JP2008152472A - Information processor, printer, post processor and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set a plurality of post-trial processing in one print setting operation. <P>SOLUTION: This information processor is provided with a print setting screen display means for displaying a print setting screen; a post-trial processing setting UI display means for, when a post-trial processing mode is designated on a print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen display means, displaying the post-trial processing setting UI; and a collective designation means for collectively designating a plurality of post-processing methods on the post-trial processing setting UI screen displayed by the post-trial processing setting UI display means. Thus, it is possible to perform a plurality of trial printing and post-trial processing without repeating the processing of "setting, printing and post-processing". <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a printing apparatus, a post-processing apparatus, and an information processing system.

  Conventionally, a third party (customer, client) receives an order to create a printed matter (magazine, newspaper, catalog, advertisement, gravure, etc.), creates the desired printed matter for the client, and delivers it to the client Markets that reward clients are emerging.

  For example, in the commercial printing industry, the functions of digital image forming apparatuses such as copiers and digital multifunction peripherals are utilized to the fullest as electrophotographic printing apparatuses and inkjet printing apparatuses increase in speed and increase in image quality. I am doing so. In this way, a digital market called print on demand (POD) that realizes digital printing using electronic data has appeared.

  In such a POD market, an image forming system including digital devices such as a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a plurality of digital image forming apparatuses is used to generate printed matter. The process from the input document provided by the customer to the creation of the printed product as the final product is managed by the computer.

  In general, in such an image forming system, there are a plurality of forms of printed materials, which are final products. Therefore, in order to obtain a printed material that satisfies the customer, a plurality of final printed materials are repeatedly subjected to test printing. Further, there may be a step of performing post-trial processing such as bookbinding and selecting a printed material that seems to be optimal from the post-trial processing. Hereinafter, trial printing of the final printed matter is referred to as “trial printing”, and post-trial processing of the final printed matter is referred to as “post-trial processing”.

  As a method for providing the trial print function, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, print data transferred from a host machine is stored in a page buffer, and the printer after the trial print is executed by the trial print execution unit Check the result of the trial printing while the copy is stopped.

  Subsequently, by shifting to the main printing by the main printing execution means, the operation for receiving the print data from the higher-level machine and the condition setting operation in the printer unit are completed once, and the print data is requested to the higher-level machine. Reduce the number of times. Along with that, a method has been proposed in which the print data transfer time is shortened, and furthermore, when a defect is found as a result of the trial printing, the restart of printing is stopped by the reset means to prevent waste of paper.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-299936

  However, in the conventional technology described above, the number of trial printing and post-trial processing that can be executed in one setting process in the image forming system is limited to one. Therefore, in order to execute a plurality of trial printing and post-trial processing, it is necessary to repeatedly execute the process of “setting → printing → post-processing”, which causes a problem that the processing becomes complicated.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention aims to improve processing efficiency by performing a plurality of post-trial processing settings in one print setting.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that is capable of communicating with an external apparatus having a post-print processing function and generates print data for printing. A print setting screen display means for displaying a print setting screen for setting, an instruction means for instructing execution of post-trial processing via the print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen display means, and the instruction means A generation means is provided for generating a post-processing instruction including a plurality of post-processing methods when execution of the trial post-processing is instructed.

  A printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a post-processing instruction including a plurality of post-processing methods and an information processing apparatus that generates print data, and includes identification information for identifying a trial post-processing method. After the execution of the post-trial processing and the printing means for printing on the output product, the post-processing device and the post-processing method used in the main printing according to the input of the identification information printed by the printing means from the plurality of post-processing methods And determining means for determining.

  In the post-processing apparatus of the present invention, the post-trial processing means for performing the post-trial processing according to the contents described in the trial printed material transferred from the printing apparatus, and the post-trial processing by the trial post-processing means are completed. And a post-processing end notification sending means for sending a post-trial post-processing end notification to the printing apparatus that has transmitted the trial printed matter.

  An information processing system according to the present invention includes the information processing apparatus described above, the printing apparatus described above, and the post-processing apparatus described above.

A printing apparatus control method is a method for controlling an information processing apparatus that can communicate with an external apparatus having a post-print processing function and that generates print data for printing, and is configured to perform print processing executed in the printing apparatus A print setting screen display step for displaying a print setting screen for setting information, an instruction step for instructing execution of post-trial processing via the print setting screen displayed in the print setting screen display step, and the instruction And a generation step of generating a post-processing instruction including a plurality of post-processing methods when execution of the trial post-processing is instructed in the process.
Another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention is a printing apparatus control method capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus that generates a post-processing instruction and print data including a plurality of post-processing methods. The printing process for printing the identification information for identifying the post-trial processing method on the output material, and the execution of the post-trial process, and then using in the main printing according to the input of the identification information printed in the printing process. And a determining step of determining a post-processing device and a post-processing method from the plurality of post-processing methods.

