JP2010152626A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system capable of assigning a sheet after-treatment method in printing for a time of printing a file, when distributing an image through an image distribution device by putting the image into a file. <P>SOLUTION: An image processor adds tag information 70 to an image data 50, and generates the image file 13a to be distributed. The tag information 70 includes sheet after-treatment information 30 including a stapling method 31, a punching method 32, a Z-folding method 33, a book binding method 34 and the like. A printer in a distributed side reads out the sheet after-treatment information 30 from the distributed image file 13a with the information, and carries out sheet after-treatment in the printing, according to the information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system.

  An image distribution apparatus that reads an image into a file and distributes it to a desired destination is known (for example, Patent Document 1 below). Also, an image forming apparatus that can directly print an image file called a so-called direct printing system has been realized (for example, Patent Document 2 below). As a combination of these, a system that distributes an image file from an image distribution apparatus to an image forming apparatus and realizes printing of an image is also realized (a so-called ScanToPrint system). Further, various functions such as a staple function and a punch function are realized as a sheet post-processing function of the image forming apparatus.

  For example, in Patent Document 3 below, an automatic print setting change device is devised that can perform printing as intended by the receiver even if the receiver performs printing without being aware of the data print settings. Further, in Patent Document 4, an image forming apparatus capable of registering print setting information for each user in the image forming apparatus and performing printing desired by the user has been devised. In Patent Document 5, in order to facilitate management of an image file, information for managing the image file is set in a private tag of the image file.

JP 2006-060499 A JP 2006-172043 A JP 2007-133494 A JP 2006-301964 A JP 2003-345636 A

  Under these background technologies, there is a user need such as “When a file is distributed by an image distribution apparatus and distributed, it is desired to specify a sheet post-processing method at the time of printing for printing the file”. Exists.

  However, in Patent Document 3, since the print setting data associated with the data and the registered print setting information are compared and determined to change the print setting, the above-described needs cannot be solved. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228867 is one that can register print setting information for each user in the image forming apparatus, and thus does not solve the above-described needs. In Patent Document 5, information for managing image files can be set in the image file. However, since the post-processing method is not specified, the above-described needs are not solved. An object of the present invention is to solve the above user needs.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is an image in which a sheet post-processing method at the time of printing can be specified for printing the file when the image processing apparatus converts the image into a file. To provide a processing system.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing system according to the present invention is an image processing system including an image processing device and a printing device that performs a printing process on a sheet. An input unit that accepts an input for setting a sheet post-processing method, which is a method for post-processing the sheet, and information on the sheet post-processing method accepted by the input unit is added to image data to generate an image file with information A generation unit, and the printing apparatus includes a determination unit that determines the sheet post-processing method added to the image file with information generated by the generation unit, and a post-processing unit that executes sheet post-processing. When the image data included in the image file with information generated by the generation unit is printed, the sheet post-processing method determined by the determination unit is And control means for controlling to execute the processing unit, characterized by comprising a.

  Thus, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the sheet post-processing method at the time of printing is set and added to the image file to be distributed. For example, even if the sheet post-processing method is not specified at the time of printing, Sheet post-processing can be performed as specified in the added post-processing method. In addition, since the sheet post-processing can be performed according to the sheet post-processing method included in the received image file, it is not necessary to instruct the sheet post-processing method separately from the image file from the transmission source of the image file. There is an advantage that the system can be simplified.

  In addition, the image file with information is the image data included in the image file with information without executing the sheet post-processing method added to the image file with information in a printing apparatus that does not include the post-processing unit. It may be an image file that can be printed.

  As a result, when post-processing by the sheet post-processing method included in the image file is impossible, the post-processing method of the sheet is ignored, and thus a post-processing mechanism corresponding to the designated sheet post-processing method is provided. Even if not, there is an advantage that an image can be formed.

  The file format of the image file with information is a TIFF format or a PDF format, and the generation unit adds the information of the sheet post-processing method at the time of printing as tag information of the image file in the TIFF format or the PDF format. Good.

