JP2015135666A - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, printing system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in which: in the prior art method of separating a document image and pattern data during the execution of printing, processing path during the execution of printing becomes complicated and a larger amount of memory is used during the execution of printing.SOLUTION: There is provided an image processing apparatus for reservation printing of printing images by acquiring reserved print data, and including command conversion means for converting, when print setting involving variable power processing is performed during the execution of the printing, a drawing command for an object suited for variable power, of drawing commands included in the print data, according to the print setting.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique of reserved printing in which print data is temporarily stored and then print settings are changed to execute printing.

  In recent years, with the spread of network environments, it has become common for a plurality of users to share and use a plurality of image processing apparatuses. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for “retained printing” in which printing is performed after user authentication is performed by the image processing apparatus so that it cannot be seen by other users when a highly confidential printed matter is output. For example, print data is temporarily stored in an image processing apparatus having a server function, and when the user is authenticated on the image processing apparatus, the print job list of the user is displayed, and the print data is designated from the displayed list. Thus, a technique for executing printing has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the printing system as described above, the user can change print settings from the screen of the print job list displayed after user authentication. At this time, when the scaling process is performed, the print data may include information (for example, a background pattern) that may destroy the pattern and lose its effectiveness. In such a case, for example, when aggregate printing is designated, the pattern of the ground pattern may be destroyed, and the effectiveness may be lost. As a technique for solving this problem, a technique has been proposed in which copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data and document image data are once separated at the time of printing, scaling processing is performed only on the document image data, and then combined with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-99714 A JP 2007-235392 A

  However, in the method of Patent Document 2, since original image data is separated from object data that may cause problems due to scaling such as copy-forgery-inhibited pattern at the time of printing, a processing path at the time of printing becomes complicated and printing is performed. There is a problem that the memory used during execution increases.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus for deferred printing that performs printing by acquiring retained print data, and a print setting accompanied by a scaling process is performed at the time of execution of the printing. In this case, command conversion means for converting an object drawing command suitable for scaling among drawing commands included in the print data according to the print setting is provided.

  According to the present invention, even when a print setting change involving a scaling process is performed on print data including a background pattern or the like, processing can be performed without distinguishing data such as the background pattern at the time of printing. It becomes.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system that performs reservation printing according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of a controller 101. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print data storage processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print data list. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print execution processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of command specific processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of command conversion processing when print pattern data does not include a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of command conversion processing when a background pattern command in print data is a watermark background pattern. It is a figure explaining the command conversion processing flow in case a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command in print data is an overlapping copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. It is a figure which shows an example when the aggregation setting of 2-in-1 is made | formed with respect to the data for 2 pages including a watermark background pattern. It is a figure showing a command group included in each print data before aggregation and after aggregation. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a print data storage process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating one record of a print data list according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print execution processing according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of command conversion processing when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is not included in print data according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a command conversion process when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command in print data is a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of command conversion processing when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command in print data is an overlapping copy-forgery-inhibited pattern according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of canceling the print data aggregation setting for which 2-in-1 aggregation setting has been made. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a command group included in each print data before and after canceling the aggregation setting.

[Example 1]
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system that performs reservation printing according to the present embodiment.

  The MFP 100 is a multi function printer as an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a copy, a printer, a FAX, and a scanner. Of course, the image processing apparatus may be an SFP (Single Function Printer), and the printer system is not limited. For example, any type of printer such as a laser beam method or an ink jet method may be used.

  The MFP 100 is connected to a host computer 110 as an information processing apparatus that performs various instructions via a LAN (Local Area Network) 120 such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and performs print processing according to the contents of the print instruction from the host computer 110. Run. The MFP 100 according to the present embodiment also operates as a bibliographic information server that manages bibliographic information of a document to be printed.

  The MFP 100 includes a controller 101, a printing unit 102, an authentication unit 103, and an operation unit 104. Hereinafter, each part will be described.

  The controller 101 includes hardware such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD, and controls the entire MFP 100 by a program stored in the ROM. Then, operation instructions from the authentication unit 103 and the operation unit 104 are received through the system bus or the like, and various processes are executed. Further, the controller 101 creates and manages a print data list based on the contents of the print instruction received from the host computer 110.

  The printing unit 102 performs printing in accordance with an instruction from the controller 101.

  The authentication unit 103 has a card reader function and notifies the controller 101 of user information read from each user's ID card.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the controller 101. The controller 101 includes a network control unit 200, an authentication control unit 201, a printer control unit 202, a panel input / output control unit 203, a job control unit 204, a job management unit 205, a command identification unit 206, and a command conversion unit 207.

  The network control unit 200 notifies the printer control unit 202 of print instructions and print data information input via the LAN 120.

  The printer control unit 202 controls the printing unit 102 according to information notified from the network control unit 200, the authentication control unit 201, and the panel input / output control unit 203.

  The job control unit 204 analyzes the received print data, passes the generated image data to the printing unit 102, and executes print processing.

  The authentication control unit 201 receives user authentication information from the authentication unit 103 and notifies the printer control unit 202 of the user authentication information.

  The panel input / output control unit 203 performs input / output control of the operation unit 104.

  The job management unit 205 stores (manages) print data input by the user by storing it in a storage device such as an HDD. Further, based on the user information notified from the printer control unit 202, the printer control unit 202 and the job control unit 204 are notified of print data information corresponding to the user information.

  The command specifying unit 206 prints an object that cannot be scaled (an object that may lose its effectiveness when the scaling process is performed, such as a background pattern), included in the print data. A process for specifying a drawing command is performed. Note that the background pattern is a pattern in which a part of the image disappears and only a part of it becomes apparent when copying.For example, a fine pattern appears to be spread as a background. Then, a character string such as “copy prohibited” is known.

  The command conversion unit 207 converts a command in the print data according to the change contents of the print setting.

  Next, processing for temporarily storing print data in the HDD or the like executed in the job management unit 205 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the print data storage process according to the present embodiment. This series of processing is performed by reading a computer-executable program describing the following procedure from the ROM into the RAM and then executing the program by the CPU.

  In step 301, the job management unit 205 receives print data transmitted from the host computer 110 or the like through the network control unit 200.

  In step 302, the job management unit 205 acquires user information included in the received print data. Note that the user information may not be included in the print data, and may be configured to be separately received from the host computer 110 that is the transmission source of the print data, for example. Here, the user information is information such as a user name and a user ID that can uniquely identify a user who has performed printing, and any format may be used.

  In step 303, the job management unit 205 acquires print setting information and a document name from the received print data. This print setting information includes copy number information indicating the number of copies to be printed, duplex / single-sided print information indicating whether double-sided printing or single-sided printing, N-up printing such as 1-in-1 normal printing or 2-in-1 printing, etc. The aggregate print information shown is included.

