server. Although not shown, many other clients are connected.

  Hereinafter, the client is represented as 103.

  Furthermore, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 105, a printer 107, and a finisher 108 are connected to the private network 101b. Reference numeral 105 denotes an MFP that performs monochrome scanning and printing, or low-resolution or binary simple color scanning or color printing. Although not shown, other devices such as an MFP, scanner, printer, and FAX are connected to the private network 101b in addition to the MFPs described above.

  The MFP 104 is a full-color MFP capable of scanning or printing with high-resolution, high-gradation full-color, and may send and receive data by connecting to the private network 101b. It is assumed that a plurality of bits can be simultaneously transmitted and received through the interface, and the document server 102 is connected to the original interface card 113.

  The scanner 106 is a device that captures an image from a paper document. The scanner 106 includes two types: 106b connected by a SCSI interface and 106a connected to the public network 101a (or the private network 101b).

  Next, the hardware configuration of the document server 102 is such that the NIC (Network Interface Card) 111, 112 or a dedicated I / F card is connected to a portion called a motherboard 110 on which a CPU, a memory, and the like are mounted using an interface called a PCI bus. 113 or a SCSI card 114 or the like is connected.

Here, on the client computer 103, application software for executing so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing) is operated to create / edit various documents / graphics. The client computer 103 converts the created document / figure into a page description language, and is sent to the MFPs 104 and 105 via the network 101a to be printed out.
Each of the MFPs 104 and 105 has a communication means capable of exchanging information with the document server 102 via the network 101b or the dedicated interface 109, and the information and status of the MFPs 104 and 105 are sent via the document server 102 or via the same. The client computer 103 is notified in sequence. Further, the document server 102 (or client 103) has utility software that operates in response to the information, and the MFPs 104 and 105 are managed by the computer 102 (or client 103).

  Further, a plurality of finishers 108 are arranged on the network, and the document server 102 has means for acquiring each status, reads information such as cutting, folding, and special processing from a JDF (Job Definition Format), and the finisher 108 108 can be moved.

[Configuration of MFPs 104 and 105]
Next, the configuration of the MFPs 104 and 105 will be described with reference to FIGS. However, the difference between the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 is a difference between full color and monochrome, and in many parts other than color processing, the full color device often includes the configuration of the monochrome device. Therefore, a description of the monochrome device will be added as needed.

  The MFPs 104 and 105 include a scanner unit 201 that performs image reading, a scanner IP unit 202 that performs image processing on the image data, a FAX unit 203 that transmits and receives images using a telephone line such as a facsimile, and a network. Then, there is a NIC (Network Interface Card) portion 204 for exchanging image data and device information, and a dedicated I / F portion 205 for exchanging information with the full-color MFP 104. The core unit 206 temporarily stores an image signal and determines a route according to how the MFPs 104 and 105 are used.

Next, the image data output from the core unit 206 is sent to the printer unit 209 that performs image formation via the printer IP unit 207 and the PWM unit 208. The sheet printed out by the printer unit 209 is sent to the finisher unit 210, where sheet sorting processing and sheet finishing processing are performed.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the entire image forming apparatus.

[Configuration of Scanner Unit 201]
The configuration of the scanner unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 301 denotes an original platen glass on which an original 302 to be read is placed. The original 302 is irradiated with an illumination lamp 303, and the reflected light passes through mirrors 304, 305 and 306, and is imaged on a CCD 308 by a lens 307. The first mirror unit 310 including the mirror 304 and the illumination lamp 303 moves at a speed v, and the second mirror unit 311 including the mirrors 305 and 306 moves at a speed 1 / 2v, thereby scanning the entire surface of the document 302. The first mirror unit 310 and the second mirror unit 311 are driven by a motor 309.

[Configuration of Scanner IP Unit 202]
The scanner IP unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. The input optical signal is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 308. The CCD sensor 308 is an RGB 3-line color sensor and is input to the A / D conversion unit 401 as RGB image signals. Here, after gain adjustment and offset adjustment, each color signal is converted into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0, and B0 by an A / D converter. Thereafter, a known shading correction using a read signal of the reference white plate is performed for each color in the shading correction 402. Further, since the color line sensors of the CCD sensor 308 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line delay adjustment circuit (line interpolation unit) 403 corrects the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction.

  Next, the input masking unit 404 converts the reading color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the CCD sensor 308 into the NTSC standard color space. 3 × 3 matrix operation using device-specific constants taking into account various characteristics such as spectral characteristics, and the input (R0, G0, B0) signal is converted into a standard (R, G, B) signal. Convert.

  Further, a luminance / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit) 405 is configured by a look-up table (LUT) RAM, and converts RGB luminance signals into C1, M1, and Y1 density signals.

  When monochrome image processing is performed by the MFP 105, the A / D conversion 401 and the shading 402 are performed in a single color using the single-line CCD sensor 308 in accordance with FIG.

[Configuration of FAX unit 203]
The FAX unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG. First, at the time of reception, data from the telephone line is received by the NCU unit 501 and converted in voltage, A / D conversion and demodulation operations are performed by the demodulator 504 in the modem unit 502, and then rasterized by the decompression unit 506. Expand to data. In general, a run length method or the like is used for compression / expansion by FAX. The image converted into the raster data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 507, and is sent to the core unit 206 after confirming that there is no transfer error in the image data.

  Next, at the time of transmission, compression such as a run length method is performed on the image signal of the raster image coming from the core unit by the compression unit 505, and D / A conversion and modulation operation are performed by the modulation unit 503 in the modem unit 502. Is sent to the telephone line via the NCU unit 501.

[Configuration of NIC unit 204]
The NIC unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG. The NIC unit 204 has an interface function with respect to the network 101 and plays a role of acquiring information from the outside using a LAN cable or the like and flowing the information to the outside.

  When obtaining information from the outside, first, the voltage is converted by the transformer 601 and sent to the LAN controller 602. The LAN controller unit 602 has a first buffer memory (not shown) therein, and after determining whether the information is necessary information, the LAN controller unit 602 sends it to the second buffer memory (not shown). A signal is passed through the core unit 206.

  Next, when providing information to the outside, the data sent from the core unit 206 is added with necessary information by the LAN controller unit 602 and connected to the network 101 via the transformer unit 601. .

[Configuration of dedicated I / F unit 205]
The dedicated I / F unit 205 is an interface through which multi-value bits are sent in parallel in the CMYK interface at the interface with the full-color MFP 104, and consists of image data of 4 colors × 8 bits and a communication line. If transmission is performed using a LAN cable, such a dedicated parallel interface is used because output cannot be performed at a speed suitable for the MFP 104 and performance of other devices connected to the network is sacrificed.

[Configuration of Core Unit 206]
The core unit 206 will be described with reference to FIG. The bus selector unit 611 of the core unit 206 plays a role of traffic control in using the MFPs 104 and 105. That is, the bus is switched according to various functions in the MFPs 104 and 105 such as a copying function, network scanning, network printing, facsimile transmission / reception, or display display.

