JP2009105753A - Image processor, output job control method and output job control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor, an output job control method and an output job control program which are capable of realizing output job control in accordance with an output sequence desired by users. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor is a device which constitutes one application possessed by the device by cooperating an input means 103a which inputs data, a working means 103b which works data and an output means 103c which outputs data while having a setting means 53 for setting classification information for classifying a job outputted by the output means 103c and/or preferential order information for determining the output order of the job from the classification information, and an output order determining means 52 which determines the output order of the job based on the classification information and the preferential order information which are set by the setting means 53 while the output means 103c outputs the job in accordance with the output order determined by the output order determining means 52. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that constitutes an application by linking and operating input, processing, and output functions.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the advancement of information processing technology, an image processing apparatus in which functions such as a printer, a copy, a scanner, and a facsimile are combined and installed in a single housing has been introduced into the user environment. Further, the image processing apparatus is provided with a communication device capable of bidirectional data communication.

  Since such an image processing apparatus is equipped with a plurality of functions, there are frequently scenes simultaneously used by a plurality of users in the user environment. For example, there is a situation in which a certain user makes a copy of a document while facing the image processing apparatus and another user prints document data created from a PC (Personal Computer). In particular, since the printing function of an image processing apparatus is used not only by a printer but also by other functions such as copying and facsimile, the above-mentioned scene “used simultaneously by a plurality of users” is frequently considered. It is done.

  In such a case, a problem in the image processing apparatus is that printing is performed in an optimal printing order in response to print job execution requests received from a plurality of users.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 “confirms the priority order of a plurality of print jobs to be printed, gives priority to printing a job with a higher priority than a job with a lower priority order, and controls the output order of the print jobs. An image forming apparatus is disclosed. Further, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 further includes a UI (User Interface) that allows the user to set the priority order from selection candidates determined in advance.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 schedules execution of an optimal print job according to the priority order of the print job, and realizes a print function desired by the user.

Thus, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem of “printing in an optimal printing order in response to print job execution requests received from a plurality of users”, the conventional technique as in Patent Document 1 is used. A technique has been proposed that allows a user to set the priority order of print jobs in advance and prints the print job in accordance with the print order based on the set value.
Japanese Patent No. 3805170

  However, since the prior art is a method of setting a predetermined priority order, the range in which the user can set the priority order and control the print order of print jobs is limited.

  Since the use and purpose of the image processing device vary depending on the user environment, even if the priority order for controlling the print order of print jobs can be set within a certain range, the print job control desired by the user is realized. It is not done. That is, in order to realize the print job control desired by the user, a mechanism that allows the user himself / herself to freely design a predetermined control rule for performing the print job control and to output in accordance with the designed control rule is required. .

  Furthermore, in order to control a print job in response to a change in environment such as addition or deletion of functions of the image processing apparatus, a program module that performs print job control must be updated.

  At present, various application software that realizes the functions of image processing devices are developed by manufacturers (hereinafter referred to as the following) in order to respond to the diversifying needs of users as the use and purpose of image processing devices change. "Vendor").

  Against this background, in image processing apparatuses, in addition to print jobs processed by application software developed by vendors that manufacture and sell image processing apparatuses, print jobs processed by application software developed by third vendors are also supported. Must also enable print job control.

  For this reason, in conventional image processing apparatuses, a print job control function that allows a user to design a predetermined control rule for performing print job control and can flexibly respond to changes in the function installation environment in the apparatus. Is not realized.

  In the present invention, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, a user can design a predetermined control rule for performing output job control, and can flexibly cope with changes in the function installation environment in the apparatus, An object is to provide an output job control method and an output job control program.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes input means for inputting data, processing means for processing data, and output means for outputting data, the input means, and the processing means. And an image processing apparatus that constitutes one application included in the image processing apparatus by operating the output means in cooperation with each other, classification information for classifying jobs to be output by the output means, And / or setting means for setting priority order information for determining the output order of the job from the classification information, and the job based on the classification information and the priority order information set by the setting means Output order determining means for determining the output order of the job, the output means according to the output order determined by the output order determining means. And performing power process.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the setting unit includes classification method information indicating a classification method for classifying the job, and a classification type for classifying the job by the classification method. The classification information associated with the classification type information to be displayed, and / or the classification method priority information indicating the priority between the classification methods, and the classification type priority information indicating the priority between the classification types in the classification method. The associated priority information is set.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the setting means sets the application in association with at least one or more classification method information.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the setting unit sets the classification method information and the classification type information in association with each application.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention sets whether or not the setting unit permits change / update of the classification method information and the classification type information associated with each application. It is characterized by doing.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention refers to the classification information set by the setting unit, and based on the classification method information and the classification type information associated with each application. A priority order acquisition means for acquiring, from the priority order information, classification method priority order information of a classification method indicated by the classification method information, and classification type priority information of a classification type indicated by the classification type information, In the output order determination means, a plurality of jobs waiting for output processing in the order of output request according to the respective priority orders indicated by the classification method priority order information and the classification type priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition means. The output order is determined.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention provides the output order determination unit based on the priority order indicated by the classification method priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition unit. Priorities indicated by the classification type priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition unit according to the determined order are determined for the order of sorting the output order of a plurality of jobs waiting for output processing for each classification method. Based on the order, the output order of the plurality of jobs is rearranged for each classification type in the same classification method, and the output order is determined.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, in the output order determination unit, each priority indicated by the classification method priority order information and the classification type priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition unit is provided. When rearranging the output order of a plurality of jobs waiting for output processing in the order of the output request according to the order, the output order of the plurality of jobs corresponding to the same classification method and classification type is determined for each of the plurality of jobs. It is determined based on the output request order.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is configured such that, in the output order determination unit, the classification type information is set when the setting unit does not set the classification type information for the application. So that the job corresponding to the output process target of the application for which is not set is output after the job corresponding to the output process target of the application in which the classification type information is set, which is waiting for the output process. The job output order is rearranged to determine the output order.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has a classification method for classifying output jobs processed by each function, and an output job for classification, with respect to the functions (installed application software) installed in the image processing apparatus. It is possible to design a predetermined control rule that controls the output order of output jobs by associating the classification type to which the classification belongs and the priority of the classification types and the classification types. By configuring the output according to the output order based on the control rules, it is possible to design a predetermined control rule for the user to perform output job control, and flexibly respond to changes in the function installation environment in the device As a result, an output job control function desired by the user can be realized.

  In order to achieve the above object, an output job control method of the present invention comprises an input means for inputting data, a processing means for processing data, and an output means for outputting data, the input means, and the processing An output job control method in an image processing apparatus that constitutes one application included in the image processing apparatus by operating the means and the output means in cooperation with each other, and classifying jobs to be output by the output means A setting procedure for setting classification information to be performed and / or priority information for determining the output order of the job from the classification information, and the classification information and the priority information set by the setting procedure Output order determination procedure for determining the output order of the job based on the output order, and according to the output order determined by the output order determination procedure, And having an output procedure for output processing of the job by the output means.

  As a result, the output job control method of the present invention has a classification method for classifying output jobs processed by each function with respect to functions (installed application software) installed therein, and an output job for classification. Associates the classification type to which the category belongs and the priority of the classification method and the classification type, makes it possible to design a predetermined control rule for controlling the output order of the output jobs, and outputs the output job processed by each function to the designed predetermined By outputting according to the output order based on the control rules, it is possible for the user to design predetermined control rules for performing output job control, and to flexibly respond to changes in the function installation environment in the device And an output job control function desired by the user can be realized.

