JP2011056725A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can secure consistency between a code image and stored printing data and can suppress a delay of printing in the image forming apparatus which prints the code image capable of specifying the printing data together with the printing data. <P>SOLUTION: A network composite machine 1 carrying the image forming apparatus includes a LAN interface 10 which receives the printing data, a full path generating part 11A which generates a storage full path capable of specifying the printing data, a LAN interface 10 which outputs the printing data to a storage folder 41, an encoding part 11B which generates a QR code by encoding the storage full path in parallel to the output processing of the printing data, a determination part 11C which determines whether or not the printing data are stored in the storage folder 41, and a printing part 12 which prints the QR code of the storage full path to a sheet of paper when it is determined by the determination part 11C that the printing data are stored. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Generally, when copying a paper document, the paper document is read by a scanner, and the read data is printed on the paper. In this case, printed characters and images deteriorate as copying is repeated. Therefore, when printing a paper document using electronic data (print data) for the first time, the print data is stored, and when the paper document is copied, the stored image data is printed. It has been known. In this case, since the scanned print data is printed instead of printing the scanned data, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the image or the like (see Patent Document 1 below).

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, print data is first saved when printing print data input from a personal computer (PC) on a sheet. Subsequently, the print data is printed on a sheet together with a QR code (registered trademark, hereinafter the same) for specifying the stored print data. On the other hand, when copying a paper document, the QR code is read, and the print data specified by the QR code is printed on the paper.

JP 2008-263469 A

  In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, as processing of input print data, first, print data is stored, then specific information for specifying the print data is converted into a QR code, and then the QR code is combined with the print data. Printed on paper. It may take a relatively long time to encode this specific information. If the encoding process takes about several seconds, the processing time of the print data becomes longer than when only printing is performed.

  On the other hand, if the QR code and the print data are printed before storing the print data, the QR code and the print data may not be matched. For example, when the QR code indicates the storage location of the print data, if the print data cannot be stored in the storage location, the already printed QR code cannot be matched with the print data. Further, when the QR code indicates the file name of the print data, the QR code cannot be matched with the print data unless the file name can be saved.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in an image forming apparatus that prints a code image capable of specifying print data together with the print data, the consistency between the code image and the stored print data is improved. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can guarantee and suppress a delay in printing.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives print data; a generation unit that generates specific information that can specify print data; an output unit that outputs print data to a storage folder; and In parallel with the output process, an encoding unit that encodes the specific information generated by the generation unit to generate a code image, a determination unit that determines whether the print data is stored in the storage folder, and the print data are stored And a printing unit that prints the code image generated by the encoding unit on a sheet when it is determined by the determining unit.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when print data is received, specific information that can specify the print data is generated by the generation unit. Further, the print data is output to the storage folder by the output means and stored. On the other hand, in parallel with the print data output process by the output means, the encoding process of the specific information is performed by the encode means. That is, since the print data storing process and the specific information encoding process are performed in parallel, it is possible to suppress a delay in printing. In addition, when the determination unit determines that the print data is stored in the storage folder, the encoded code image of the specific information is printed on the paper by the printing unit. That is, since it is confirmed that the print data is stored in the storage folder, the code image is printed on the paper, so that it is possible to guarantee the consistency between the code image and the print data.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the specific information preferably includes path information of a storage folder. In this case, after confirming that the print data is stored in the storage folder, the code image including the path information of the storage folder is printed on the paper. Therefore, it is possible to guarantee the consistency between the path information indicated by the printed code image and the storage folder in which the print data is stored. In addition, when copying using a code image, the storage folder can be easily specified using path information.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the print data is not stored, the generation unit generates again specific information that can specify the print data, and the output unit generates the print data. It is preferable that the output process is retried and the encoding means retry the encoding process of the specific information generated again by the generating means.

  In this case, when the print data storage process fails for some reason, the specific information is generated again by the generation unit. For example, when the specific information includes storage folder path information, print data file name, and the like, by changing these information, specific information different from the previous specific information is generated. Then, print data output processing is performed again, and encoding processing of the generated specific information is performed again. As a result, when the storage process fails, the storage process is performed again, so that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an error due to the storage failure. Further, since the code image obtained by encoding the regenerated specific information is printed, it is possible to guarantee the consistency between the code image and the print data.