The path switching pattern for executing each function is shown below.
Copy function: scanner 201 → core 206 → printer 209
Network scan: scanner 201 → core 206 → NIC unit 204
Network print: NIC unit 204 → core 206 → printer 209
Facsimile transmission function: scanner 201 → core 206 → FAX unit 203
Facsimile reception function: FAX unit 203 → core 206 → printer 209
Next, the image data output from the bus selector unit 611 is sent to the printer unit 209 via the compression unit 612, the memory unit 613 including a large capacity memory such as a hard disk (HDD), and the decompression unit 614. The compression method used in the compression unit 612 may be a general method such as JPEG, JBIG, ZIP. The compressed image data is managed for each job and is stored together with additional data such as a file name, a creator, a creation date / time, and a file size.

  Furthermore, if a job number and password are provided and stored together, the personal box function can be supported. This is a function for temporarily storing data and allowing only a specific person to print out (read from the HDD). When an instruction to print out a stored job is issued, authentication is performed using a password, and then a call is made from the memory unit 613, the image is decompressed, returned to a raster image, and sent to the printer unit 207.

[Configuration of Printer IP Unit 207]
Reference numeral 701 denotes an output masking / UCR circuit unit that converts the M1, C1, and Y1 signals into Y, M, C, and K signals, which are toner colors of the image forming apparatus, using a matrix operation. The C1, M1, Y1, K1 signals based on the read RGB signals are corrected to C, M, Y, K signals based on the spectral distribution characteristics of the toner and output.

  Next, the gamma correction unit 702 converts the data into C, M, Y, and K data for image output using a look-up table (LUT) RAM that takes into account the color characteristics of the toner, and the spatial filter 703. Then, after sharpness or smoothing is performed, the image signal is sent to the core unit 206.

[Configuration of PWM unit 208]
The PWM unit 208 will be described with reference to FIG. The image data separated into four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the printer IP unit 207 (in the case of the MFP 105, a single color) is PWM. Each image is formed through the portion 208. Reference numeral 801 denotes a triangular wave generator, and 802 denotes a D / A converter (D / A converter) that converts an input digital image signal into an analog signal. The signal from the triangular wave generator 801 (a in FIG. 8) and the signal from the D / A converter 802 (b in FIG. 8) are compared in magnitude by a comparator 803 to become a signal as shown in c of FIG. Each of the CMYKs is sent to the drive unit 804 and converted into a laser beam by each of the CMYK lasers 805.

  The polygon scanner 913 scans the respective laser beams and irradiates the respective photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929.

[Configuration of Printer Unit 209 (for Color MFP 104)]
FIG. 9 shows an overview of the color printer unit. A polygon mirror 913 receives four laser beams emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 805. One of them scans the photosensitive drum 917 through the mirrors 914, 915 and 916, the next one scans the photosensitive drum 921 through the mirrors 918, 919 and 920, and the next one scans the mirror 922. , 923, and 924 to scan the photosensitive drum 925, and the next one scans the mirrors 926, 927, and 928 to scan the photosensitive drum 929.

  On the other hand, 930 is a developing device that supplies yellow (Y) toner, forms a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 917 in accordance with the laser beam, and 931 is a developing device that supplies magenta (M) toner. , A magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 921 in accordance with the laser light, and a developing device 932 supplies cyan (C) toner. A cyan toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 925 in accordance with the laser light. , 933 is a developing device for supplying black (K) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 929 in accordance with the laser beam. The four color (Y, M, C, K) toner images are transferred onto the sheet, and a full-color output image can be obtained.

  A sheet fed from any one of the sheet cassettes 934 and 935 and the manual feed tray 936 passes through a registration roller 937 and is sucked onto a transfer belt 938 and conveyed. In synchronism with the sheet feeding timing, toner of each color is developed in advance on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929, and the toner is transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed. The sheet on which the toner of each color is transferred is separated and conveyed by the conveyance belt 939, and the toner is fixed to the sheet by the fixing device 940. The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 940 is once guided downward by the flapper 950, and after the trailing edge of the sheet has passed through the flapper 950, the sheet is switched back and discharged. As a result, the sheets are discharged face down, and the correct page order is obtained when printing is performed in order from the first page.

  The four photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d, and the sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyance belt 939, and this timing synchronization is made. Thus, the four semiconductor lasers 805 are driven.

[Configuration of Printer Unit 209 (for Monochrome MFP 105)]
FIG. 10 shows an overview of the monochrome printer unit. A polygon mirror 1013 receives laser beams emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 805. The laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 1017 through the mirrors 1014, 1015, and 1016. On the other hand, reference numeral 1030 denotes a developing device for supplying black toner, which forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017 in accordance with the laser beam and transfers the toner image onto a sheet, thereby obtaining an output image.

  A sheet fed from one of the sheet cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 is adsorbed onto the transfer belt 1038 via a registration roller 1037 and conveyed. The toner is developed on the photosensitive drum 1017 in advance in synchronization with the paper feeding timing, and the toner is transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed. The sheet to which the toner has been transferred is separated, and the toner is fixed to the sheet by the fixing device 1040. The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 1040 is once guided downward by the flapper 1050, and after the trailing edge of the sheet has passed through the flapper 1050, the sheet is switched back and discharged. As a result, the sheets are discharged face down, and the correct page order is obtained when printing is performed in order from the first page.

[Configuration of Finisher 209]
FIG. 11 shows an overview of the finisher section. The sheet exiting the fixing unit 940 (or 1040) of the printer unit 209 enters the finisher unit 209. The finisher unit 209 includes a sample tray 1101 and a stack tray 1102, which are switched and discharged according to the type of job and the number of discharged sheets.

  There are two sort methods: a bin sort method that has a plurality of bins and distributes the bins, and an electronic sort function and a bin (or tray), which will be described later, are shifted in the front direction to distribute output sheets for each job. Sorting can be performed by the shift sort method. The electronic sort function is called collate. If you have the large-capacity memory described in the core section above, the so-called collate function is used to change the buffered page order and discharge order using this buffer memory. It can also support electronic sorting functions. Next, the group function is a function for sorting by page, while sorting is sorted by job.

  Further, when the sheets are discharged to the stack tray 1102, it is possible to store the sheets before being discharged for each job and bind them by the stapler 1105 immediately before the discharge.

  In addition to the above two trays, there are a Z-folder 1104 for folding paper into a Z-shape and a puncher 1106 for punching two (or three) holes for files, depending on the type of job. To perform each process.

  Further, the saddle stitcher 1107 binds the central portion of the sheet at two places, and then folds the sheet in half by biting the central portion of the sheet with a roller, thereby creating a booklet such as a weekly magazine or pamphlet. . The sheets bound by the saddle stitcher 1107 are discharged to the booklet tray 1108.

  In addition, although not shown in the drawing, it is also possible to add binding by glue (glue) for bookbinding or trim (cutting) for aligning the end surface opposite to the binding side after binding.

  The inserter 1103 is for sending a sheet set on the tray 1110 to one of the trays 1101, 1102, and 1108 without passing it through the printer. As a result, the sheet set on the inserter 1103 can be inserted (inserted) between the sheets sent to the finisher 209. It is assumed that the user sets the tray 1110 of the inserter 1103 face up, and the pickup roller 1111 sequentially feeds the sheets from the uppermost sheet. Therefore, the sheet from the inserter 1103 is discharged to the trays 1101 and 1102 as it is and discharged in a face-down state. When sending to the saddle stitcher 1107, the face is aligned by sending it back to the puncher 1106 and then switching back.

