JP2014215674A - Printing system, conversion device, combining device, and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system, conversion device, combining device, and printing method capable of performing high-speed print processing with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A printing system creating print data for printing according to the present invention includes a conversion device and a combining device. The conversion device converts a data format of entry information to be entered into print data from the original data format into an image data format for printing. The combining device combines the entry information whose data format is converted with image data pre-set in the print data to create print data in the image data format.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a conversion device, a composition device, and a printing method.

  In business, etc., multifunction devices that perform printing have become indispensable technologies. Hereinafter, a printer such as a printer, a facsimile (FAX), a copier, and a multifunction device having these functions (a machine having at least a printing function) are collectively referred to as a multifunction device.

  Roughly dividing the technology related to printing on multifunction devices, rasterization (creating image data for printing from original document data, image data, etc.) is performed on the multifunction device that performs printing, or a personal computer or smart device. It can be classified into two types, that is, on the side that outputs a print instruction such as. Information terminals such as mobile terminals (such as smartphones) and tablet terminals with advanced functions represented by iOS (registered trademark) terminals and Android (registered trademark) terminals will be unified as smart devices in the following. To be described.

  When rasterizing is performed on the multifunction device side, the personal computer converts the original image data into PDL (Page Description Language), and the multifunction device side reads the PDL to generate image data to be printed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which typeface data is converted into raster data in a host device, and the raster data is printed by a multifunction peripheral.

  On the other hand, when rasterizing with a personal computer or smart device that instructs the multifunction device to print, the personal computer or smart device performs processing such as screen processing on the image data to be printed, and sends the generated image data for printing to the multifunction device. . This processing speed depends on the performance of the personal computer or smart device.

  For example, in Patent Document 2, if there is a fixed format such as a form, the multifunction device uses the format to receive only text data that is changed for each form, and synthesizes the text data with the form format. A method for printing is disclosed. Thereby, the multifunction peripheral can perform printing without rasterizing all images.

  In Patent Document 3, the user inputs print data to be printed on the print data at the user terminal, the external storage device holds the print data, and the multifunction peripheral synthesizes the print data and the design pattern for printing. A method for generating and printing the image is disclosed.

  In addition, as related technologies, Patent Documents 4 to 9 disclose technologies related to printing methods. For example, Patent Document 4 discloses a printing method in which a print instruction can be given from a smart device to a multifunction device by using a widget.

JP 2000-052610 A Special table 2007-514564 gazette JP 2002-120428 A Japanese Patent No. 4842297 JP 2012-058834 A JP 2010-131907 A JP 2007-207237 A JP 2006-285393 A JP 2005-504375 A

  When the personal computer instructs the multifunction device to print image data, whether the rasterization is performed by the multifunction device or the personal computer, an interface for printing is prepared at the OS (Operating System) level of the personal computer. . Accordingly, processing for printing by the printer driver is performed at high speed.

  However, when a smart device uses a multifunction device as a printing instruction, the smart device must perform all printing processes using only an application created by the user without using an OS function. For this reason, it takes time for processing for printing.

  In Patent Document 1, it is necessary to convert typeface data into raster data in a host device. That is, it is necessary for the host device to perform all the conversion processing for printing. Therefore, the above problem occurs.

  On the other hand, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, since the synthesizing process is executed on the printer side, it is not necessary to perform the conversion process on the host apparatus side, and the above problem does not occur. However, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, since it is necessary to perform a conversion process when the composition process is executed on the printer side, the configuration of the printer becomes complicated.

  For example, when PDL rasterization is executed by a multi-function peripheral, the processing load is increased because the controller of the multi-function peripheral performs calculations for generating image data from the PDL. Therefore, a high processing performance is required for the controller of the multi-function peripheral. Further, since it is necessary to purchase font data for rasterizing character data and mount it on the multifunction device side, the price of the multifunction device itself increases.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, a conversion device, a composition device, and a printing method that can execute printing processing at high speed with a simple configuration. .

  A first aspect of the present invention includes a printing system that generates print data for printing. The printing system includes a conversion device and a composition device. The conversion device converts the data format of the entry information to be entered into the print data from the original data format to the image data format for printing. The synthesizing device generates print data for printing in the image data format by synthesizing the entry information obtained by converting the data format by the converting device with image data set in advance in the print data.

  A second aspect of the present invention includes a printing system that prints print data. The printing system includes a mobile terminal, a composition device, and a printing device. The portable terminal determines the contents of the entry information to be entered in the print data in accordance with the user operation. The composition device converts the data format of the entry information from an original data format to an image data format for printing, and synthesizes the entry information obtained by converting the data format with image data set in advance in the print data. Thus, print data in an image data format to be printed by the printing apparatus is generated. The printing apparatus prints the print data generated by the synthesizing apparatus.

  A third aspect of the present invention includes a conversion device provided in a printing system that generates print data for printing. This conversion device uses image data format entry information to be entered in print data used by the synthesis device to generate print data for printing in the image data format by synthesizing with preset image data in the print data. Are converted from the original data format to the image data format for printing and output to the synthesizer.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention includes a synthesizing device provided in a printing system that generates print data for printing. The synthesizing device receives, from the conversion device, entry information to be entered in the print data in which the conversion device converts the data format from the original data format to the image data format for printing, and the received entry information is received in the print data. By combining with preset image data, print data for printing in the image data format is generated.

