JP2009302879A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus for starting output of an image, where the pieces of information regarding all the number of pages are composited, without waiting for completion of reception of data. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor 20 starts output of the image, by compositing the pieces of information, concerning all the number of pages if the pieces of information indicating all the number of pages of a printed matter, concerning a print job are acquired from a header part of received data, or the like, and starts output of the image with which the pieces of information concerning all the number of pages are synthesized, after counting all the pages, by waiting for completion of reception of the data on the printing job, if the pieces of information indicating all the number of pages are not acquired, when a starting instruction of output is received, before the completion of reception of the data on the printing job from a printer controller 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that synthesizes and outputs information related to the total number of pages to an image.

  In some cases, a printing apparatus that does not have a page number added to the footer portion or the like is printed with a page number added by a printing apparatus.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for counting the number of documents that have already been read during a document reading operation and synthesizing this count value as a stamp for the number of pages with an image.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-11411

  In a printed matter having a plurality of pages, it may be requested to add a page number to a footer portion or the like in a format such as “page number / total number of pages”. When adding page numbers in such a format with a printing apparatus or printer controller, in order to recognize the total number of pages, the output operation is started after waiting for completion of reception of data of all pages. For this reason, there has been a problem that the output start time is delayed and productivity is lowered as compared with the case where the image of the page is output every time reception of data for one page is completed.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and provides an image processing apparatus capable of synthesizing information relating to the total number of pages and starting output of an image without waiting for completion of reception of all data. The purpose is that.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] a receiving unit for receiving print job data;
A storage unit for storing the data received by the reception unit;
An output unit that synthesizes and outputs information related to the total number of pages with an image based on the data;
When the output start instruction is received before reception of the data is completed, the output is started if the information indicating the total number of pages of the printed matter related to the print job has been acquired. A control unit for starting the output after counting the total number of pages after waiting for the completion of reception,
An image processing apparatus comprising:

  In the above invention, if the information indicating the total number of pages has been acquired, the output is started. If the information indicating the total number of pages has not been acquired, the completion of reception of the print job data is waited and the total number of pages is counted. Start the output.

[2] The image processing apparatus according to [1], wherein the information indicating the total number of pages is received as a part of the data.

  In the above invention, for example, information indicating the total number of pages may be included in the header portion of the print job data.

[3] The image processing apparatus according to [1], wherein the information indicating the total number of pages is input from an operation unit.

  In the above invention, the total page number information is input by the user from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus.

[4] The receiving unit receives data of the print job including the image data from a printer controller that generates image data by rasterization processing;
The image processing according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the output unit forms on the sheet an image in which information related to the total number of pages is combined with an image represented by the image data. apparatus.

  In the above invention, the image processing apparatus is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data received from a printer controller. If there is information indicating the total number of pages in the header portion of the data received from the printer controller, the information related to the total number of pages is synthesized and output of the image is started without waiting for completion of reception.

[5] The image processing apparatus is a printer controller that generates image data by rasterization,
[1] to [3], wherein the output unit rasterizes the data of the print job to generate image data, and combines the image data with information on the total number of pages. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.

  In the above invention, the image processing apparatus is a printer controller, and if there is information indicating the total number of pages in print job data received from a personal computer or the like, the rasterized image data is set to the total number of pages without waiting for completion of reception. The operation of combining the image information and outputting the combined image data is started.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to start outputting an image in which information related to the total number of pages is synthesized without waiting for completion of data reception. The productivity can be improved as compared with the case where the output is started from the beginning.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of an image forming system 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 5 includes a printer controller 10 and an image forming apparatus 20.

  An information processing apparatus 2 such as a personal computer (PC) is connected to the printer controller 10 via a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The printer controller 10 has a function of rasterizing data relating to a print job sent from the information processing apparatus 2 to generate bitmap format image data (RIP processing).

  The image forming apparatus 20 has a print output function for forming and outputting an image on a sheet based on image data generated by the printer controller 10, a copy function for optically reading a document and forming a duplicate image on the sheet, and the like. It is configured as a so-called device called a digital multifunction peripheral.

  The printer controller 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11 that performs overall control of the operation of the printer controller 10, a LANIF unit 12 that performs a communication function for connection to the network 3, an image memory 13, and a hard disk device (HDD). 14 and a DRAM controller 15 having a function of reading / writing data to / from the image memory 13 and a function of transmitting / receiving various data to / from the image forming apparatus 20. The image memory 13 and the hard disk device 14 store print job data received from the network 3, intermediate data generated during the RIP process, image data generated by the RIP process, and the like.

