JP2007188227A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that image processing is time consuming, and that the quality level of an image in the reprinting is deteriorated when operating image conversion processing(enlargement, reduction processing) or the like when print data are different from resolution and printing direction requested by a user in using the print data of the same source file in reprint processing. <P>SOLUTION: This image processing system is provided with a means for storing information for discriminating original data and print setting information in storing print data in a print data storage part (1); a means for designating print setting in executing reprinting (2); a means for retrieving print data from original data and print setting information in executing reprinting (3); and a means for selecting print data satisfying optimal print conditions from among print data whose original data are the same in executing reprinting (4). In executing reprinting, reprinting processing is operated by limiting to the print data satisfying the optimal print conditions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to reuse of print data in an image processing system for executing printing such as a copying machine.

In such an office environment, in a network-compatible copying machine, print data, resolution, double-sided layout information, print information such as color information, and the like when a certain user prints are stored, and the print settings that have undergone print processing are saved. As conventional examples in which the same print processing as the previous time is performed with a simple operation that is presented to the user, there are those described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2003-127473 and 2004-102602.
JP 2003-127473 A JP 2004-102602 A

  However, in the current office environment, the resolution and colorization of print data have further progressed, and as a result, the data size of print data has become very large.

  Therefore, in the conventional reprinting process, there is a problem that the number of stored print data is limited due to an increase in print data size.

  In addition, there is a problem that the load of the copying machine due to the image data changing process when the user instructs different print settings for the stored print data, and the print quality is deteriorated due to reprocessing. is there.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems,
In the image processing system for reusing print data, when storing the print data, information for determining the original data, and means for storing the print setting information together,
A means for specifying print settings when reprinting is executed;
Means for retrieving print data from the original data and print setting information at the time of reprinting;
In an image processing system comprising: means for selecting an optimal print condition from among print data having the same original data when reprinting is performed;
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system characterized in that, when reprinting is performed, reprinting processing is limited to print data with optimum printing conditions.

As explained above, according to the present invention,
When reprinting the print data of the same original data, by causing the user to select the optimum print data, it is possible to reduce the load caused by the reprint process and suppress the storage of extra print data. .

Example 1
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network image processing system including a network compatible copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a client 30 and a client 40 are connected to the copier 10 via the LAN 20. The copier 10 implements print processing of print data sent from the client 30 or client 40 and also executes print data storage processing.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of hardware of the copying machine (MFP) 10.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes the entire copying machine. The copying machine 10 includes a CPU 401 that executes software stored in a ROM 402 or a large-scale storage device 411 such as a hard disk, and comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 404. Reference numeral 403 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 401. A timer 412 performs a counting process for recognizing the current time in the copying machine 10.

  Reference numeral 405 denotes an external input controller (PANELC) that controls instruction inputs from various buttons provided on the copying machine or the touch panel 409. Reference numeral 406 denotes a display controller (DISPC), which controls display on a display module (DISPLAY) 410 composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. Reference numeral 407 denotes a disk controller (DKC) that controls reading and writing processing of data to a large-scale storage device 411 such as a hard disk. A network interface card (NIC) 408 exchanges data bidirectionally with other network devices or file servers via the LAN 20.

  Reference numeral 413 denotes a scanner controller (ScannerC), which irradiates a document image with a light source (not shown), forms a document reflection image on a solid-state image sensor with a lens, and obtains a raster-like image reading signal from the solid-state image sensor as image information. (Scanner) The reading process of 414 is controlled. A printer controller (PrinterC) 415 controls the printing process of the printer 416 that prints image information read by the scanner 414 and image information sent from the outside via the LAN 20.

  FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the hardware of the client 30. The client 40 also has the same configuration and will not be described.

  In FIG. 3, 30 is the entire client. The client 30 includes a CPU 501 that executes software stored in the ROM 502 or a large-scale storage device 511 such as a hard disk, and comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 504. Reference numeral 503 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 501. A timer 512 performs a counting process for recognizing the current time in the client 30.