The program of the present invention includes a print setting screen display step for displaying a print setting screen for setting setting information for print processing executed in the printing apparatus, and a print setting screen displayed in the print setting screen display step. An instruction step for instructing execution of the trial post-processing and a generation step for generating a post-processing instruction including a plurality of post-processing methods when the execution of the trial post-processing is instructed in the instruction step. It is made to perform.
Another feature of the program of the present invention is that a printing process for printing identification information for identifying a post-trial processing method on an output material, and printing in the printing process after execution of the post-trial process. In accordance with the input identification information, the computer is caused to execute a post-processing device used in the main printing and a determination step of determining a post-processing method from the plurality of post-processing methods.
Further, the other feature of the program of the present invention is that in the post-trial processing step for performing post-trial processing according to the contents described in the trial printed material transferred from the printing apparatus, and the post-trial processing step When the post-trial processing is completed, the computer is caused to execute a post-processing end notification sending step of sending a post-trial processing end notification to the printing apparatus that has transmitted the trial printed matter.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a plurality of post-trial processing settings in one print setting, and image formation capable of obtaining a plurality of post-trial processing results only by performing one print setting. A system can be provided. Thereby, a user's usability can be improved.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[System overview]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the devices constituting the image forming system of this embodiment are connected by a network 101. This network 101 may be a single system or a plurality of systems.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 102 denotes an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus 102 has a function of providing a user with a screen for setting various processing parameters necessary for causing the printing apparatus and the post-processing apparatus to execute the printing process and the post-processing. Furthermore, according to the information set by the user, it has a function for generating various jobs, a function for transmitting various jobs to various devices, and executing a process described in the job.

  For example, the information processing apparatus 102 sets a device for executing print processing and post-processing, paper size setting, page layout setting, printing method setting, print quality setting, post-processing method setting, and trial printing. Settings, post-trial settings, etc. can be made. Then, a screen for setting various processing parameters is provided to the user, and a job ticket including trial printing / post-trial processing + main printing / post-processing is provided according to information set on the screen by the user. Generate and send to the device to execute the process.

  The information processing apparatus 102 uses a communication unit included in itself and a communication unit included in each device (including an image forming apparatus, a sheet processing apparatus, and the like). Various types of data such as information regarding job reception status, information regarding device status (operation status, error status, etc.), job progress information regarding job processing status, etc. are transmitted via a communication medium such as the network 101. I try to get it from each device. In this way, it is possible to grasp the job to be processed in each device and this system, and manage the process of each job.

Next, an example of the function of the information processing apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the user operates the print setting screen of the information processing apparatus 102 and selects the post-trial processing mode, the information processing apparatus 102 displays the trial printing / post-processing setting screen shown in FIGS. .

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a “trial print / post-processing setting main screen” displayed by the information processing apparatus 102.
In FIG. 2, 201 is a “post-trial processing result display area” for displaying the current setting status as an image, 202 is a “binding direction setting pull-down list box”, and the long side is closed (left), long Edge closing (right) can be selected.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes a “paper output method setting pull-down list box”, in which staple or case binding can be selected. Reference numeral 204 denotes a “staple position setting button”. Reference numeral 205 denotes a “post-trial process setting information display area” for displaying a plurality of post-trial processes set by the user, and displays a post-trial process execution device and a post-trial process method. Reference numeral 206 denotes a “post-trial process deletion button” for canceling the post-trial process setting selected in the post-trial process setting information display area. Reference numeral 207 denotes an “OK button” for confirming the trial printing / post-processing setting set by the user, and 208 denotes a “cancel button” for canceling the setting.

3, 4, and 5 are diagrams illustrating an example of a “staple position designation screen” that is displayed when the user clicks the “staple position setting button” 204.
3, 4, and 5, 301, 401, and 501 are “staple position display areas” for displaying the current setting status as image images.

  Reference numerals 302, 402, and 502 are "staple position setting areas", and the user selects / sets one of the staple position setting radio buttons displayed on the screen. The setting radio buttons change as 302 and 402 in accordance with the setting contents of the “binding direction setting pull-down list box” on the test print / post-processing setting main screen in FIG.