  In addition, the CPU 11 includes a program that is read and executed by the CPU 11 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which fixed data is stored, a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 11 executes the program, and the like. It is connected.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus 20. FIG. 2 shows a state in which a large capacity sheet feeding device 21 and a post-processing device 22 are connected to the image forming apparatus 20. The large-capacity paper feeding device 21 is a device that accumulates and accommodates a large amount of paper fed to the image forming device 20, and the post-processing device 22 folds the paper discharged from the image forming device 20 or holds a plurality of papers. It is an apparatus having a function of binding and binding with staples or punching holes with punches.

  The image forming apparatus 20 includes a display / operation unit 31, a scanner unit 32 that optically reads a document image to acquire corresponding image data, and a document placed on the document tray 33 a one by one. An automatic document feeder 33 that feeds to a reading position, a printer unit 34 that forms and outputs an image on a sheet, and a main control unit 50 are provided.

  The scanner unit 32 includes a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor 32a that reads the document for one line in the width direction, and a lens and a mirror that guides reflected light from the document to the line image sensor 32a to form an image. It consists of an optical path or the like. The scanner unit 32 can read the document while the document is placed on the platen glass in addition to the flow reading format in which the document is conveyed by the automatic document feeder 33 and moved relative to the reading position. .

  The printer unit 34 feeds paper from a plurality of paper feed trays 36 that store paper for image formation, an image forming unit 37 that forms an image on the paper, and the large-capacity paper feeding device 21 or the paper feed tray 36. A sheet transport mechanism 38 that passes through the forming unit 37 and discharges it to the post-processing device 22 at the subsequent stage is formed.

  The image forming unit 37 includes a photoconductor 41, a charging device 42, a laser unit 43, a developing device 44, a transfer device 45, a separating device 46, a cleaning device 47, a fixing device 48, and the like. To form.

  Specifically, the photoconductor 41 has a cylindrical shape and is rotated in a certain direction (the direction of arrow A in the drawing) by a driving unit (not shown). During rotation, the photoreceptor 41 is uniformly charged by corona discharge by the charging device 42, and then receives a scan of laser light that is turned on / off according to image data from the laser unit 43, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface thereof. Is formed. The developing device 44 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 41 as a toner image.

  The paper transport mechanism 38 feeds and transports paper from the large-capacity paper feeder 21 or the paper feed tray 36 that can store and store a large amount of paper, and sends it between the photoconductor 41 and the transfer device 45 at an appropriate timing ( Arrow B). The transfer device 45 electrostatically transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 41 onto the paper conveyed by the paper conveyance mechanism 38, and the separation device 46 removes the paper from the photoconductor 41 by static elimination. Isolate. The cleaning device 47 removes the toner remaining on the photoreceptor 41 after the transfer by rubbing with a blade or the like. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is further conveyed (arrow C), and heated and pressurized when passing through the fixing device 48 to fix the toner image on the sheet, and then discharged to the post-processing device 22 (arrow). D). Note that the image forming method is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and other methods may be used.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described. The image forming apparatus 20 is configured by connecting a scanner unit 32, a printer unit 34, and a display operation unit 31 to a main control unit 50 that performs overall control of the operation of the image forming apparatus 20.

  In addition to the line image sensor 32a shown in FIG. 1, the scanner unit 32 includes a scanner control unit 32b that controls the entire operation of the scanner unit 32. In addition to a laser diode (LD) that is turned on / off according to image data, the printer unit 34 includes a printer control unit 34b that controls the operation of the entire printer unit 34 including the image forming unit 37 and the paper transport mechanism 38. Have. In addition, although not shown, the printer control unit 34b is connected to various units of the image forming unit 37 and motors, solenoids, sensors, and the like that operate the paper transport mechanism 38.

  The display operation unit 31 functions to display various setting screens and operation screens, accept various setting / selection operations from the user, and display various information and warnings to the user. The display operation unit 31 includes a display unit 31a composed of a liquid crystal display, an operation unit 31b composed of a touch switch and other switches laid on the screen, and an operation control unit 31c that controls the display unit 31a and the operation unit 31b. Have

  The scanner control unit 32b, the operation control unit 31c, and the printer control unit 34b are configured by circuits each having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as main parts. Various controls are executed in accordance with programs stored in the ROM.