  According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that prints a code image capable of specifying print data together with the print data, consistency between the code image and the stored print data can be ensured, and a delay in printing can be suppressed. Is possible.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network including a network multifunction peripheral in which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment is mounted. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the control part of a network multifunction device. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a print job by the network multifunction peripheral.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is mounted on a network multifunction device will be described as an example.

  The configuration of the network multifunction peripheral 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network including a network multifunction device 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network multifunction device 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the control unit 11 of the network multifunction peripheral 1.

  The network multifunction device 1 has an Internet FAX (IFAX) function for transmitting and receiving image data via the Internet using e-mail in addition to the network compatible scanner, copy, printer, and facsimile (FAX) functions. ing. The network multifunction device 1 is connected to a PC 3 and a file server 4 via a LAN (local area network) 50. The printer driver 31 of the network multifunction device 1 is installed in the PC 3, and the network multifunction device 1 is configured to print print data output from the PC 3. Further, the network multifunction device 1 is configured to be able to access the storage folder 41 in the file server 4 via the LAN 50.

  The network multifunction device 1 has a function of encoding specific information of the print data in parallel with the process of outputting the print data input from the PC 3 to the storage folder 41 of the file server 4. The network multifunction device 1 has a function of printing the encoded code image 61 of the specific information and the print data on the paper 60 when the output print data is successfully stored. The code image is an image obtained by converting code information such as numbers and character strings, and includes, for example, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode and a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. In the present embodiment, a QR code is adopted as the code image 61.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the network MFP 1 includes a LAN interface 10, a control unit 11, a printing unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a reading unit 15, a codec 16, an image storage unit 17, a modem 18, an NCU. (Network Control Unit) 19, IFAX control unit 20, and the like. In addition, each part is connected by the communication line 21 so that communication is mutually possible.

  The LAN interface 10 is connected to the LAN 50, executes interface processing such as signal conversion and protocol conversion, and transmits and receives signals and data between the PC 3 and the file server 4. The LAN interface 10 receives a print job from the PC 3. The print job is information including print data to be printed on paper and information such as print settings and instructing printing. That is, the LAN interface 10 functions as a receiving unit described in the claims.

  Further, the LAN interface 10 outputs the print data included in the received print job to the storage folder 41 of the file server 4. There are a plurality of storage folders 41 in the file server 4, and the LAN interface 10 outputs the print data to one of the storage folders 41 selected according to the priority order. The LAN interface 10 functions as output means described in the claims.

  When the LAN interface 10 outputs print data to the storage folder 41, a storage process for storing the print data in the storage folder 41 is executed. Note that a storage folder for storing print data may be set in a storage in the network MFP 1.

  The control unit 11 includes a microprocessor that performs calculations, a ROM that stores programs, a RAM that temporarily stores various data such as calculation results, and a backup RAM. The control unit 11 executes the program stored in the ROM, thereby realizing the functions of each unit constituting the network multifunction device 1 described below, and integrating the hardware constituting the network multifunction device 1 in an integrated manner. Control.

  The control unit 11 also performs print data output control by the LAN interface 10 and QR code encoding processing. Therefore, the control unit 11 includes a full path generation unit 11A, an encoding unit 11B, and a determination unit 11C as illustrated in FIG.

  The full path generation unit 11 </ b> A generates an ID for identifying a print job received by the LAN interface 10. Then, the full path generation unit 11A generates a file name of the print data using the generated ID. Further, the full path generation unit 11A acquires the path information of the storage folder 41 where the print data is to be output.

  This path information is information indicating an absolute path, and is information that can specify the storage folder 41 in a device connected to the LAN 50. The full path generation unit 11 </ b> A acquires path information of the storage folder 41 having the highest priority among the plurality of storage folders 41.