  Reference numerals 303, 403, and 503 denote "trial post-test device setting areas". The information processing apparatus 102 searches for stapling devices existing in the system and displays them in the area. When the user clicks the trial post-processing device in this area, the background color is inverted, and the post-processing device is selected and set.

  Reference numerals 304, 404, and 504 are “trial setting” confirmation buttons, and when the user clicks the button, the setting contents are confirmed. 3 to FIG. 5 is closed, and the contents set by the user are the “trial print setting information display area” 205 of the “trial print / post-processing setting main screen” in FIG. Is displayed.

Reference numerals 305, 405, and 505 denote "cancel buttons". When the user clicks the button, the set contents are invalidated, and the "staple position designation screen" shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is closed.
Reference numerals 306, 406, and 506 denote "help buttons" for calling a help file that explains how to use the "staple position designation screen" shown in FIGS.

  2 to 5, when the user sets a trial printing / post-processing setting device and a trial printing / post-processing setting method and instructs printing, the information processing apparatus 102 performs a plurality of trial printing / post-processing. One job ticket including a processing instruction and a main printing / post-processing instruction is generated. Then, the job ticket is sent to the printing device, the first post-processing device 104, and the second post-processing device 105. At this time, the information processing apparatus 102 describes a plurality of post-trial processing job IDs, main print job IDs, and comprehensive job IDs in the job ticket.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job ticket sent by the information processing apparatus 102.
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a job information description area in which a post-trial processing job ID, a main print job ID, and a comprehensive job ID are described.

  Reference numeral 602 denotes a trial post-processing information description area in which a printing device, a post-processing device, a printing method, and a post-processing method used in the trial post-processing are described. In this embodiment, the post-trial processing information description area 602 includes the number of post-trial processing jobs, the post-trial processing job ID, the printing device, the print type, the print quality, the number of pages, the paper size, the paper type, the number of copies, and the post-processing. Devices and post-processing methods are described.

  A print information description area 603 describes a print device, a post-processing device, a printing method, and a post-processing method used in the main print processing. In the present embodiment, a print device, print type, print quality, number of pages, paper size, paper type, number of copies, post-processing device, and post-processing method are described in the print information description area 603.

  Returning to the description of FIG. Reference numeral 103 denotes a printing device having a function of printing electronic data provided from an external device such as a computer. The print device 103 according to the present exemplary embodiment executes print processing according to the job ticket transmitted from the information processing apparatus 102. Further, the printing device 103 according to the present embodiment has a function of processing printed recording paper.

  The function of processing the recording paper is, for example, by performing a stapling process on the central middle portion of the collated recording paper by a stapling unit, or by using a special glue on the back portion of the collated recording paper bundle. This refers to the function of gluing or press-molding with a cover.

Next, an example of the function of the printing device 103 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The printing device 103 according to the present embodiment receives a job ticket from the information processing apparatus 102, creates a post-trial processing information table, and records the contents of a plurality of post-trial processes. It has a function to monitor the progress of post-processing. In addition, it has a function of issuing a trial post-processing stop instruction to the post-processing device based on the information recorded in the management table.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a “post-trial processing information table” created by the printing device 103.
In FIG. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes a comprehensive job ID storage area, 702 denotes a main print job ID storage area, 703 denotes a post-trial processing job ID storage area, 704 denotes a post-trial processing device name storage area, and 705 denotes a post-trial. This is a processing method storage area. Reference numeral 706 denotes a draft ID storage area for identifying a trial printed matter, and reference numeral 707 denotes an end status storage area used for monitoring and managing the progress of post-trial processing. Note that the printing device 103 according to the present embodiment has a function of printing a draft ID for identifying a post-trial processing method on an output material and executing trial printing. Note that the draft ID is also information for identifying the post-processing method, and may be simply described as identification information.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating an example of a trial printed matter output from the printing device 103 and having the draft ID described above with reference to FIG. 7 printed on the cover.
When the printing device 103 according to the present embodiment receives the post-trial processing end notification issued by the first post-processing device 104, the printing device 103 displays a post-trial processing setting screen on the console. Then, a job ticket that describes the post-processing method and the post-processing device is generated and selected in accordance with the function that allows the user to select and confirm the main post-processing method, and the main post-processing method that the user selects and finalizes. A function for sending to a post-processing device is provided.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a post-trial processing setting screen displayed on the console screen of the printing device 103. Necessary items are input to the post-trial processing setting screen and the post-trial processing is performed. Confirm.
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a draft ID input text box for setting a post-processing method used in the actual printing, and reference numeral 902 denotes an “OK button” for confirming the input draft ID.