  The main control unit 50 performs a function of overall control of the operation of the image forming apparatus 20, and includes a reading processing unit 51, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control unit 52, a compression IC 53a, a decompression IC 53b, and a semiconductor memory. The image memory 55, the write processing unit 56, the CPU 57, the ROM 58, the RAM 59, the nonvolatile memory 61, the hard disk device 62 (also referred to as HDD), and the like are configured.

  The reading processing unit 51 has a function of performing enlargement processing, mirror image processing, error diffusion processing, and the like on the image data output from the scanner unit 32. The compression IC 53a compresses image data, and the decompression IC 53b functions to decompress the compressed image data (compressed image data) to the original image data. The image memory 55 is used as a page memory 55a capable of storing uncompressed image data in units of pages, a compression memory 55b for storing compressed image data, and the like.

  The writing processing unit 56 has a function of outputting a signal for turning on / off the laser diode of the laser unit 43 in accordance with the operation of the printer unit 34 in accordance with the image data read out from the compression memory 55b and expanded. Fulfill.

  The DRAM control unit 52 controls read / write timing and refresh timing for the image memory 55 formed of a dynamic RAM, compresses image data and stores the compressed data in the compressed memory 55b, and reads compressed image data from the compressed memory 55b for decompression. Control the timing when you do. The DRAM control unit 52 is connected to the DRAM control unit 15 of the printer controller 10 through a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus 54 and performs a function of transferring various data to and from the printer controller 10 through the PCI bus 54.

  Here, the printer controller 10 is incorporated in the image forming apparatus 20. When the printer controller 10 is provided outside the image forming apparatus 20, data transmission / reception between the printer controller 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 is performed through an interface suitable for it.

  The CPU 57 has a function of controlling the entire operation of the image forming apparatus 20. The ROM 58 stores programs and various fixed data, and the CPU 57 operates according to the programs stored in the ROM 58. The RAM 59 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 57 executes a program. The nonvolatile memory 61 is a memory that stores user data, system data, and the like that should be stored even after the power is turned off.

  Next, the flow of printing processing in the image forming system 5 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 functions as an image processing apparatus that synthesizes and outputs information related to the total number of pages to an image based on received data.

  At the time of printing, the information processing apparatus 2 receives a setting related to page numbering from the user through the screen of the printer driver. Page numbering settings include whether to add page numbers, page number format settings, position where page numbers are added (for example, top, bottom, left, center, right) There is. The format setting includes a first format that does not use information on the total number of pages such as “page number” and a second format that uses information on the total number of pages such as “page number / total number of pages”. . Also, in the second format, the selection of whether to set all pages to “automatic setting” or “numerical value input” is accepted, and when “numerical value input” is selected, the numeric value is input. . Hereinafter, a print job set to add a page number is called a page numbering job, and a print job not set to add a page number is called a normal job.

  The information processing apparatus 2 transmits to the printer controller 10 print job data including control information indicating print data of each page, setting contents of page numbering, and the like. Control information indicating the setting contents of page numbering is embedded in a header portion arranged at the head of print job data.

  When the printer controller 10 receives print job data from the information processing apparatus 2, the printer controller 10 performs RIP processing for generating image data by rasterizing the print data included therein, and a job including the generated image data and control data Data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20. The job data has a data structure in which a job information part is at the head and a page information part corresponding to the number of pages follows.

  Control data relating to the entire print job is embedded in the job information section. The settings related to page numbering received from the information processing apparatus 2 are embedded in the job information section. The page information section includes control information unique to the page and image data of the page.

  Processing modes of RIP processing performed by the printer controller 10 include a page mode and a job mode. In the page mode, every time print data for one page is received, RIP processing is sequentially performed on the page to generate image data, and job data including the image data and control data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20. . In the page mode, when the RIP process for the first page is completed, the job information part and the page information part for the first page are transmitted. Thereafter, the page information part for the page is transmitted each time the RIP process for one page is completed. . In the case of the last page, information indicating the last page is embedded in the page information section.

  In the job mode, image data of each page generated by performing RIP processing at the completion of reception of print data for one page or after completion of reception of print data for all pages is accumulated and stored in the image memory 13 or the hard disk device 14. Then, when the RIP process for all pages of the print job is completed, the image data and control data for all pages are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 at once. That is, the job information part and the page information part for the number of pages are continuously transmitted as job data to the image forming apparatus 20.

  When processing in the job mode, the total number of pages of the print job can be recognized before starting transmission of job data, so the total number of pages is counted and information indicating the total number of pages is embedded in the job information section. Yes.

