JP2011022681A - Image forming system and print control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To readily check the difference between a drawing object type of print data and a drawing object type of application data which an application has created. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming system includes a printing control device 1 and an image forming apparatus 2. The printing control device 1 includes an input PDL reading means 12 for reading the printing data which the application has created based on application data, and an application data reading means 11 for reading the application data itself. The image forming apparatus 2 includes an object reporting means 24 for creating an object report which shows the drawing object type of the print data and a drawing object type of the application data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a print control apparatus (a host computer such as a personal computer) having application data and an application corresponding thereto, direct printing of application data input from the print control apparatus, and printing created by the application based on the application data The present invention relates to an image forming system and a print control apparatus including an image forming apparatus (printer, facsimile, multifunction machine, etc.) capable of printing data.

An image forming apparatus that handles color images usually has a color conversion table for each color space, and performs image processing based on the color conversion table. For example, a color printer can output RGB format print data input from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) into CMYK based on a color conversion table.
Hereinafter, a specific example of the color table is shown.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a color conversion table stored in the color printer.
As shown in this figure, the color conversion table data stored in the color printer is a collection of four table data necessary for the color data conversion process, and is used for RGB color bitmap images and the like. Raster data color conversion table, vector data color conversion table used for RGB color lines and figures, character data color conversion table used for RGB color fonts, CMYK color raster data, vectors A color conversion table for CMYK data used for data and character data is included.
In this type of color printer, a desired color can be realized by changing or adjusting the color conversion table.

  A print control device such as a PC as a printer host computer usually has application data and a corresponding application. As a method for printing application data, print data created by the application based on the application data is used. There are a method for sending PDL data (referred to as printer description language data) as appropriate, and a method for sending application data as it is to the printer.

For example, the former method corresponds to a case where PDF data is opened on a PDF application and a print command is issued there. This method is a general printing operation procedure when used by an individual user.
On the other hand, in office printing, there is a case where PDF data is sent to a printer as it is (PDF direct printing). For example, direct printing is executed by dragging and dropping a PDF data icon onto a printer icon.

Some applications have a function of creating print data by Postscript conversion and sending it to the printer when the printer supports Postscript, such as a PDF application.
In this case, there is a possibility that RGB → CMYK conversion is performed without permission through the color conversion table of the printer, and the color conversion table unique to the PDF application is automatically performed along with the Postscript conversion.
For this reason, for the user who assumes the color of the printer, the color is not output, which is a problem.

  Therefore, color space determination is performed on input data such as print data and PDF data by Postscript conversion, and the applied color space can be confirmed by filling a predetermined object with the color of the determined color space. A document processing method has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-31472 A

However, in Patent Document 1, since the color space applied to the input data is only determined and can be confirmed, there is a problem that the cause cannot be specified when the color is different due to other causes. there were.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the drawing operator may arbitrarily convert from FILL to IMAGE along with Postscript conversion. In other words, the drawing object is converted from a vector to a raster, which is not intended by the user, and this may change the color at the time of printing. In such a case, it is difficult to identify the cause. .
Further, when the drawing object type is converted from a vector to a raster, it takes a lot of time to create print data depending on the object, and there is a problem that user stress increases.

  The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems of the conventional technology. The difference between a drawing object applied to print data created by an application and a drawing object applied to application data is described. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and a print control apparatus that can be easily confirmed.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system according to the present invention includes a print control apparatus having an application corresponding to predetermined application data, and application data printing and application data input from the print control apparatus. An image forming system capable of printing the print data created by the print control device, wherein the print control device includes: print data reading means for reading the print data created by the application based on the application data; Application data reading means for reading the application data itself, and data transmission means for transmitting the print data and the application data to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes the print data and the application data. An input PDL receiving means for receiving Deployment data is configured to include an object report unit configured to create an object report indicating each drawing object type of the print data and the application data, and output means for outputting the object report.

  The print control apparatus of the present invention includes an application corresponding to predetermined application data, and is connected to an image forming apparatus capable of printing the application data and printing the print data created by the application based on the application data. A print data reading unit for reading print data created by an application based on application data, an application data reading unit for reading application data itself, a drawing object type of the print data, and the application data And an object comparison display means for comparing the respective drawing object types and displaying the result.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily confirm the difference between the drawing object type applied to the print data created by the application and the drawing object type applied to the application data.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the driver setting screen by the side of the printing control apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of data sent from the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention to the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the output result of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure on the print control apparatus side and the image forming apparatus side according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing control apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the printing control apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the driver setting screen of the printing control apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the color conversion table data stored in a color printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional problem.