[Configuration of Document Server 102]
Next, FIG. 12 shows the hardware configuration of the document server 102. However, the hardware configuration introduced here is only an example, and various connection methods and configurations having various interfaces are generally considered. It is done.

  First, a portion surrounded by a dotted line is a substrate called a mother board 1200 on which functions described below are mounted. Reference numerals 1201 and 1202 denote CPUs that control the software of the server, and are connected to the secondary cache memory 1203 via the CPU bus 1221 and further on the motherboard by LSIs called the north bridge 1204 and the south bridge 1205. It controls various buses. A memory (SDRAM 1206) is used for data exchange between the north bridge 1204 and the south bridge 1205.

  Next, the north bridge 1204 has a high-speed PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus (32 bits / 66 MHz) 1222, is connected to the SCSI controller and the SCSI interface 114, and is connected to an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1207 via the SCSI bus 1224. , Allowing access to large volumes of data. In general, some HDDs are compatible with an IDE (Integrated Disk Electronics) bus described later. The high-speed PCI bus 1222 can also be used to connect a type of printer that directly sends video data to the printer. If necessary, video interface cards 113a and 113b are connected to the color printer. Effective for interfaces. Further, a graphic controller 1208 for displaying a display 1209 is also connected to the north bridge 1204 via an AGP bus 1226.

  Next, a general PCI bus (32 bits / 33 MHz) 1223 is connected to the south bridge 1205 side, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) is connected. Two NICs are connected in the figure when there are two systems of networks as shown in FIG. 1, and in the case of one system as shown in FIG. Further, a CD-ROM drive or a readable / writable CD-R / W drive 1210 is connected to the south bridge 1205 through an IDE bus 1225, and when the document server 102 is installed, a large amount of data is archived (data storage), etc. To help. In addition, data can be input / output by connecting to the keyboard 1213, mouse 1214, or flexible disk drive 1215 via the USB port 1211 or the super I / O unit 1212.

  Next, the data flow in the document server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. These flows are controlled by the above-described CPU, and the memory 1206 and the hard disk 1207 are used as necessary.

  First, a job input from the NIC 111 or the SCSI 114 enters the server from the input device control unit 1251 and plays a role in connecting the server with various client applications. PDL data and JCL (Job Control Language) data are accepted as input. It corresponds to various clients with status information about printers and servers, and the output of this module is responsible for combining all the appropriate PDL and JCL components.

  Next, the input job controller 1252 manages the requested list of jobs and creates a job list to access individual jobs submitted to the server. Furthermore, this module has three functions: job routing for determining a job route, job split for determining whether to divide and RIP, and job scheduling for determining the job order.

  There are a plurality of rasterization processing (RIP) units 1253. 1253-a, 1253-b, 1253-c, or a further increase if necessary, are collectively referred to as 1253 here. The RIP module performs RIP processing of PDLs of various jobs, and creates bitmaps with appropriate sizes and resolutions. Regarding RIP processing, rasterization processing in various formats such as PCL, TIFF, JPEG, and PDF is possible.

  The data conversion unit 1254 plays a role of compressing a bitmap image created by the RIP and performing format conversion, and selects an optimal image type that matches each printer. For example, when a job is to be handled in units of pages, processing such as adding a PDF header to bitmap data after rasterizing TIFF or JPEG in the RIP portion and editing the data as PDF data is performed.

  The output job control unit 1255 takes job page images and manages how they are handled based on command settings. The page is printed on the printer or saved on the hard disk 1207. Whether or not to leave the job after printing on the hard disk 1207 can be selected, and can be recalled when saved. Further, this module is managed by the interaction between the hard disk 1207 and the memory 1206.

  The output device control unit 1256 controls which device is output and which device is clustered (multiple devices are connected and printed simultaneously), and is sent to the interface card 112 or 113 of the selected device. This module also plays a role of monitoring the status of the devices 104 and 105 and transmitting the device status to the document server 102.

[Page Description Language (hereinafter abbreviated as PDL)]
Next, PDL data will be described. PDL is classified into the following three elements.

(A) Image description by character code (b) Image description by graphic code (c) Image description by raster image data In other words, PDL is a language for describing an image composed of a combination of the above elements, and is described in that language. This data is called PDL data.

  FIG. 13a) is an example in which character information R1301 is described. L1311 is a description for designating the color of the character, and the parentheses indicate the density of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black in order. The minimum is 0.0 and the maximum is 1.0. L1311 specifies that the character is black. Next, L1312 assigns the character string “IC” to the variable String1. Next, in L1313, the first and second parameters indicate the x and y coordinates of the starting position coordinates on the paper on which the character string is laid out, the third parameter is the character size, and the fourth parameter is the character spacing. The fifth parameter indicates a character string to be laid out. In short, L1313 is an instruction to lay out the character string “IC” with a size of 0.3 and an interval of 0.1 from the coordinates (0.0, 0.0).

  Next, in the example in which the graphic information R1302 is described, L1321 designates a line color as in L1311, and here, Cyan is designated. Next, L1322 is used to specify that a line is to be drawn. The first and second parameters are the start and end coordinates of the line, and the third and fourth parameters are the x and y coordinates, respectively. The fifth parameter indicates the thickness of the line.

  Further, in the example in which the raster image information is described, L1331 substitutes the raster image for the variable image1. Here, the first parameter represents the image type and the number of color components of the raster image, the second parameter represents the number of bits per color component, and the third and fourth parameters are the x direction and y direction of the raster image. Represents the image size. The fifth and subsequent parameters are raster image data. The number of raster image data is the product of the number of color components constituting one pixel and the image size in the x and y directions. In L1331, since the CMYK image is composed of four color components (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), the number of raster image data is 100 (4 × 5 × 5 =). Next, L1332 indicates that image1 is laid out in the size of 0.5 × 0.5 from the coordinates (0.0, 0.5).

  FIG. 13 b) shows how the above three image descriptions are interpreted in one page and developed into raster image data. R1301, R1302, and R1303 are developed PDL data. These raster image data are actually developed in the memory 1206 (or hard disk 1207) for each CMYK color component. For example, the R1301 portion is stored in each CMYK memory 1206 with C = 0, M = 0, Y = 0 and K = 255 are written, and C = 255, M = 0, Y = 0, and K = 0 are written in the portion of R1302, respectively.

  In the document server 102, the PDL data sent from the client 103 (or the document server itself) remains in the PDL data or is expanded into a raster image as described above, and the memory 1206 (or the hard disk 1207). ) And saved as needed.

[Network 101]
Next, the network 101 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the network 101 is connected by a device called a router that connects the networks shown in FIG. 1 described above to form a further network called a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The LAN 1406 is connected to a router 1405 inside another LAN 1407 through a dedicated line 1408 via an internal router 1401, and these network networks are spread several times to construct a vast connection form. Yes.

  Next, the data flowing through it will be described with reference to FIG.

  There is data 1421 existing in the transmission source device A (1420a), and the data may be image data, PDL data, or a program. When this is transferred to the receiving device B (1420b) via the network 101, the data 1421 is subdivided and divided like an image 1422. A destination address called a header 1425 (IP address of the destination when the TCP / IP protocol is used) or the like is added to the divided data 1423, 1424, 1426, etc., and the packet 1427 is sequentially transmitted on the network 101. Send packets to. When the address of the device B and the header 1431 of the packet 1430 match, the data 1432 is separated and reproduced in the data state suitable for the device A.