  As a result, an image can be distributed in a TIFF format or a PDF format, which are general-purpose image formats, and there is an advantage that an image file can be browsed by various application programs corresponding to TIFF or PDF. Furthermore, since it is easy to add tag information to a TIFF format or PDF format image file or to create a mechanism for reading tag information, the image processing system of the present invention does not have a complicated configuration. Also, it is easy to print by ignoring tag information of an image file in TIFF format or PDF format in a printing apparatus without a post-processing mechanism.

  The image file with information may be provided with a transmission unit that transmits an e-mail or FTP.

  As a result, images can be distributed by general-purpose transmission methods such as e-mail transmission and FTP transmission, which has an advantage of high compatibility with various systems.

  The sheet post-processing method may include at least one of a stapling method, a punching method, a Z-folding method, and a bookbinding method.

  As a result, a sheet post-processing method corresponding to a sheet post-processing mechanism including stapling, punching, Z-folding, and bookbinding can be set, and there is an advantage that it can be applied to various printing apparatuses and image forming apparatuses.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the image processing system 100 includes an image reading apparatus 1, a client computer 3, and an image forming apparatus 4, which are connected through a network 2. The image reading device 1 has a function of reading an image into a file and distributing the file to the client computer 3 and the image forming device 4 through the network 2.

  The image forming apparatus 4 has a function of receiving an image file from the image reading apparatus 1 or the client computer 3 and printing it. Further, post-processing functions for sheets to be printed include functions such as stapling, punching, Z-folding, and bookbinding.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus 1. The image reading apparatus 1 includes a CPU 10, a RAM 11, a ROM 12, a memory 13, an operation unit 14, a scanner unit 15, a display unit 16, an interface unit 17 (I / F unit), and the like. In accordance with the basic program stored in the ROM 12, the CPU 10 executes various control operations to be described later while temporarily storing various parameters and programs in the RAM 12.

  The memory 13 is a storage medium that can write, read, and erase image data read by the scanner unit 5 and can store the image file 13a. The operation unit 14 includes operation buttons and the like for the user to operate the image reading apparatus 1. For example, there is a start button for instructing the scanner unit 15 to start reading an image.

  The scanner unit 15 converts an image of a document image such as a picture, a character, or a photograph into an electric signal in units of pixels using a line sensor, a CCD (solid-state imaging device), and the like, and takes it in as image data. The display unit 16 includes a monitor and displays various operation states of the image reading apparatus 1. The I / F unit 9 is a connection unit to the network 2. The I / F unit 9 can also be used for connection with the storage medium 60. The storage medium 60 may be a memory card, a USB memory that can be connected via USB, or an external hard disk.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 4. The image forming apparatus 4 includes a CPU 40, a RAM 41, a ROM 42, a printing unit 43, a sheet post-processing mechanism 49, and an interface unit 48 (I / F unit). The sheet post-processing mechanism 49 includes a stapling mechanism 44, a punch punching mechanism 45, a Z folding mechanism 46, and a bookbinding mechanism 47.

  The CPU 40 executes various control operations to be described later while temporarily storing various parameters and programs in the RAM 41. The ROM 42 stores various information, particularly a program 42a described later. The printing unit 43 executes a printing process. The stapling mechanism 44, the punch hole punching mechanism 45, the Z folding mechanism 46, and the bookbinding mechanism 47 execute a staple process, a punch hole punching process, a Z folding process, and a bookbinding process, respectively, on a printed sheet.

  The I / F unit 48 is a connection unit to the network 2 and receives the image file 13a distributed through the network 2 in particular. The I / F unit 48 can also be used for connection with the storage medium 60. As will be described later, the sheet post-processing mechanism 49 may not include some or all of the stapling mechanism 44, punch punching mechanism 45, Z folding mechanism 46, and bookbinding mechanism 47.

  In the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, the user reads an image from a document placed on a document table (not shown) of the image reading apparatus 1 using the scanner unit 15. When starting reading, in addition to the reading conditions, a sheet post-processing method at the time of printing can be set. FIG. 4 is an example of a sheet post-processing method setting screen displayed on the touch panel monitor of the display unit 16. On this screen, a sheet post-processing method, that is, a stapling method, a punching method, a Z-folding method, and a bookbinding method can be designated. The touch panel monitor shown in FIG. 4 serves as both the display unit 16 and the operation unit 14.