Embodiments of an image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Here, the image forming system and the print control apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention described below are realized by processing, means, and functions executed by a computer in accordance with instructions of a program (software). The program sends a command to each component of the computer to perform predetermined processing and functions as shown below. That is, each processing / means in the image forming system and the print control apparatus of the embodiment described below is realized by specific means in which a program and a computer cooperate.

  Note that all or part of the program is provided by, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or any other computer-readable recording medium, and the program read from the recording medium is installed in the computer and executed. The The program can also be loaded and executed directly on a computer through a communication line without using a recording medium.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a driver setting screen on the print control apparatus side according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of data sent from the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention to the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 4 shows an output result of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a print control device 1 such as a PC that becomes a host computer at the time of printing, and a printer that prints print data input from the print control device 1. And an image forming apparatus 2 such as a multifunction peripheral.

The print control apparatus 1 has application data and corresponding applications. For example, it has PDF data and a PDF application for browsing and printing PDF data.
The printer driver (or printer utility) of the print control apparatus 1 includes application data reading means 11, input PDL reading means (print data reading means) 12, comparison information setting means 13, and color space determination means 14. , Input PDL correction means 15 and data transmission means 16 are provided.

The image forming apparatus 2 can perform both direct printing of application data input from the printing control apparatus 1 and printing of print data created by an application based on the application data. For example, direct printing of PDF data input from the printing control apparatus 1 and printing of print data created by a PDF application based on the PDF data can be performed.
The controller of the image forming apparatus 2 includes an input PDL reception unit 21, a PDL interpretation unit 22, an output color change setting unit 23, an object report unit 24, a drawing data generation unit 25, and an output unit 26. Is provided.

(Print control device 1)
Application data reading means 11 reads application data itself.
Further, the input PDL reading unit 12 reads print data created by an application based on the application data.
For example, when PDF data is opened on a PDF application and a print command is issued, the check boxes for color space comparison and object report printing are checked on the driver setting screen shown in FIG. 2, and then the print command is issued. To do. In this way, the print data created by the PDF application can be easily read, and the application data itself can be easily specified and read.

The comparison information setting unit 13 includes a color space comparison execution unit 131 and an object report print designation unit 132 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the color space comparison execution unit 131 performs “PDL verification option setting” and “output color designation” by a predetermined operation via the driver setting screen.
In “PDL verification option setting”, a color space comparison execution flag and an object report print flag are set.
In “output color designation”, color space identification designation and drawing object designation are set.

Here, the color space comparison execution flag, the object report print flag, the color space identification designation and the drawing object specific designation will be described with reference to the driver setting screen of FIG.
The “color space comparison execution flag” is a flag for determining whether or not to compare the color space applied to the print data and the color space applied to the application data, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. , ON / OFF depending on whether or not the check box of “color space comparison execution” is checked.
The “object report print flag” is a flag for determining whether or not to print a comparison report (object report) regarding the drawing object type applied to the print data and the drawing object type applied to the application data. As shown in the left diagram of FIG. 2, it is turned ON / OFF depending on whether or not a check box of “print object report” is checked.

“Color space identification designation” is a color assigned to each of various color spaces. For example, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. Different identification colors 1 to 6 can be assigned to the types of color spaces 1 to 6, respectively. These identification colors 1 to 6 are assigned to the color spaces 1 to 6 as defaults, but can be arbitrarily changed.
It is also possible to assign different identification colors to various drawing object types by checking the “designation by drawing object” radio button. This assignment can be performed automatically or manually. According to the manual assignment, an arbitrary color can be assigned to the identification color. For example, check the “Color Assignment (Manual)” check box in the same figure, and retrieve the object report file number registered in advance as a reference file to specify the output color change color associated with it. can do.
Also, for each drawing object designation, different identification colors can be assigned to combinations of various color spaces and various drawing object types.

The object report print designation unit 132 designates the print format of the object report when the object report print flag is set.
As a print format of the object report, color space information, drawing operator information, and output change color can be associated with the drawing object type.
In FIG. 4, an identification color (255,0,0) is assigned to a combination of “drawing operator (object): image (raster)” and “color space: DeviceRGB”, and “drawing operator (object): FILL ( It is a figure which shows the printing result of the object report at the time of assigning identification color (128,0,0) with respect to the combination of "vector)" and "color space: DeviceRGB", and registering this as a definition file.