  The processing mode is selected in advance by initial setting or the like, and the selection result is stored in the hard disk device 14 or the nonvolatile memory. Alternatively, each print job can be designated on the printer driver screen of the information processing apparatus 2 or the like. If specified on the printer driver screen or the like, the contents are embedded in the header portion of the print job data.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer controller 10. The printer controller 10 always waits for print job data to be received from the information processing apparatus 2 (step S101; No), and when reception starts (step S101; Yes), print data for one page is stored. Wait for completion of reception (step S102; No).

  When reception of print data for one page is completed (step S102; Yes), image data is generated by performing RIP processing for the page (step S103). Next, it is determined whether the processing mode is set to the page mode or the job mode (step S104). If the processing mode is set to the page mode (step S104; Yes), it is determined whether it is the first page. (Step S105).

  If it is not the first page (step S105; No), the process proceeds to step S107. In the case of the first page (step S105; Yes), a job information section is created and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S106), and the process proceeds to step S107. The job information portion includes information indicating the setting content related to page numbering received from the information processing apparatus 2.

  In step S107, it is determined whether or not there is a next page. If there is a next page (step S107; Yes), the page information portion including the image data created in step S106 and the control data related to the page is formed as an image. It transmits to the apparatus 20 (step S108), and moves to step S102.

  If there is no next page (step S107; No), a page information part including control data in which information indicating the last page is embedded and image data of the page is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S109). ) End the process.

  When the processing mode is the job mode (step S104; No), the image data generated at step S106 is stored in the image memory 13 or the hard disk device 14 (step S110), and when there is a next page (step S111; Yes). Return to step S102.

  If there is no next page (step S111; No), the total number of pages is counted from the image data stored in step S110 (step S112), the job information part in which information indicating the total number of pages is embedded, and the number of pages Minutes of page information portions are continuously transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 in a lump (step S113), and the process is terminated.

  Note that the job mode may be configured to sequentially start RIP processing for all pages after reception of print data for all pages is completed.

  FIG. 4 shows the operation of the image forming apparatus 20. Here, it is assumed that the received job data is not instructed to hold output but received an immediate output instruction (output start instruction). The image forming apparatus 20 waits for job data to be received from the printer controller 10 (step S201; No). When the reception of job data starts (step S201; Yes), it is included in the job information section. Control data indicating the contents of the page numbering setting is analyzed to determine whether the job is a page numbering job (step S202).

  If it is not a page numbering job (step S202; No), an image output process based on the received job data is started (step S203). That is, every time job data (page information portion) for one page is received, an operation is performed to form and output an image corresponding to the image data of the job data (page information portion) on the paper.

  In the case of a page numbering job (step S202; Yes), it is determined whether or not the format setting relating to the page number is the second format that requires information on the total number of pages (step S204). Step S204; No), outputting an image based on the page number information (stamp image representing the page number in the first format) in the first format that does not use the information on the total number of pages on the image based on the received job data Processing is started (step S205). That is, each time job data (page information part) for one page is received, a stamp image in the first format indicating the page number of the page is added to the image corresponding to the image data of the job data (page information part). An operation of combining and forming and outputting the combined image on a sheet is executed.

  When the second format that requires information representing the total number of pages is set as the page numbering format (step S204; Yes), it is checked whether or not the information on the total number of pages has been acquired (step S206). Here, it is checked whether information indicating the total number of pages is included in the job information part of the received job data, and if it is included, the value is acquired. The information indicating the total number of pages represents the total number of pages input by the user when “Numerical value input” is selected in the information processing apparatus 2, or the total number of pages counted by the job printer controller 10 in the job mode. It is a thing.

  If already acquired (step S206; Yes), an image obtained by combining the image based on the received job data with the stamp image of the page number in the second format created using the acquired information on the total number of pages. Is started (step S209). That is, each time job data (page information part) for one page is received, the page number of the page is added to the image corresponding to the image data of the job data (page information part) “page number / total number of pages”. A stamp image expressed in the second format is synthesized, and an operation of forming and outputting the synthesized image on a sheet is executed. The page number is obtained by counting the number of pages from the start of reception.