  Reference numeral 505 denotes an external input controller (PANELC) which controls an instruction input from an input interface means 509 such as a keyboard connected to the outside. Reference numeral 506 denotes a display controller (DISPC) which controls display on a display module (DISPLAY) 510 such as a liquid crystal display connected to the outside. Reference numeral 507 denotes a disk controller (DKC) which controls data reading and writing processing to a large-scale storage device 511 such as a hard disk. Reference numeral 508 denotes a network interface card (NIC) that exchanges data bidirectionally with other network devices or file servers via the LAN 20.

<System configuration>
FIG. 4 shows the internal configuration of the system of the copying machine (MFP) 10.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 10 denotes the entire copying machine. The copier 10 includes a central control unit 450 to which a recording unit 451, a UI control unit 453, a device control unit 454, an external communication control unit 455, and a search processing unit 456 are connected.

  The recording unit 451 includes a large-scale storage device 411, and stores a print data when the print process is performed, and a file name for specifying the original data of the print data added to the print data. Index recording unit that stores original data specifying information such as creation date, update date, and file size, and print setting information such as resolution, printing direction, and color information in association with print data stored in the print data recording unit 459 452. The search processing unit 456 performs search processing from various information or data in the large-scale storage device 411 according to specific conditions. Is used to search for and specify the print data stored in the print data storage unit 459 based on the information specifying the ID.

  The UI control unit 453 controls the display of a display module (DISPLAY) 410 composed of an external input controller (PANELC) 405 that controls instruction inputs from various buttons provided on the copier or the touch panel 409, and a liquid crystal display. Display controller (DISPC) 406.

  The device control unit 454 controls a scanner 413 for reading a printed material and a printer 415 for outputting the printed material.

  The external communication control unit 455 includes a network interface card (NIC) 408 that controls data exchange bidirectionally with other network devices via the LAN 20.

  FIG. 5 shows the internal configuration of the client 30 system. The client 40 also has the same configuration and will not be described.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 30 denotes the entire client. The client 30 includes a central control unit 550, to which a recording unit 551, a UI control unit 553, and an external communication control unit 555 are connected.

  The recording unit 551 includes a large-scale storage device 511.

  The UI control unit 553 includes an external input controller (PANELC) 505 that controls an instruction input from the keyboard 509 and the like, and a display controller (DISPC) 506 that controls the display of a display module (DISPLAY) 510 including a liquid crystal display. Is done.

  The external communication control unit 555 is configured by a network interface card (NIC) 508 that controls data exchange bidirectionally with other network devices via the LAN 20.

<Print setting information management table>
FIG. 6 shows a print setting information management table 600 that is a data structure concept table of print setting information stored in the index recording unit 452 in the recording unit 451 of the copying machine 10 and the recording unit 451 of the copying machine 10 according to the present invention. The priority control table 610, which is a data structure concept table for managing the priority of print setting items stored in the index recording unit 452, and the UI control unit of the client 30 from the search result of the original data specifying information and the print setting information. The search result screens 620 displayed by using are respectively shown. Although the print setting information management table 600 and the priority order management table 610 have a table structure in the description of the present invention, they are not necessarily a table structure.

  In FIG. 6, as print setting information PS601, PS602, PS603, PS604 stored in the print setting information management table 600, an ID number for specifying original data specifying information stored in the index recording unit 452 in the recording unit 451. The ID number for specifying the print data stored in the print data recording unit 459 in the recording unit 451 and the print setting information are stored. In this embodiment, as an example, information on resolution, layout, and color information is stored as print setting information.

  In the priority management table 610, for the print setting information managed in the print setting information management table 600, which print setting item is searched for the setting specified by the user in the reprint processing of the present invention to be described later. Is indicated by the administrator of the system or the user, and the result is stored. In this embodiment, for example, priority 1 is set for “resolution”, priority 3 is set for “layout”, and priority 2 is set for “color information”.