  The color space determination unit 14 determines the color space applied to the print data and the color space applied to the application data. The determination result is output to the input PDL correction unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 1, the input PDL correction unit 15 includes an output color change command addition unit 151 and an application data combination unit 152.
The output color change command adding means 151 issues a predetermined command and adds it to the print data.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a command for outputting an object report for identifying a drawing object type of print data and application data, a command for identifying a color space or a drawing object (hereinafter referred to as these) Are collectively referred to as an output color change command) and added to the print data.
In this output color change command, “PDL verification option setting” and “output color designation” information set by the comparison information setting means 13, that is, color space comparison execution flag and object report print flag setting information, color Contains setting information for space identification designation and drawing object designation.

The application data combining unit 152 combines the application data with the print data to which the output color change command has been added to form one print data.
The data transmission unit 16 transmits the combined print data to the image forming apparatus 2.

(Image forming apparatus 2)
The input PDL receiving unit 21 receives print data sent from the print control apparatus 1.
The PDL interpretation unit 22 interprets the received print data.
Specifically, it is analyzed whether or not an output color change command is included in the received print data.
Further, the PDL interpretation unit 22 analyzes the print data and application data included in the received print data, and determines the color space and object type applied to each.

When the received print data includes an output color change command (when the command is a command related to color change), the output color change setting unit 23 changes the output color to the color specified by the command.
Specifically, according to the content of the output color change command, the color value assigned to the color space applied to the print data is set, and the color value assigned to the color space applied to the application data is set. .
Further, according to the content of the output color change command, a color value corresponding to the drawing object type of the print data can be set, and a color value corresponding to the drawing object type of the application data can be set.

As shown in FIG. 1, the object report unit 24 includes an object report storage unit 231 and an object report creation unit 232.
The object report storage unit 231 stores information for creating an object report. Specifically, when the received print data includes an output color change command (when the command is a command related to an object report), information necessary for the format specified by the command (for example, color space, drawing object type) , Output change color, etc.).
The object report creation means 232 creates an object report file based on the stored object information.

The drawing data generation unit 25 performs color conversion on the print data and application data in accordance with the set output color to create drawing data.
If necessary, drawing data is created by performing color conversion on the object file according to the set color.
The output means 26 outputs each drawing data together with the object report and executes printing.
This object report can be output separately for print data and application data.
Each object report can also be output with an identification color corresponding to the color space specified by the output color change command.

Thereby, for example, as shown in the upper side of FIG. 4, four printing results can be obtained.
On the first and second sheets, a predetermined document is printed with the identification color of the color space to which the print data and application data are applied, so the difference in color space is easy based on the identification color of both. It becomes possible to confirm.
An object report can be printed on the third and fourth sheets. In the object report, the color space applied to the print data and the application data, the drawing operator (object), and the identification color (output change color) are indicated as character information. Therefore, the difference between the color space and the drawing object type is based on the character information. Can be recognized accurately. It is also possible to output the object report divided into identification colors for each color space.

  Next, processing procedures on the print control apparatus side and the image forming apparatus side according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure on the print control apparatus side and the image forming apparatus side according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, when performing a color space comparison between print data and application data, the user performs a color space comparison execution request operation on the driver setting screen of the print control apparatus 1 (S101).
In response to this, the print control apparatus 1 makes an output color designation request (S102). Specifically, the driver setting screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed.
The user designates the output color as necessary (S103), and sets the output color for the print control apparatus 1 (S104).

Next, the user performs an object report output request operation on the driver setting screen of the print control apparatus 1 (S105). Specifically, the check box of “print object report” in the left diagram of FIG. 2 is checked.
In response, the color space comparison execution means 131 sets the object report print execution flag to ON and enters the object report setting mode (S106).

Thereafter, when the user makes a print request for application data on the application (S107), in the print control apparatus 1, the input PDL reading unit 12 acquires the print data created by the application based on the application data (S108). ).
Next, the application data reading unit 11 acquires the application data itself (S109).
Subsequently, the input PDL correction unit 15 synthesizes print data (S110). The print data synthesized here includes a color change command for changing the print color of the print data and the application data to the identification color of the color space or instructing the printing of the object report.
The print data is a combination of the application data before being changed by the application and the print data after being changed by the application.
The combined print data is sent to the image forming apparatus 2 (S111).