  After the user selects a post-process to be used in the post-process from a plurality of test prints, the user inputs the draft ID printed on the test print in the draft ID input text box 901. When the user clicks an OK button 902, the printing device 103 generates a job ticket describing the post-processing method and the post-processing device according to the post-processing method selected and confirmed by the user, and sends the job ticket to the selected post-processing device. Send.

  For example, when the user selects (b) from the three types of test prints described in (a) to (c) of FIG. 8, the user displays “ID” in 901 of FIG. 9 via the console screen. : 0002 ". By selecting an OK button 902, the printing device 103 generates a job ticket that describes a post-processing method for performing stapling processing on the left side (two places) and a post-processing device for executing the post-processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the post-trial processing setting screen displayed on the console screen by the printing device 103.
In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1001 denotes a post-processing information display area, in which a status regarding a draft ID, a post-processing device, and a post-processing method is displayed. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a selection button for selecting a specific post-process displayed in the post-process information display area. The user refers to the information described in the post-processing information display area 1001, selects a post-processing to be used in the post-processing from a plurality of test prints, and then clicks the corresponding selection button 1002. Then, the printing device 103 generates a job ticket describing the post-processing method and the post-processing device according to the post-processing method selected and confirmed by the user, and sends the job ticket to the selected post-processing device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job ticket for main printing / post-processing generated by the printing device 103. That is, this is an example of a job ticket generated when the post-processing for production is confirmed according to FIG. 9 or FIG.
In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 denotes a job information description area, in which a main print job ID and a comprehensive job ID are described. Reference numeral 1102 denotes a print processing information description area, which describes a printing device, a first post-processing device, a second post-processing device, a printing method, and a post-processing method. In this embodiment, the print job ID, print device, print type, print quality, number of pages, paper size, paper type, number of copies, post-processing device, and post-processing method are described in this area.

  The first post-processing device 104 and the second post-processing device 105 having a function of processing the printed recording paper have a function of executing processing according to the job ticket transmitted from the information processing apparatus 102. For example, it has a function of performing a stapling process on a collated recording sheet by a stapling unit at a central central portion of the recording sheet. Further, it has a case binding function for executing a process of bonding the back portion of the collated recording paper bundle with a special glue, wrapping it with a cover sheet, and press molding.

  Further, the first post-processing device 104 and the second post-processing device 105 have a trial post-processing mode. When operating in this mode, when the post-trial processing is completed, the post-trial processing JOBID processed by the user is sent to the printing device 103, and the post-trial processing end notification function is issued. The post-trial processing is canceled in accordance with the post-trial processing stop command. Since the trial post-processing JOBID is described in 602 in FIG. 6, the post-processing device can transmit the trial post-processing JOBID to the printing device based on 602 in FIG.

[Overview of processing]
FIG. 12 is a processing sequence diagram showing processing executed in each device and transition of processing between the devices.
The process described in FIG. 12 will be described.
First, in the information processing apparatus 102, when the user operates the print setting screen and designates the post-trial processing mode, the information processing apparatus 102 displays the post-trial processing setting UI of FIG.

  Next, when the user designates a plurality of post-processing methods on the trial post-processing setting UI and executes printing, the information processing apparatus 102 displays a plurality of trial printing / post-processing commands and main printing / post-processing commands. For example, one job ticket shown in FIG. Then, the information processing apparatus sends the job ticket to the printing device 103, the first post-processing device 104, and the second post-processing device 105. At this time, the information processing apparatus 102 describes a plurality of post-trial processing job IDs, main print job IDs, and comprehensive job IDs in the job ticket.

  Upon receiving the job ticket, the printing device 103 shifts to the post-trial processing mode, acquires information from the job ticket, and generates a post-trial processing information table. Next, the printing device 103 prints a draft ID for identifying the post-trial processing method on the output material, and executes trial printing.

  When receiving the job ticket, the first post-processing device 104 and the second post-processing device 105 shift to the trial post-processing mode. Thereafter, when the printed matter output from the printing device 103 is transferred to the post-processing apparatus, the post-trial processing described in the job ticket of FIG. 3 is executed. When the post-trial processing ends, each post-processing device notifies the printing device 103 of the end of post-trial processing. At this time, the job ID of the post-trial process that the user has processed is described in the notification information.

  Upon receiving the post-trial process end notification, the print device 103 stores the post-trial process end information in the post-trial process table, and then displays the post-trial process confirmation screen illustrated in FIG. 9 or 10 in its own console. To display.

  When the user operates the console of the printing device 103 and the user inputs a draft ID of a desired post-trial processing object from the console screen, the printing device 103 refers to the post-trial processing information table. Then, a post-trial processing stop command is issued to a device that is not receiving a processing end notification and is executing the post-trial processing. As a result, useless post-processing can be prevented.