  Then, the full path generation unit 11A connects the file name of the print data and the path information of the storage folder 41 to generate a storage full path. The storage full path is specific information for specifying print data. That is, the full path generation unit 11A functions as a generation unit described in the claims.

  The LAN interface 10 outputs print data using the saved full path generated by the full path generation unit 11A. As a result, the print data is stored with the file name including the ID in the storage folder 41 indicated by the storage full path.

  The encoding unit 11B encodes the saved full path to generate a QR code. The encoding unit 11 </ b> B performs this encoding process in parallel with the print data output process by the LAN interface 10. That is, print data storage processing and QR code encoding processing are performed in parallel. The encoding unit 11B functions as an encoding unit described in the claims.

  The determination unit 11 </ b> C determines whether the print data output by the LAN interface 10 is stored in the storage folder 41. That is, the determination unit 11C functions as a determination unit described in the claims. The determination unit 11C makes a determination based on status information returned from the file server 4 in response to the output of print data.

  More specifically, when the LAN interface 10 receives status information indicating that the storage process has been successful from the file server 4, the determination unit 11C determines that the storage process has been successful. Further, the determination unit 11C determines that the storage process has failed when status information indicating that the storage process has failed has been received from the file server 4 due to, for example, a memory capacity exceeding during storage. . The determination unit 11C determines that the storage process has failed, for example, when it is detected that a network error has occurred during storage.

  When the determination unit 11C determines that the storage process has failed, the full path generation unit 11A changes the storage folder 41 or the file name, and generates the storage full path again. In response to this, the LAN interface 10 re-executes the output process using the regenerated full path, and in parallel with this output process, the encoding unit 11B re-encodes the regenerated full path. .

  The printing unit 12 is an electrophotographic printer, and prints print data input from the PC 3 or the file server 4, image data read by the reading unit 15, image data received by facsimile, and the like on paper. To do. When storing print data for copying using a QR code, the printing unit 12 prints the print data included in the print job input from the PC 3 and the generated QR code on a sheet.

  When the determination unit 11C determines that the print data is stored in the storage folder 41 (including a case where the retry is successful), the printing unit 12 prints the QR code on a sheet. That is, the printing unit 12 functions as a printing unit described in the claims.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the operation unit 13 includes a plurality of operation buttons used to operate the network multifunction peripheral 1. The display unit 14 is a display that displays setting contents and the like. The user can input a copy instruction using a QR code to the network multifunction peripheral 1 using the operation unit 13 while referring to the display on the display unit 14.

  The reading unit 15 includes a light source, a CCD, and the like, and reads a document such as a document to generate image data. The reading unit 15 reads the QR code printed on the document to be read when there is a copy instruction using the QR code. As a result, the stored print data is specified, and the specified print data is printed by the printing unit 12.

  The codec 16 encodes and compresses the image data read by the reading unit 15 and decodes the encoded and compressed image data. The image storage unit 17 is constituted by a DRAM or the like, and stores image data encoded and compressed by the codec 16, image data received by facsimile, and the like. The NCU 19 controls the connection between the modem 18 and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 51 and has a FAX transmission / reception function. The IFAX control unit 20 is a part that controls an Internet FAX (IFAX) function.

  Next, a print job processing procedure in the network multifunction peripheral 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a print job processing procedure performed by the network multifunction peripheral 1.

  When a user inputs a print instruction for a document created on the PC 3 to the PC 3, a print job is received by the LAN interface 10 of the network multifunction peripheral 1 (step S101). Next, the ID of the received print job is generated by the full path generation unit 11A (step S102). Then, the file name including the generated ID is generated by the full path generation unit 11A as the file name of the print data (step S103).

  Subsequently, the path information of the storage folder 41 scheduled to store the print data is acquired by the full path generation unit 11A (step S104). Then, the acquired path information and the file name are concatenated, and a saved full path is generated by the full path generation unit 11A (step S105). When the save full path is generated, the output processing of the print data to the save folder 41 is started. That is, the print data storing process is started (step S106).