  In step 304, the job management unit 205 creates a print data list. Specifically, the user information acquired in step 302 is associated with the print setting information and document name acquired in step 303, and the associated information is added as a record to the print data list corresponding to the user information. To do. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the print data list created in this step. In the example of FIG. 4, for each input print job, the document name, the number of copies, double-sided / single-sided printing, and aggregated printing information are shown in one record (one line), and the user name “ It is registered in association with “t.yamada”. The print data list to which one record is newly added in this step is stored in a storage device such as an HDD. The received print data is also saved in a storage device such as an HDD as print data corresponding to one record added this time.

  The above is the content of the print data storage process. In this way, the user inputs print data from the host computer 110 and stores it in the MFP 100, then moves to the MFP 100, and instructs execution of printing after authentication.

  Next, a print execution process in MFP 100 performed in response to a user's print execution instruction will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the print execution process according to the present embodiment. This series of processing is also implemented by reading a computer-executable program describing the following procedure from the ROM into the RAM and then executing the program by the CPU.

  In step 501, the authentication control unit 201 performs user authentication. For example, the user's user information is read from the ID card by having the user hold his / her ID card over the card reader of the authentication unit 103. The read user information is sent to the printer control unit 202. In this embodiment, an example in which user information is read from an ID card held by the user has been described. However, a known authentication method such as a method of inputting user ID information and a password from the operation unit 104 or the like may be used.

  In step 502, the printer control unit 202 displays a print data list of the authenticated user on the operation unit 104. Specifically, a print data list corresponding to the user name specified by the user information acquired in step 501 is acquired from the job management unit 205, and the acquired print data list is passed to the panel input / output control unit 203. The panel input / output control unit 203 displays a print data list on the operation unit 104. The user selects a record desired to be printed from the print data list displayed on the operation unit 104 by selecting the document name.

In step 503, the panel input / output control unit 203 acquires print data corresponding to the document name (record) selected by the user on the operation unit 104 from the job management unit 205. The panel input / output control unit 203 displays the following contents regarding the print data on the operation unit 104.
-Print setting information corresponding to the selected print data-Print setting change screen for accepting changes to the print settings (number of copies, duplex / single-sided printing, consolidated printing) from the user-Execution of printing of the selected print data Print execution screen for accepting instructions from the user

  In step 504, the panel input / output control unit 203 determines the content of the user instruction made by the user on the operation unit 104. If the content of the user instruction is a print setting change, the content of the print setting change instruction is sent to the job management unit 205 via the printer control unit 202, and then the process proceeds to step 505. On the other hand, if the content of the user instruction is print execution, information for instructing execution of printing of the selected print data (hereinafter referred to as print instruction information) is sent to the printer control unit 202, and then the process proceeds to step 506.

  In step 505, the job management unit 205 rewrites the print setting information in accordance with the contents of the received print setting change instruction. Specifically, among the contents of change instructions, those that only require rewriting of print setting information such as the number of copies information and duplex / single-sided print information can be handled by rewriting the print setting information for the selected print data. The print setting information of the record to be rewritten is also rewritten. On the other hand, among the contents of the change instruction, for information that causes a change in the drawing command (PDL command) in the print data, such as aggregate print information, information indicating that the aggregate print information has been changed (for example, a change flag). Are stored in association with the record of the print data.

  In step 506, the printer control unit 202 determines whether the print setting has been changed prior to the print execution instruction. If the print setting has been changed, the process proceeds to step 507. On the other hand, if the print setting has not been changed, the process proceeds to step 514.

  In step S507, the printer control unit 202 determines whether the aggregate print information in the print setting information has been changed. Specifically, whether or not information such as a change flag indicating that the aggregate print information has been changed exists in the record corresponding to the print data related to the print execution instruction is displayed via the job management unit 205 via the print data list. To determine. If there is a change in the aggregate print information, the process proceeds to step 508. On the other hand, if there is no change in the aggregate print information, the process proceeds to step 514.

  In step S508, the printer control unit 202 determines whether the selected print data includes an object that cannot be scaled (in this embodiment, a background pattern). Information indicating this (for example, a non-scaling flag) is added to print data including a non-scalable object such as a tint block, and the tint block is determined based on whether such a non-scaling flag exists. Are included. If the print data includes an object such as a background pattern, the process proceeds to step 509. On the other hand, if the print data does not include an object such as a background pattern, the process proceeds to step 511.

  In step 509, the command specifying unit 206 analyzes a command in the print data, and performs a command specifying process for specifying a drawing command (hereinafter referred to as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command) that specifies a non-scalable object such as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. Details of the command specifying process will be described later.

  In step 510, the command specifying unit 206 determines whether or not a tint block command is specified in the command specifying process. If the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command has been successfully identified, the process proceeds to step 511. On the other hand, if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command has failed to be specified, the process proceeds to step 513.

  In step 511, the command conversion unit 207 performs a drawing command conversion process in accordance with the change of the print setting. At this time, conversion processing is performed differently for the tint block command and the drawing command for other objects. Details of the command conversion process will be described later.

  In step 512, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether the drawing command has been correctly converted in the command conversion process. If the drawing command has been correctly converted, the process proceeds to step 514. On the other hand, if the drawing command cannot be correctly converted, the process proceeds to step 513.

  In step 513, the panel input / output control unit 203 notifies the user by displaying a message on the operation unit 104 indicating that the error content and / or the aggregate printing cannot be set. After the notification, the process returns to step 503 to wait for the next instruction from the user. Note that the notification method is not limited to message display, and for example, voice notification may be used together or substituted.

  In step 514, the job control unit 204 renders the selected print data related to the print execution instruction, and transfers the image data generated by the rendering to the printing unit 102. Note that the print data to be rendered may be print data including a drawing command whose contents have been changed by the command conversion processing in step 511. Then, the printing unit 102 prints the transferred image data on a recording medium.

  The above is the content of the print execution process in the MFP 100.

  Although details will be described later, since processing such as scaling necessary for other objects is performed without affecting the tint block and the like by the command conversion processing in step 511, drawing in the print data is performed at the time of printing execution in step 514. Commands can be processed sequentially. In the above-described example, the command conversion process is performed after an instruction to execute printing. However, the command conversion process may be performed when the print setting is changed.

  Next, details of the above-described command specifying process executed by the command specifying unit 206 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of command specifying processing.