  The device that is receiving the post-trial processing stop command issued from the printing device 103 and is executing the post-trial processing cancels the post-trial processing that is being executed, cancels the post-trial processing mode, and after the trial End the process.

  Further, by operating the console of the printing device 103, the user inputs a draft ID of a desired post-trial process product from the console screen. Then, the printing device 103 generates a job ticket describing the post-processing method and the post-processing device, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, and sends it to the selected post-processing device. Next, the printing device 103 deletes the post-trial processing screen, deletes the post-trial processing information table, and cancels the post-trial processing mode. Thereafter, the printing device 103 performs the main printing process.

  When the printed material is transferred to the post-processing device after the main printing is completed, the post-processing apparatus executes the main post-processing. Finally, after the post-processing is completed, the post-processing device notifies the information processing apparatus 102 of the end of the processing.

[Detailed explanation of processing]
Next, using the flowcharts of FIG. 2 to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 to FIG. 16, after performing three types of trial printing / post-processing, The flow of processing performed in will be described.

[Processing flow of information processing device]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the information processing apparatus 102.
Next, a process from when the information processing apparatus 102 generates a job ticket according to the content specified by the user for trial printing / post-processing until notifying the user of the end of printing will be described with reference to FIG. .

  When the processing is started, when the user operates the print setting screen of the information processing apparatus 102 and selects the post-trial processing mode in the first step S1301, the information processing apparatus 102 is displayed in FIGS. The displayed test print / post-processing setting screen is displayed.

  Next, in step S1302, the information processing apparatus 102 designates the three types of post-trial processing selected via the post-trial processing setting screen. In the present embodiment, the trial post-processing 1 is a stapling process at the upper left (one place) with the long side binding (left) by the first post-processing device 104. The trial post-processing 2 is a stapling process on the left side (two places) with the long side binding (left) by the first post-processing device 104. Further, the trial post-processing 3 is a staple processing at the upper right (one place) with the long side binding (right) by the second post-processing device 105. However, it is not necessary to limit to this.

  In step S1303, the information processing apparatus 102 generates a job ticket in which the comprehensive job ID, the post-trial processing job ID, the main printing job ID, the post-trial processing information, and the main printing information are illustrated in FIG. To do. Then, the data is sent to the printing device 103, the first post-processing device 104, and the second post-processing device 105.

  Thereafter, in step S1304, the information processing apparatus 102 waits for the completion of the main printing. When an end notification is received, the information processing apparatus 102 proceeds to step S1305 to notify the user that the main printing / post-processing has ended.

[Processing flow of printing device]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the printing device 103.
Next, a process from when the printing device 103 receives a job ticket until the printing ends is described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, when the printing device 103 receives a job ticket from the information processing apparatus 102 in the first step S1401, in the next step 1402, the printing device 103 shifts to the post-trial processing mode.

  In step S1403, the printing device 103 reads the information described in the job ticket and generates a post-trial processing information table illustrated in FIG. Next, in step S1404, the printing device 103 outputs three types of test prints on which a draft ID for identifying the post-trial processing method is printed, and in step S1405, the trial printing ends.

Next, in step S <b> 1406, the printing device transfers the three types of output trial prints to the first post-processing device 104 and the second post-processing device 105. Note that the process of S1406 may not be executed by the printing device.
Subsequently, in step S1407 and step S1408, the printing device 103 waits for post-trial processing to end until a post-trial processing end notification is received from the post-processing device.

  If it is determined in step S1408 that a post-trial processing end notification has arrived, the printing device 103 proceeds to step S1409, and enters the end status storage area 707 of the post-trial processing information table shown in FIG. Save post-trial end information. Next, in step S1410, the printing device 103 confirms whether a post-trial processing confirmation screen is displayed on its own console.

  If the post-trial process confirmation screen is not displayed, the printing device 103 displays the post-trial process confirmation screen on the console in step S1411. Next, in step S1412, the printing device 103 additionally displays the post-trial processing information for which the end notification has been received on the post-trial processing confirmation screen.

  On the other hand, if the post-trial confirmation screen is already displayed in step S1410, the process directly proceeds to step S1412, and the post-trial processing information for which the processing notification has been received is additionally displayed on the post-trial processing confirmation screen.