  In order to achieve the above object, an output job control program of the present invention comprises an input means for inputting data, a processing means for processing data, and an output means for outputting data, the input means, and the processing An output job control program in an image processing apparatus constituting one application included in the image processing apparatus by operating the means and the output means in cooperation with each other, and is output to the computer by the output means A setting procedure for setting classification information for classifying a job and / or priority information for determining an output order of the job from the classification information, and the classification information and the priority set by the setting procedure Output order determination procedure for determining the output order of the job based on the order information and the output order determination procedure. In accordance with the output sequence to execute an output procedure for output processing of the job by the output means.

  Thus, the output job control program according to the present invention classifies the computer with the classification method for classifying the output job processed by each function with respect to the function installed in the computer (installed application software). It is possible to design a predetermined control rule that controls the output order of output jobs by associating the classification type to which the output job belongs, the classification method and the priority of the classification types, and designing the output job processed by each function It can be made to function to output according to the output order based on the predetermined control rule made.

  Therefore, in the output job control program of the present invention, a user can design a predetermined control rule for performing output job control, and can flexibly cope with changes in the function installation environment in the apparatus. In the computer, the output job control function desired by the user can be realized.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus, an output job control method, and an output job control program capable of realizing output job control according to an output order desired by a user.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Hardware configuration>
First, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[Image processing device (MFP)]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 11, a storage medium I / F 12, a controller 13, a data communication I / F 14, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 17, a scanner 15, and a plotter 16. Are connected to each other.

  The operation panel (operation panel) 11 includes an input device 11a and a display device 11b. The input device 11a includes hardware keys and the like, and is used to input each operation signal to the image processing apparatus 100. It is done. The display device 11b is configured with a display or the like, and displays various types of information related to image processing operations, for example. The data communication I / F 14 includes an interface device 14a, and is an interface that connects the image processing apparatus 100 to a data transmission path such as a network. The HDD 17 stores various data such as received document data and read image data handled by the image processing apparatus 100. Further, the HDD 17 manages these various data by a predetermined file system or DB (Data Base).

  The various data stored in the HDD 17 includes electronic data recorded by an external device such as a digital camera. In such a case, it is provided to the image processing apparatus 100 by a recording medium 12b such as a memory card or uploaded via a network or the like that is a data transmission path. The recording medium 12b is set in the drive device 12a included in the storage medium I / F 12, and various data are stored in the HDD 17 from the recording medium 12b via the drive device 12b.

  The controller 13 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13b, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13c. The ROM 13a is executed when the image processing apparatus 100 is activated. Program and various data are stored. The RAM 13b temporarily stores various programs and data read from the ROM 13a and the HDD 17. Further, the CPU 13c executes a program temporarily stored in the RAM 13b. For example, when the print data is received via the data communication I / F 14, the controller 13 reads a program (PDL parser) that can read PDL (Page Description Language) read from the ROM 13a onto the RAM 13b by the CPU 13c. Execute and interpret the print data to generate a bitmap image.

  The scanner 15 includes an image reading device 15a, and optically reads a document placed on a reading surface and generates image data. The plotter 16 has a printing device 16a and prints a bitmap image on a recording sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic process method.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner are realized by the above hardware configuration.

<Software configuration>
Next, a software configuration and a basic processing procedure for realizing the functions of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<< Configuration >>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Software included in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a user interface layer 101, a control layer 102, an application logic layer 103, a device service layer 104, a device control layer 105, and the like. In addition, the vertical relationship of each layer in the drawing is basically based on a relationship in which an upper layer calls a lower layer.

  The user interface layer 101 is a part on which a UI function for receiving an execution request for a function (for example, application functions such as copy, fax, scanner, and printer) is mounted. For example, the communication server unit 301 and the local UI unit 302 and the like are included.

  The communication server unit 301 receives various requests (for example, a print operation request) from a client PC, which is a peripheral device having a communication device (not shown), via the network. In addition, the local UI unit 302 receives various requests (for example, a copy operation request and an operation setting) input via the operation panel 11, for example.

  A request accepted by the user interface layer 101 is transmitted to the control layer 102.

  The control layer 102 is a part where a function for controlling processing for realizing a requested function is mounted. For example, a control unit 303 is included. Specifically, the control unit 303 connects each filter in the application logic layer 103 described later according to the requested function, and controls the execution of the function based on the connected filter. In the present embodiment, the “function of the image processing apparatus 100” refers to a service in one unit (until a request is input and a final output is obtained) that the image processing apparatus 100 provides to the user. In terms of software, it is synonymous with an application that provides a single unit of service.

  The application logic layer 103 is a part on which a component group (software component group) that realizes a part of the functions provided in the image processing apparatus 100 is mounted. That is, one function is realized by combining components in the application logic layer 103. In the present embodiment, each component is referred to as a “filter”. This is based on the idea that the software architecture of the image processing apparatus 100 is called “pipe & filter”.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pipe and filter concept and a filter component according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows the concept of the pipe and filter, and FIG. 3B shows an example of the components of the filter.

  First, the concept of pipe and filter will be described. In FIG. 3A, “F” indicates a filter, and “P” indicates a pipe. As shown in the figure, each filter is connected by a pipe. The filter performs predetermined conversion on the input data and outputs the result. The pipe transmits the data output from the filter to the next filter. That is, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, each function is regarded as a series of “conversions” for information (for example, user information and image data) managed in the image processing apparatus 100. Each function of the image processing apparatus 100 can be generalized as being configured by input, processing, and output of information handled inside the image processing apparatus 100. Therefore, “input”, “processing” and “output” are regarded as “conversion”, and a software component that realizes one “conversion” is configured as a filter. A filter that realizes input is particularly referred to as an “input filter (input means)”. A filter that realizes processing is particularly referred to as a “conversion filter (processing means)”. Further, a filter that realizes output is particularly referred to as “output filter (output means)”. Each filter is independent, and basically there is no dependency relationship (call relationship) between the filters. Therefore, it is possible to add (install) or delete (uninstall) in units of filters.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the application logic layer 103 includes, for example, a reading filter 304 as an input filter (input means) 103a.

  The reading filter 304 controls reading of image data by the scanner 15 and outputs the read image data.

  In addition, as the input filter 103a, the document data (image data) stored in the HDD 17 is read, the stored document read filter that outputs the read data, the reception of the e-mail, and the data included in the e-mail E-mail reception filter for outputting, FAX reception filter for controlling FAX reception and outputting received data, PC document reception filter for receiving print data from a client PC (not shown), and outputting received print data, image For example, a report filter that outputs setting information, history information, and the like of the processing apparatus 100 as data formatted in a table format is included.

  The conversion filter (processing means) 103b includes a document processing filter 305, for example. The document processing filter 305 performs predetermined image conversion processing (aggregation, enlargement, reduction, etc.) on the input data and outputs it.

  In addition, the conversion filter 103b includes a document conversion filter that converts the input PostScript data into bitmap data and outputs (performs rendering processing).

  The output filter (output unit) 103c includes, for example, a print filter 306. The print filter 306 causes the plotter 16 to output (print) the input data.

  In addition, as the output filter 103c, a storage document registration filter that stores input data in the HDD 17, a mail transmission filter that transmits the input data attached to an e-mail, a FAX transmission filter that transmits the input data by FAX, A PC document transmission filter for transmitting input data to a client PC (not shown), a preview filter for displaying the input data on a display device 11b provided in the operation panel 11, and the like are included.

  The device service layer 104 is a part in which lower functions commonly used by each filter in the application logic layer 103 are mounted, and includes, for example, an image pipe 307 and a data management unit 308.

  The image pipe 307 realizes a pipe function of transmitting output data from a certain filter to the next filter. The data management unit 308 represents various DBs such as a DB in which user information is registered and a DB in which document or image data is stored.

  The device control layer 105 is a part on which a group of program modules called drivers that control devices (hardware) is mounted. For example, the scanner control unit 309, the plotter control unit 310, the memory control unit 311, and the operation device control Part 312 and the like. Each control unit controls each device attached to the name of the control unit.