In step 601, the command specifying unit 206 determines whether the type of tint block command in the print data can be specified. Here, the type of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command means, for example, among the following types of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, whether the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is a superimposed copy-forgery-inhibited pattern.
-Whole background pattern: A background pattern printed on the entire page-Partial background pattern: A background pattern partially printed on the page-Overlaid background pattern: A background pattern printed on the front side of the image-Watermark background pattern: A type printed on the back of the image The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is originally converted into an image by sequentially analyzing drawing commands in the print data and performing rendering in the controller 101, and is formed on a recording medium. In general, a tint block command, which is a drawing command for tint block, is added to the beginning (start) or end (end) of a drawing command. Further, in the case of “overlaid background pattern”, the background pattern command is always added at the end of the drawing command, and in the case of “watermark background pattern”, the background pattern command is always added at the beginning of the drawing command. Accordingly, by acquiring and analyzing the first and last drawing commands of each page, it is possible to specify the type of the tint block command. Note that the type of tint block pattern that needs to be specified in this process is whether it is an overlapping tint block pattern or a watermark tint block pattern as described above, and does not specify whether it is a full tint block pattern or a partial tint block pattern. For example, there are various combinations such as a case of overlapping background pattern and whole background pattern, a case of watermark background pattern and partial background pattern, but such a combination is not a specific target.

  In this step, for example, if the print data includes a flag that defines the position of the tint block command (hereinafter referred to as a position flag) and the type of the tint block command is determined by the position flag, it is determined that it can be specified. To do. As described above, if the print data includes a background pattern, a scaling variable flag indicating the presence is always present in the print data, but the above-described position flag and flag indicating the type of background pattern (hereinafter referred to as “background pattern”). Whether the type flag is included depends on the print data format. Therefore, in the determination process of this step, the format name included in the print data is confirmed, and if the format name is a format including a position flag, it is determined that the type of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command can be specified. I am going to do that. If it is determined that the tint block command type can be specified, the process proceeds to step 623. On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command cannot be specified, the process proceeds to step 602.

  In step 602, if the above-described type flag is included in the print data, the command specifying unit 206 acquires the type flag. By this type flag, the above-described background pattern types (entire background pattern, partial background pattern, overlapping background pattern, and watermark background pattern) are identified. The type flag acquired in this step is stored in a RAM or the like for reference as a determination material in step 606 and the like described later. If the type flag is not included in the print data, this step is skipped.

  In step 603, the command specifying unit 206 acquires page information of the first page of the print data. The print data includes page information indicating the page size (for example, 21 cm × 29.7 cm or 3307 dots × 4677 dots [400 dpi] for A4), and this page information is acquired in this step. The acquired page information is stored in a RAM or the like for reference as a determination material in step 606 and the like described later.

  In step 604, the command specifying unit 206 acquires the first (first) drawing command for the first page of the print data.

  In step 605, the command specifying unit 206 determines whether the attribute of the first drawing command acquired in step 604 is an image. If the attribute information indicating the attribute (image, photograph, figure, character, etc.) is included separately in the drawing command, the attribute information is referred to. If there is no such attribute information, the attribute is drawn from the drawing command itself. Determine. If the attribute of the acquired drawing command is an image, there is a possibility of a background pattern (other than the overlapping background pattern), so the process proceeds to step 606. On the other hand, if the attribute is other than the image, the process proceeds to step 607.

In step 606, the command specifying unit 206 determines whether the image specified by the first drawing command acquired in step 604 is a tint block. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the following condition is satisfied.
-The color value is binary information such as black and white, cyan and white, magenta and white, etc.-The compression format of the image is compression by a lossless encoding method. The pattern is composed of large dots that form a latent image that appears to be visible, and the pattern is composed of small dots that form a background image that disappears by copying or is difficult to be identified by the human eye. The condition regarding the compression format is a condition that pays attention to the fact that a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is usually compressed by a lossless encoding method because the function of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern cannot be performed if the above-described pattern constituting the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is broken. .

  Further, if the type flag can be acquired in step 602 and the type flag indicates the entire background pattern, the size of the image specified by the drawing command is the page specified by the page information acquired in step 603. It is also determined whether it matches the size of. This is because the size of the image should match the page size if the entire background pattern is used. If the type flag has been acquired in step 602 and the type flag indicates an overlapping background pattern, it is determined that the image specified by the acquired drawing command is not a background pattern. This is because, as described above, an overlapping background pattern should be specified by the last drawing command.

  As a result of the determination as described above, if the tint block condition is met, the process proceeds to step 612. On the other hand, if the tint block condition is not met, the process proceeds to step 607.

  In step 607, the command specifying unit 206 acquires the last drawing command for the first page of the print data.

  In step 608, the command specifying unit 206 determines whether the attribute of the last drawing command acquired in step 607 is an image. The determination method is the same as that in step 605 described above. If the attribute of the acquired drawing command is an image, there is a possibility of overlapping background patterns, and the process proceeds to step 609. On the other hand, if the attribute is other than the image, the process proceeds to step 611.

  In step 609, the command specifying unit 206 determines whether the image specified by the last drawing command acquired in step 607 is a tint block. The determination method is the same as in step 606 described above. If the type flag has been acquired in step 602 and the type flag indicates a superimposed background pattern, it is determined that the image specified by the acquired last drawing command is the overlapping background pattern. As a result of the determination, if the condition of the tint block is met, the process proceeds to step 610. On the other hand, if the tint block condition is not met, the process proceeds to step 611.

  In step 610, the command specifying unit 206 specifies that the last drawing command is an overlapping background pattern command, adds information indicating the fact to the print data, and ends this processing.

  In step 611, the command specifying unit 206 determines that the type of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command in the print data cannot be specified (error), and ends this processing.

  In step 612, the command specifying unit 206 temporarily stores the first drawing command for the first page acquired in step 604 in the HDD or the like.

  In step 613, the command specifying unit 206 acquires the last drawing command on the first page.

  In step 614, the command specifying unit 206 determines whether the attribute of the last drawing command acquired in step 613 is an image. The determination method is the same as in steps 605 and 608 described above. If the acquired attribute of the last drawing command is an image, there is a possibility of overlapping background patterns, and the process proceeds to step 615. On the other hand, if the attribute is other than an image, the process proceeds to step 621.

  In step 615, the command specifying unit 206 determines whether the image specified by the last drawing command acquired in step 613 is a tint block. The determination method is the same as in step 609 described above. As a result of the determination, if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern condition is met, the process proceeds to step 616. On the other hand, if the tint block condition is not met, the process proceeds to step 621.

  In step 616, the command specifying unit 206 determines whether there is data for the second page in the print data. If there is data on the second page, the process proceeds to step 617. On the other hand, if there is no data on the second page, the process proceeds to step 622.

  At the stage of step 617, it is determined that both the first and last drawing commands on the first page have the possibility of a tint block command, and it is not possible to identify which one is a real tint block command. Therefore, in this step, the command specifying unit 206 acquires the first and last drawing commands on the second page. This is because, if a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is used, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern drawing command having the same content is added to each page. It is.