[Scanner Driver]
Next, the scanner driver will be described.

  FIG. 15 shows a GUI (Graphic User Interface) of a scanner driver for instructing a scan operation on the computer 102 (or 103). By instructing the user, a user can set a desired setting parameter. By instructing it, it becomes possible to convert a desired image into data.

  First, reference numeral 1501 denotes a scanner driver window, and 1502 is a source device selection column for selecting a target transmission source as a setting item therein. Generally, it is like the scanner 201 described above, but it is also possible to bring in an image from the memory 108 or from a digital camera. 1503 is used to make detailed settings for the selected source device. Click here to enter setting information specific to the device on a separate screen and perform special image processing (eg, character mode / photo mode). It is possible to select and input an image in a processing mode suitable for it.

  Next, 1504 is a selection of a scanning method, and here, it is possible to select capturing from a flat bed or ADF. Reference numeral 1505 denotes a portion for instructing a reading surface of the original, and can specify whether the original is a single-side original or a double-side original. An image size column 1506 for determining an image size is input. A resolution is input in 1507. A halftone mode can be selected in 1508. Simple binary, dither method, error diffusion, or multi-value (8 bits) can be selected. .

  Furthermore, 1509 and 1510 can be selected from the two, and it is possible to set whether to scan all pages or only specified pages when using ADF. Reference numerals 1511 to 1513 are portions for determining the size of the image area, and a unit and length and width are input respectively.

  When the pre-scan key 1516 is pressed after making these designations, the computer 102 (or 103) instructs the device selected in the source device selection column 1502, and starts image input. Here, since pre-scanning, image reading is performed coarser than the actual resolution, and the obtained image is displayed on the display unit 1515 as a preview image 1514. In the display, the scale is displayed according to the unit 1511 of the image area.

  If it is determined that the preview image is OK, a scan operation is started by clicking a scan key 1517. At the start, a dialog for inputting a file name and a directory name for saving the scan file appears. After the input, pressing the OK key saves the scan image. If the preview image is NG, the pre-scan is performed again for confirmation, and if the preview image is canceled, the cancel key 1518 is clicked.

[Printer Driver]
Next, the process of transmitting image data from the computer 102 (or 103) to the printer using the printer driver will be described with reference to FIGS. The printer driver is a GUI for instructing a print operation. By instructing this, the user can instruct a desired setting parameter and send a desired image image to a transmission destination such as a printer.

  Reference numeral 1601 denotes a printer driver window, and 1602 is a transmission destination selection column for selecting a target output destination as a setting item in the printer driver window. Generally, it is the above-described MFP 104, 105 or printer 107. Reference numeral 1603 denotes a page setting column for selecting an output page from the job, and determines which page of the image image created by the application software operating on the computer 102 (or 103) is to be output. 1604 is a number setting column for designating the number of copies. Reference numeral 1607 denotes a property key for performing detailed settings related to the destination device selected in the destination selection column 1602. When the desired setting is completed, printing is started with an OK key 1605. When canceling, the cancel key 1606 is used to cancel printing.

  Next, when the property key 1607 is clicked, the screen shifts to another screen as shown in FIGS. Here, for example, there are tabs such as Paper, Graphics, Device Options, and PDL, and the setting contents differ each time they are clicked. FIG. 46 shows a Paper tab 1611 as an example. Here, settings such as size 1615, imposition layout 1616, paper orientation 1617, or paper feed stage 1618 can be made. When the Device Options tab 1613 is selected, setting information unique to the device, for example, finishing settings such as stapling, and image processing related to changing parameters of the gamma conversion unit 702 and the spatial filter unit 703 in the printer IP unit 207 are displayed. It is possible to make finer adjustments. For selection, the function 1631 and its set value 1632 are set to desired values, respectively. Reference numeral 1633 denotes a default key for returning the set value to the initial value.

  Although not shown, the Graphics tab 1612 can select the resolution and halftone settings, or the PDL tab 1614 can select the PDL output format.

[Operation by web browser]
The document server 102 also supports a web server represented by IIS (Internet Information Server) of MicroSoft Corporation, and the current state of 102 in response to an HTTP protocol call from the client 103 (or 102 itself). Alternatively, information about peripheral devices can be notified.

  17A) is a main screen of the web service provided in the server 102, and the server IP address (in this case, for example, 192.168.100.11. If the environment supports DNS, the server name) However, the service screen is set in advance when the URL address portion is input to the URL address portion.

  This service tool includes a job status (1701), a device status (1702), a job submission (1703), a scanning (1704), a configuration (1705), and a help (1706) including a manual of the service. Each tab is configured, and will be described in order from the job status.

[Job Status]
The job status tab shown in FIG. 17A is composed of a device display section 1707, a job status display section 1708 and 1709 for active jobs, and a job history display section 1710 and 1711. All the displays 1709 and 1711 are displayed. Therefore, if the 1708 key is pressed as necessary, all the active jobs are displayed, and if the 1710 is pressed, the entire job history can be referred to, and details thereof are shown in FIGS. 17b), c), This will be described in d).

  First, the device display unit 1707 can display device names 1721 to 1724, device icons 1725 to 1728 (the icons change like 1727 and 1728 depending on the status), and the statuses 1729 to 1732 can be seen in characters. It is.

  Next, the job status 1709 can monitor the status of each job inside the server, and can be used for spooling (receiving data before RIP), Ripping (during RIP), Wait to Print (while waiting for Print), or Printing ( (In Print). In addition, jobs that are instructed to stand by inside the server at the time of job submission are held as “Hold” before being RIPed. If an error or jam has occurred, it is displayed to that effect and printed to inform the user, and then passed to the next job history (finished job).

  In the job history 1711, the job history can be viewed, and “Printed” is displayed when the job ends normally, and “Canceled” is displayed when canceling.

[Active Job Status]
In the job 1709 being executed, the job name 1742, target printer 1743, job status 1744, job priority 1745, job ID 1746, client name 1747, job page number 1748, number of copies 1749, paper size 1750, or from the client A comment field 1751 or the like for describing a request item to the operator is displayed.

  Furthermore, there is a control key 1741 that can be controlled only by a person (for example, an operator) who is given a certain privilege for each of these jobs. Specifically, it means job cancellation 1752, job suspension (job pause or hold) 1753, job restart (pause job or hold job release) 1754, and the like.

[Job History (Finished Job)]
Similarly, the job history 1711 includes a job name 1762, a target printer 1766, a job status 1764, a job ID 1766, a client name 1767, a job page number 1768, a copy number 1769, a paper size 1770, or an operator from the client. A comment field 1771 or the like in which desired items are described is displayed.

  Further, there is a control key 1761 that can be controlled only by a person (for example, an operator) who is given a certain privilege for each of these jobs. Specifically, there are a job archive (a function for storing a job in another location on the network) 1772, a job deletion (job deletion) 1773, a job reprint (reprint job) 1774, and the like. Based on these instructions, the operator can handle the server.