  The aspect 106 is a portion in which a program module group that handles cross-sectional information over the entire system such as access control, history, and accounting is mounted.

  From here, the filter will be described in more detail. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of components of the filter. As shown in the figure, each filter includes a filter setting UI, filter logic, filter-specific lower service, permanent storage area information, and the like. Among these, the filter setting UI, the filter-specific lower service, and the permanent storage area information are not necessarily included in the components by the filter.

  The filter setting UI is a program for displaying a screen for setting the execution condition of the filter on the display device 11b provided in the operation panel 11. For example, the reading filter 304 corresponds to a screen (operation (condition) setting screen) for setting the resolution, density, image type, and the like. Considering that display on the display device 11b included in the operation panel 11 is performed based on HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data or script (Script), the filter setting UI may be HTML data or script. .

  The filter logic is a program in which logic is implemented to realize a filter function. That is, the filter function is realized according to the execution condition set via the filter setting UI by using the filter-specific lower-level service, the device service layer 104, or the device control layer 105 as a component of the filter. For example, in the case of the reading filter 304, logic for controlling reading of an original by the scanner 15 corresponds.

  The filter-specific lower service is a lower function (library) necessary for realizing the filter logic. That is, the function is equivalent to the device service layer 104 or the device control layer 105, but those that are not used by other filters may be implemented as a part of the filter, and the part corresponds to the filter-specific lower service. To do. For example, the reading filter 304 corresponds to a function for controlling the scanner 15, but in the present embodiment, it is implemented as the scanner control unit 309 in the device control layer 105. Therefore, it is not always necessary to implement a filter-specific lower service in the read filter 304.

  The permanent storage area information corresponds to a schema definition of data that needs to be stored in a non-volatile memory (for example, NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM)) such as setting information (for example, a default value of an execution condition) for a filter. The schema definition is registered in the data management unit 308 when the filter is installed.

  Here, an example of a combination of filters for realizing each function in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described below.

  For example, the copy function is realized by connecting the reading filter 304 and the print filter 306. This is because the image data read from the original by the reading filter 304 may be printed by the print filter 306. When processing such as aggregation, enlargement, or reduction is required, it is realized by inserting a document processing filter 305 that realizes these processings between two filters.

<< Basic processing procedure >>
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a basic processing procedure executed when the function is realized with the above software configuration will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example (No. 1 and No. 2) of the basic processing procedure of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The “basic processing procedure” here means a processing procedure when the image processing apparatus 100 realizes one function.

  First, the input filter 103a is selected by the user (S11), and the execution condition of the selected input filter 103a is set (S12). Similarly, the conversion filter 103b or the output filter 103c is also selected (S13), the connection between the filters is designated (S14), and the execution condition is set (S15).

  The above operation is performed through the control panel 11 of the user interface layer 101, for example, the operation panel 11.

  When the selection of each filter is completed (when S16 is YES) and the start button is pressed, the user interface layer 101 sends a request content (for example, the type of filter and the operation (condition) for the filter). Setting information).

  In response to the request content from the user interface layer 101, the control layer 102 connects the selected filters with a pipe (S17). The entity of the pipe is a memory (including the storage area of the HDD 17), but the type of memory to be used differs depending on the filters at both ends of the pipe, and the correspondence relationship is, for example, in advance in the HDD 17 of the image processing apparatus 100. Is defined. Therefore, the control layer 102 connects each filter with a specific pipe based on the defined correspondence.

  Subsequently, the control layer 102 outputs an execution request to each filter in parallel (S18). That is, the filters are called almost simultaneously for all filters, not in the order of filter connection. This is because the synchronization between filters is taken by pipes. That is, in response to an execution request from the control layer 102, each filter waits until data is input to its own pipe on the input side. However, the input filter 103a has no pipe on the input side. Therefore, the input filter 103a starts processing in response to the execution request.

  The processing procedure moves to FIG. 5. First, the input filter 103a inputs data from the input device (S21), and outputs the data to a pipe connected to the output side (S22). When data is input in a plurality of times (for example, when a plurality of documents are scanned), data input and output to a pipe are repeated. When the processing is completed for all input data (when S23 is YES), the processing of the input filter 103a ends.

  The conversion filter 103b starts processing when it detects data input to a pipe connected to the input side. First, data is read from the pipe (S31), and image processing is performed on the data (S32). Subsequently, the data as the processing result is output to the pipe connected to the output side (S33). When the processing is completed for all data input to the input side pipe (when S34 is YES), the processing of the conversion filter 103b ends.

  The output filter 103c starts processing when it detects data input to a pipe connected to the input side. First, data is read from the pipe (S41). Subsequently, the read data is output using an output device (S42). When the processing is completed for all data input to the input side pipe (when S43 is YES), the processing of the output filter 103c ends.

<About the output job control function in the "Pipe &Filter"architecture>
As described above, the application operating on the “pipe & filter” software configuration includes the input filter 103a for inputting data and the input data according to the processing purpose to be performed by the image processing apparatus 100. The conversion filter 103b for processing the data and the output filter 103c for outputting the processed data are combined, and the input / processing / output filters are connected by pipes.

  Thereby, the application can transmit the data input by the input filter 103a to the conversion filter 103b of the next process, and transmit the data processed by the conversion filter 103b to the output filter 103c of the next process, that is, the image processing apparatus 100. The functions are realized by operating the input / processing / output function components (software parts) of

  Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, an input / processing / output function component (software component) that realizes a function intended by the application is installed as necessary, so that the function of the application itself is installed. Can be implemented.

  Considering the “pipe & filter” software configuration and the basic processing procedure, consider the “output job control function” according to the present embodiment.

  The number of applications that run on the “pipe and filter” architecture can only be considered as a combination of input, processing, and output filters. In addition, since there is no dependency relationship between the filters, an application combining a new filter (software component) provided by a third vendor or the like is assumed, and the number is infinite.

  Therefore, in the “output job control function” according to the present embodiment, in addition to the output job processed by the application included in the image processing apparatus 100, the output job processed by the newly installed application is also processed. Appropriate output job control must be performed. That is, appropriate output productivity and cost performance must be realized even when the function installation environment of the image processing apparatus 100 changes. In the present embodiment, such a problem is solved by a method described later.

  Hereinafter, the “output job control function” of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

<About module configuration>
First, a module configuration when the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is functionally implemented by the “pipe & filter” architecture will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration included in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation unit device component 21 located in the device control layer 105, a plug-in management component 22 located transverse to each layer, and a data management located in the device service layer 104. A component 23 and a setting information component 24; an in-flight setting activity component 31 located in the control layer; a printer activity component 32; a FAX reception activity component 33; a copy activity component 34; a printing component 41 located in the application logic layer 103; The component 42 includes a PC document reception component 43, a FAX document reception component 44, and a reading component 45.

  The operation unit device component 21 is a software component that serves as a device driver that controls devices (for example, hardware keys, LCD (Liquid Crystal Monitor), LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and buzzers) included in the operation panel 11. It is.

  The plug-in management component 22 is a software component that installs / uninstalls software components in the image processing apparatus 100 and manages installed functions.

  The data management component 23 is software that permanently stores and manages various information (for example, operation (condition) information) for controlling the image processing apparatus 100 in the HDD 17 or NVRAM (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 100. It is a part.

  The setting information component 24 is a software component that refers to and changes data related to the initial setting of the image processing apparatus 100 among the data stored in the storage device by the data management component 23 and manages various setting information.

(Each filter component)
A filter component is a software component that implements one function that is a component of an application in a “pipe and filter” architecture.

  The print component 41 is one of the output filters 103c, and is a software component that provides a print function by controlling the print operation of the image processing apparatus 100.

  The editing component 42 is one of the conversion filters 103b, and is a software component that provides an image editing function by controlling an image processing unit (IPU) included in the image processing apparatus 100 (not shown).