  In step 618, the command specifying unit 206 compares the first drawing command on the first page with the first drawing command on the second page, and determines whether both are the same drawing command. If they are the same drawing command, the process proceeds to step 621. On the other hand, if not the same drawing command, the process proceeds to step 619.

  In step 619, the command specifying unit 206 compares the last drawing command on the first page with the last drawing command on the second page, and determines whether or not both are the same drawing command. If they are the same drawing command, the process proceeds to step 620. On the other hand, if not the same drawing command, the process proceeds to step 622.

  In step 620, the command specifying unit 206 specifies that the last drawing command is an overlapping background pattern command, adds information indicating that to the print data, and ends this processing.

  In step 621, the command specifying unit 206 specifies that the first drawing command is a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, adds information indicating that to the print data, and ends this processing.

  In step 622, the command specifying unit 206 determines that the type of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command in the print data cannot be specified (error), and ends this processing.

  In step 623, the command specifying unit 206 specifies the type of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command according to the position flag indicating the position of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command (if the position is the first, specifies the watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, and if the position is the last, specifies the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern). finish.

  The above is the contents of the command specifying process.

  In the command specifying process described above, in order to improve the determination accuracy of the background pattern command type, even if the type of the background pattern is known by the type flag, it is checked whether the attributes of the drawing command and the characteristics of the background pattern are satisfied. Yes. However, some processing may be simplified. For example, when it is determined that the type of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern from the type flag acquired in step 602, the first drawing command may be immediately identified as a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, and this process may be terminated.

  Next, the above-described command conversion processing executed in the command conversion unit 207 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of command conversion processing when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is not included in the print data. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of command conversion processing when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is included in the print data and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a command conversion process flow in the case where a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is included in the print data and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is an overlapping copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. These series of processes are also performed by reading a computer-executable program describing the following procedure from the ROM into the RAM and then executing the program by the CPU.

  Prior to the description of each flowchart, the integrated printing realized by the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 shows an example in which 2-in-1 aggregation is set for data for two pages (page size [A, B]) including a watermark copy pattern in which the characters “copy prohibited” appear due to copying. FIG. On the first page, there are the watermark background pattern 1001, the photograph 1002, and the line segment 1003 objects, and on the second page, the watermark background pattern 1011, the photograph 1012, and the line segment 1013 objects. The output result obtained by combining these two pages into one page includes a watermark background pattern 1021, a photograph 1022 corresponding to an object other than the first page background pattern, a line segment 1023, and an object other than the second page background pattern. A corresponding photograph 1024 and line segment 1025 are included. As is apparent from FIG. 10, the size of the photos and line segments on the page after aggregation is reduced by the aggregation printing, but the size of the watermark background pattern (character string of “copy prohibited”) is not changed. . As described above, in the consolidated printing according to the present embodiment, a scaling process according to the aggregation setting is performed on an object that can be scaled even if the size changes, and a problem may occur due to the size change like a background pattern. An object that cannot be scaled is output without being scaled.

<Command conversion process when the print pattern does not include the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command>
This command conversion process is executed when it is determined in the above-described print execution process that there is no copy-forgery-inhibited pattern (No in step 508). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flowchart of FIG.

  In step 701, the command conversion unit 207 acquires aggregated print information from the job management unit 205. The consolidated print information includes information specifying how many pages are consolidated into one sheet (N-in-1) and information about the layout (whether N pages are arranged from the upper left or the upper right). .

  In step 702, the command conversion unit 207 obtains page information of the processing target page (X page) in the print data. The page information includes a page start command for the X page to be processed and page information of the page (P1 = [A, B], P2 = [A, B] in FIG. 11 described later).

  In step 703, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether the processing target page is the first page in the plurality of pages to be aggregated (whether it is the first page in the physical page after aggregation). Specifically, it is checked whether or not the remainder obtained by dividing X by N is 1. If the remainder is 1, it is determined that the page is the first page. Here, N corresponds to N in the aggregate print information (N-in-1). For example, if 4in1 print settings are made for print data consisting of 10 pages, and the processing target page is the fifth page, the remainder of dividing X (5) by N (4) is 1. It will be determined that it is the first page. If it is determined that the processing target page is the first page, the process proceeds to step 704. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing target page is not the first page, the process proceeds to step 705.

  In step 704, the command conversion unit 207 stores the page information acquired in step 702 in a RAM or the like. This is because when the processing target page is the first page among a plurality of pages to be aggregated, the page information is also used in the aggregated print data.

  In step 705, the command conversion unit 207 deletes the page information acquired in step 702. This is because when the processing target page is not the first page of a plurality of pages to be aggregated, the page information is unnecessary in the aggregated print data.

  In step 706, the command conversion unit 207 acquires a drawing command in the processing target page, and reduces an object related to the acquired drawing command in accordance with the aggregate print information. Specifically, for example, in the case of FIG. 10, when the sizes of the photographs 1002 and 1012 on the first page and the second page are both represented by [C, D], a new size derived based on the reduction ratio M [ E, F] is determined. Here, the reduction ratio M is a value determined according to the aggregate print information acquired in step 701 such as 2in1 or 4in1. In the case of the line segments 1003 and 1004, the coordinates that specify the start point and the end point are converted into new coordinates based on the reduction ratio M. That is, if the line connects the coordinates (x1, y1) and the coordinates (x′1, y′1), the new coordinates (x2 / M, y2 / M), (x '2 / M, y'2 / M).

  In step 707, the command conversion unit 207 determines a new layout (coordinate change) for the drawing command of the object reduced in step 706 based on the aggregate print information. For example, the zoomable object on the first page in FIG. 10 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise after being reduced and placed at the top of the page. For example, in the drawing command of the photograph 1002 reduced from [C, D] to [E, F] in step 706, the rotated coordinates (α2) from the initial coordinates (α1, β1) for specifying the reference position are used. , β2). In the case of the line segment 1003, the coordinates newly determined in step 706 also serve as information for specifying a new layout.

  In step 708, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether reduction processing and new layout determination processing (conversion processing) have been completed for all the drawing commands in the processing target page. This determination may be made according to the end command in the page or based on the presence of the start command on the next page. If all drawing commands have been processed, the process proceeds to step 709. On the other hand, if there is an unprocessed drawing command, the process returns to step 706 to reduce the object related to the next drawing command.

  In step 709, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether an unprocessed page exists in the print data. If the processing has been completed for all pages, this processing ends. On the other hand, when there is an unprocessed page, the process returns to step 702, and the above-described processes of steps 702 to 708 are performed with the next page as a processing target page.