  Next, in step S1413, the printing device 103 refers to the post-trial process information table, and determines in step S1414 whether all post-trial processes have been completed. If it is determined that all post-trial processes have not been completed, the process returns to step S1407, and the printing device 103 waits for the post-trial process to end.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1414, if it is determined that all the post-trial processing has been completed, the printing device 103 displays the main screen on the post-trial processing confirmation screen in steps S1415 and S1416. Wait for the post-processing method to be specified.

  When the user designates the post-processing, the process advances to step S1417, and the printing device 103 refers to the post-trial processing information table, and there is a post-processing device that has not finished the post-trial processing in the next step S1418. Check whether or not.

  If there is a device that has not sent the post-trial processing end notification, the printing device 103 determines in step S1419 that the post-trial processing end job is not sent to the device that has not sent the post-trial processing end notification. Notify stop instruction. In the process of step S1419, the printing device can determine the notification destination of the post-trial process JOB stop command by using the information in FIG. As a result of the confirmation in step S1418, if there is no post-processing device for which the post-trial processing has not ended, the process proceeds to step S1420.

Next, the process proceeds to step S1420, and the printing device 103 describes the post-processing device and the post-processing method in a job ticket and sends them to the post-processing device. In step S1421, the post-trial process confirmation screen is deleted. Next, the printing device 103 deletes the post-trial processing information table in step S1422, deletes the post-trial processing mode in step S1423, and then executes the main printing processing in step S1424. Thereafter, the printing device 103 transfers the printed material in step S1425, ends the main printing in step S1426, and ends the process.
In the present application, the flowchart has been described by taking three types of post-processing as an example, but it is not necessary to limit to the three types.
As shown in this application, the information processing apparatus generates an instruction sheet (job ticket) specifying a plurality of types of post-processing methods for a trial, so that the user can actually output desired post-processing with a single instruction. It becomes possible to determine from the result, and efficiency can be achieved.
Further, even before the post-processing device ends the trial post-processing, the post-processing for production is determined, so that it is possible to prevent unnecessary post-processing from being executed.

[Processing flow of first post-processing device]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the first post-processing device 104.
Next, the processing from when the post-processing device receives the job ticket until the post-trial processing ends is described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1501 of FIG. 15, when the post-processing device 104 receives a job ticket from the information processing apparatus 102, the process proceeds to step S1502, and the first post-processing device 104 shifts to the trial post-processing mode. Note that the job ticket received in step S1501 is, for example, the job ticket described above with reference to FIG. The post-processing device device 104 analyzes the received job ticket to determine whether or not to shift to the trial post-processing mode.

  In step S1503 and step S1504, the first post-processing device 104 waits for the trial print to be transferred. When the trial print is output from the printing device 103 and transferred to the post-processing device, the process proceeds to step S1505, and the first post-processing device 104 performs the trial post-processing according to the contents described in the job ticket. To start. Specifically, the first post-processing device 104 can execute the post-trial processing by analyzing the contents described in the area 602 in FIG.

  Thereafter, the first post-processing device 104 monitors whether a post-trial processing stop command is notified from the printing device 103 in step S1506 until the post-trial processing is completed in step S1507.

  Here, when the first post-processing device 104 receives a trial post-processing stop command, the process proceeds from step S1506 to step S1509, and the first post-processing device 104 cancels the post-trial processing that is being processed. To do. Next, in step S1510, the post-trial processing mode is canceled, and the process ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the monitoring in step S1506, if no post-trial processing stop command is notified, the process proceeds to step S1507, and the first post-processing device 104 ends the post-trial processing. Next, in step S1508, the printing device 103 is notified that post-trial processing has ended, and then in step S1510, the post-trial processing mode is canceled, and the processing ends.
15 is the first post-processing device 104. However, the first post-processing device 104 is not necessarily limited to the first post-processing device 104 as long as it has a post-printing processing function for trial post-processing.

[Processing flow of second post-processing device]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the second post-processing device 105.
Next, processing from when the second post-processing device 105 receives a job ticket for main post-processing until the end of the post-processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the job ticket issued by the printing device 103 is received in step S1601 of FIG. 16, the second post-processing device 105 waits for the transfer of the printed material in steps S1602 and S1603.

When the printed material is output from the printing device 103 and transferred to the second post-processing device 105, the process proceeds to step S1604, and the second post-processing device 105 receives the job ticket for production (for example, FIG. 11). This post-processing is started in accordance with the contents described in). When the post-processing is finished in step S1605, the second post-processing device 105 notifies the information processing apparatus 102 that the post-processing is finished (step S1606), and the processing is finished.
Although the main body of FIG. 16 is the second post-processing device 105, it is not necessarily limited to the second post-processing device 105 as long as it has a post-printing processing function for trial post-processing.