  The PC document reception component 43 is one of the input filters 103a. When a printer output request is instructed from the network-connected PC to the image processing apparatus 100, the PC document reception component 43 analyzes and outputs the data received from the PC. It is a software component that identifies

  The FAX document reception component 44 is one of the input filters 103a, and is a software component that analyzes image data received via a FAX line and specifies image data to be output.

  The reading component 45 is one of the input filters 103a, and is a software component that provides a document reading function by controlling the document reading operation of the image processing apparatus 100.

(Each activity component)
The activity component (hereinafter referred to as “activity”) is a software component that controls the cooperative operation between each filter component and the pipe. As a result, the application included in the image processing apparatus 100 can function.

  The in-flight setting activity 31 is a software component that provides a UI function for referring to or changing data managed by the setting information component 24.

  The printer activity 32 is a software component that provides a printer function for printing received image data by controlling operations of the PC document receiving component 43, the editing component 42, and the printing component 41.

  The FAX reception activity 33 is a software component that provides a FAX function for printing out a received FAX document by controlling operations of the FAX document reception component 44, the editing component 42, and the print component 41.

  The copy activity 34 is a software component that provides a copy function for printing image data of a read document by controlling operations of the reading component 45, the editing component 42, and the printing component 41.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the function provided by the application to the user is realized by controlling the operation of the function configured by combining the filters by the activity.

  Therefore, the “output job control function” included in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes each input filter 103 a such as the reading component 45, FAX document receiving component 44, PC document receiving component 43, or editing component 42. This is a function for outputting a plurality of jobs that have been subjected to a predetermined process by the conversion filter 103b or the like in an optimal order for realizing appropriate output productivity and cost performance in each output filter 103c such as the print component 41.

<Output job control function>
Next, each means for realizing the “output job control function” included in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a unit configuration for realizing the functions of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of means in the case of a “copy function” that is mounted on the image processing apparatus 100 and performs input, processing, and output processing steps. Therefore, as a basic configuration, “reading component 45” which is one of input means (input filter) 103a, “editing component 42” which is one of processing means (conversion filter) 103b, and output means (output filter). A “printing component 41”, which is one of the 103c, and a “copy activity 34” for controlling the operation of each means (each filter) are shown.

<< Summary of means configuration >>
The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment mainly sets classification information data 61 for classifying output jobs and priority information data 62 for determining the output order of output jobs from the classification information data 61. A setting unit 53; and an output order determining unit 52 that rearranges the output order of the output order information data 63 in which a plurality of output jobs waiting for output processing are registered according to the output request order, and determines the output order of the output jobs. Furthermore, the output order determination means 52 has priority order acquisition means 51 for acquiring various types of information used for rearranging and determining the output order of the output order information data 63.

(Summary of data)
8 and 9 are diagrams showing an example of the data configuration of the classification information data 61 and the priority information data 62 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the classification information data 61 includes classification method information ("execution request location" and "output recipient" in the figure) indicating a predetermined method for classifying output jobs, and output jobs according to the classification method. The classification type information (“main body”, “remote”, “same user”, “different user” in the figure) indicating the classification type for classification is a function (“in the figure”) installed in the image processing apparatus 100. ("Copy", "Printer", and "FAX reception" activities).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the priority information data 62 includes classification method priority information ("1" to "q" corresponding to the classification method information in the figure) indicating the priority of the classification methods, and the classification. The classification type priority information ("1" to "n" corresponding to the classification type information in the figure) indicating the priority order of the classification types in the system is associated with each other.

  Further, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the output order information data 63 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the output order information data 63 includes a job ID ("1" to "4" in the figure) for identifying the output job numbered when the output processing request is received, and the output job. Job status ("Printing" or "Standby" in the figure), classification method information ("Execution request location" or "Output acceptor" in the figure) to which each output job belongs, and classification type information ( "Main body", "remote" and "same user" or "different user" in the figure).

(Outline of each means)
Below, each said means is demonstrated easily.

  The setting unit 53 includes classification information data 61 for classifying output jobs to be output by the output filter 103c such as the print component 41 and / or priority information for determining the output job output order from the classification information 63. This is means for setting the data 62.

  Specifically, the classification method information and the classification type information shown in FIG. 8 include the classification information data 61 associated with the function installed in the image processing apparatus 100 and / or the classification method priority shown in FIG. The priority information data 62 in which the information and the classification type priority information are associated is set.

  As described above, the setting unit 53 processes the functions loaded on the image processing apparatus 100 received by the copy activity 34 from the UI displayed on the operation panel 11 via the operation unit device component 21 according to each function. Set a control rule to control the output order of output jobs by associating the classification method for classifying the output job, the classification type to which the output job to be classified belongs, the classification method and the priority order between the classification types Yes. Further, the data set by the setting unit 53 is temporarily held in the work memory area of the print component 41. Thereafter, the print component 41 instructs the data management component 23 via the setting information component 24 to make the data permanent, that is, store in a predetermined storage area of the HDD 17. As a result, the data management component 23 is stored and managed in a predetermined storage area of the HDD 17 provided in the image processing apparatus 100. Therefore, the setting unit 53 is a unit realized by the print component 41.

  Next, the priority order acquisition unit 51 refers to the classification information data 61 set by the setting unit 53 and performs priority based on the classification method information and the classification type information associated with the function installed in the image processing apparatus 100. This is means for acquiring from the rank information data 62 the classification method priority order information of the classification method indicated by the classification method information and the classification type priority information of the classification type indicated by the classification type information.

  When the print component 41 receives an output processing request from the copy activity 34, the priority order acquisition unit 51 sets the classification method information specified by the priority order acquisition unit 51 based on the classification method information and the classification type information received as control parameters at that time. Each priority order information of the classification type information is acquired, and the acquired priority order information is passed to the output order determination means 52. Therefore, the priority order acquisition unit 51 is a unit realized by the printing component 41.

  Next, the output order determining means 52 is a means for determining the output order of output jobs based on the classification information data 61 and the priority order information data 62 set by the setting means 53.

  The output order determination means 52 enters a state waiting for output processing registered in the output order information data 63 according to the respective priority orders indicated by the classification method priority order information and the classification type priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition means 51. Determine the output order of multiple jobs. Therefore, the output order determination unit 52 is a unit realized by the print component 41.

  Finally, the output unit 103 c included in the print component 41 refers to the output order information data 63 in response to an output processing request from the copy activity 34, and follows the output order determined by the output order determination unit 52 according to the output order. In response to the operation request, the input unit 103a and the processing unit 103b perform an output job output process after performing a predetermined process.

  As described above, each of the above-described units includes the RAM 13b provided in the controller 13 with the output job control program of the print component 41 stored in the predetermined storage area of the HDD 17 by the plug-in management component 22 when the “copy function” is installed. And is executed by the CPU 13c.

<< Operation overview of output job control function >>
From now on, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, how the “output job control function” is realized by operating the respective units described above will be described with reference to FIG. I will explain it. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of data transition of the output order information data 63 by the output order rearrangement according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11A and 11B show examples of rearrangement of output order by a plurality of classification methods and classification types, and FIG. 11C shows an example of rearranged output order. .

(Operation 1) Determining the order of rearranging the output order The output order determining means 52 waits for output processing in the order of output requests based on the priority indicated by the classification method priority information acquired by the priority order acquiring means 51. The order of rearranging the output order of multiple jobs is determined for each classification method.

  First, the priority order obtaining unit 51 obtains classification method priority information indicating the priority order of each classification method from the priority information data 62 based on the classification method designated by the control parameter from the copy activity 34. For example, when the copy activity 34 designates “execution request location” and “output recipient” as classification methods, the priority information data 62 shown in FIG. 9 is referred to using each designated classification method information as a reference key. Then, the priority “1” associated with the classification method “execution request location” is acquired, and the priority “2” associated with the classification method “output recipient” is acquired.