A fifth aspect of the present invention includes a printing method of a printing system that generates print data for printing. This printing method includes the following steps (a) and (b).
(A) the conversion device converts the data format of the entry information to be entered into the print data from the original data format to the image data format for printing; and (b) the synthesis device converts the data format to the conversion device. Combining the converted entry information with image data set in advance in the print data to generate print data in an image data format.

A sixth aspect of the present invention includes a printing method for a printing system that prints print data. This printing method includes the following steps (a), (b) and (c).
(A) The mobile terminal determines the content of the entry information to be entered in the print data according to the user's operation,
(B) the synthesizing device converts the data format of the entry information from the original data format to the image data format for printing, and converts the entry information into the image data preset in the print data; Generating print data in an image data format by combining; and (c) a printing apparatus printing the print data generated by the combining apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing system, a conversion device, a synthesizing device, and a printing method that can execute a printing process at high speed with a simple configuration.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to a first embodiment; 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print data generation processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating another example of the printing system according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is an overall view illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process of the printing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a form format of a shipping slip stored in a multifunction machine according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of generation information generated by a printing application according to the second embodiment. 10 illustrates an example of rasterization information generated by the printing application according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form format used for a composition process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data subjected to a synthesis process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to a third embodiment. 10 is a first flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process of the printing system according to the third embodiment. 10 is a second flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process of the printing system according to the third embodiment.

Embodiment 1
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a process for causing the multifunction peripheral to execute printing based on the operation of the smart device will be described with reference to FIG.

  The printing system 1 in FIG. 1 includes a conversion device 2 and a synthesis device 3. The printing system 1 can generate various print data for printing.

  The conversion device 2 converts the data format of entry information to be entered into the print data from the original data format to the image data format for printing. The conversion device 2 outputs (transmits) the converted entry information to the synthesis device 3 via the network 4. The conversion device 2 is a mobile terminal including a smart device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone) or a tablet terminal in the first embodiment, but is a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a server connected to a printing device. Also good. The contents of the entry information may be set in advance by the conversion device 2 or may be set by the user inputting through the input device of the conversion device 2.

  The synthesizing device 3 receives the entry information obtained by converting the data format by the conversion device 2, and generates the print data for printing in the image data format by synthesizing the entry information with the preset image data in the print data. To do. Here, the synthesizing device 3 may be a printing device that prints the generated print data. Alternatively, a printing apparatus that prints the generated print data may be provided in the printing system 1 as an apparatus different from the synthesis apparatus 3.

  The network 4 is a wired or wireless network that connects the conversion device 2 and the synthesis device 3. Between the network 4 (the conversion device 2 and the composition device 3), a router, a server, or the like for executing communication between the conversion device 2 and the composition device 3 may be provided.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print data generation processing of the printing system 1. Hereinafter, an example of print data generation processing performed in cooperation between the conversion device 2 and the synthesis device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the conversion device 2 converts the data format of entry information to be entered into the print data from the original data format to the image data format for printing (step S1). The conversion device 2 outputs (transmits) the entry information obtained by converting the data format to the synthesis device 3 via the network 4.

  The synthesizer 3 receives entry information from the converter 2 via the network 4. The synthesizing device 3 generates the print data for printing in the image data format by synthesizing the received entry information with the image data set in advance in the print data (step S2).

  With the above configuration, the conversion device 2 may perform conversion of the data format of the print data for a part of the entry information instead of all of the print data. Furthermore, the synthesizing device 3 can generate printing data in the image data format by synthesizing the image data without performing the data format conversion process. Therefore, the configuration of the conversion device 2 and the synthesis device 3 can be simplified. Furthermore, since the time required for the conversion process can be reduced, the printing system 1 can also execute the printing process at high speed.

  Note that the conversion device 2 may be a mobile terminal, and the conversion device may determine the content of the entry information in accordance with the user's operation. As described above, the problem with the portable terminal is that it takes a longer time for the printing process than a computer such as a PC. However, since the conversion apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment only needs to execute the conversion process for a part of the print data, it is possible to prevent the printing process from taking a long time.

  Note that the synthesizing device 3 may be a printing device that prints the generated print data. Thereby, the configuration of the printing apparatus can be simplified.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating another configuration example of the printing system according to the first embodiment. The printing system 1 in FIG. 1 includes a mobile terminal 5, a server 6, a printing device 7, and a network 8. The portable terminal 5, the server 6, and the printing device 7 are connected by a wired or wireless network 8.

  The mobile terminal 5 is a mobile terminal including a smart device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone) or a tablet terminal. The portable terminal 5 converts the data format of entry information to be entered into the print data from the original data format to the image data format for printing. The portable terminal 5 outputs (transmits) the converted entry information to the synthesis device 3 via the network 4.

  The server 6 receives the entry information obtained by converting the data format by the mobile terminal 5. The server 6 generates print data for printing in an image data format by combining the received entry information with image data set in advance in the print data. The server 6 outputs (transmits) the generated print data to the printing device 7 via the network 4.

  The printing device 7 prints the print data received from the server 6. Even with such a configuration, the printing system 1 can execute the printing process at a high speed with a simple configuration as described above.