  In the stapling method input area 161 (stapling method input means), a plurality of stapling methods (stapling positions and the like) are displayed, and an input for selecting a desired stapling method is performed by the user touching the touch panel. In the punch punching method input area 162 (punch punching method input means), a plurality of punching methods (punch hole positions, etc.) are displayed, and the user touches the touch panel to select a desired punching method from among them. To input.

  In the Z-folding method input area 163 (Z-folding method input means), a plurality of Z-folding methods (Z-folding directions) are displayed, and the user touches the touch panel to select a desired Z-folding method. Make input. Z-folding (outer tri-folding) is a tri-folding method that diffracts twice like a Z shape.

  In the bookbinding method input area 164 (bookbinding method input means), a plurality of bookbinding methods are displayed, and an input for selecting a desired bookbinding method is performed by the user touching the touch panel. In the example of FIG. 4, in the selection of the bookbinding method, either single-sided printing or double-sided printing can be selected, and the opening direction can be selected from left open, right open, and top open.

  In addition, as a binding method, it is possible to select mini book binding or weekly magazine binding. Mini book binding is a method of binding four pages that are continuous in page order on individual sheets, folding them in half, and binding them together. Weekly magazine binding is four pages that are not necessarily consecutive in order of pages on individual sheets. This is a binding method that results in page order when printed, folded in half, and then saddle stitched. Note that a system for performing selection input of the sheet post-processing method using the operation unit 14 may be employed.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration example of the image file 13a (image file with information) when the sheet post-processing method is set by the above-described method. In the present embodiment, the file format of the image file 13a may be a TIFF format or a PDF format. In general-purpose image file formats such as the TIFF format and the PDF format, various information can be embedded as tag information in addition to image data.

  In the image file 13 a of FIG. 5, tag information 70 is embedded in the image data 50. Tag information 70 includes image information 20 and sheet post-processing information 30. The image information 20 includes information such as an image width 21, an image height 22, a bit depth 23, and a compression method 24. Further, the sheet post-processing information 30 includes information on sheet post-processing methods such as a stapling method 31, a punch punching method 32, a Z folding method 33, and a bookbinding method.

  In the image processing system 100, the image file 13a in which the sheet post-processing method is set by the user operation is transmitted from the image reading apparatus 1 by a transmission method such as e-mail communication or FTP communication (communication based on FTP (File Transfer Protocol)). Delivered to a desired destination. In the case of e-mail communication, the image file 13a may be sent in a format attached to the e-mail. The image file 13a distributed to the client computer 3 is browsed or stored by an application program on the client computer 3. The user transmits the image file 13a to the image forming apparatus 4 as necessary to perform printing. Further, there is a usage in which the image file 13 a is directly delivered from the image reading apparatus 1 to the image forming apparatus 4. Alternatively, the image file 13 a may be stored in the storage medium 60 by the image reading apparatus 1, and the image file 13 a may be moved to the image forming apparatus 4 side by connecting the storage medium 60 to the image forming apparatus 4.

  The image forming apparatus 4 receives the image file 13a, forms the image on a sheet, and outputs (prints) the image on the sheet. Further, sheet post-processing information 30 embedded as tag information is acquired (determined) from the image file 13a. This acquisition (discrimination) process may be programmed and stored in the ROM 42 as, for example, the program 42a and executed by the CPU 40.

  Then, based on the read sheet post-processing information 30, a sheet post-processing (finishing process) is performed according to a command from the CPU 40. If the image forming apparatus 4 does not have the sheet post-processing mechanism 49, the sheet post-processing method is ignored and the sheet is output.

  That is, when the stapling method 31 is specified as the sheet post-processing method in the image file 13a and the image forming apparatus 4 includes the stapling mechanism 44, the stapling process is executed according to the information of the stapling method 31 when the sheet is output. However, if the stapling method 31 is specified as the sheet post-processing method in the image file 13a, but the image forming apparatus 4 is not equipped with the stapling mechanism 44, the sheet is output without performing the stapling process.