  The above is the contents of the command conversion process when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is not included in the print data.

<Command conversion process when the watermark pattern command is included in the print data>
This command conversion process is executed when the drawing command at the head of each page is specified as the watermark pattern command in the command specifying process. Hereinafter, the description will be made along the flowchart of FIG. 8, but the description common to the already described flowchart of FIG. 7 will be omitted or simplified.

  In step 801, the command conversion unit 207 acquires aggregated print information from the job management unit 205.

  In step 802, the command conversion unit 207 obtains page information of the processing target page (X page) in the print data.

  In step 803, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether the processing target page is the first page of a plurality of pages (physical pages) to be aggregated. If it is determined that the processing target page is the first page, the process proceeds to step 804. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing target page is not the first page, the process proceeds to step 807.

  In step 804, the command conversion unit 207 saves the page information acquired in step 802 in a RAM or the like for use in the aggregated print data.

  In step 805, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether or not the drawing command at the top of the processing target page is a tint block command. First, when the processing target page is the first page of the print data, it is confirmed whether or not the drawing command is an image command. If it is an image command, it is determined that it is a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, and the process proceeds to step 806. On the other hand, if it is not an image command, it is determined that it is not a tint block command, and the process proceeds to step 810. If the page to be processed is a page other than the first page, it is determined whether the first drawing command is an image command and the image command is the same as the image command acquired on the first page. To do. If it is determined that the image command is the same as that of the first page, it is determined that it is a tint block command, and the process proceeds to step 806. If it is determined that it is not an image command, it is not a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command. If it is determined that the command is an image command but not the same as that of the first page, it is determined that the command is an illegal copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command.

  In step 806, the command conversion unit 207 saves the leading drawing command, which is the image command for the watermark background pattern in the processing target page, in the RAM or the like for use as the background pattern command in the consolidated print data.

  In step 807, when the processing target page is not the first page in the plurality of pages to be aggregated, the page information is not necessary in the print data after aggregation, and is acquired in step 802. Delete page information.

  In step 808, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether or not the top drawing command in the processing target page is a tint block command. Specifically, as in step 805 described above, it is determined whether or not the top drawing command is an image command and the image command is the same as the image command acquired on the first page. If it is determined that it is a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, the process proceeds to step 809, and if it is determined that it is not a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, the process proceeds to step 810.

  In step 809, the command conversion unit 207 deletes the first drawing command that is an image command for the watermark background pattern in the processing target page. This is because the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command does not need to be processed as a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command in the print data after aggregation.

  In step 810, the command conversion unit 207 determines that the drawing command determined to be a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is an invalid copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, or the result of the above-described command specifying process is incorrect (error), and ends this process. .

  In step 811, the command conversion unit 207 reduces the object related to the drawing command with respect to the drawing command in the processing target page (excluding the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command) according to the aggregate print information. A specific method of the reduction process is the same as that in step 706 described above.

  The subsequent processes in steps 812 to 814 correspond to steps 707 to 709 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 and will not be described.

  The above is the content of the command conversion process when the watermark pattern command is included in the print data.

  Here, the converted print data generated by the command conversion process in the case of including the watermark background pattern drawing command will be described using a specific example. FIG. 11 is a summary of 2-in-1 when there is one watermark pattern, photo drawing, and line drawing on the entire print data page consisting of two pages (see FIG. 10 above). It is a figure showing a command group included in each print data before and after aggregation. In FIG. 11, in order to pay attention to the contents converted by the above-described command conversion processing, information indicating the presence and type of the background pattern (background pattern flag and type flag), information on the compression format of the image command, color information, and the like are omitted. ing. Hereinafter, a description will be given while comparing print data before and after aggregation.

  “P1 = [A, B]” is a start command for the first page, and indicates that the size of the page is [A, B]. This command does not need to be changed even after 2-in-1 aggregation, and therefore exists in common in both the print data before aggregation and after aggregation.

  “Image = (0,0), [A, B]” is a drawing command for designating a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern which is a non-scalable object, and (0,0) represents a reference position coordinate, [A , B] represents the size of the background pattern. Since the size is the same as the size [A, B] in the start command, it can be seen that this background pattern is the entire background pattern. As described with reference to FIG. 10, since an object whose effect may be lost due to scaling processing such as a tint block is not subject to reduction, the drawing command “Image = (0,0) having the same contents as before aggregation is used. , [A, B] "is present in the aggregated print data. Note that there is only one drawing command in the print data after aggregation. The drawing command “Image = (0,0), [A, B]” following “P2 = [A, B]” in the print data before aggregation. "Is the result of deletion in step 809 described above. Note that the start command of “P2 = [A, B]” is not present in the print data after the aggregation as a result of being deleted in step 807 described above.

  “Photo 1 ′ = (α 2, β 2), (E, F)” is a drawing command for designating a photo corresponding to the photo existing on the first page before aggregation in the print data after aggregation. (Α2, β2) represents the layout after conversion (drawing reference position), and [E, F] represents the size after conversion.

  "Line 1 '= (x2, y2), (x'2, y'2)" is a drawing that specifies the line segment that corresponds to the line segment that exists on the first page before consolidation in the print data after consolidation It is a command. (x2, y2) and (x'2, y'2) represent new coordinates (position coordinates that specify the start and end points after conversion) that specify both the size after reduction and the position after relayout Yes.

  “Photo2 ′ = (α3, β3), (E, F)” is a drawing command for designating a photo corresponding to the photo existing on the second page before aggregation in the print data after aggregation. (Α3, β3) represents the layout after conversion (drawing reference position), and [E, F] represents the size after conversion.

  “Line 2 ′ = (x3, y3), (x′3, y′3)” is a drawing for designating a line segment corresponding to the line segment existing on the second page before aggregation in the print data after aggregation. It is a command. (x3, y3) and (x'3, y'3) are the new coordinates (position coordinates that specify the start and end points after conversion) that specify both the size after reduction and the position after relayout. Yes.

  As described above, in the command conversion process, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is not changed or deleted if it overlaps, and normal drawing commands other than the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command are reduced and re-laid out (including rotation) according to the layout after the aggregation setting. Is made.

<Command conversion processing when the print pattern includes an overlaid background pattern command>
This command conversion process is executed when the drawing command at the end of each page is specified to be a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command in the above-described command specifying process. Hereinafter, description will be made along the flowchart of FIG. 9, but description of parts common to the flowchart of FIG. 7 already described will be omitted or simplified.