  In the first modification, the mobile terminal 5 may be another type of computer such as a PC or a dedicated terminal. The server 6 may also be another type of computer as long as it executes image data composition processing.

<Modification 2>
In the first modification, the server 6 instead of the mobile terminal 5 may convert the data format of the entry information from the original data format to the image data format for printing. The portable terminal 5 determines the contents of the entry information to be entered in the print data in accordance with the user operation, and outputs (transmits) the entry information to the server 6 via the network 8.

  The server 6 converts the data format of the entry information received from the mobile terminal 5 from the original data format to the image data format for printing. Further, the server 6 generates print data in an image data format to be printed by the printing apparatus by combining the entry information obtained by converting the data format with image data set in advance in the print data. The server 6 outputs (transmits) the generated print data to the printing apparatus 7.

  The printing device 7 prints the print data received from the server 6. Even with such a configuration, the printing system 1 can execute the printing process at a high speed with a simple configuration as described above. In particular, it is not necessary to execute the data format conversion process in the portable terminal 5, which contributes to the speedup of the printing process. In addition, since the printing apparatus 7 does not need to execute the synthesis process, the configuration of the printing apparatus 7 can be simplified.

  In the second modification, the server 6 may be another type of computer as long as the server 6 executes image data synthesis processing.

<Modification 3>
In the first modification, the server 6 instead of the mobile terminal 5 may convert the data format of the entry information from the original data format to the image data format for printing. Further, the printing apparatus 7 may execute image data composition processing.

  Details will be described below. The portable terminal 5 determines the contents of the entry information to be entered in the print data in accordance with the user operation, and outputs (transmits) the entry information to the server 6 via the network 8.

  The server 6 converts the data format of the entry information received from the mobile terminal 5 from the original data format to the image data format for printing. The server 6 outputs (transmits) the converted entry information to the printing device 7 via the network 8.

  The printing apparatus 7 generates print data in an image data format by combining the entry information after data format conversion received from the server 6 with image data set in advance in the print data. The printing device 7 prints the generated print data. Even with such a configuration, the printing system 1 can execute the printing process at a high speed with a simple configuration as described above. In particular, it is not necessary to execute the data format conversion process in the portable terminal 5, which contributes to the speedup of the printing process.

  In the third modification, the server 6 may be another type of computer as long as it performs a conversion process of entry information.

Embodiment 2
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, a process for causing the multifunction peripheral to execute printing based on the operation of the smart device will be described with reference to FIG.

  The printing system 10 in FIG. 4 includes a smart device 11 (conversion device), a multifunction device 12 (combining device), a network 13, and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access point 14 as hardware configurations. The printing system 10 creates a shipping slip (form) for shipping mail, courier service, etc., but can also be applied to printing of other printed matter.

  As described above, the smart device 11 is a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The smart device 11 performs information processing in accordance with a user operation, and transmits information to the multifunction machine 12 as appropriate. Here, the smart device 11 and the multifunction device 12 need to be connected to the same network 13 (here, wired Ethernet (registered trademark)). The smart device 11 is connected to the network 13 by the wireless LAN 15 via the wireless LAN access point 14.

  The smart device 11 has a print application 16 for issuing a print instruction and a database 17 having data to be entered in a form (having candidate information as candidates for entry information). The print application 16 is stored as software in a memory inside the smart device 11, and the database 17 is configured by a memory inside the smart device 11. The smart device 11 stores the type of the form format 18 stored in the multifunction machine 12 in an internal memory.

  The print application 16 is an application that is installed in the smart device 11 in advance before printing by the multifunction machine 12 is executed. The print application 16 selects a form format 18 to be printed and inputs contents (entry information) to be written in the form or selects it from the database 17 in which an address or the like is registered in advance. It is an application that lets you create. It should be noted that the information on the contents input or selected in the creation of the form may be held by the print application 16 (that is, may be held in the same area as the storage area of the memory in which the print application 16 is stored). The print application 16 may be acquired by reading from the database 17.

  As described above, the multifunction machine 12 refers to a printer such as a printer, a facsimile (FAX), a copier, or a multifunction machine having these functions. The multifunction machine 12 is connected to a wireless LAN access point 14 via a network 13 that is a wired LAN. However, similarly to the smart device 11, the multifunction machine 12 may be connected to the wireless LAN access point 14 via a wireless LAN. The hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 12 will be described below.

  Further, the multifunction machine 12 has an arbitrary number of image data in the form format 18 (image data set in advance in print data) in an internal memory. Details of the form format 18 will be described later.

  The wireless LAN access point 14 connects the smart device 11 and the network 13 by a wireless LAN 15. That is, the smart device 11 and the multifunction device 12 are connected via the wireless LAN 15 and the network 13.

  FIG. 5 is an overall view showing an example of the configuration of the multifunction machine 12. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 12 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the multifunction machine 12 is configured to have not only a print function but also a copy and scan function.

  The multifunction machine 12 includes a controller 120, an operation panel unit 126, a printer unit 127, and a scanner unit 128. The controller 120 is a control unit that executes control of processing of the multifunction machine 12, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, an image processing unit 124, a network interface. Part 125 is provided.