  The output order determination unit 52 compares the classification method priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition unit 51 between the classification methods, and performs the first rearrangement in the classification method having a higher priority. The order is determined so that the second rearrangement is performed in the classification method having a high priority.

  For example, the priority order obtaining unit 51 obtains the priority order “1” associated with the classification method “execution request location” from the priority order information data 62 and the priority order associated with the classification method “output recipient”. When “2” is acquired, the classification method “execution request location” has a higher priority (the priority information data 62 in FIG. 9 indicates that the smaller the value, the higher the priority). From this, the output order determining means 52 performs the first rearrangement in the output jobs belonging to the classification method “execution request place” of the output order information data 63, and the classification method “output recipient” having the next highest priority. The order of rearrangement is determined so that the second rearrangement is performed in the output job belonging to.

(Operation 2) Rearrangement of output order The output order determination means 52 performs classification in the same classification method based on the priority order indicated by the classification type priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition means 51 according to the determined rearrangement order. The output order of a plurality of output jobs is rearranged for each type, and the output order is determined.

  The priority order acquisition unit 51 indicates the priority of each classification type corresponding to the classification method specified by the control parameter from the copy activity 34 when the classification method priority information is acquired in (Operation 1). Information is acquired from the priority order information data 62. For example, when the copy activity 34 designates “execution request location” and “output recipient” as classification methods, the priority information data 62 shown in FIG. 9 is referred to using each designated classification method information as a reference key. Then, the priority “1” of the classification type “remote” associated with the classification method “execution request location” and the priority “1” of the classification type “main body” are acquired, and the classification method “output recipient” is acquired. The priority level “1” of the associated classification information “different user” and the priority level “2” of the classification type “same user” are acquired.

  The output order determining means 52 performs the first rearrangement on the data range A1 shown in FIG. 11A according to the rearrangement order determined in (Operation 1). At this time, the output order determination unit 52 compares the classification type priority information acquired by the priority level acquisition unit 51 between the classification types, and the output data belonging to the classification type with a higher priority is first output processed. Rearrange so that

  For example, the priority acquisition unit 51 determines from the priority information data 62 that the priority is “1” for the classification type “remote” associated with the classification method “execution request location” and the priority “2” for the classification type “main body”. Is acquired, the classification type “remote” has a higher priority. From this, the output order determination means 52 determines the status of waiting for output processing in the order of output requests in the output job (data range A1 in FIG. 11A) belonging to the classification method “execution request location” of the output order information data 63. Move the output order of output jobs belonging to the category "Remote" higher so that output jobs belonging to the category "Remote" are processed before the output jobs belonging to the category "Main" (Data transition regarding output jobs corresponding to job IDs “3” and “4” in FIGS. 11A and 11B).

  Next, the output order determination unit 52 performs the second rearrangement on the data range A2 shown in FIG. 11B according to the rearrangement order determined in (Operation 1). At this time, the output order determination unit 52 compares the classification type priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition unit 51 between the classification types and sets the classification type with a higher priority as in the first rearrangement. Rearrangement is performed so that the output data to which it belongs is output first.

  For example, the priority order acquisition unit 51 determines from the priority order information data 62 the priority “1” of the classification type “different user” associated with the classification method “output recipient” and the priority “2” of the classification type “same user”. When “and” is acquired, the classification type “different user” has a higher priority. From this, the output order determining means 52 determines the status of waiting for output processing in the order of output requests in the output job (data range A2 in FIG. 11B) belonging to the classification method “output recipient” of the output order information data 63. The output order of output jobs belonging to the category "different user" is higher so that output jobs belonging to the category "different user" are output before output jobs belonging to the category "same user". (Data transition relating to output jobs corresponding to job IDs “2” and “4” in FIGS. 11B and 11C).

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the output order of the output jobs that are waiting for output processing in the order of output request based on the priority of the classification method to which the output job belongs and the classification type. Sort. In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the output order can be rearranged by one classification method and classification type, and at the same time, the detailed processing is performed based on the priority of a plurality of classification methods and classification types. It is also possible to sort by condition.

  By the method described in the above (Operation 1) and (Operation 2), the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs the function mounted on the image processing apparatus 100 set by the setting unit 53. A control rule that controls the output order of output jobs by associating the classification method for classifying output jobs processed by each function, the classification type to which the output job to be classified belongs, the classification method and the priority of the classification types. Based on the above, the output order of the output jobs processed by each function can be rearranged, and the output can be output according to the rearranged output order.

  Therefore, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can realize an output job control function desired by the user.

(Exception 1) Correspondence to a plurality of output jobs corresponding to the same classification method and classification type In the above “(Operation 2) Rearrangement of output order”, for a plurality of output jobs belonging to the same classification method and classification type In this case, the output order may be determined. In such a case, the output order determining means 52 performs the rearrangement of the output order based on the priorities of the classification method and the classification type acquired by the priority order acquiring means 51. The output order of a plurality of output jobs belonging to the classification method and the classification type cannot be rearranged.

  Therefore, the output order determination means 52 determines the output order of a plurality of output jobs corresponding to the same classification method and classification type as the output request order of each of the plurality of output jobs (the job numbered when the output processing is requested). ID). That is, the output order determination unit 52 compares the job ID values of the corresponding output jobs with each other, and the output job with the smaller job ID (the output job for which output processing has been requested first) is output first. The rearrangement output order is determined as follows.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, first, the output order is determined according to the output job control rules such as the classification method and the classification type, and the output jobs that could not be determined by the control rules are determined. The output order is determined according to the output processing request order.

(Exception 2) Response to the case where the classification type corresponding to the classification method is not set In the above “(Operation 2) Rearrangement of output order”, copy to the priority information data 62 referred to by the priority acquisition means 51 A case where the classification type corresponding to the classification method designated by the activity 34 is not set by the setting unit 53 is conceivable. In such a case, the output order determining unit 52 performs the rearrangement of the output order based on the priority order of the classification method and the classification type acquired by the priority order acquiring unit 51. Therefore, if the classification type is not set. The output order of a plurality of output jobs belonging to the specified classification method cannot be rearranged.

  For this reason, the output order determination unit 52 selects an output job in which the classification type corresponding to the classification method is not set from the other output jobs set among the plurality of output jobs waiting for output processing. The output order is rearranged so as to be output later, and the output order is determined.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment preferentially outputs an output job in which output job control rules such as a classification method and a classification type are set.

<Setting function>
From here, the “setting function” of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<<< Installation Settings >>>
(Selection of installation target functions and installation instructions)
First, when installing the application software, the image processing apparatus 100 receives an installation instruction from the user via the UI function displayed on the display screen of the operation panel 11. The operation unit device component 21 requests the plug-in management component 22 to acquire a plug-in list in accordance with an installation instruction from the user. As a result, the operation unit device component 21 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 12 on the display screen of the operation panel 11 based on the plug-in list returned from the plug-in list component 22.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a function plug-in list display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, the storage location information (the management server name in the figure) of the plug-in designated by “location” and the installation status information (in the figure) indicating whether each plug-in is installed in the image processing apparatus 100. Shows an example of a plug-in list screen having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) function in which “used (installed) / not installed (not installed)”) is displayed.

  The user presses the [Specify] button via such a plug-in list screen to specify the storage location of the plug-in, and the function addition plug-in module group stored in the specified storage location. A plug-in to be installed can be selected by pressing the [Not Installed] button corresponding to the function to be installed from the installation status information displayed as a list based on the information. In FIG. 12, the plug-in storage location information is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) “http://pluginsrv.abc.com”, and the image processing apparatus 100 can perform data communication via the network. Although an example is shown in which the plug-in management server, which is a device, is the storage location, the storage location of the plug-in may be the image processing apparatus 100 itself. In this case, the file path or the like is storage location information. It becomes.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a function plug-in installation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 13A and 13B show examples of a plug-in introduction confirmation screen having a GUI function and an installation state screen.