  Each process of step 901 to step 907 corresponds to step 701 to step 707 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step 908, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether or not the next processing target drawing command is the last drawing command in the processing target page. Specifically, referring to the next command of the drawing command to be processed next, if the next command is a command specifying the end of the page or the start of the next page, the next processing target Is determined to be the last drawing command. If it is determined that the drawing command to be processed next is the last drawing command, the process proceeds to step 909. On the other hand, if it is determined that the drawing command to be processed is not the last drawing command, the process returns to step 906, and necessary conversion processing (reduction or determination of a new layout) is continued. If there is only one drawing command in the processing target page and it is a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, the processes in steps 906 and 907 are skipped.

  In step 909, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether or not the last drawing command to be processed is a tint block command. First, when the processing target page is the first page of the print data, it is confirmed whether or not the drawing command is an image command. If it is an image command, it is determined that it is a tint block command, and the process proceeds to step 911. On the other hand, if it is not an image command, it is determined that it is not a tint block command, and the process proceeds to step 910. If the processing target page is the X page other than the first page, whether or not the last drawing command is an image command and the image command is the same as the image command acquired on the first page Determine. If it is determined that the image command is the same as that of the first page, it is determined that it is a tint block command, and the process proceeds to step 911. If it is determined that the command is not an image command, it is determined that the command is not a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command. If it is determined that the command is an image command but not the same, it is determined that the command is an illegal copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, and the process proceeds to step 910.

  In step 910, the command conversion unit 207 determines that the drawing command determined to be a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is an illegal copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, or that the result of the above-described command specifying process is incorrect (error), and ends this process. .

  In step 911, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether the processing target page is the last page. Specifically, it is confirmed whether the command following the last drawing command specifies the start of the next page or the end of print data. If the command specifies the start of the next page, it is determined that the page is not the last page, and the process proceeds to step 913. On the other hand, if the command means the end of print data, it is determined that the page is the last page, and the process proceeds to step 912.

  In step 912, the command conversion unit 207 stores the last drawing command, which is the image command for the overlapping background pattern, on the last page, which is the processing target page, in a RAM or the like for use as the background pattern command in the consolidated print data. This process ends. This is because in the case of the last page, it is necessary to leave the overlapping background pattern at the end regardless of the processing order of the pages to be aggregated.

  In step 913, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether or not the processing target page is the last page in the plurality of pages to be aggregated (whether or not it is the last page in the physical page after aggregation). The determination method may be based on whether the remainder obtained by dividing X by N is 0 or whether X is a multiple of N. Specifically, it is checked whether the remainder of dividing X by N is 0 (or whether X is a multiple of N). If the remainder is 0 (or X is a multiple of N), the last page is checked. Judge that there is. Here, N corresponds to N in the aggregate print information (N-in-1). For example, if 4in1 print settings are made for print data consisting of all 10 pages, if the processing target page is the 4th page, the remainder when X (4) is divided by N (4) is 0. It is determined that it is the last page. If it is determined that the page to be processed is the last page, the process proceeds to step 914. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing target page is not the last page, the process proceeds to step 915.

  In step 914, the command conversion unit 207 stores the last drawing command, which is an image command for overlapping background patterns on the processing target page, in a RAM or the like for use as a background pattern command in the print data after aggregation. After the storage process, the process returns to step 902 to process the next page.

  In step 915, the command conversion unit 207 deletes the last drawing command that is the image command for the overlapping background pattern in the processing target page. This is because the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command does not need to be processed as a superimposed copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command in the print data after aggregation. After the deletion process, the process returns to step 902 to process the next page.

  The above is the content of the command conversion process when the print pattern includes the overlap pattern command.

  According to the present exemplary embodiment, even when the print setting is changed so that scaling is generated with respect to the print data stored in the image processing apparatus, the image of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is destroyed. Can be printed without.

[Example 2]
In the first embodiment, the command specifying process is performed at the printing execution stage. Next, a mode in which command specifying processing is performed at the stage of storing print data will be described as a second embodiment. The description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and the differences will be mainly described below.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the print data storage process according to the present embodiment.

  In step 1201, the job management unit 205 receives print data transmitted from the host computer 110 or the like through the network control unit 200.

  In step 1202, the job management unit 205 acquires user information included in the received print data.

  In step 1203, the job management unit 205 acquires print setting information and a document name included in the received print data.

  In step 1204, the job management unit 205 determines whether an object that cannot be scaled (background pattern in this embodiment) is included in the received print data. Information indicating this (for example, a tint block flag) is added to print data including a non-scalable object such as a tint block, and an unscalable object is displayed based on whether such a flag exists. It is determined whether it contains. If the print data includes an object that cannot be scaled, the process proceeds to step 1205. On the other hand, if the print data does not include an object that cannot be scaled, the process proceeds to step 1206.

  In step 1205, the command specifying unit 206 analyzes a command in the print data, and performs a command specifying process for specifying a drawing command that specifies an object that cannot be scaled (for example, a background pattern). The details of the command specifying process are as described in the first embodiment.

  In step 1206, the job management unit 205 creates a print data list. Specifically, the user information acquired in step 1202 is associated with the print setting information and document name acquired in step 1203, and the associated information is added as a record to the print data list corresponding to the user information. To do. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating one record of the print data list according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 13, for each input print job, information on the document name, the number of copies, double-sided / single-sided printing / collective printing setting, and the presence / absence of a background pattern is shown in one record (one line). It is registered in association with the user name “t.yamada” of the entered user. The print data list to which one record is newly added by the processing in this step is stored in a storage device such as an HDD. The received print data is also saved in a storage device such as an HDD as print data corresponding to one record added this time.

  The above is the content of the print data storage process according to the present embodiment. As described above, in the print data holding process according to the present embodiment, the command specifying process is executed when print data is received, and a print data list based on the contents is created.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of print execution processing according to the present embodiment. Compared with the flowchart of FIG. 5 showing the print execution process according to the first embodiment, there is no process corresponding to step 508 to step 510, and there is a setting change for the aggregate print information (Yes in step 1407). The command change processing is executed immediately. As a result, the processing time when the user changes the setting at the time of printing is shortened, and the waiting time of the user is reduced.

[Example 3]
In the first and second embodiments, the aspect of creating and managing the print data list in the MFP 100 as the image processing apparatus has been described. However, an information processing apparatus as a bibliographic information server that creates and manages a print data list may be provided separately from the image processing apparatus. That is, the place where the print data is stored may be in an information processing apparatus (server) independent of the image processing apparatus, and after performing the above-described command specifying process and command conversion process in such an information processing apparatus. The print data may be transmitted to the image processing apparatus to perform printing.