[Device status]
A standardized database called MIB (Management Information Base) is built in the network interface portion in the MFPs 104 and 105 or the printer 107, and is connected to computers on the network via a network management protocol called SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Necessary information can be exchanged with the computer 102 (or 103) for the status of devices connected to the network such as the MFPs 104 and 105 through communication.
For example, it is detected what kind of function the finisher 210 is connected as equipment information of the MFPs 104 and 105, status information is detected whether an error or jam is currently occurring, whether printing or idling, etc. , 105 equipment information, device status, network settings, job history, usage status management, control, and other static information can be obtained.

  FIG. 18 is a tab showing the device status, confirms the paper size installed in the device managed by the server and the replenishment status (1801 to 1806), and the accessory status (1807) such as the finisher installed in each device. Can be confirmed in advance.

[Job Submit]
The job submission tab will be described with reference to FIG. The usage method is the same as that of the print driver described above, but this is for throwing the file on the client 103 directly into the document server 102 without opening the application, and the print driver starts up the data with the application on the client 103. In contrast to converting the data into a format such as PS (or PCL) and throwing it into the document server 102, the job submit directly converts data in various formats (eg, PDF, tiff, jpg, etc.) directly into the document server 102. It is for sending to.

  As a setting item, 1901 is a transmission destination selection column for selecting a target output destination. Generally, the MFPs 104 and 105 or the printer 107 are used, but a cluster printer described later can also be set. In the column 1902, the file name can be directly specified together with the directory in the file selection column, but in general, a job file on the computer (or in the network) can be selected with a browse button below the file name. .

[Job Ticket]
Next, reference numeral 1904 in FIG. 19 denotes a column called a job ticket, which means a file in which setting items other than job image data are collected together with the job. Specifically, as shown in 1908, in addition to general job settings such as paper size, image orientation, and number of copies, finishing processing such as presence / absence of both sides, stapling, and in the case of a color image, an image Various settings relating to the job such as color adjustment by processing and instructing the priority of the job for the operator can be set by this job ticket.

  This job ticket has not only the setting items unique to each device but also the advantage that the operation can be carried out smoothly if prepared in advance. There are a save key 1905 for saving the job ticket set to “1”, a save as key 1906 that can be saved with a new name, and a job ticket reset key 1907 so that the job ticket can be returned to the default state.

  For example, ON and OFF are prepared in the Duplex setting column, and printing is performed by double-sided printing when turned on, and printing by single-sided printing when turned off. However, when a printer that does not have the duplex function is selected, this item itself is not displayed. In addition, since the default setting items are frequently set in advance, and Duplex is frequently used for single-sided printing, OFF is selected as the default.

  In addition to the finishing function, the items set here can select and change basic functions of the printer such as image processing parameters, the number of copies, and paper size.

  When the desired setting is completed, the print submitter 1909 is used to return to the job submitter screen. When canceling, the cancel key 1910 is used.

[UI Constraints]
In addition, each setting item in these job tickets can be provided with restrictions corresponding to UI Constraints in the PPD file. With UI Constraints, for example, when the user has mistakenly set double-sided copying to an OHP sheet, if the user does not notice the output, the user has a painful expense. Alternatively, in the case of a printer with a staple sorter, since there is no user who performs group sorting (an output method for outputting the same page in each sort bin, such as 111, 222, 333...) And stapling, the user sets this setting. These combinations are prevented in advance on the GUI in the event that is set by mistake. Alternatively, there are cases where combinations that cause damage to the printer are prevented. For example, in general, when double-sided setting is performed on small paper of A5 / Statement size or less, paper jam is likely to occur when the paper path is not designed to withstand small paper. If this process is repeated, it may damage the printer, so if the user tries to do it, it is a function that prohibits and prevents it.

  However, UI Constraints in PPD can generally be prohibited for two dimensions (combination of two functions), but it is prohibited for three dimensions or more (complex combinations of three or more). Although it was not possible, since the job submission page is described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), it is easy to give restrictions even if it is a combination of three or more dimensions. In addition, in the case of a general driver provided by PPD, there are many restrictions on the size capacity of the PPD in advance, and if a PPD is created exceeding these, some functions of UI Constraints However, if the description is in HTML, there is no particular size limitation.

[Scanning]
FIG. 20 shows a scanning tab that controls the scanning operation. In FIG. 20, the status of available scanners is displayed. Reference numeral 2002 denotes a scanning key. When this key is pressed, the above-described scanner driver is called.

  Reference numeral 2003 denotes a quick copy key, which prints in a continuous operation on a printer designated in advance after a scanning operation.

[configuration]
The configuration tab in FIG. 21 includes a printer configuration key 2101, a cluster configuration key 2102, a queue configuration key 2103, an archive key 2104, and a job configuration key 2105.

[Printer Configuration]
When the printer configuration key is pressed, the flowchart of FIG. 22 is entered. There are three modes for adding, modifying, and deleting printers. The additional mode can be set if the desired printer type (for example, color or black and white) is selected and the number is less than the limit allowed by the server. Etc.) and register it with a printer name.

  The printer correction mode is a mode in which the printer information such as the IP address or accessory is corrected and then re-saved, and the printer erasing mode is for removing unnecessary printers from the server management. Mode.

[Cluster Configuration]
When a plurality of printers are registered, it is possible to register these printers as a cluster printer by combining them. The procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, two or more printers are selected from the registered printer group. For example, if there are three printers A, B, C, four combinations of A & B, A & C, B & C, and A & B & C are possible. In addition, even in the case of the same printer combination, it is possible to register as a different cluster printer if the mode described below is different.

  Next, when the selected combination is a different type of printer such as a color printer and a monochrome printer, it is possible to select from two modes: a color / monochrome page separation mode and a color / monochrome automatic routing mode.

  The color / monochrome page separation mode is a mode in which, for a job in which color pages and monochrome pages are mixed, the job is separated into color pages and monochrome pages in units of pages and output to the respective printers.

  Similarly, in the color / monochrome automatic routing mode, after distinguishing between color pages and monochrome pages in advance, if even one color page is mixed, all jobs are output to the color printer, and all jobs are made up of monochrome pages. If so, it is automatically routed to the monochrome printer. These functions are intended to reduce costs and simplify operability because there is a gap in the per-print costs of color pages and monochrome pages.

  Furthermore, if the selected combination is a color printer and a color printer, or a printer of the same type, such as a black and white printer and a black and white printer, three modes are prepared: job distribution mode, number of copies cluster mode, and page cluster mode. Has been.

  The job distribution mode is a mode in which optimization of load balance is considered in order to sequentially distribute jobs to printers set to jobs that are available or expected to be in the idle state first.

  The number of copies cluster, for example, is such that 100 jobs are assigned to 3 printers with the same capacity, such as 33 copies, 33 copies, and 34 copies, so that the jobs are completed early.

  The page cluster is such that a job of 1000 pages is allocated to two printers by 500 pages.

  Each cluster printer can be registered with a name assigned in advance in different types of modes even in the same printer combination, and can be handled as a virtual high-speed printer in the same way as a normal one printer.

  Also, depending on the mode, the minimum pages per unit and the minimum number of copies can be set in advance for each mode. If one unit goes down due to a jam or error, the job is automatically transferred to another printer. It is possible to set a waiting time for job rerouting to be allocated.