  Here, when the user executes reprint processing, as an example, the file selected by the user is equivalent to the original data stored with the ID number “00339”, and the “resolution” of the print setting is “400 dpi”. , “1in1, single-sided” is set for “layout”, and “monochrome” is set for “color information”, the copier 10 first sets the information with the same original data from the information in the print setting information management table 600. As a result, the ID numbers of the original data specifying information are compared to search for PS601, PS602, and PS604 that are equal to “00339”.

  Next, when the search results are rearranged in order of “400 dpi” set by the user for “resolution” of priority 1 according to the priorities of the priority management table 610, the order is PS602, PS604, and PS601. However, since the “resolution” value of PS 602 and PS 604 is the same value as “300 dpi”, if “color information” of priority 2 is compared with “monochrome” set by the user, only PS 602 “ “Monochrome” is set in “Color information”, and the final order is PS602, PS604, and PS601.

  Finally, the copying machine 10 sends the search result of the print data to be reprinted to the client 30 in the order in which they are rearranged according to the priority order. The client 30 uses the UI control unit 553 to display the search result screen 620 for the print data search result received through the external communication control unit 555.

  As a result, the search result screen 620 displayed to the user sorts and displays the print data in the order close to the print setting information specified by the user from the item with the highest priority of the print setting item specified by the administrator or the user. is doing.

<Reprint processing>
Hereinafter, the reprint process of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In S7001, the user operates the keyboard 509 of the client 30 to select a file to be reprinted, and at S7002, the user selects a color such as resolution and color, and prints the number of layouts per page. In step S7003, the client 30 sends a reprint request to the external communication together with user identification information for specifying the user, original data specifying information of the file selected by the user, and print setting information. It is sent to the copying machine 10 through the control unit 555.

  In step S7004, when the copier 10 determines that the communication received from the client through the external communication control unit 455 is a reprint request, first, the search processing unit 456 matches the original data specifying information sent from the client 30. Is included in the original data specifying information of the print data stored in the index recording unit 452 in the recording unit 451.

<Reprinting by selecting print data for reprinting>
As a result of the search in S7004, if the print data that matches the original data is stored in the print data recording unit 459, the print setting conditions specified by the user and the print setting of the print data of the search result are determined in S7005. Compare If none of the print setting conditions match, in S7006, the copier 10 has close print setting items with high priority according to the priority management table 610 recorded in the index recording unit 452. The order of the search results is rearranged in the print data order, and the search results are sent to the client 30 using the external communication control unit 455.

  In step S7007, the client 30 displays the search result received through the external communication control unit 555 to the user using the UI control unit 553, prompts the user to select print data to be used for reprinting, and displays the selection result input by the user. The data is sent to the copying machine 10 using the external communication control unit 555.

  In step S7008, if the user instructs print data selection and reprinting from the user print data selection result received from the client via the external communication control unit 455 in S7008, the copier 10 selects the user in step S7009. Using the print data, a print process is executed using the device control unit 454, and the process ends.

  In step S7008, if the user instructs cancellation of reprinting, the process ends.

<Reprint processing when there is print data with the same print settings>
In step S7005, if there is print data that matches all print settings in the print data storage unit, in step S7009, the copier 10 uses the device control unit 454 using print data that matches all print settings. The print process is executed, and the process ends.

<Print processing when there is no print data for reprinting>
If the same original data document does not exist in S7004, in S7010, the copier 10 specifies the user from the user identification information, and saves the print processing permission / prohibition information (not shown) of the user in the recording unit 451. The user policy storage unit confirms whether the user can perform the printing process. If the user cannot perform the printing process, the client 30 is notified in S7015 that the printing process is impossible. To do. When the client 30 receives that printing is impossible through the external communication control unit 555, the client 30 notifies the user that printing is impossible using the UI control unit 553.

  If the user can perform print processing in S7010, in S7011, the copier 10 calculates the print data size from the designated print setting information, and exceeds the print data size preset by the administrator of the system. In step S7015, the client 30 is notified that the printing process is impossible. When the client 30 receives that printing is impossible via the external communication control unit 555, the client 30 notifies the user that printing is impossible using the UI control unit 553.