[Example 4]
In the first embodiment, the command conversion when the print data for normal printing (1-in-1 printing) is changed to N-up printing (2-in-1 printing, etc.) has been described. Next, as a fourth example of command conversion when the setting of N-up printing is canceled (that is, the setting is changed from aggregated print data such as 2-in-1 to normal print data of 1-in-1) explain. The description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and the differences will be mainly described below.

  15 to 17 are flowcharts showing the flow of command conversion processing executed by the command conversion unit 207 according to this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of command conversion processing when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is not included in the print data. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of command conversion processing when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is included in the print data and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a command conversion process flow in the case where a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is included in the print data and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is an overlapping copy-forgery-inhibited pattern.

  Prior to the description of each flowchart, the cancellation of aggregate printing realized by the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 shows a 2-in-1 aggregation setting in which data for two pages is included in one page data of page size [A, B] including a watermark background pattern in which a character “copy prohibited” appears by copying. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of canceling print data aggregation setting. FIG. A broken line 1806 in FIG. 18 is a line indicating the center position of the aggregated page (the upper side of the broken line 1806 is the original first page and the lower side is the original second page), and is attached for convenience of explanation. And is not actually included in the print data. The 2-in-1 consolidated print data includes a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern 1801, a photograph 1802 and a line segment 1803 that were originally objects of the first page, and a photo 1804 and a line segment 1805 that were originally objects of the second page. doing. Of the output 1 and output 2 that are output results from which the aggregation setting of the 2-in-1 consolidated print data is canceled, first, the output 1 includes the watermark background pattern 1811, the photograph 1812 corresponding to the photograph 1802, and the line. A line segment 1813 corresponding to the minute 1803 is included. The output 2 includes a watermark background pattern 1821, a photograph 1822 corresponding to the photograph 1804, and a line segment 1823 corresponding to the line segment 1805. As is apparent from FIG. 18, the photos and line segments on each page after canceling the aggregation setting are enlarged to the original size, but the watermark background pattern is not changed in size, and the watermarks corresponding to the number of the canceled pages are further displayed. The ground pattern is duplicated.

<Command conversion process when the print pattern does not include the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command>
This command conversion process is executed when it is determined in the above-described print execution process that there is no copy-forgery-inhibited pattern (No in step 508). Hereinafter, description will be given along the flowchart of FIG.

  In step 1501, the command conversion unit 207 acquires aggregated print information from the job management unit 205. The aggregate print information includes aggregate setting release information (information specifying a setting change from N-in-1 aggregate print data to 1-in-1 print data) and its layout information (N-in-1 aggregate print data) The information indicating whether each page is arranged from the upper left or the upper right is included.

  In step 1502, the command conversion unit 207 acquires page information of the processing target page in the print data.

  In step 1503, the command conversion unit 207 acquires a drawing command in the processing target page.

  In step 1504, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether the page is a page break from the coordinate information of the drawing command acquired in step 1503. In general, drawing commands included in N-in-1 consolidated print data appear in page order. Therefore, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 18 described above, when drawing commands for the photograph 1802 and the line segment 1803 are acquired, the coordinates specified by the coordinate information of the acquired drawing command are above the broken line 1806. In this case, since the page to which the object of the drawing command belongs is the first page, it is determined that the page is not a page break. When a drawing command for the photograph 1804 is acquired, the coordinates specified by the coordinate information of the acquired drawing command are below the broken line 1806. In this case, since the page to which the object of the drawing command belongs is the second page, it is determined as a page break. If it is determined that it is a page break, the process proceeds to step 1505, and if it is not determined to be a page break, the process proceeds to step 1506.

  In step 1505, the command conversion unit 207 adds page information indicating a page break and a page start before processing the drawing command acquired in step 1503. The page information to be added here is obtained in step 1502.

  In step 1506, the command conversion unit 207 enlarges the object related to the drawing command acquired in step 1503 according to the aggregate print information. Specifically, for example, in the case of FIG. 18, when the size of the photograph 1802 that was originally the first page is represented by [C, D], the new size [E, F] derived based on the enlargement ratio N is It is determined. Here, the enlargement ratio N is a value determined according to the aggregate print information acquired in step 1501. In the case of the line segment 1803, the coordinates specifying the start point and the end point are converted into new coordinates based on the enlargement factor N.

  In step 1507, the command conversion unit 207 determines a new layout for the drawing command of the object enlarged in step 1506 based on the aggregate print information. For example, in the case of FIG. 18, the zoomable object that was originally the first page is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise after enlargement. For example, in the drawing command of the photograph 1802 enlarged from the size [C, D] to the size [E, F] in step 1506, the coordinates after rotation from the initial coordinates (α1, β1) for specifying the reference position Converted to (α3, β3).

  In step 1508, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether enlargement processing and new layout determination processing (coordinate conversion processing) have been completed for all drawing commands in the processing target page. This determination may be made according to the end command in the page or based on the presence of the start command on the next page. If all drawing commands have been processed, the process advances to step 1509. On the other hand, if there is an unprocessed drawing command, the process returns to step 1503 to acquire the next drawing command, and the enlargement processing and new layout determination processing are continued.

  In step 1509, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether there is an unprocessed page in the print data. If the processing has been completed for all pages, this processing ends. On the other hand, if there is an unprocessed page, the process returns to step 1502 and the above-described steps 1502 to 1508 are performed with the next page as the processing target page.

  The above is the content of the command conversion process when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is not included in the print data according to the present embodiment.

<Command conversion process when the watermark pattern command is included in the print data>
This command conversion process is executed when it is determined in the command specifying process that the drawing command at the top of each page is a watermark pattern command. Hereinafter, description will be made along the flowchart of FIG. 16, but description of parts common to the flowchart of FIG. 15 already described will be omitted or simplified.

  In step 1601, the command conversion unit 207 acquires aggregated print information from the job management unit 205.

  In step 1602, the command conversion unit 207 acquires page information of the processing target page in the print data.

  In step 1603, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether or not the drawing command at the top of the processing target page is a tint block command. This determination method is as described in step 805 of the flowchart of FIG. 8 in the first embodiment. If it is determined that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is received, the process proceeds to step 1604. On the other hand, if it is not a tint block command, the process proceeds to step 1605.

  In step 1604, the command conversion unit 207 stores the first drawing command, which is an image command for the watermark background pattern in the processing target page, in a RAM or the like for use as the background pattern command in the print data after the aggregation setting is released.

  In step 1605, the command conversion unit 207 determines that the drawing command determined to be a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is an invalid copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command, or the result of the above-described command specifying process is incorrect (error), and ends this process. .

  In step 1606, the command conversion unit 207 acquires a drawing command in the processing target page.

  In step 1607, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether the page is a page break from the coordinate information of the drawing command acquired in step 1606. The method for determining whether or not a page is separated is as described in step 1504 of the flow in FIG. If it is determined that the page is a page break, the process advances to step 1608. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the page is a page break, the process proceeds to step 1610.