[Queue Configuration]
Next, when 2103 in FIG. 21 is clicked, the flowchart in FIG. 24 is entered. The queue configuration has three modes of adding, modifying, and deleting a spool queue, and one can be selected. When adding a spool queue, you must first create a hot folder. The hot folder is, for example, setting a share on a folder on the server computer 102 with a computer in the network, and freely releasing the folder from the client computer 103, and the server computer 102 is in this hot folder. This is a folder that constantly monitors (polls) a job and guides the job to print if it is thrown in.

  Then, the added spool queue is associated with the created hot folder, and then either one of the printer created by the printer configuration or the cluster printer created by the cluster configuration is associated, and finally associated. The job ticket of the selected printer or cluster. The job ticket in this case is a default value to be referred to by the client side only, and the job ticket can be changed when the job is issued on the client side according to preference.

  Here, the associated spool queue is stored as a spool queue table in the server as shown in FIG.

[Print flow by job submission]
FIG. 26 to FIG. 28 explain these series of flows.

  First, FIG. 26 shows a flow at the time of job submission. When the client 103 throws a file from the above-mentioned job submission, the client first accesses the Web server unit 2631 on the server side by Web Browser (S2608). The server side displays a predetermined Web page on the client side, and the client side opens a job submission screen (S2609). Next, the operator selects a desired print file on his / her computer or on a network accessible by the operator (S2610). The file selected at this time is not necessarily a PS file as long as the server can be rasterized (RIP), and may be PCL, TIFF, JPEG, PDF, or the like. Further, the operator selects a printer or cluster to be output (S2611). The selected printer name or cluster name is immediately notified to the server 102, and a default (or desired) job ticket prepared in advance on the server side is displayed (S2612). The operator changes the displayed job ticket to the desired setting value to be printed on the browser (S 2613), and clicks the OK button. The selected job and the desired job ticket are stored in the server-side hot folder 2632. Sent.

  On the other hand, the server monitors a plurality of hot folders sequentially by polling (S2634), and if there is a job in the hot folder 2632 (S2635), it is passed to the input job control unit 1252 and RIP ( S2636) is performed, the spool queue table 2633 of the desired printer (or cluster) selected by the operator is referred to (S2638 and S2439), and printing is performed on the output device registered there (S2640).

[Print flow with normal driver]
Next, FIG. 27 is a flow when a job is thrown from the driver.

  The driver has two main roles: the role of creating PDL data (represented by PS) from the data on the application and the PDL data created there from the client (or the server itself) in the server It is a role to send to a predetermined hot folder.

  For this purpose, the client 103 starts up application software (S2701) and issues a print instruction. At this time, a GUI represented by FIG. 16, FIG. 46, and FIG. 47 is displayed (S2702). The operator selects a printer in 1602 (S2703), and sets a desired function using the property 1607 or the like (S2705). When the operator clicks the OK button 1605 (S2706), creation of PDL data is started in the client computer 103 (S2707).

  As soon as the PDL data is completed, it is sent to a predetermined hot folder 2732 in the server, and then printed in the same manner as the print flow by job submission described above.

  Here, when selecting a printer or a cluster, it is necessary to prepare a PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file or the like in the client computer 103 in advance and set a printer driver. The PPD file describes setting items for controlling the printer and its initial value, whether or not combinations of settings are possible, and is provided as a unique file for each printer or cluster. The operator must prepare the printer and the cluster by linking the PPD and the driver in his / her own computer.

  Furthermore, some drivers have a so-called auto configuration function that communicates with the printer side sequentially using SNMP / MIB or the like.

  That is, functions supported in advance on the printer side and their initial values are registered in the MIB, and an inquiry is made as to what functions the printer supports when the driver is opened from the client side via the network. For example, when a sorter with a stapling function is attached, the stapling function is disclosed, and a list of support setting items is shown to the driver on the user side so as to change to a desired setting item.

[Print flow from driver in this embodiment]
FIG. 28 is a print flow from the driver in this embodiment. That is, S2801 to S2807 operate in the same manner as S2701 to S2707 in FIG.

  A normal printer driver sets the address or name of a printer on the network as a port setting, or sets a parallel port, whereas this printer driver is a job of a Web server in the document server 102. A feature is that a submit page is allocated.

  FIG. 48 shows a property screen 2851 of the printer 105a, which represents a GUI for setting a port on the client computer 103 immediately after setting the printer driver. The property screen has a tab (2852 to 2858) structure for each function. For example, a case in which a port setting is set in the details (Details) tab 2853 is shown. However, since the tabs and functions in this property are different for each driver, they are not necessarily unique.

  2859 selects a print destination port, but when the printer driver is installed in the client computer 103 for the first time, no port is prepared. Therefore, the user clicks the Add Port key 2862 and jumps to FIG. An item for inputting a port name (here, Document Server 102) and a Server URL appears. The URL of the Job Submit page in FIG. 19A) is described, and an OK button 2885 is clicked to return to the screen in FIG.

  Then, it is confirmed that the printer 2105 is selected by the driver 2860 used for printing, a timeout 2861 and the like are set as necessary, and the property screen 2851 is closed by an OK button 2869.

  Returning to FIG. 28, if the OK button 1605 is clicked in S2806 with these settings, the URL of the Job Submit page in the server 103 is set as a predetermined port at the same time as the operation of rewriting the data on the application to PDL data. Will be sent. In response, the Web server unit 2831 in the server 103 displays a predetermined Job Submit screen (S2808), and the operator can change the job ticket again to a desired job ticket. When the PDL file in S2807 is created, the PDL file and the changed job ticket are transmitted to the hot folder (S2832), and the rest is printed in the same flow as in FIGS.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a user / group configuration screen.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart of user / group configuration.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of job configuration.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing hold job control.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart of active job list display.

  FIG. 34 is a job submission tab screen for a cluster in the first embodiment.

[Cluster print flow from driver in this embodiment]
In general, each printer has its own unique capabilities and functions. When a client sets up a printer, each printer driver is set, and a PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file that matches each printer. It is necessary to prepare them, but these are only one target printer, if you want to print to two or more printers and different types of printers at the same time, or divide one job The reality is that it is not possible to support operations such as cluster printing or job splitting, such as when printing to a different type of printer.

  If you try to create PPD files with AND or OR for the unique capabilities and functions of two different types of printers, the combination will be enormous, and if you have more than two different types of printers, you will no longer be able to support them. .

  Therefore, first, different types of printers are registered as cluster printers in the flow of FIG. Next, cluster printing is performed according to the flow of FIG. That is, it is opened by an application and a print instruction is given by the driver. At this time, a normal driver cannot set a job ticket for two different types of printers. However, if a driver is set as the document server 102 in advance by the method shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, cluster printing can be handled in the same manner as the print flow of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 35 shows a GUI for cluster printing. When cluster printing is set in 1901 in FIG. 35, it is possible to call job tickets for both MFP 104 and MFP 105 registered in advance in the web server. If a job ticket for each of the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 is selected in 1911 in the figure and the print is activated, cluster printing can be realized.

  In addition, in the embodiment, in order to simplify the explanation, the cluster printing to two different types of MFPs is described as an example in the flow and GUI, but needless to say, in the case of supporting three or more units or the same type It is possible to cope with a plurality of MFPs by a similar method.