  When the information on the total number of pages has not been acquired (step S206; No), the completion of reception of job data (page information part) is waited for all pages (step S207; No). The received job data is accumulated and stored in the hard disk device 62. When reception of all pages is completed (step S207; Yes), the number of received page information parts is counted to determine the total number of pages (step S208), and the page number stamp image in the second format is used using the total number of pages. An operation of generating and outputting an image obtained by combining the images is started (step S209). That is, the job data stored in the hard disk device 62 is sequentially read out, a stamp image in the second format indicating the page number of the page is combined with the image of each page, and the combined image is formed on a sheet and output. Perform the action to be performed.

  As described above, when the information on the total number of pages is obtained from the job data received from the printer controller, the information related to the total number of pages is synthesized without waiting for the completion of reception of the job data for all pages. Since the output operation is started, the waiting time until the output of the first page is started can be shortened and productivity can be improved as compared with the case where the output is started after the completion of reception of all pages.

<Second Embodiment>
The configuration of the image forming system 5 according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the description thereof is omitted. The operations of the information processing apparatus 2 and the printer controller 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the second embodiment, when the addition of a page number (combination of stamp images) is instructed in the second format that requires the total number of pages, and the total number of pages has not been acquired, the image forming apparatus 20 The input of the total number of pages is received from the user through the display operation unit 31.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow of operations performed by the image forming apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment. Steps having the same processing contents as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the process of FIG. 5, step S206A and step S206B are inserted between step S206 and step S207. If it is determined in step S206 that the information on the total number of pages has not been acquired (step S206; No), a predetermined input screen for requesting the input of the total number of pages is displayed on the display operation unit 31 (step S206A). When the input of the total number of pages is received from the user through the unit 31 (step S206B; Yes), the process proceeds to step S209. That is, the operation of generating and outputting an image obtained by combining the stamp images of the page numbers in the second format using the total number of pages input through the display operation unit 31 is started without waiting for completion of reception of all pages. (Step S209).

  When the input of the total number of pages has not been received from the user through the display operation unit 31 (step S206B; No), the process proceeds to step S207.

  As described above, when the information indicating the total number of pages can be acquired by the input from the display operation unit 31, an image obtained by combining the information regarding the total number of pages can be displayed without waiting for the completion of reception of the job data for all the pages. Since the output operation is started, productivity can be improved as compared with the case where output is started after completion of reception of all pages.

<Third Embodiment>
The configuration of the image forming system 5 according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the description thereof is omitted. The operation of the information processing apparatus 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the printer controller 10 functions as an image processing apparatus that synthesizes and outputs information related to the number of pages to an image. Assume that the printer controller 10 has not received an instruction to suspend execution of a print job received from the information processing apparatus 2 and has received an instruction to start processing immediately (an instruction to start output).

  The flow of processing performed by the printer controller 10 of the third embodiment is similar to the flow of processing shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, and here, the printer controller according to the third embodiment based on FIG. Ten operations will be described.

  The printer controller 10 waits for reception of print job data from the information processing apparatus 2 (step S201; No), and when the header of the print job is received (step S201; Yes), the header portion. Whether or not the job is a page numbering job is determined based on the contents of the page numbering setting included in (Step S202).

  If it is not a page numbering job (step S202; No), an image output process based on the received print job data is started (step S203). That is, every time reception of print data for one page is completed, RIP processing relating to that page is performed to generate image data, and the image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20.

  In the case of a page numbering job (step S202; Yes), it is determined whether or not the format setting relating to the page number is the second format that requires information relating to the total number of pages (step S204). (Step S204; No), the page number information (stamp image of the page number) of the first format that does not require the total number of pages is synthesized, and an image generation / output operation is started (Step S205). That is, every time reception of print data for one page is completed, image data is generated by performing RIP processing for the page, and a stamp image in the first format indicating the page number of the page is combined with the image data. Then, the combined image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20. The page number is obtained by counting the number of pages from the start of reception.

  When the second format that requires information representing the total number of pages is set as the page numbering format (step S204; Yes), it is checked whether or not the information on the total number of pages has been acquired (step S206). Here, it is checked whether information indicating the total number of pages is included in the header part of the received print job, and if it is included, the value is acquired. The information indicating the total number of pages is the total number of pages that are numerically input by the user when “numeric input” is selected in the information processing apparatus 2 in the page numbering setting.

  If it has been acquired (step S206; Yes), an operation of generating and outputting an image obtained by combining the stamp images of page numbers in the second format using the total page number information is started (step S209). That is, every time reception of print data for one page is completed, image data is generated by performing RIP processing for the page, and the page number of the page is represented by “page number / total number of pages”. The stamp image expressed in the second format is combined, and the combined image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20. The page number is obtained by counting the number of pages from the start of reception.