On the image forming apparatus 2 side, the input PDL receiving unit 21 receives the print data (S112).
Next, the PDL interpretation unit 22 interprets the print data (S113).
When the PDL interpretation means 22 detects the output color change command, it enters the output color change setting mode (S114). In the output color change setting mode, if the command includes an instruction to change the output color, the process for changing the output color is entered. If the command includes an instruction for outputting the object report, the process for creating the object report file is entered. .
Here, if the output color change command includes an instruction to output an object report, the object report means 24 receives the object report creation and initializes the object report setting (such as deleting the past object report). (S115).
Next, the PDL analysis means 22 interprets the drawing object type based on the drawing operator (S116).

Then, the object report information storage unit 241 creates an object report file (object information) and stores it in a storage unit (RAM or the like) (not shown) (S117).
For example, information such as a drawing object type and a color space is stored as the object information.
Subsequently, the output color change setting means 23 sets the identification color assigned to the color space applied to each of the print data and the application data as the drawing color based on the designated color of the output color change command (S118). .

Next, the drawing data generating means 25 creates drawing data (S119). Specifically, drawing data for printing with the identification color assigned to the color space applied to each of the print data (drawing PDL) and application data is created (S120).
Further, the object report means 24 takes out the object report file and lists it (S121).
Then, the output means 26 outputs the created drawing data and object report (list) (S122), and a series of processing ends.

  As described above, according to the image forming system of the present embodiment, application data and the print control apparatus 1 having an application corresponding thereto, direct printing of application data input from the print control apparatus 1, and application data An image forming apparatus 2 that prints the print data created by the application based on the image data. The print control apparatus 1 draws the drawing object type of the print data created by the application based on the application data and the drawing of the application data. The object type is compared, and an output color change command for confirming both drawing object types, print data, and application data are combined and transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

On the other hand, in response to the reception of the output color change command, the image forming apparatus that has received the print data outputs an object report in a format specified by the command.
Specifically, a drawing object type corresponding to each of the print data and application data is output.
Furthermore, when an output color change command is received, it is possible to output drawing data with an identification color assigned to a color space applied to each of print data and application data.

The user can confirm what data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the application by confirming the output object report and output color.
Specifically, it can be confirmed whether the application data itself has been transmitted, or whether the application data converted into print data has been transmitted.
Further, the user can confirm in what format the original drawing object type is changed by the conversion and in what format the drawing object type is changed.
For this reason, it is possible to prevent an output result contrary to the intention of the user by performing the output processing of the present embodiment in advance.
Specifically, when the application data is processed on the image forming apparatus side as it is, the application arbitrarily converts it into print data and transmits it to the image forming apparatus, thereby causing a problem that the desired color cannot be obtained and an output delay. Etc. can be prevented.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, about the part which is common in 1st embodiment, description of 1st embodiment is used by providing the same code | symbol as 1st embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the driver setting screen of the printing control apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention.
As shown in FIG. 6, the print control apparatus 1 of this embodiment does not include the image forming apparatus 2 in the configuration, unlike the first embodiment.
The print control apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is characterized in that it includes an object comparison display unit 17.
The object comparison display unit 17 compares the drawing object type of the application data with the drawing object type of the print data, and displays the result. Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Therefore, in FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

Next, the processing procedure of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, when performing a color space comparison between print data and application data, the user performs a color space comparison execution request operation on the driver setting screen of the print control apparatus 1 (S201).
In response to this, the print control apparatus 1 makes an output color designation request (S202). Specifically, the driver setting screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed.
The user designates the output color as necessary (S203), and sets the output color for the print control apparatus 1 (S204).

Next, the user performs an object report output request operation on the driver setting screen of the print control apparatus 1 (S205). Specifically, the check box of “print object report” in the left diagram of FIG. 2 is checked.
In response to this, the color space comparison execution means 131 sets the object report print execution flag to ON and enters the object report setting mode (S206).

Thereafter, when the user makes a print request for application data on the application (S207), in the print control apparatus 1, the input PDL reading unit 12 acquires the print data created by the application based on the application data (S208). ).
Next, the application data reading unit 11 acquires the application data itself (S209).
Subsequently, the input PDL correction unit 15 synthesizes print data (S210). The print data synthesized here includes a color change command for changing the print color of the print data and the application data to the identification color of the color space or instructing the printing of the object report.
The print data is a combination of the application data before being changed by the application and the print data after being changed by the application.