[Automatic correction function for image data (for print area and font size / pitch) using print area setting file]
As described in “print flow from normal driver”, “print flow from driver in this embodiment”, “cluster print flow from driver in this embodiment”, printing from a driver using a plurality of image forming apparatuses, When performing cluster printing, it is necessary to link an appropriate print area setting file to the driver in advance.

  The print areas of the image forming apparatuses 107, 105, and 104 differ depending on the performance of the image forming apparatus. Each print area is stored in the print area setting file of each image forming apparatus stored in the server 102 or the client 103, and an image is output by one image forming apparatus using the corresponding print area setting file. If it is only possible to output, it is possible to output without any problem via the hot folder set in the server 102.

  However, in the document server system composed of a plurality of the image forming apparatuses described so far, since the print areas are different in the respective image forming apparatuses 107, 105, 104, for example, a plurality of the image forming apparatuses 104, 105, When cluster printing is performed using the image forming apparatus 107, if image data matching the print area of the image forming apparatus 107 having the maximum print area is created by an application, the image data is output from the image forming apparatus 104 having the minimum print area. In the print result, the print image exceeds the print area, and the print result considered by the operator is not output (FIG. 35).

  Therefore, an image data print area automatic change printing function is realized by the following procedure.

  When a print job is input from the server 102 or the client 103, the print job is input using information (print area setting file) of each image forming apparatus connected to the document server system set in advance. Sometimes the respective states of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are acquired. Using this result, the optimum (maximum) print area of the printable image forming apparatus is calculated from the print area setting file of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of printing when the print job is input. An optimum print area setting file having the optimum print area is automatically created. Replace the print area setting file set in advance and the optimum print area setting file when submitting a print job.

  If the print area of the image data created by the application is larger than the print area of the optimum print area setting file, the print area change coefficient is set using the print area of the optimum print area setting file replaced with the print area of the image data. (Print area setting file print area / image data print area value) is obtained.

  The print area of the image data is changed to the optimum print area shown in the replaced optimum print area setting file, and the font size and pitch of the image data are automatically adjusted from the print area change coefficient. It has means to reduce and enlarge.

  When “Auto-Scaling up & down Application document data” is selected in advance in the printer driver setting (1634 in FIG. 16) and the print area of the image data is large, the font size and Automatically reduce the pitch. When the print area of the image data is small, the font size and pitch are automatically enlarged using the print area change coefficient.

  When “Auto-Scaling down Application document data” is selected in advance in the printer driver setting (1634 in FIG. 16) and the print area of the image data is large, the font size and pitch are set using the print area change coefficient. Reduce automatically. When the image data print area is small, printing is performed while maintaining the font size and pitch as they are. In this way, a print area setting file and a driver are used in accordance with the print area of the image forming apparatus 104, and a plurality of print results with a print area with no page deviation can be obtained without changing image data created by an application. It is output from the image forming apparatus (FIG. 36).

[Automatic correction function for image data (for image) using print area setting file]
In the first embodiment, when “Auto-Scaling up & down Application document data” is selected in advance in the printer driver setting (1634 in FIG. 16), and the image data print area is large, the image size is set to Automatically reduce using the print area change factor. When the print area of the image data is small, the image size is automatically enlarged using the print area change coefficient.

  When “Auto-Scaling down Application document data” is selected in advance in the printer driver setting (1634 in FIG. 16) and the print area of the image data is large, the image size is automatically set using the print area change coefficient. Shrink. When the print area of the image data is small, printing is performed while maintaining the image size as it is.

  In this way, a print result without a page shift is output from a plurality of image forming apparatuses without changing image data created by an application using a print area setting file and a driver in accordance with the print area of the image forming apparatus 104. (FIG. 36).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart of an image data automatic correction function using a print area setting file.

[Image forming device information display function to check print results]
In the first and second embodiments, when the print area of the image data created in the application and the print area of each image forming apparatus connected to the document server system are different, the image data of the first and second embodiments is different. The print area, image size, font size, and pitch can be changed according to each image forming apparatus without converting the configuration. However, since the operator thinks that the image data created by the application is printed according to the size imaged by all the image forming apparatuses 104, 105, and 107 connected to the document server system, the driver is required to print the image data. , 107, it is necessary to display that printing is not performed according to the print area and size planned (FIG. 36). Further, when the image forming apparatus 105 is disconnected, it is necessary to indicate to the operator that the printing result is not output from the image forming apparatus 105 (FIGS. 38 and 3807).

  Therefore, after a print job is input, a screen indicated by 3801 in FIG. 38 is displayed. This screen displays the status of each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses set in advance in the document server system at the time of submitting the print job on 3802, shows the change of the print area for each image forming apparatus, (3803, 3804, 3805, 3806, 3807), the operator can check the change state of the image data created by the application based on this list. When the print area is changed in the selected image forming apparatus, the operator can check the print area of the image data created by the application and the optimum print area size output by the document server system (3808). . The operator presses an OK button 3809 to continue the print job. If it is determined that the desired print result cannot be obtained, the Cancel button 3810 is pressed to cancel the print job.

  Note that, since the print area of the image data created by the application does not exceed the optimum print area, this screen is not displayed when it is not necessary to change the image data by the driver.

[Print area preview display function]
In the third embodiment, when the operator wants to confirm in more detail the difference between the optimum print area of the document server system output from the selected image forming apparatus 104 and the print area of the image data created by the application, FIG. The “Property” button (3803) is selected to confirm the print result (FIG. 39).

  FIG. 39 shows the printing result of the image forming apparatus selected in 3902 (the optimum print area of the document server system and the print area of the image data created by the application). The print area size of the image data created by the application and the preview images 3903 and 3904 are displayed together with the optimum print area size output by the document server system and the preview images 3905 and 3906 for comparison. The operator determines whether or not a desired print result can be obtained using a preview, and presses an OK button 3908 to continue the print job. If it is determined that the desired print result cannot be obtained, the Cancel button 3909 is pressed to cancel the print job.

[Finishing flow and user interface display of this embodiment]
The JDF (Job Definition Format) input to the document server 102 contains instructions for every process from design work to delivery related to the production of printed matter, and includes cutting and folding related to the finisher. Also described are post-processing steps such as special processing. When the document server 102 receives JDF data 4001, the connection status of the MFP 105 or the printer 107 connected to the document server and the finisher 108 is confirmed 4002, the connected MFP 105 or the printer 107, 4003 by acquiring the functions of the equipment of the finisher 108, confirming the optimum job processing method, and selecting the optimum next-process equipment for work 4004, information on the current-process equipment and the next Information on the device in the process is entered in the job management table (describes job name, job ID, processing content, device name used, location used) 4005. The document server 102 sends the received job name and job ID information to the client PC 103 at the same time 4006. The client PC 103 is connected to a nonvolatile memory 109, and stores the job name, the job ID, the used device name, and the usage location sent from the document server 102 to the nonvolatile memory 109 4007.

  The job management server displays 4008 the work content of the next process, the job name, and the installation location of the apparatus of the next process on the user interface of the apparatus of the current process. The user interface of the next process device displays the work contents of the next process and the job name 4009.