  The operation unit device component 21 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 13A for confirming installation of the plug-in selected via the plug-in list screen on the display screen of the operation panel 11. When the user confirms the contents of this screen and presses the [Install] button, the operation unit device component 21 displays a status screen indicating that installation is in progress as shown in FIG. To display.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the function desired by the user is installed by the operation unit device component 21 and the plug-in management component 22.

(Installation function classification information data setting)
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a classification method setting screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, classification information can be set using a classification method setting screen as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen having a GUI function that can set the priorities of the classification method “execution request location” and “output acceptor”.

  When the classification information is set via the setting screen, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is installed in the image processing apparatus 100 through the data transition process shown in FIG. Classification information data 61 of the function to be added is added.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of data transition of the classification information data 61 by the classification information setting according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 shows an example of data transition when the “copy function” is installed.

  First, FIG. 15A shows an example of the classification information data 61 before the “copy function” is installed. When the installation of the “copy function” is started by the plug-in management component 22, the installation is executed by the installed copy activity 34 based on the setting instruction received from the GUI of the classification information setting screen as shown in FIG. The print component 41 is requested to set the information, and the print component 41 adds the data field for the copy function (data area B1 in FIG. 15B) to the existing classification information data 61. Next, the print component 41 sets each classification method and classification type of the added data area B1 (data area B2 in FIG. 15C). The creation of the classification information data 61 is completed when the installation is completed by the above method.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the classification information desired by the user is set by the setting unit 53 included in the print component 41.

  Hereinafter, a method in which the setting unit 53 sets various types of information from a setting screen having a GUI function in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

<< Various information settings for classification method and classification type >>
(Classification method setting)
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a classification information management screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the editing screen for the classification method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The management of the classification information data 61 and / or the priority order information data 62 (data operation such as addition / deletion / change) can be performed via a management screen having a GUI function shown in FIG. For example, when it is desired to edit the classification method information of the classification information data 61 and / or the priority order information data 62, the [Management of classification method] button on the management screen is pressed. As a result, the editing screen of the classification method shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. The setting unit 53 applies the classification method information set in the existing classification information data 61 and / or priority order information data 62 in accordance with an instruction from the user received via the editing screen having the GUI function shown in FIG. , “Create new”, “Rename”, “Delete data” and other data operations.

·"Create New"
18 and 19 are diagrams showing examples (part 1 and part 2) of the setting screen for the new classification method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the case of new creation, the user presses the [New creation] button on the editing screen shown in FIG. As a result, first, the classification system setting screen (part 1) shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. The setting unit 53 adds a “classification method name (character string“ a la carte method ”in FIG. 18)” and “classification type corresponding to the classification method” to be newly added via an editing screen having a GUI function shown in FIG. (In FIG. 18, a character string such as “a la carte A”) and “priority between classification types (numerical values such as“ 3 ”in FIG. 18)” are received, and the [Add] button is pressed. The received various information is added to the existing classification information data 61 and the priority information data 62 in accordance with the new creation instruction, and the data is updated.

  Next, when the [Add] button is pressed, a setting screen (No. 2) shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. The setting unit 53 receives “priority (numerical value such as“ 1 ”in FIG. 19)” of each classification method including the newly added classification method via the classification method priority setting screen shown in FIG. The received priority order information is set in the existing priority order information data 62 in accordance with the priority order update instruction when the [SET] button is pressed. At this time, the setting unit 52 updates the value when the priority of the classification method set in the existing priority information data 62 is changed, and mainly the priority of the newly added classification method. Set the ranking.

·"Change of Name"
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a name change screen for a classification method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the case of changing the name, the user presses the [Change Name] button on the editing screen shown in FIG. As a result, the classification method name change screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. The setting unit 53 receives the “classification method name (character string“ request accepted ”in FIG. 20)” to be changed via the name change screen having the GUI function shown in FIG. 20, and the [SET] button is pressed. The received classification method name information is set in the existing classification information data 61 and priority order information data 62 in accordance with the name change instruction, and each data is updated.

・ "Data deletion"
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a classification method deletion screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the case of data deletion, the user presses the [Delete] button on the editing screen shown in FIG. As a result, the deletion screen of the classification method shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. The setting means 53 receives the “classification method name (character string“ execution request location ”in FIG. 21)” to be deleted via the deletion screen having the GUI function shown in FIG. 21, and the [OK] button is pressed. The received classification method and corresponding classification type information are deleted from the existing classification information data 61 and the data is updated. At this time, the setting unit 53 determines whether the classification method to be deleted is associated with the function installed in the image processing apparatus 100 from the setting contents of the updated classification information data 61, and the determination result Is “not associated”, the classifying method to be deleted and the corresponding classification type information are also deleted from the priority order information data 62 and the data is updated.

(Classification setting)
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a classification method selection screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a classification type editing screen corresponding to the selected classification method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The management of the classification information data 61 and / or the priority order information data 62 (data operation such as addition / deletion / change) can be performed via a management screen having a GUI function shown in FIG. For example, when editing the classification type information of the classification information data 61 and / or the priority order information data 62, the [Management of classification type] button on the management screen is pressed. As a result, a classification method selection screen corresponding to the classification type to be edited shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. The setting means 53 receives the “classification method name (character string“ execution request location ”in FIG. 22)” corresponding to the classification type to be edited via the selection screen having the GUI function shown in FIG. ] Is edited in accordance with the editing instruction when the button is pressed.

  Next, when the [Edit] button is pressed, an edit screen shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. The setting means 53, through the editing screen having the GUI function shown in FIG. 23, edits “classification type (character string such as“ main body operation ”” in FIG. 23) and “priority between classification types (in FIG. 23). In response to a new creation instruction when the [Add] button is pressed, the received various information is added to the existing classification information data 61 and priority information data 62. Update the data.

  Further, when the priority of the classification type set by the above method is to be changed, the setting can be changed via the classification type priority change screen shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a priority change screen for classification types according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The setting means 53, through the change screen having the GUI function shown in FIG. 24, changes the “classification type (character string such as“ main body operation ”” in FIG. 24) and “priority between the classification types (in FIG. 24). Various information such as “1” is received, and the received various information is added to the existing priority information data 62 and the data is updated in accordance with a data update instruction when the [SET] button is pressed.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the setting unit 53 provides a UI capable of setting various types of information such as the classification method desired by the user, the classification type, and the priority order corresponding to each. Can do. Therefore, for example, the user can set various types of information such as an arbitrary classification method, classification type, and priority corresponding to each classification method, and can set a control rule for an output job with a high degree of freedom.

(Changeable setting)
Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, whether to change or update the classification method and classification type information in the classification information data 61 and the priority information data 62 set via the various setting screens described above. It is also possible to set whether or not.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure and data transition of the classification information data 61a including change permission / prohibition information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25A shows an example of the data configuration when the changeability information corresponding to the “copy function” of the classification information data 61a is not set. In FIG. 25B, “copy function” is shown. An example of the data configuration when the corresponding change enable / disable information is set is shown.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, information indicating whether or not the setting unit 53 permits the change for each function installed in the image processing apparatus 100, that is, for each classification method (FIG. 25A). And in (b), any one of “Yes”, “No” or “-” can be set. The setting means 53 receives the setting value of the change permission / inhibition information via a setting screen having a GUI function similar to the classification method and classification type information. For example, the administrator password must be entered and authentication processing is required so that any user cannot set it. Thereby, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as a decrease in output productivity and an increase in cost performance due to an inappropriate change of the control rule by the user.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment classifies the output job processed by each function with respect to the function (installed application software) installed therein. The setting unit 53 sets a predetermined control rule that associates the classification method, the classification type to which the output job to be classified belongs, the classification method and the priority of the classification types, and controls the output order of the output jobs.