  Similarly, when the punching method 32 is designated as the sheet post-processing method in the image file 13a and the image forming apparatus 4 includes the punching mechanism 45, the punching process is performed according to the information of the punching method 32 when the sheet is output. Execute. However, if the punching method 32 is designated as the sheet post-processing method in the image file 13a, but the punching mechanism 45 is not provided in the image forming apparatus 4, the sheet is output without performing punching processing. The

  When the Z-folding method 33 is designated as the sheet post-processing method in the image file 13a and the image forming apparatus 4 includes the Z-folding mechanism 46, the Z-folding process is executed according to the information of the Z-folding method 33 when the sheet is output. . However, if the Z-folding method 33 is specified as the sheet post-processing method in the image file 13a, but the image forming apparatus 4 is not equipped with the Z-folding mechanism 46, the sheet is output without performing the Z-folding process. The

  When the bookbinding method 34 is designated as the sheet post-processing method in the image file 13a and the image forming apparatus 4 includes the bookbinding mechanism 47, the bookbinding process is executed according to the information of the bookbinding method 34 when the sheet is output. However, if the bookbinding method 34 is specified as the sheet post-processing method in the image file 13a, but the bookbinding mechanism 47 is not provided in the image forming apparatus 4, the sheet is output without performing the bookbinding process.

  Generally, if there is no post-processing mechanism at the destination where post-processing method information is added to the image data, it is convenient to ignore the post-processing method information and print the sheet without any problems Not exclusively. However, in the present invention, the image file is in the TIFF format or PDF format, and the post-processing method is added as tag information. Therefore, even if there is no post-processing mechanism, the image file in the TIFF format or PDF format is used as usual. No problem occurs because it is only necessary to print the tag information ignoring the tag information.

  In the above embodiment, the image reading apparatus 1 is changed to an image processing apparatus having no image reading function, the image processing apparatus acquires image data created by another apparatus, and the image post-processing method is added to the image data. Information may be added as described above.

  In the above-described embodiment, the distribution function may be omitted, and the image reading apparatus 1 may be a system including the function of the image forming apparatus 4. If the image file 13a is stored in the memory 13 at this time, for example, when another operator prints the image file 13a at a later date, it is not necessary to set a new sheet post-processing method, and the image file 13a is added to the image file 13a. Therefore, it is convenient to read the sheet post-processing information and perform post-processing according to the information.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image processing system in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image reading apparatus. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. The figure which shows the example of a display part and an operation part. The figure which shows the structural example of an image file.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image reading device (image processing device)
2 network network 3 client computer 4 image forming apparatus (printing apparatus)
10 CPU (Generator)
14 Operation part (input part)
15 Scanner unit (image reading unit)
17 I / F part (transmission part)
40 CPU (discriminating means, control means)
49 Sheet post-processing mechanism (post-processing section)

Claims (5)

An image processing system comprising: an image processing device; and a printing device that performs a printing process on a sheet,
The image processing apparatus includes:
An input unit for receiving an input for setting a sheet post-processing method that is a method of post-processing the sheet at the time of printing;
A generating unit that adds information on the sheet post-processing method received by the input unit to image data to generate an image file with information;
With
The printing apparatus includes:
A discriminating unit for discriminating the sheet post-processing method added to the image file with information generated by the generating unit;
A post-processing unit that executes sheet post-processing;
Control means for controlling the post-processing section to execute the sheet post-processing method determined by the determining means when printing the image data included in the information-added image file generated by the generating section; ,
An image processing system comprising:   The image file with information prints image data included in the image file with information without executing the sheet post-processing method added to the image file with information, in a printing apparatus that does not include the post-processing unit. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system is an image file that can be processed. The file format of the image file with information is TIFF format or PDF format,
The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the generation unit adds information on a sheet post-processing method at the time of printing as tag information of an image file in a TIFF format or a PDF format.   The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the image file with information by e-mail or FTP.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing method includes at least one of a stapling method, a punching method, a Z-folding method, and a bookbinding method.

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