  In parallel with this print data output process, the encoding process of the QR code is started by the encoding unit 11B. First, if an encoded QR code already exists (YES in step S107), the QR code is discarded (step S108). Then, the saved full path is encoded by the encoding unit 11B, and a QR code is generated (step S109). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  On the other hand, if it is detected that a network error has occurred during storage (YES in step S110), it is determined whether or not to change the storage folder 41 (step S112). Also, when it is detected that the memory capacity has been exceeded during the storage (YES in step S111), it is determined whether or not to change the storage folder 41 where the print data is to be stored (step S112). ).

  If the control unit 11 determines that the storage folder 41 is to be changed (YES in step S112), the process returns to step S104, and the path information of the storage folder 41 after the change is acquired. If the control unit 11 determines that the storage folder 41 is not to be changed (NO in step S112), an error notification is output to the PC 3, and only print data is printed on a sheet without adding a QR code. (Step S113).

  In addition, it may be detected that the storage full path is duplicated (YES in step S114). For example, when a plurality of network MFPs 1 are connected to the LAN 50, duplicate IDs are generated, and if the save folder 41 set as the save destination is duplicated, the save full path is duplicated. In this case, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to change the file name (step S115).

  If it is determined that the file name is to be changed (YES in step S115), the process returns to step S102, and the full path generation unit 11A generates the ID again. If it is determined not to change the file name (NO in step S115), an error notification is output to the PC 3, and only the print data is printed on the paper without adding the QR code (step S113).

  If the determination unit 11C determines that the storage has failed for some reason other than a network error, a memory capacity excess, or a storage full path duplication (NO in step S116), an error notification is output to the PC 3 and the QR code is Only the print data is printed on the paper without being added (step S113).

  If the determination unit 11C determines that the storage is successful (YES in step S116), the QR code is added to the print data, and printing is executed (step S117). Thus, the print job process ends.

  In the network multifunction device 1 described above, a storage full path capable of specifying the received print data is generated, and the print data is output to the storage folder 41 using the specific information and stored. On the other hand, a storage full pass encoding process is performed in parallel with the print data output process. When it is determined that the print data is stored in the storage folder 41, the encoded storage full-pass QR code is printed on paper. As a result, the print data storage process and the storage full-pass encoding process are performed in parallel, so that a delay in printing can be suppressed. In addition, since it is confirmed that the print data is stored in the storage folder 41, the QR code is printed on the paper, so that it is possible to ensure the consistency between the QR code and the print data. That is, it can be guaranteed that the print data is stored in the storage folder 41 specified by the path information included in the QR code with the file name included in the QR code.

  Also, in the network multifunction device 1, when the print data storage process fails for some reason, the storage folder 41 or ID is changed and a storage full path is generated again. Then, print data output processing is performed again using the generated full path again. On the other hand, the encoding process is performed again in parallel with the output process. As a result, when the storage process fails, the storage process is performed again, so that an error due to the storage failure can be prevented. Further, since the code image obtained by encoding the saved full path generated again is printed, it is possible to guarantee the consistency between the QR code and the print data.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the storage full path is used as the specific information for specifying the print data, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the stored print data can be specified by using other information together, the specifying information may not include the path information of the storage folder 41 or the print data file name.

1 Network MFP 3 PC
4 File server 10 LAN interface 11 Control unit 11A Full path generation unit 11B Encoding unit 11C Judgment unit 12 Printing unit 13 Operation unit 14 Display unit 15 Reading unit 41 Storage folder

Claims (3)

Receiving means for receiving print data;
Generating means for generating specific information capable of specifying the print data;
Output means for outputting the print data to a storage folder;
In parallel with the output process of the print data by the output unit, an encoding unit that encodes the specific information generated by the generation unit to generate a code image;
Determining means for determining whether or not the print data is stored in the storage folder;
A printing unit that prints the code image generated by the encoding unit on a sheet when the determination unit determines that the print data is stored;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific information includes path information of the storage folder to which the print data is output. The generation unit generates again specific information that can specify the print data when the determination unit determines that the print data is not stored,
The output means retry the output processing of the print data;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the encoding unit retries the encoding process of the specific information generated again by the generating unit.

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