  Therefore, with the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the above configuration enables the user to design a predetermined control rule for performing output job control, and the output order determination unit 52 includes each function. Since the output job processed in step 1 is output in accordance with the output order based on the predetermined control rule that has been set, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the function installation environment in the device, and the user can select the desired output job Control function "can be realized.

<Processing procedure>
From here, a specific processing procedure of the “output job control function” of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In the processing procedure described below, software components including output job control programs such as various activity components and filter components installed in the image processing apparatus 100 are read from a predetermined storage area of the HDD 17 onto the RAM 13b, and the CPU 13c It is a procedure processed by being executed.

<< Basic procedure of output job control process >>
FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of output job control processing in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 shows an example of output job control when the copy function of the image processing apparatus 100 is operated.

  When the start key on the operation panel 11 is pressed, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment accepts a copy operation instruction event by the operation unit device component 21 and transfers the received operation instruction event to the copy activity 34. (Step S101). The copy activity 34 enters a job (hereinafter referred to as “registration”) to each filter, the print component 41, the edit component 42, and the reading component 45 that provide the input, processing, and output functions of the copy operation. (Step S102 to Step S104).

  At this time, the copy activity 34 refers to the classification information data 61 via the data management component 23, acquires each information of the classification method and / or classification type corresponding to the copy function, and acquires it to the print component 41. Each information of the classification method and / or classification type is passed as a control parameter (set as an argument of a function to be called: “execution request location = main body” or “output recipient = same user” in FIG. 26).

  At this time, when the copy activity 34 makes an operation request to the print component 41, each information of the classification method and the classification type for controlling the output job is passed as a control parameter (set as an argument of a function to be called: In FIG. 26, “execution request location = main body” and “output recipient = same user”). Based on the received control parameters (each information of the classification method and the classification type), the print component 41 rearranges the output order for performing the output processing to be optimal, and controls the output job.

  When a job is registered from the copy activity 34 and each of the filters, the print component 41, the edit component 42, and the reading component 45 that are requested to operate are ready to be processed and ready to be processed, the copy activity 34 is notified to that effect. Notification (execution availability notification (OK)) is made (from step S105 to step S107). In the case of the print component 41, when the output order of the output job registered in the processing procedure of step S102 comes in the output order information data 63, the execution activity information (OK) is notified to the copy activity 34. To do.

  Upon receiving the execution availability information from each filter, the print component 41, the editing component 42, and the reading component 45, the copy activity 34 instructs each filter to execute processing (step S108). In the case of the print component 41, output processing is performed in accordance with an execution instruction from the copy activity 34.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can perform output processing in an optimal output order without being aware of the control of the output job.

  Next, detailed output order determination processing of the output job control function performed by the print component 41 described briefly with reference to FIG. 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

<< Processing procedure of output order determination process >>
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of output order determination processing in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment refers to the output order information data 63 by the print component 41 (step S201), and a plurality of output jobs waiting for output processing (standby) are registered in the data. It is determined whether or not (step S202).

  If the print component 41 determines that no output job waiting for output processing is registered or only one output job is registered (NO in step S202), the printing component 41 ends the processing.

  If it is determined that a plurality of output jobs waiting for output processing are registered (YES in step S202), whether a classification type is specified when the copy activity 34 is called (whether a control parameter is set). It is determined whether or not (step S203).

  If the print component 41 determines that a classification type has been designated (YES in step S203), the priority acquisition unit 51 performs data management based on the classification method and classification type information received from the copy activity 34. The priority order information data 62 is referred to via the component 23, and each priority order information is acquired (step S204).

  Next, when a plurality of classification methods are designated from the copy activity 34, the order of the classification methods to be used as a reference when the output order information data 63 is rearranged is determined from the priority information of the obtained classification methods. (Step S205).

  The print component 41 uses the output order determination unit 52 to identify the classification type (higher priority classification type) to be used as a reference based on the priority order information of the classification type acquired by the priority order acquisition unit 51. (Step S206), the output order of each output job registered in the output order information data 63 is rearranged according to the priority order of the specified classification type (Step S207).

  The print component 41 repeats the processing procedure of steps S206 and S207 as many times as the number of classification methods designated from the copy activity 34 (while step S208 is NO).

  When the printing component 41 performs the above processing procedure for all the specified classification methods (when step S208 is YES), the printing component 41 ends the processing.

  If it is determined that the classification type has not been specified (NO in step S203), output jobs for which the classification type has not been specified are output corresponding to the same classification method registered in the output order information data 63. The output order is rearranged so that output processing is performed after the job, and the processing is terminated (step S209).

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment uses the output order determination unit 52 to rearrange the output order of the output order information data 63 according to the priority of the classification method and the classification type, and Take control.

<< Process plug-in installation process >>
FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of a function plug-in installation process in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 shows an example in which the “copy function” is installed.

  The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment requests the plug-in management component 22 to acquire information of function plug-ins operable on the image processing apparatus 100 (function plug-in list information) by using the operation unit device component 21. (Step S301), the plug-in management component 22 responds to the operation unit device component 21 with function plug-in list information in response to the acquisition request. As a result, the operation unit device component 22 displays a function plug-in list screen on the display screen of the operation panel 11 based on the acquired information.

  The operation unit device component 21 receives information on a function plug-in to be installed selected through the GUI function on the function plug-in list screen displayed on the operation panel 11 (step S302). Based on the received information, the operation unit device component 21 sets the function plug-in name as an installation parameter (“plug-in = copy activity” in FIG. 28), and instructs the plug-in management component 22 to install (step S303). ).

  The plug-in management component 22 instructs the copy activity 34, which is a software component installed by the plug-in management component 22, to execute a predetermined process performed at the time of installation (step S304).

  At this time, there is a setting screen for setting various information related to the classification method and the classification type displayed on the display screen of the operation panel 11, and the operation unit device component 41 receives the classification received via the GUI function of the setting screen. Various types of information on the method and the classification type (in FIG. 28, “classification method = execution request location” and “classification type = main body”) are passed to the copy activity 34 (step S305).

  The copy activity 34 instructs the setting of various information for controlling an output job at the time of installation to the printing component 41 that is a software component that has been installed at the time of installation or has already been installed.

  The copy activity 34 designates the function name to be installed to the print component 41, and the print component 41 sets the designated function name to be installed in the corresponding data area of the classification information data 61 by the setting unit 53. It adds (step S306).

  Next, the copy activity 34 designates the classification method and the classification type related to the function to be installed, and the print component 41 is designated by the setting means 53 in the corresponding data area of the classification information data 61 and the priority order information data 62. Various information (including information when a plurality of classification methods and classification types are set) are additionally updated (steps S307 and S308).

  The copy activity 34 updates the data of various types of information related to the installation function set by the processing procedures of step S307 and step S308, the already installed function, the classification method and the classification type associated therewith, and the printing component 41. (Step S309).

  Further, the copy activity 34 designates the function name to be installed for the updated classification information data 61, and the print component 41 is designated in the corresponding data area of the classification information data 61 by the setting unit 53. The change enable / disable information (information indicating whether or not various set information can be changed) is added (step S310).

  In response to the completion of the processing procedure from step S306 to step S310, the copy activity 34 notifies the plug-in management component 22 that the installation has been completed (step S311). The completion notification is transferred to the operation unit device component 41 (step S312).