Next, the object comparison display unit 17 interprets the print data (S211).
Subsequently, the object comparison display unit 17 interprets the drawing object type based on the drawing operator (S212).
Further, the object comparison display means 17 stores the object information in a storage unit (RAM or the like) (not shown) (S213). Specifically, the drawing object type is saved.
Here, the object comparison display means 17 compares the drawing object type of the print data with the drawing object type of the application data (S214).

Then, the object comparison display unit 17 displays the result (S215).
For example, if the drawing object type applied to the print data and the drawing object type applied to the application data do not match, “difference!” Is displayed as a comparison result on the driver setting screen as shown in FIG. .

  According to such a second embodiment of the present invention, even when the image forming apparatus 2 is offline, the drawing object type applied to the print data created by the application and the drawing object type applied to the application data The difference can be easily confirmed without going through many operation procedures.

The image forming system of the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. However, the image forming system according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that is possible.
For example, print data and application data are combined and transmitted from the print control apparatus to the image forming apparatus, but may be transmitted separately.

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus having application data and a corresponding application, an image for direct printing of application data input from the print control apparatus, and printing of print data created by an application based on the application data. The present invention can be used in an image forming system including a forming apparatus and a print control apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print control apparatus 11 Application data reading means 12 Input PDL reading means 13 Comparison information setting means 131 Color space comparison execution means 132 Object report print designation means 14 Color space determination means 15 Input PDL correction means 151 Output color change command addition means 152 Application Data combination means 16 Data transmission means 17 Object comparison display means 2 Image forming apparatus 21 Input PDL reception means 22 PDL interpretation means 23 Output color change setting means 24 Object report means 241 Object report information storage means 242 Object report creation means 25 Drawing data generation Means 26 Output means

Claims (8)

A print control apparatus having an application corresponding to predetermined application data; an image forming apparatus capable of printing application data input from the print control apparatus; and printing data created by an application based on the application data; An image forming system comprising:
The print control device includes:
Print data reading means for reading print data created by the application based on the application data;
Application data reading means for reading the application data itself,
Data transmission means for transmitting the print data and the application data to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Input PDL receiving means for receiving the print data and the application data;
An object report means for creating an object report indicating each drawing object type of the print data and the application data;
An image forming system comprising: output means for outputting the object report. The print control device includes:
Input PDL correction means for adding a command indicating the drawing object type of the print data and each drawing object type of the application data to the print data or the application data,
The image forming apparatus includes:
PDL interpretation means for analyzing whether or not the command is included in the received print data or application data,
The object report means includes
When the command is included in the received print data or application data, an object report indicating the drawing object type of the print data and the drawing object type of the application data is created based on the drawing object type indicated by the command. The image forming system according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus includes:
PDL interpretation means for analyzing whether or not the command is included in the received print data or application data,
The object report means includes
The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the object report is created when the command is included in the received print data or application data. The print control device includes:
The input PDL correction unit combines the print data and the application data;
The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the data transmitting unit transmits data obtained by combining the print data and the application data to the image forming apparatus. The print control device includes:
The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the input PDL correcting unit adds the command to data obtained by combining the print data and the application data. The print control device includes:
A color space comparing means for determining a color space applied to the print data and a color space applied to the application data;
The input PDL correcting means includes:
Adding the command having an instruction to specify the color assigned to the color space applied to the print data and the color assigned to the color space applied to the application data to the print data or the application data;
The image forming apparatus includes:
When a command having the command is included in the received print data or application data, the color assigned to the color space applied to the print data is set based on the designation of the command, and the application data Output color change setting means for setting the color assigned to the applied color space;
Drawing data generating means for converting the print data and the application data into drawing data based on a set color;
The output means includes
6. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein each drawing data is output together with the object report. The image forming apparatus includes:
The output color change setting means;
When a command having the command is included in the received print data or application data, an object report related to the print data is output in a color assigned to the color space applied to the print data based on the designation of the command. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein an object report relating to the application data is output by a color assigned to a color space applied to the application data. A print control apparatus provided with an application corresponding to predetermined application data and connected to an image forming apparatus capable of printing application data and printing print data created by the application based on the application data;
Print data reading means for reading print data created by the application based on the application data;
Application data reading means for reading the application data itself,
A print control apparatus comprising: an object comparison display unit that compares the drawing object type of the print data with the drawing object type of the application data and displays the result.