  The CPU 121 performs various calculations during processing of the multifunction machine 12. The ROM 122 and the RAM 123 store data necessary for processing of the multifunction machine 12. Here, the form format 18 shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the ROM 122.

  The image processing unit 124 converts data received by the multifunction machine 12 or scanned data into data for printing. The network interface unit 125 executes processing for connecting the multifunction machine 12 to the network 13. The image processing unit 124 and the network interface unit 125 are functional blocks that perform the processing described above, and can be configured by a circuit such as a memory or other IC (Integrated Circuit) in terms of hardware. Is realized by a program loaded in a memory. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof, and is not limited to any one.

  The operation panel unit 126 is a panel for the user to input information to the multifunction machine 12 and perform an operation, and is configured by a touch panel, for example. The printer unit 127 is where the multifunction machine 12 performs printing, and includes, for example, a laser printer or an inkjet printer. The scanner unit 128 is where a user performs scanning, and is configured by an image scanner, for example.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the printing process of the printing system 10. Hereinafter, an example of a printing process performed by the smart device 11 and the multifunction machine 12 in cooperation with each other will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, in addition to the processing flow of the entire printing process, the process sharing of the smart device 11 and the multifunction machine 12 is shown.

  First, the process of the smart device 11 will be described. The print application 16 of the smart device 11 selects the type of the form format 18 in accordance with the user operation (step S11).

  Next, the print application 16 selects the contents to be described in the selected form format 18 in accordance with the user operation (step S12). For example, the smart device 11 selects the address described in the form by accessing the internal database 17. Further, the print application 16 may input the contents to be described in the form in accordance with the user operation.

  Next, the print application 16 determines whether or not the user has described (filled) all items that need to be described in the form format 18 (step S13). This determination may be performed by the print application 16 when the user instructs the print application 16 to execute, for example, a process of rasterizing data described in the form. Alternatively, the print application 16 may perform this determination every predetermined time.

  If the user does not describe all the items that need to be described in the form format 18 (No in step S13), the print application 16 returns to step S12 to select the contents to be described in the form format 18 and continues the processing. . As a result, the print application 16 causes the user to repeatedly select all items described in the form format 18.

  When all the items that need to be described in the form format 18 are described (Yes in step S13), the print application 16 converts (rasterizes) the content described in the form format 18 from character data to image data (step). S14). That is, the print application 16 converts the data format of the entry information to be entered in the print data from the original data format (data format indicating the character itself) to an image data format (data format indicating the image itself).

  When the rasterization of the data is completed, the print application 16 transmits the rasterized image data to the multifunction machine 12 (step S15). The print application 16 uses the communication function of the smart device 11 to transmit data to the multifunction machine 12 via the wireless LAN 15 and the network 13. Here, the print application 16 also transmits information about the type of the form format 18 selected in step S <b> 11 to the multifunction machine 12.

  The multifunction machine 12 receives the image data transmitted from the print application 16 via the network interface unit 125, and stores the received data in the RAM 123. The CPU 121 retrieves the form format 18 selected by the print application 16 from the ROM 122 and combines the received image data with the form format 18 selected by the print application 16 to create form data (step S16). Here, the CPU 121 selects the form format 18 to be synthesized based on the information about the type of the form format 18 output from the printing application 16. The CPU 121 causes the image processing unit 124 to execute image processing for printing on the created form data.

  Finally, the CPU 121 causes the printer unit 127 to print the generated form data (step S17).

  Next, details of data handled in each procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the form format 18 of the shipping slip stored in the multifunction machine 12. In the form format 18 illustrated in FIG. 7, the slip number A1, the shipping address A2, the shipping name A3, the shipping phone number A4, the shipping address A5, the shipping name A6, and the destination are necessary items to be described. A telephone number A7, a shipping date A8, a delivery designation A9, and an article column A10 are set. As described above, the multifunction machine 12 has several pieces of image data in the form format 18 depending on the application.

  In step S11, the print application 16 selects a form format 18 that the user desires to print. Here, the print application 16 selects the shipping slip shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 12, the print application 16 selects character information described in the slip number A <b> 1 to the article column A <b> 10 that is each item of the form from the database 17 registered in advance. Here, the character information is text data. Further, the character information to be described is not selected from the database 17 but may be directly input by the user from the smart device 11. The print application 16 may select some items from the slip number A1 to the article column A10 from the database 17 and describe other items as the user directly inputs from the smart device 11.

  8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example of character information selected for each item in the form format 18 of FIG. FIG. 8A shows an example of generation information generated by the print application 16. The generation information B generated by the print application 16 includes character information B0 selected by the print application 16 and designation information B11 for designating the form format 18. The character information B0 is composed of item information of the slip number A1 to the article column A10 in the form format 18 shown in FIG. 7, and is selected by the print application 16 in step S12 of FIG. Character information B0 includes slip number information B1 (type information), shipping source address information B2, shipping source name information B3, shipping source phone number information B4, destination address information B5, destination name information B6, destination phone number information B7, shipping There are types of date information B8, delivery designation information B9, and article column information B10. The designation information B11 is the type of the form format 18 selected by the print application 16 in step S11 of FIG. 6, and “shipping slip” is designated here.