  As a result, the operation unit device component 41 displays the received installation completion notification on the display screen of the operation panel 11.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment uses the setting unit 53 to classify output jobs processed by each function with respect to the functions (installed application software) installed therein. A predetermined control rule for controlling the output order of output jobs can be designed by associating the classification type to which the output job to be classified belongs with the classification method and the priority of the classification types. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can design a predetermined control rule for the user to perform output job control, and can flexibly cope with changes in the function installation environment in the apparatus. Provides “setting function” to users.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is processed by each function with respect to the function (installed application software) installed therein. A predetermined control rule that controls the output order of output jobs can be designed by associating the classification method that classifies the output job, the classification type to which the output job to be classified belongs, and the classification method and the priority of the classification types. The output job processed by each function is output according to the output order based on the designed predetermined control rule.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can design a predetermined control rule for the user to perform output job control, and can flexibly cope with changes in the function installation environment in the apparatus. Thus, the “output job control function” desired by the user can be realized.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the first embodiment, the “output job control function” included in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the processing procedures shown in FIGS. It can be realized by executing on a computer as a program coded in a programming language suitable for each operating environment (platform). Therefore, the output job control program (software component included in the print component 41) included in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium 12b.

  That is, the output job control program is stored in a recording medium 12b such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or the like, thereby enabling the drive device 12a to read the storage medium 12b. Can be installed in the image processing apparatus 100 from the recording medium 12b connected to. Since the image processing apparatus 100 includes the interface device 14a, the output job control program can be downloaded and installed using the Internet.

  In the first embodiment, the setting / changing screen having the GUI function for setting / changing various information (information such as the classification method and the classification type) for performing the output job control has been described. Is not limited to the display content or layout. An example of a UI for setting / changing necessary information may be used as long as the UI can be set / changed via the display screen of the operation panel 11 of the image processing apparatus 100.

  In the first embodiment, the data configuration such as the classification information data 61 and the priority information data 62 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the data structure and data format. The function and classification method mounted on the image processing apparatus 100, and the classification method and the classification type may be any data structure and data format associated with each other. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the data storage configuration in which these various types of information data are stored in the HDD 17 included in the image processing apparatus 100 has been described. However, any non-volatile storage device may be used, for example, storing data. The storage device may be an external storage device (such as a memory card) connected via the drive device 12a included in the image processing apparatus 100.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the software configuration of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the concept of the pipe & filter which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the component of a filter. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a basic processing procedure (part 1) of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the basic processing procedure (the 2) of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the module structure which the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure which shows an example of a means structure in order to implement | achieve the function which the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure showing an example of data composition of classification information data concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the priority order information data based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the output order information data which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data transition of the output order information data by the output order rearrangement which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the function plug-in list which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the installation screen of the function plug-in which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the classification system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data transition of the classification information data by the classification information setting which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the management screen of the classification information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the edit screen of the classification system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example (the 1) of the setting screen of the new classification system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example (the 2) of the setting screen of the new classification system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the name change screen of the classification system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the deletion screen of the classification system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen of the classification system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the edit screen of the classification classification corresponding to the selected classification system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the priority change screen of the classification classification which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure and data transition of classification | category information data containing the changeability information which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence of the output job control process in the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the output order determination process in the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence of the function plug-in installation process in the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Operation Panel 11a Input Device 11b Display Device 12 Storage Media I / F
12a drive device 12b recording medium 13 controller 13a ROM
13b RAM
13c CPU
14 Data communication I / F
14a interface device 15 scanner 15a image reading device 16 plotter 16a printing device 17 HDD
21 Operation unit device component 22 Plug-in management component 23 Data management component 24 Setting information component 31 In-machine setting activity 32 Printer activity 33 FAX reception activity 34 Copy activity 41 Print component 42 Editing component 43 PC document reception component 44 FAX document reception component 45 Reading Component 51 Priority acquisition means 52 Output order determination means 53 Setting means 61 Classification information data 62 Priority information data 63 Output order information data 100 Image processing apparatus 101 User interface layer 102 Control layer 103 Application logic layer 103a Input means (input filter)
103b Processing means (conversion filter)
103c Output means (output filter)
104 Device Service Layer 105 Device Control Layer 106 Aspect 301 Communication Server Unit 302 Local UI Unit 303 Control Unit 304 Reading Filter 305 Document Processing Filter 306 Print Filter 307 Image Pipe 308 Data Management Unit 309 Scanner Control Unit 310 Plotter Control Unit 311 Memory Control Unit 312 Operation device controller

Claims (11)

By having an input means for inputting data, a processing means for processing data, and an output means for outputting data, and operating the input means, the processing means, and the output means in cooperation with each other, An image processing apparatus constituting one application of the image processing apparatus,
Setting means for setting classification information for classifying jobs to be output by the output means and / or priority information for determining the output order of the jobs from the classification information;
Output order determining means for determining the output order of the job based on the classification information and the priority information set by the setting means;
The output means includes
An image processing apparatus that performs output processing of the job according to the output order determined by the output order determination means. The setting means includes
The classification information indicating the classification method for classifying the job, and the classification information in which the classification type information indicating the classification type for classifying the job by the classification method is associated, and / or the priority of the classification methods. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the priority order information is set in association with classification method priority information indicating a priority and classification type priority information indicating a priority of classification types in the classification method. Processing equipment. The setting means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one classification method information is set in association with the application. The setting means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the classification method information and the classification type information are set in association with each application. The setting means includes
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not to permit change / update of the classification method information and the classification type information associated with each application is set. 6. . The image processing apparatus
Classification of the classification method indicated by the classification method information from the priority information based on the classification method information and the classification type information associated with each application with reference to the classification information set by the setting unit Having priority order acquisition means for acquiring method priority order information and classification type priority information of the classification type indicated by the classification type information;
The output order determining means includes
Determining the output order of a plurality of jobs waiting for output processing in the order of output request according to the respective priority orders indicated by the classification method priority order information and the classification type priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition unit; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The output order determining means includes
Based on the priority indicated by the classification method priority information acquired by the priority acquisition means, the output order of a plurality of jobs that are waiting for output processing in the order of the output request is changed according to the classification method. Decide
According to the determined order, the output order of the plurality of jobs is rearranged for each classification type in the same classification method based on the priority order indicated by the classification type priority order information acquired by the priority order acquisition unit, and the output order The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The output order determining means includes
The output order of a plurality of jobs waiting for output processing is rearranged in the output request order in accordance with the respective priority orders indicated by the classification method priority order information and the classification type priority information acquired by the priority order acquisition means. sometimes,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an output order of the plurality of jobs corresponding to the same classification method and classification type is determined based on an output request order of each of the plurality of jobs. The output order determining means includes
When the classification type information is not set for the application by the setting unit,
The job corresponding to the output processing target of the application for which the classification type information is not set is output after the job corresponding to the output processing target of the application for which the classification type information is set that is waiting for output processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output order of the jobs is rearranged to determine the output order. By having an input means for inputting data, a processing means for processing data, and an output means for outputting data, and operating the input means, the processing means, and the output means in cooperation with each other, An output job control method in an image processing apparatus constituting one application of the image processing apparatus,
A setting procedure for setting classification information for classifying a job to be output by the output means, and / or priority information for determining the output order of the job from the classification information;
An output order determination procedure for determining an output order of the job based on the classification information and the priority information set by the setting procedure;
An output job control method comprising: an output procedure for performing output processing of the job by the output means in accordance with the output order determined by the output order determination procedure. By having an input means for inputting data, a processing means for processing data, and an output means for outputting data, and operating the input means, the processing means, and the output means in cooperation with each other, An output job control program in an image processing apparatus constituting one application of the image processing apparatus,
On the computer,
A setting procedure for setting classification information for classifying a job to be output by the output means, and / or priority information for determining the output order of the job from the classification information;
An output order determination procedure for determining an output order of the job based on the classification information and the priority information set by the setting procedure;
An output job control program for executing an output procedure for performing output processing of the job by the output means in accordance with the output order determined by the output order determination procedure.

Images