  If the print data size does not exceed the print data size preset by the administrator of this system in S7011, the copier 10 uses the external communication control unit 455 to send the image data to the client 30 in S7012. Request. The client 30 creates image data for printing of the selected file in accordance with the image data sending request received through the external communication control unit 555, print image data, original data specifying information of the file selected by the user, print Along with the setting information, a print request is sent to the copying machine 10 using the external communication control unit 555.

  In step S7013, the copier 10 uses the device control unit 454 according to the print request received through the external communication control unit 455, converts the print image data into print data according to the print setting information, and executes print processing. To do.

  In S7014, the copier 10 saves the created print data in the print data recording unit 459 in the recording unit 451, and at the same time stores the original data specifying information and the print setting information in the index recording unit, and ends the process.

<Print processing>
Hereinafter, the printing process of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In S8001, the user selects a file to be printed by operating the keyboard 509 or the like of the client 30, and at S8002, the user selects a color such as resolution and color, the number of layouts per page, and pages to be printed. In step S8003, the client 30 sends a print request to the external communication control unit together with user identification information for specifying the user, original data specifying information of the file selected by the user, and print setting information. It is sent to the copier 10 through 555.

  In step S7004, when the copier 10 determines that the communication received from the client through the external communication control unit 455 is a reprint request, first, the search processing unit 456 matches the original data specifying information sent from the client 30. Is included in the original data specifying information of the print data stored in the index recording unit 452 in the recording unit 451.

<Reprinting with print data for reprinting>
As a result of the search in S8004, if print data that matches the original data is stored in the print data recording unit 459, in S8005, the print setting conditions specified by the user and the print setting of the print data of the search result are set. Compare If there is print data that matches all print settings in the print data storage unit, in step S8006, the copier 10 uses the print data that matches all print settings to print using the device control unit 454. The process is executed and the process is terminated.

<Print processing when there is no print data for reprinting>
If the same original data document does not exist in S8004, and if there is no print data in which all the print settings match in S8005, in S8007, the copier 10 identifies the user from the user identification information and records the recording unit 451. The user policy storage unit that stores permission / prohibition information of the user's printing process (not shown) is checked whether the user can perform the printing process. If the user cannot perform the printing process, In step S8012, the client 30 is notified that print processing is impossible. When the client 30 receives that printing is impossible through the external communication control unit 555, the client 30 notifies the user that printing is impossible using the UI control unit 553.

  In S8007, when the user can perform print processing, in S8008, the copier 10 calculates the print data size from the designated print setting information, and exceeds the print data size preset by the administrator of this system. In step S8012, the client 30 is notified that print processing is impossible. When the client 30 receives that printing is impossible through the external communication control unit 555, the client 30 notifies the user that printing is impossible using the UI control unit 553.

  If the print data size does not exceed the print data size preset by the administrator of this system in S8008, the copier 10 uses the external communication control unit 455 to send image data to the client 30 in S8009. Request. The client 30 creates image data for printing of the selected file in accordance with the image data sending request received through the external communication control unit 555, print image data, original data specifying information of the file selected by the user, print Along with the setting information, a print request is sent to the copying machine 10 using the external communication control unit 555.

  In step S8010, the copier 10 uses the device control unit 454 according to the print request received through the external communication control unit 455, converts the print image data into print data according to the print setting information, and executes the print process. To do.

  In step S8011, the copying machine 10 stores the created print data in the print data recording unit 459 in the recording unit 451, and simultaneously stores the original data specifying information and the print setting information in the index recording unit, and ends the process.

  In the print setting information management table 600 and the priority order management table 610 of FIG. 6 according to the present invention, “resolution”, “layout”, and “color information” have been described as examples of print setting information. It can be easily imagined that similar processing can be performed using information.

  In the reprinting process shown in FIG. 7 of the present invention, when the print setting conditions specified by the user in S7005 and the print settings of the print data of the search result are compared, there is no case where all the print setting conditions match. As a result of this processing, the copying machine 10 sorts the search results in the order of the print data with the closest print setting items according to the priority order management table 610 recorded in the index recording unit 452 as a result of the first. It can be easily imagined that reprint processing can be performed by automatically selecting near print data.