  In FIG. 8A, the slip number information B1 is “XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXX”, the shipping address information B2 is “〒 xxx-xxx AA prefecture BB city CCX chome XX ABC Corporation”, and the shipping name information B3 is “A “Mountain B”, shipping phone number information B4 is “XX-XXX-XXX”, destination address information B5 is “〒 xxx-xxx DD prefecture EE city FFX chome XX DEF Corporation”, destination name information B6 is “D field” "Taro", destination telephone number information B7 is "XX-XXX-XXX", shipping date information B8 is "X month X day", delivery designation information B9 is "X month X day XX hour", and article column information B10 is " Documents ".

  In step S14 of FIG. 6, the print application 16 converts (rasterizes) the character information B0 of the generated information B into image information, thereby rasterizing the rasterized character information (image data format information). Information C0 is generated. FIG. 8B shows an example of rasterization information generated by the print application 16. The rasterized information C0 includes item information obtained by rasterizing the slip number information B1 to the article column information B10 of the character information B0. The rasterized information C0 includes slip number information C1, shipping source address information C2, shipping source name information C3, shipping source phone number information C4, destination address information C5, destination name information C6, destination phone number information C7, shipping date information C8, There are types of delivery designation information C9 and article column information C10. This includes slip number information B1, ship-from address information B2, ship-from name information B3, ship-from telephone number information B4, ship-to address information B5, ship-to name information B6, ship-to telephone number information B7, ship date information B8, delivery The designation information B9 and the article column information B10 are rasterized.

  For example, when the printing application 16 is an Android application, the printing application 16 uses the drawing function (for example, drawText method of the Canvas (registered trademark) class) in the image format by using the character string of the character information B0. It can be expanded on the memory of the smart device 11. Next, the print application 16 saves the image data in the memory in a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) image format, whereby rasterization information C0 can be obtained. In this way, the print application 16 can realize rasterization.

  In this example, the print application 16 uses the character string drawing function to store the character information B0 in the JPEG image format. However, the character string imaging means and the image format to be stored are not limited to this. . For example, the print application 16 may use dedicated software (font driver) that performs font expansion for character string drawing. Further, the printing application 16 may store the image in RGB format BMP (Bitmap image) instead of storing the image in the JPEG image format. Alternatively, the print application 16 may store an image in a unique format suitable for color printing in which color conversion to CMYK is performed to form separate images on four sides. However, in order to combine with the form format 18 stored in the multifunction machine 12, the print application 16 needs to store the image data in the same image format as the form format 18 or in a format that can be converted into the same image format. The print application 16 can also realize rasterization by the other methods described above.

  Note that the print application 16 may store the designation information B11 as text data in the memory of the smart device 11 without executing rasterization. This is because the designation information B11 is data that can be designated for the multifunction peripheral 12 without being described in the form to be actually printed. The designation information B11 may not be character data. For example, when the smart device 11 and the multifunction device 12 identify different forms by assigning the same number to each form, the designation information B11 may be the number for designating the form.

  Next, the print application 16 transmits the designation information B11 and the rasterize information C0 to the multifunction machine 12 in step S15 of FIG. Here, the print application 16 transmits each item information of the rasterized information C0 after associating it with each item of the form format 18. Specifically, the printing application 16 includes slip number information C1, shipping source address information C2, shipping source name information C3, shipping source phone number information C4, destination address information C5, destination name information C6, destination phone number information C7, Ship date information C8, delivery designation information C9, and article column information C10 are respectively a slip number A1, a ship origin address A2, a ship origin name A3, a ship origin phone number A4, a destination address A5, a destination name A6, a destination telephone number A7, Information indicating that it is associated with the shipping date A8, the delivery specification A9, and the article column A10 is transmitted.

  Note that the print application 16 does not have to associate the item information with the item name of the form format 18. The print application 16 may specify the coordinates on the image of the form format 18 in which the item information is combined in the form format 18 combined with the item information in the multifunction machine 12 as information associated with the item information. Good. In this way, the print application 16 outputs designation information for designating where in the form format 18 each item information is entered (combined) to the multifunction machine 12.

  Further, the print application 16 may perform compression in a compression format such as ZIP or LZH in order to transmit the image data, and then output the compressed file to the multifunction machine 12.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating an example of data synthesis processing in the multifunction machine 12. The network interface unit 125 of the multifunction machine 12 receives the designation information B11 and the rasterization information C0 from the print application 16. The CPU 121 develops on the RAM 123 the form format D0 designated (specified) by the designation information B11 from the form format 18 held in the ROM 122. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a form format D0 used for the composition process. Further, the CPU 121 develops rasterized information C0 on the RAM 123. Here, the printing application 16 expands the form format D0 as image data in the RGB format on the RAM 123.

  In step S16 in FIG. 6, the CPU 121 converts the rasterized information C0 into a format that can be combined. Here, since the image format of the rasterize information C0 is JPEG, the CPU 121 expands the JPEG and converts the rasterized information C0 into an uncompressed RGB image format that can be synthesized.

  The CPU 121 synthesizes rasterized information C0 that has been expanded and can be combined into a form format D0 on the RAM 123 based on the added association information. For example, when each item information of the slip number information C1 to the article column information C10 is associated with the slip number A1 to the article column A10, the CPU 121 sets each item information to the location of the associated form format D0. Synthesize. Alternatively, when the coordinates on the image of the form format 18 to be combined are associated with each item information, the CPU 121 inserts the item information into the coordinates of the associated form format D0. Synthesize. That is, the CPU 121 synthesizes each item information at the position of the image data specified by the specification information generated by the print application 16.