  When the information on the total number of pages has not been acquired (step S206; No), the reception of data for all pages is awaited (step S207; No). The received data is accumulated and stored in the hard disk device 14. When the reception of all pages is completed (step S207; Yes), the number of received pages is counted to determine the total number of pages (step S208), and the stamp image of the page number in the second format is synthesized using the total number of pages. An operation of generating and outputting an image is started (step S209). The page number is obtained by counting the number of pages from the start of reception.

  More specifically, when reception of print data for all pages is completed, print data for one page is read from the hard disk device 14, image data is generated by performing RIP processing for the page, and the page data is included in the image data. The stamp image in which the page number is expressed in the second format such as “page number / total number of pages” is combined and the combined image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 for all pages.

  As described above, when the information indicating the total number of pages is obtained from the print job data received from the information processing apparatus 2, the information related to the total number of pages is not waited for the completion of reception of the print data for all the pages. Since the operation to generate and output the image data synthesized is started, the waiting time until the start of the output of the first page is shortened compared to the case where the output is started after the completion of reception of all pages. It is possible to improve the performance.

  If the page mode is selected as the processing mode of the printer controller 10, image data for one page is created in any of steps S <b> 203, S <b> 205, and S <b> 209. Each time is completed, the data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20. On the other hand, when the job mode is selected, the creation of image data for all pages (image data after combining when combining stamps) is completed in any of steps S203, S205, and S209. The data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 at once.

  When the printer controller 10 is provided separately from the image forming apparatus 20 and has a display operation unit, the number of all pages is input from the user through the display operation unit of the printer controller 10 as in the process of FIG. You may make it receive.

  Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiments, and there are changes and additions within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Is included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment, the digital multifunction peripheral is exemplified as the image forming apparatus 20, but the image forming apparatus 20 may be configured as a single printer that does not include the scanner unit 32.

  In the embodiment, the configuration example in which the printer controller 10 is incorporated in the image forming apparatus 20 has been described. However, the printer controller 10 may be provided separately from the image forming apparatus 20.

  The information using the total number of pages is not limited to use in a format such as “page number / total number of pages”.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by a printer controller of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image forming apparatus of the image forming system according to the first embodiment or the printer controller of the image forming system according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by an image forming apparatus of an image forming system according to a second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Information processing device 3 ... Network 5 ... Image forming system 10 ... Printer controller 11 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... LANIF part 13 ... Image memory 14 ... Hard disk apparatus 15 ... DRAM control part 20 ... Image forming apparatus 21 ... Large capacity paper feeder 22 ... Post-processing apparatus 31 ... Display operation part 31a ... Display part 31b ... Operation part 31c ... Operation Control unit 32 ... Scanner unit 32a ... Line image sensor 32b ... Scanner control unit 33 ... Automatic document feeder 33a ... Document tray 34 ... Printer unit 34b ... Printer control unit 36 ... Feed tray 37 ... Image forming unit 38 ... Paper transport mechanism DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 ... Photoconductor 42 ... Charging device 43 ... Laser unit 44 ... Developing device 45 ... Transfer device 46 ... Separating device 47 ... Cleaning device 48 ... Fixing device 50 ... Main control unit 51 ... Reading processing unit 52 ... DRAM control unit 53a ... Compression IC
53b ... Extension IC
54 ... PCI bus 55 ... Image memory 55a ... Page memory 55b ... Compression memory 56 ... Write processor 57 ... CPU
58 ... ROM
59 ... RAM
61 ... Nonvolatile memory 62 ... Hard disk device

Claims (5)

A receiving unit for receiving print job data;
A storage unit for storing the data received by the reception unit;
An output unit that synthesizes and outputs information related to the total number of pages with an image based on the data;
When the output start instruction is received before reception of the data is completed, the output is started if the information indicating the total number of pages of the printed matter related to the print job has been acquired. A control unit for starting the output after counting the total number of pages after waiting for the completion of reception,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the total number of pages is received as a part of the data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the total number of pages is input from an operation unit. The receiving unit receives data of the print job including the image data from a printer controller that generates image data by rasterization processing;
4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit forms an image on a sheet by combining information related to the total number of pages with an image represented by the image data. 5. The image processing apparatus is a printer controller that generates image data by rasterization,
4. The output unit according to claim 1, wherein the output unit rasterizes the print job data to generate image data, and combines the image data with the information related to the total number of pages to output the image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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