(Second Embodiment)
[Usage example of printing device with post-processing function]
In the first embodiment, in the image forming system including the information processing apparatus 102, the printing device 103, the first post-processing device 104, and the second post-processing device 105, the printing device 103 has a post-processing function. The processing when there is no data has been described. Alternatively, the processing when the post-processing function is not used has been described.

  However, in other embodiments, the post-processing function of the printing device 103 may be used instead of the post-processing devices 104, 105. Of course, the post-processing devices 104 and 105 and the post-processing function of the printing device 103 may be used together.

(Third embodiment)
[Usage example when multiple post-trials are performed on one post-processing device]
In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the stapling process is performed after the trial using three post-processing devices. However, in another embodiment, an example in which post-trial processing that is performed through a plurality of stages is set by one post-processing device is also assumed.

  For example, in the trial post-processing setting screen, a series of post-trial processing of performing stapling after Z-folding processing of a printed matter is performed using the first post-processing device 104 and the second post-processing device 105. It is also possible to process as two types of post-trial processing.

(Other embodiments according to the present invention)
Print setting screen display means, trial post-processing setting UI display means, batch designation means, job ticket generation means, and job that constitute the information processing apparatus, printing apparatus, and post-processing apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention described above A ticket sending means, a draft ID printing means, a post-processing device used in the main printing, a specifying means for allowing the user to specify a post-processing method, a display means for displaying a trial post-processing setting screen on the console, When the post-trial processing information table is created and the post-trial processing setting screen is confirmed, a post-trial processing stop command is issued to devices that have not finished post-trial processing. Each step of the issuing means for issuing, the control method of the information processing device, the control method of the printing device, and the control method of the post-processing device is a RAM or ROM of a computer. Stored program can be achieved by operating in. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention.

  In addition, the present invention can be implemented as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 to 16) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is directly or remotely supplied to a system or apparatus. In addition, this includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, and the like.

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. In addition, there are magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. It can also be supplied by downloading the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function from a homepage to a storage medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

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

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. In addition, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram showing a trial print / post-processing setting main screen displayed by the information processing apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a staple position designation screen example 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a staple position designation screen example 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a staple position designation screen example 3. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job ticket sent by the information processing apparatus. FIG. It is a figure showing an example of the post-trial process information table which a printing device produces. It is a figure showing an example of the trial printed matter which the printing device output. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a post-trial determination screen displayed by the printing device. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a post-trial determination screen displayed by the printing device. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job ticket for main printing / post-processing generated by a printing device. It is a process sequence diagram showing the transition of the process implemented by each device, and the process between each device. It is the flowchart explaining the flow of processing of information processor. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of a printing device. It is the flowchart explaining the 1st example of the flow of processing of a post-processing device. It is the flowchart explaining the 2nd example of the flow of a process of a post-processing device.

Explanation of symbols

101 network 102 information processing apparatus 103 printing device 104 first post-processing device 105 second post-processing device

Claims (27)