  In this way, the CPU 121 executes the data combining process, and obtains the combined form image data D1. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of the image data D1 subjected to the synthesis process. The image processing unit 124 performs image processing for printing on the created image data D1. Here, since the image data D1 has an RGB image format, the image processing unit 124 performs color conversion for converting the image format of the image data D1 into the CMYK format for printing, and performs screen processing.

  In step S <b> 17 of FIG. 6, the CPU 121 transmits the image data for printing subjected to the screen processing from the RAM 123 to the printer unit 127. The printer unit 127 prints image data.

  With the configuration of the printing system 10 described above, the user can print a form from the smart device 11 at high speed. Further, the printing system 10 can be configured simply.

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561, print processing is performed when the host device is a smart device with low processing capability (for example, low CPU performance, low memory, OS (for example, Android) that does not have a standard rasterization function), etc. There was a problem that it took time. In Patent Documents 2 and 3, since the rasterization is performed by the printer, the configuration of the printer becomes complicated, and the price of the printer becomes high. In addition, since the processing load of the printer becomes large, the time required for the printing process increases.

  On the other hand, in the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment, when there is a predetermined format for printing such as a form, the MFP side holds image data of the form format, and the text data described in the form is stored on the smart device side. Rasterization is being executed with. The printer generates print data by combining the form format and the rasterized text data. As described above, since the processing load of the printer is reduced by using the format, it is possible to select an inexpensive device (particularly a CPU) in the printer. In other words, the multifunction device can be configured at a low cost.

  In addition, when a portion where rasterization is necessary is known in advance, rasterization executed by the smart device is selectively performed instead of the entire print data. For this reason, compared to the case where all the image data is rasterized by the smart device, the rasterized area is small, so that high-speed printing processing can be realized. For example, if the amount of data occupied by the character area in the print data is 1/5 of the entire print data, the time required for such conversion processing on the smart device side can be reduced to 1/5. As a result, the printing system 10 can realize high-speed printing without degrading the image quality even when printing is performed from a smart device having a low printing capability.

  In the second embodiment, the original data format of character information is a character data format, and the smart device 11 can perform rasterization that converts character information in the character data format into an image data format for printing. This eliminates the need for the multifunction device to hold font information for text data conversion, thereby reducing the font license cost. Therefore, the multi-function device can be made inexpensive.

  Furthermore, the smart device 11 transmits type information specifying the type of image data to be combined in the multifunction device 12 to the multifunction device 12, and the multifunction device 12 fills in the image data specified by the type information transmitted by the smart device 11. It can be combined with information. Therefore, the user can execute printing of desired print data from the smart device 11.

  The smart device 11 transmits the entry information obtained by converting the data format to the multifunction machine 12 together with designation information for designating where the entry information is entered in the print data. The multifunction machine 12 can synthesize the entry information at the location of the image data designated by the designation information. For this reason, the printing system 10 can synthesize the entry information at a location to be synthesized with a simple configuration.

  The smart device 11 converts the data format of the entry information into the same image data format as the image data format of the image data or an image data format that can be converted into the image data format. As a result, the multifunction peripheral 12 can omit the process necessary for generating the image data, so that the printing process can be speeded up.

  In the second embodiment, not all items in the slip number A1 to the article column A10 that are each item of the form need be described. For example, even if the article column A10 is not described, a form can be printed by executing the conversion process and the composition process similar to the above in the printing system 10.

Embodiment 3
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, a process for causing the multifunction device to execute printing based on an operation of the smart device will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the point demonstrated in Embodiment 2, description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  As a hardware configuration, the printing system 20 further includes a server 29 (combining apparatus) in addition to the smart device 21, the multifunction device 22, the network 23, and the wireless LAN access point 24. In the third embodiment, the printing system 20 creates a shipping slip (form) for shipping mail or courier.

  Specific examples of the smart device 21 and its connection environment are as described in the second embodiment. Unlike the second embodiment, the smart device 21 does not include a print application for issuing a print instruction or a database having data to be entered in a form.

  The specific example, configuration example, and connection environment of the multifunction machine 22 are also as described in the second embodiment. Unlike the second embodiment, the multifunction device 22 does not have image data in the form format. The description of the wireless LAN access point 24 and the wireless LAN 704 is the same as in the second embodiment.

  The server 29 is a server provided between the smart device 21 and the multifunction device 22. The point that the printing system 20 includes the server 29 is different from the printing system 10 in FIG. The server 29 has a print Web page 26 for printing, a database 27 having data to be entered in a form, and a form format 28.

  The print Web page 26 is a Web page that the server 29 displays on the smart device 21 as a printing interface when accessed from the smart device 21. Here, the print Web page 26 is described in HTML (HyperText Markup Language). The server 29 issues a print instruction to the multi-function device 22 from its own print Web page 26 instead of the smart device print application shown in FIG. Further, the server 29 has the database 27 to manage the form data.

  The smart device 21, the multifunction device 22, and the server 29 are connected to the same network 23. As a result, the smart device 21 can execute communication with the server 29, and the server 29 can execute communication with the multi-function device 22.

  FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are flowcharts showing an example of the printing process of the printing system 20. Hereinafter, an example of print processing performed in cooperation with the smart device 21, the multifunction device 22, and the server 29 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. In FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, in addition to the processing flow of the entire printing process, the process sharing of each of the smart device 21, the multifunction device 22, and the server 29 is shown.

  First, the process of the smart device 21 will be described. The smart device 21 accesses the print Web page 26 of the server 29 from the browser in response to a user operation (step S21).

  The server 29 transmits the data of the print Web page 26 to the smart device 21 in response to the access from the smart device 21 (step S22). Thereby, the smart device 21 displays the print Web page 26 on the browser displayed on the screen.

  Next, the user operates the smart device 21 to select the form format 28 on the print Web page 26 (step S23). After selecting the form format, the user selects contents to be described in the form on the print Web page 26 (step S24). For example, the smart device 21 selects the content to be described in the form by accessing the database 27 of the server 29. In addition, the smart device 21 may input content to be described in the form on the print Web page 26 in accordance with a user operation. In this way, the print Web page 26 transmits information for determining the content of information to be described in the form.

  Next, the smart device 21 determines whether or not the user has described (filled) all items that need to be described in the form format 28 (step S25). This determination may be performed by the smart device 21 in response to a notification from the server 29, for example, when the smart device 21 instructs the server 29 to execute a process of rasterizing data described in the form. Alternatively, the smart device 21 may perform this determination every predetermined time.

  If the user does not describe all the items that need to be described in the form format 28 (No in step S25), the smart device 21 returns to step S24 to select the contents to be described in the form format 28 and continues the processing. . Thereby, the smart device 21 causes the user to repeatedly select all items described in the form format 28.

  When all the items that need to be described in the form format 28 are described (Yes in step S25), the smart device 21 transmits the contents entered on the print Web page 26 to the server 29 (step S26).

  The server 29 converts (rasterizes) the contents described in the form format 28 from character data to image data (step S27). When the rasterization of the data is completed, the server 29 synthesizes the rasterized image data and the form format 28 selected by the user in step S23 to create form data (step S28). The server 29 transmits the created form data to the multifunction device 22 (step S29).

  The multifunction device 22 receives the form data transmitted from the server 29 by the network interface unit 125. Then, the CPU 121 causes the printer unit 127 to print the form data (step S30).

  Since the format and example of the image data are the same as those in the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the database 27 storing the contents of items to be described (candidate information that is candidates for entry information) may not be included in the smart device 21 and is stored on the server 29 to which the smart device 21 can be connected. There may be. By accessing the database 27, the smart device 21 can select (acquire) character data necessary for form creation and determine the contents of the entry information. For this reason, the database 27 can store a large amount of character data necessary for creating a form, so that printing can be executed more conveniently.

  In the third embodiment, the form format 28 exists on the server 29. For this reason, even when the storage capacity of the multifunction device 22 is limited, a large number of form formats 28 can be stored in the server 29, so that the user can execute various forms of printing.

  The server 29 transmits information on the Web page for determining the contents of the entry information to the smart device 21. The smart device 21 can transmit the contents of the entry information determined from the Web page to the server 29. Thereby, the user can transmit the content of entry information to the server 29 easily.