  The user carries the non-volatile memory 109 when carrying out the printing process work, and carries the printed matter output from the MFP 105 or the printer 107 to the finisher 108a. The user uses JDF in advance to carry the printed matter and the nonvolatile memory 109 toward the reserved finisher 108a. When the finisher 108b that can perform the same processing content as the finisher 108a exists on the conveyance path that conveys the printed material to the finisher 108a designated by the user, and the finisher 108b is not used, the user passes the finisher 108b to the finisher 108b. On the other hand, the non-volatile memory can be inserted and the finishing process of the print job can be performed. The finisher 108b transmits the contents of the nonvolatile memory 109 inserted into the finisher 108b to the document server 102, and the document server 102 stores the contents of the job management table stored therein and the previous term finisher. The job data sent from 108b is compared 4011. If the job name or job ID stored in the non-volatile memory 109 does not exist in the job management table, the finisher 108b will not be in the idle state, and the user cannot perform a printing operation 4012.

  When the job stored in the nonvolatile memory 109 is a job registered in the job management table, the next work process of the job name or the job ID is confirmed from the job management table 4013. If the device can process the same work process as the next work process 4014, the document server 102 sets the finisher 108 b to the idle state 4015. If the device cannot be processed, the finisher 108b is not set to the idle state 4016.

  Furthermore, the used device name and the used place written in the nonvolatile memory 109 are changed 4017 to the finisher 108b.

[Job suspension processing in this embodiment]
The MFP 105, the printer 107, and the finisher 108 have a function of determining whether the nonvolatile memory 109 is inserted or not inserted 4201, and when the current nonvolatile memory 109 is inserted 4202, The state is changed to the inserted state (parameter: state 1) 4203, the job data stored in the memory is transmitted to the document server 4204, and the document server 102 stores the job data in the job management table based on the job name or job ID. It is determined whether the job exists and the job data count (count result 1) is compared with the job management table count (count result 2) 4205. If the count result 1 is larger than the count result 2, the job processing is not performed, so the value of the parameter state 2 is set to 1 (4206). If the count result 1 is smaller than the count result 2, it is determined that the memory has been removed before the interruption process, and the data of the job management server is overwritten on the memory 4207. If the job is completed or the parameter state 2 is not 1, 4208, the state 1 is confirmed again 4201.

  When the parameter state 1 is 1 (the memory is connected), it is determined whether the parameter state 2 is 1 (impossible error state) 4209. When the parameter state 2 is 0, the memory 109 has been removed. 4210 is determined. When the memory 109 is lost, the counts of the counters in the MfP 105 or the printer 107 and the finisher 108 are transmitted to the document server 102 and stored in the job management table 4211. If the memory 109 has not been removed, whether the interrupt button (FIGS. 41 and 4102) displayed on the user interface of the MFP 105, the printer, or the finisher has been pressed until the document server 102 is pressed. Job processing is performed in the printing devices 105, 107, and 108 and counted 4212. The job data stored in the memory 109 is notified to the document server 102 that the interrupt button has been pressed 4213. The document server 102 stores 4214 the count at the time when the suspend button is pressed in the job management table. The count at the time when the suspend button is pressed is stored 4215 in the memory 109. If the job is finished or the parameter state 2 is 1, 4208, the process is finished.

  FIG. 40 is a finishing flowchart of the present embodiment, and FIG. 42 is a flowchart of job interruption processing of the present embodiment.

1 is a diagram (1) illustrating an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an entire image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a scanner unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an IP unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a FAX unit of the image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram of a NIC unit and a block diagram of a core unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a printer IP unit of a color image forming apparatus and a monochrome image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a PWM unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a printer unit of a color image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a printer unit of a black and white image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a finisher unit of the image forming apparatus. The hardware structure inside the document server of this invention. The figure which shows the example of description of PDL data, and the raster expansion | deployment of PDL data. The figure which shows a network environment. The figure which shows the example of a screen of a scanner driver. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example screen of a printer driver. The figure which shows the example of a screen of a job status tab. The figure which shows the example of a screen of a device status tab. The figure which shows the example of a screen of a job submission tab. The figure which shows the example of a screen of a scanning tab. The figure which shows the example of a screen of a configuration tab. 6 is a flowchart of printer configuration. Flowchart of cluster configuration. The flowchart of a queue configuration. Spool queue table example The flowchart at the time of printing from a job submission. 10 is a flowchart when printing from a conventional driver. 6 is a flowchart at the time of printing from the driver of the present embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a screen of user / group configuration. Flow chart of user / group configuration. The figure which shows the example of a screen of job configuration. The flowchart showing control of a hold job. The flowchart of an active job list display. The job submission tab screen in the case of a cluster in the first embodiment. Problems of the print area in driver printing of the document server system. Printing results using the image data correction function using the optimal printing area Flow of image data automatic correction function using print area setting file. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of an image forming apparatus information display function for confirming each state of each image forming apparatus and a printing result change point of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a print area preview display function of a selected image forming apparatus. The finishing flowchart of a present Example. The user interface display example of a present Example. 10 is a flowchart of job interruption processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram (2) showing the entire system of an embodiment of the present invention. The job flow inside the document server of this invention. The figure which shows network data transfer. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example screen of a printer driver. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example screen of a printer driver. Driver setting property screen (1) of this embodiment. The driver setting property screen (2) of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

101 Network 102 Document Server Computer 103 Client Computer 104 Color MFP
105 monochrome MFP
106 Scanner 107 Printer 108 Finisher

Claims (5)

In an image forming system comprising a server and a client computer connected to a network, a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the server and a plurality of finishers,
Job input means for inputting a job to be printed by the image forming apparatus from the server or the client and finishing at the finisher;
A developing means for processing a job input from the input means by RIP (Raster Image Processing) and developing it into an image;
Means for outputting the image developed by the developing means to any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses designated in the job;
Means for acquiring the setting information of the finisher from the input job by the input means; means for transmitting the setting information of the finisher obtained by the acquiring means to any of the plurality of finishers specified in the job; and The job data is stored in a non-volatile memory connected to the server or the client computer, and storage means for storing the image developed by the development means and the job setting information input by the input means. The first read / write means and the image forming apparatus are connected to the image forming apparatus for reading data (user information, information on processing equipment, JobID, finisher setting information) described in a nonvolatile memory. The second read / write means and the finisher are described in the memory. When the third read / write unit connected to the finisher for reading the data and the memory are connected, the transmission unit for transmitting the data written in the memory to the server, the image forming apparatus, and the finisher , Having an interface for presenting information to the user, having means for displaying in accordance with an instruction from the server, and connecting the memory to the plurality of image forming apparatuses or the plurality of finishers, Based on the job data transmitted from the image forming apparatus or the finisher and the function information of the transmitted image forming apparatus or the finisher, means for determining whether the job can be performed and the job are performed. Can be connected to the image forming apparatus or the finisher. Image forming system comprising a user interface and means for displaying a screen activation status and transmitting means for transmitting the data of the job to the image forming apparatus or the finisher was.   2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when a print job is input from the client computer, the image forming apparatus and the finisher connected via a network based on a work content of the input job to be printed. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the next work procedure is displayed to the user through the user interface.   2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, in the print job, when the work of the print job covers the image forming apparatus and the finisher, the location of the next process device and the next 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein work contents are displayed.   4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the next process device displays a print job name and a work content of the next process. system.   2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when the work content is completed, a screen indicating that no work job exists is displayed on the user interface.

Images