  In the reprinting process shown in FIG. 7 of the present invention, it can be easily imagined that the same process can be performed even if one or both of the steps of S7010 and S7011 are omitted.

  In the reprinting process shown in FIG. 7 of the present invention, in step S7011, it is determined as an example whether the print data size exceeds a threshold set by the administrator of the system, but the print data size is limited. For example, it is easy to imagine that the same processing can be performed regardless of different print settings, such as whether the print color information can be printed only in monochrome, or the number of pages can be printed within the threshold value. it can. Similarly, in the printing process shown in FIG. 8 of the present invention, it can be easily imagined that the same process can be performed even if a determination is made for different print settings in step S8008.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network image processing system including a network compatible copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows an internal configuration of hardware of a copying machine (MFP) 10. 2 shows an internal configuration of hardware of the client 30. 1 shows an internal configuration of a system of a copying machine (MFP) 10. 2 shows an internal configuration of a client 30 system. FIG. 6 shows a data structure concept table of a print setting information management table, a priority order management table, and a search result screen. It is a flowchart which shows the reprint process of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Copy machine 20 LAN
30, 40 Client 401 CPU of copying machine 10
402 ROM of the copier 10
403 RAM of the copier 10
404 System bus of copying machine 10 405 External input controller (PANELC) of copying machine 10
406 Copier 10 Display Controller (DISPC)
407 Disk controller (DKC) of copying machine 10
408 Network interface card (NIC) of copying machine 10
409 Various buttons or touch panel of the copier 10 410 Display module of the copier 10 (DISPLAY)
411 Large Scale Storage Device of Copying Machine 10 412 Timer of Copying Machine 10 413 Scanner Controller of Copying Machine 10 (Scanner C)
414 Scanner of copier 10 415 Printer controller of copier 10 (PrinterC)
416 Printer of copier 10 450 Central processing unit of copier 10 451 Recording unit of copier 10 452 Index information recording unit of copier 10 453 UI control unit of copier 10 454 Device control unit of copier 10 455 Copier 10 External communication control unit 456 Search processing unit 459 of copying machine 10 Data recording unit 501 of copying machine 10 CPU of client 30
502 ROM of client 30
503 RAM of the client 30
504 System bus of client 30 505 External input controller (PANELC) of client 30
506 Display controller (DISPC) of client 30
507 Disk controller (DKC) of client 30
508 Network interface card (NIC) of client 30
509 Input interface means such as a keyboard of the client 30 510 Display module (DISPLAY) such as a liquid crystal display of the client 30
511 Large-scale storage device of client 30 512 Timer of client 30 550 Central processing unit of client 30 551 Recording unit of client 30 552 User authentication information recording unit of client 30 553 UI control unit of client 30 555 External communication control unit of client 30 600 Print setting information management table 610 Priority order management table 620 Search result screen PS601, PS602, PS603, PS604 Print setting information

Claims (3)

In the image processing system for reusing print data, when storing the print data, information for determining the original data, and means for storing the print setting information together,
A means for specifying print settings when reprinting is executed;
Means for retrieving print data from the original data and print setting information at the time of reprinting;
In an image processing system comprising: means for selecting, under execution of reprinting, data having a certain print condition from print data having the same original data,
An image processing system for performing reprint processing only for print data of the selected print condition when performing reprinting. User identification means;
A recording means for storing whether printing processing is permitted for each user;
In an image processing system comprising:
Item 2. The image processing according to Item 1, wherein when reprinting is performed, if print data having the same original data is not stored in the print data storage unit, only a user who is permitted to perform the print processing can perform the print processing. system. In an image system including a recording unit that stores an upper limit value of print data of a printing process,
When reprinting is performed, if print data with the same original data is not stored in the print data storage means, the print processing can be performed when the print data size of the reprint processing does not exceed the upper limit value. Item 1. An image processing system according to item 1 to item 2.

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