  The present invention can be applied to a case where printing is executed by instructing printing from a smart device (for example, a smartphone) to a printer, FAX, multifunction peripheral, or the like.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be additionally described.
(Appendix 1)
A printing system for generating print data for printing,
A conversion device that converts the data format of the entry information to be entered into the print data from the original data format to the image data format for printing;
A combining system that generates the print data for printing in the image data format by combining the entry information converted by the conversion device with the image data set in advance in the print data. .
(Appendix 2)
The conversion device is a mobile terminal, and the conversion device determines the content of the entry information according to a user operation.
The printing system according to appendix 1.
(Appendix 3)
The synthesizing device is a printing device that prints the generated print data.
The printing system according to appendix 1 or 2.
(Appendix 4)
The original data format of the entry information is a character data format, and the conversion device performs rasterization to convert the entry information in the character data format into the image data format for printing.
The printing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.
(Appendix 5)
The converter transmits type information specifying the type of the image data to be combined in the combining device to the combining device;
The combining device combines the image data specified by the type information transmitted by the conversion device and the entry information;
The printing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4.
(Appendix 6)
A conversion device provided in a printing system that generates print data for printing,
The image data format entry information to be entered in the print data used by the synthesis device to generate print data for printing in the image data format by synthesizing with the preset image data in the print data is the original data Converting from the format into the image data format for printing and outputting to the synthesizer,
Conversion device.
(Appendix 7)
A synthesizer provided in a printing system for generating print data for printing,
The conversion device receives from the conversion device entry information to be entered in the print data obtained by converting the data format from the original data format to the image data format for printing, and the received entry information is set in advance in the print data. Generate print data for printing in image data format by combining with data,
Synthesizer.
(Appendix 8)
A printing system for printing print data,
A portable terminal that determines the content of entry information to be entered in the print data in accordance with the user's operation;
By converting the data format of the entry information from an original data format to an image data format for printing, and combining the entry information obtained by converting the data format with image data preset in the print data, a printing apparatus A composition device for generating print data in an image data format to be printed on
And a printing apparatus that prints the print data generated by the synthesizing apparatus.
(Appendix 9)
A printing method of a printing system for generating print data for printing,
A step in which the conversion device converts the data format of the entry information to be entered into the print data from the original data format to an image data format for printing;
A synthesis method comprising: a step of synthesizing the entry information obtained by converting the data format by the conversion device with image data set in advance in the print data to generate print data in the image data format.
(Appendix 10)
A printing method of a printing system for printing print data,
A step in which the mobile terminal determines the content of entry information to be entered in the print data in response to a user operation;
A synthesizing device that converts the data format of the entry information from an original data format to an image data format for printing, and synthesizes the entry information obtained by converting the data format with image data set in advance in the print data; Generating print data in an image data format,
A printing apparatus comprising: printing the print data generated by the synthesizing apparatus.
(Appendix 11)
The conversion device transmits the entry information obtained by converting the data format to the synthesis device together with designation information for designating where the entry information is entered in the print data,
The synthesizing device synthesizes the entry information at the location of the image data designated by the designation information;
The printing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5.
(Appendix 12)
The conversion device converts the data format of the entry information into the same image data format as the image data format of the image data or an image data format that can be converted into the image data format.
The printing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5.
(Appendix 13)
A synthesis device provided in a printing system for printing print data,
The mobile terminal acquires the contents of the entry information to be entered in the print data determined according to the user's operation, converts the data format of the obtained entry information from the original data format to the image data format for printing, and the data In order to generate the print data in the image data format to be printed by the printing apparatus by combining the entry information whose format is converted with the image data set in advance in the print data, and to print the print data Output the print data to the printing device,
Synthesizer.
(Appendix 14)
The synthesizing device is a server that transmits information of a Web page for causing the portable terminal to determine the content of the entry information,
The portable terminal transmits the content of the entry information determined from the Web page to the combining device.
The printing system according to appendix 8.
(Appendix 15)
The synthesizing apparatus has a database that stores candidate information that is candidates for the entry information,
The mobile terminal determines the content of the entry information by accessing the database and selecting the candidate information.
The printing system according to appendix 8.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 2 Conversion apparatus 3 Composition apparatus 4 Network 5 Portable terminal 6 Server 7 Printing apparatus 8 Network 10 Printing system 11 Smart device 12 Multifunction machine 120 Controller 121 CPU
122 ROM
123 RAM
124 Image processing unit 125 Network interface unit 126 Operation panel unit 127 Printer unit 128 Scanner unit 13 Network 14 Wireless LAN access point 15 Wireless LAN
16 Printing Application 17 Database 18 Form Format 20 Printing System 21 Smart Device 22 Multifunction Device 23 Network 24 Wireless LAN Access Point 25 Wireless LAN
26 Web page 27 Database 28 Form format 29 Server

Claims (10)

A printing system for generating print data for printing,
A conversion device that converts the data format of the entry information to be entered into the print data from the original data format to the image data format for printing;
A combining system that generates the print data for printing in the image data format by combining the entry information converted by the conversion device with the image data set in advance in the print data. . The conversion device is a mobile terminal, and the conversion device determines the content of the entry information according to a user operation.
The printing system according to claim 1. The synthesizing device is a printing device that prints the generated print data.
The printing system according to claim 1 or 2. The original data format of the entry information is a character data format, and the conversion device performs rasterization to convert the entry information in the character data format into the image data format for printing.
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The converter transmits type information specifying the type of the image data to be combined in the combining device to the combining device;
The combining device combines the image data specified by the type information transmitted by the conversion device and the entry information;
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A conversion device provided in a printing system that generates print data for printing,
The image data format entry information to be entered in the print data used by the synthesis device to generate print data for printing in the image data format by synthesizing with the preset image data in the print data is the original data Converting from the format into the image data format for printing and outputting to the synthesizer,
Conversion device. A synthesizer provided in a printing system for generating print data for printing,
The conversion device receives from the conversion device entry information to be entered in the print data obtained by converting the data format from the original data format to the image data format for printing, and the received entry information is set in advance in the print data. Generate print data for printing in image data format by combining with data,
Synthesizer. A printing system for printing print data,
A portable terminal that determines the content of entry information to be entered in the print data in accordance with the user's operation;
By converting the data format of the entry information from an original data format to an image data format for printing, and combining the entry information obtained by converting the data format with image data preset in the print data, a printing apparatus A composition device for generating print data in an image data format to be printed on
And a printing apparatus that prints the print data generated by the synthesizing apparatus. A printing method of a printing system for generating print data for printing,
A step in which the conversion device converts the data format of the entry information to be entered into the print data from the original data format to an image data format for printing;
A synthesizing device that generates print data in an image data format by synthesizing the entry information obtained by converting the data format by the converting device with image data set in advance in the print data. . A printing method of a printing system for printing print data,
A step in which the mobile terminal determines the content of entry information to be entered in the print data in response to a user operation;
A synthesizing device that converts the data format of the entry information from an original data format to an image data format for printing, and synthesizes the entry information obtained by converting the data format with image data set in advance in the print data; Generating print data in an image data format,
A printing apparatus comprising: printing the print data generated by the synthesizing apparatus.

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