An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an external apparatus having a post-print processing function and generating print data for printing,
A print setting screen display means for displaying a print setting screen for setting setting information of print processing executed in the printing apparatus;
Instruction means for instructing execution of post-trial processing via the print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen display means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a generation unit configured to generate a post-processing instruction including a plurality of post-processing methods when execution of post-trial processing is instructed by the instruction unit. The generating unit generates a job ticket including a plurality of post-trial processing methods and print instructions,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising job ticket sending means for sending the job ticket generated by the generating means to a device. A printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus that generates post-processing instructions and print data including a plurality of post-processing methods,
Printing means for printing identification information for identifying the post-trial processing method on the output material;
A post-processing device to be used in the main printing and a post-processing method for determining the post-processing method from the plurality of post-processing methods in accordance with the input of the identification information printed by the printing unit after the trial post-processing is executed. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. A display means for displaying a trial post-processing setting screen on the console when a post-trial post-processing end notification is received from a device having a post-processing function;
The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the determining unit determines the post-processing method according to the identification information input on the post-trial processing setting screen displayed on the console. The determination means has a function that allows one post-processing method to be set for a plurality of different post-processing devices and a plurality of one post-processing method when setting the post-processing method on the trial post-processing setting screen. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing apparatus has a function of performing sequential processing with different post-processing devices.   The determination means has the same function for enabling setting of a plurality of post-processing methods to be processed by the same post-processing device and a plurality of post-processing methods when setting the post-processing method on the trial post-processing setting screen. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing apparatus has a function of setting to perform processing by a post-processing device. It further has a creation means for creating a trial post-processing information table,
The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a progress status of post-trial processing of each device is managed in the post-trial processing information table created by the creating unit.   The post-trial processing setting screen further includes issuing means for issuing a post-trial processing stop command to a device that has not finished post-trial processing when the post-trial processing method is confirmed. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7.   9. The printing according to claim 8, wherein, when issuing the stop instruction, the issuing unit refers to the post-trial processing information table and identifies a device that has not finished post-trial processing. apparatus. Post-trial processing means for performing post-trial processing according to the content described in the trial printed matter transferred from the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
And a post-processing end notification sending unit for sending a post-trial processing end notification to the printing apparatus that has sent the trial printed matter when the post-trial processing by the post-trial processing unit is completed. Processing equipment.   An information processing system comprising the information processing device according to claim 1, the printing device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, and the post-processing device according to claim 10. . An information processing apparatus control method capable of communicating with an external apparatus having a post-print processing function and generating print data for printing,
A print setting screen display step for displaying a print setting screen for setting setting information of print processing executed in the printing apparatus;
An instruction step for instructing execution of post-trial processing via the print setting screen displayed in the print setting screen display step;
An information processing apparatus control method comprising: a generation step of generating a post-processing instruction including a plurality of post-processing methods when execution of the trial post-processing is instructed in the instruction step. The generation step generates a job ticket including a plurality of post-trial processing methods and print instructions,
The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 12, further comprising a job ticket sending step of sending the job ticket generated in the generating step to a device. A control method of a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus that generates a post-processing instruction and print data including a plurality of post-processing methods,
A printing process for printing identification information for identifying the post-trial processing method on the output material;
After performing the trial post-processing, the method includes a post-processing device to be used in the main printing and a post-processing method for determining the post-processing method from the plurality of post-processing methods according to the input of the identification information printed in the printing step. A control method for a printing apparatus. When a post-trial post-processing end notification is received from a device having a post-processing function, the post-trial post-processing setting screen is further displayed on the console.
15. The control method for a printing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the determining step determines the post-processing method according to the identification information input on the trial post-processing setting screen displayed on the console. In the determination step, when setting a post-processing method on the trial post-processing setting screen, a function that allows one post-processing method to be set for a plurality of different post-processing devices, and a plurality of one post-processing method 16. The method of controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a function of performing sequential processing with different post-processing devices.   In the determination step, when setting a post-processing method on the trial post-processing setting screen, a function that enables setting a plurality of post-processing methods to be processed by the same post-processing device and a plurality of post-processing methods are the same. The method for controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a function of setting to perform processing by a post-processing device. It further has a creation process for creating a trial post-processing information table,
The printing apparatus control method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein a progress state of post-trial processing of each device is managed in the post-trial processing information table created in the creating step. .   The post-trial processing setting screen further includes an issuing step of issuing a post-trial processing stop command to a device that has not finished post-trial processing when the post-trial processing method is confirmed. The method for controlling a printing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 18.   20. The printing according to claim 19, wherein when issuing the stop command, the issuing step refers to the post-trial processing information table and identifies a device that has not finished post-trial processing. Control method of the device. A trial post-processing step of performing post-trial processing according to the content described in the trial printed matter transferred from the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 20,
And a post-processing end notification sending step of sending a post-trial processing end notification to the printing apparatus that has transmitted the trial printed matter when the post-trial processing in the post-trial processing step is completed. A method for controlling a processing apparatus.   A control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, a control method for a printing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 20, and a control method for a post-processing apparatus according to claim 21. A method for controlling an information processing system, comprising: A print setting screen display step for displaying a print setting screen for setting setting information of print processing executed in the printing apparatus;
An instruction step for instructing execution of post-trial processing via the print setting screen displayed in the print setting screen display step;
A program for causing a computer to execute a generation step of generating a post-processing instruction including a plurality of post-processing methods when execution of a trial post-processing is instructed in the instruction step. A printing process for printing identification information for identifying the post-trial processing method on the output material;
After the trial post-processing, the computer executes a post-processing device to be used in the main printing and a determination process for determining a post-processing method from the plurality of post-processing methods according to the input of the identification information printed in the printing process A program characterized by letting A post-trial processing step for performing post-trial processing according to the contents described in the trial printed material transferred from the printing device;
When the post-trial processing in the post-trial processing step is completed, the computer is caused to execute a post-processing end notification sending step of sending a post-trial processing end notification to the printing apparatus that has transmitted the trial printed matter. Program.   A program causing a computer to execute each step according to claim 23, each step according to claim 24, and each step according to claim 25.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to any one of claims 23 to 26.

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