  In step 1608, the command conversion unit 207 adds page information indicating page separation and page start to the print data after canceling the aggregation setting before performing the enlargement process of the drawing command acquired in step 1606. The page information to be added here is acquired at step 1602.

  In step 1609, the command conversion unit 207 adds the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command saved in step 1604 to the print data after the aggregation setting is released. By this process, a watermark pattern is incorporated in each page of the print data after the aggregation setting is released.

  Since the subsequent processing of Step 1610 to Step 1613 corresponds to Steps 1506 to 1509 of the flowchart of FIG. 15, description thereof will be omitted.

  The above is the content of the command conversion process when the watermark pattern command is included in the print data according to the present embodiment.

  Here, the converted print data generated by the command conversion process in the case of including the watermark background pattern drawing command will be described using a specific example. In FIG. 19, the 2-in-1 consolidated print data includes a watermark pattern on the entire surface, photo drawing and line drawing that were originally the first page, and photo drawing and line drawing that were originally the second page. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a command group included in each print data before and after canceling the aggregation setting when there is one each (see FIG. 18 described above). In order to pay attention to the contents converted by the above-described command conversion processing, information indicating the presence and type of the background pattern (background pattern flag and type flag), information on the compression format of the image command, color information, etc. are omitted in FIG. Has been. Hereinafter, a description will be given comparing the print data before and after canceling the aggregation setting.

  “P1 = [A, B]” is a start command for the first page, and indicates that the size of the page is [A, B]. This command does not need to be changed even after the 2-in-1 aggregation setting is canceled, and therefore exists in common for both print data before the aggregation setting cancellation and after the aggregation setting cancellation.

  “Image = (0,0), [A, B]” is a drawing command for designating a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern which is a non-scalable object, and (0,0) represents a reference position coordinate, [A , B] represents the size of the background pattern. Since the size is the same as the size [A, B] in the start command, it can be seen that this background pattern is the entire background pattern. As described in the explanation of FIG. 18, an object whose effect may be lost due to scaling processing such as a tint block is not subject to enlargement processing. Therefore, the drawing command “Image = (0 , 0), [A, B] ”also exists in the print data after the aggregation setting is released. In the print data after the aggregation setting is canceled, the drawing command is required for the number of pages after the aggregation setting is canceled. This is a result of adding the drawing command “Image = (0, 0), [A, B]” following “P2 = [A, B]” in the print data after the aggregation setting is released in step 1609 described above. Note that the start command of “P2 = [A, B]” is also the result added in step 1608 described above.

  “Photo1 ′ = (α3, β3), (E, F)” is a drawing command for designating a photo corresponding to a photo existing in the upper part of the print data before canceling the aggregate setting in the print data after canceling the aggregate setting It is. In this case, (α3, β3) represents the layout after conversion (drawing reference position), and [E, F] represents the size after conversion.

  “Line 1 ′ = (x3, y3), (x′3, y′3)” corresponds to the line segment existing in the upper part of the print data before canceling the aggregate setting in the print data after canceling the aggregate setting. A drawing command that specifies a line segment. In this case, (x3, y3) and (x'3, y'3) are new coordinates that specify both the size after enlargement and the position after relayout (position coordinates that specify the start and end points after conversion) Represents.

  “Photo2 ′ = (α3, β3), (E, F)” is a drawing command for designating a photo corresponding to a photo existing in the lower part of the print data before canceling the aggregate setting in the print data after canceling the aggregate setting It is. (Α3, β3) represents the layout after conversion (drawing reference position), and [E, F] represents the size after conversion.

  “Line 2 ′ = (x3, y3), (x′3, y′3)” corresponds to the line segment that exists in the lower part of the print data before the aggregation setting is released in the print data after the aggregation setting is released. A drawing command that specifies a line segment. (x3, y3) and (x'3, y'3) represent new coordinates (position coordinates that specify the start and end points after conversion) that specify both the size after enlargement and the position after relayout Yes.

  In this way, in the command conversion processing when a watermark copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is included, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command is not changed or is added by the number of pages that increase after canceling the aggregation setting, and the normal drawing command excluding the background pattern command is canceled for the aggregation setting Enlargement and re-layout (including rotation) are performed according to the later layout.

<Command conversion processing when the print pattern includes an overlaid background pattern command>
This command conversion process is executed when the drawing command at the end of each page is specified to be a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command in the above-described command specifying process. Hereinafter, description will be made along the flowchart of FIG. 17, but description of parts common to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16 described above will be omitted or simplified.

  In step 1701, the command conversion unit 207 acquires aggregated print information from the job management unit 205.

  In step 1702, the command conversion unit 207 acquires page information of the processing target page in the print data.

  In step 1703, the command conversion unit 207 obtains an overlapping background pattern command included in the processing target page. Specifically, in the case of an overlapping background pattern, since it is the last drawing command, the last drawing command of the processing target page is acquired.

  In step 1704, the command conversion unit 207 determines whether the drawing command acquired in step 1703 is a tint block command. This determination method is as described in step 909 of the flowchart of FIG. 9 in the first embodiment. If the result of the determination is that the result of the determination is a tint block command, the process proceeds to step 1705. On the other hand, if it is not a tint block command, the process proceeds to step 1706.

  The subsequent processes in steps 1705 to 1708 correspond to the flowchart steps 1604 to 1607 in FIG. 16, respectively, and will not be described because there is no difference.

  In step 1709, the command conversion unit 207 adds the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command saved in step 1705 to the print data after the aggregation setting is released. In this manner, the overlapping background pattern is added by determining the page break and adding the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern command immediately before the page break. In this embodiment, the background pattern command is acquired before the object drawing command is acquired. However, the background pattern command may be acquired immediately before the background pattern command is added.

  In step 1710, the command conversion unit 207 adds the page information acquired in step 1702 to the print data after canceling the aggregation setting. The page information to be added here is acquired at step 1702.

  Since the subsequent processing of Step 1711 to Step 1714 corresponds to Step 1610 to Step 1613 of the flowchart of FIG. 16, description thereof will be omitted.

  The above is the content of the command conversion process when the overprint pattern command is included in the print data according to the present embodiment.

  Thus, in this embodiment, even when the aggregation setting is canceled for the aggregate print data such as 2-in-1 including the tint block command, the tint block command is processed without scaling, Can be added to the page.

(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Claims (18)

An image processing apparatus for reservation printing that obtains print data and performs printing.
A command for converting a drawing command for an object suitable for scaling among drawing commands included in the print data when a print setting accompanied by a scaling process is performed at the time of executing the printing. An image processing apparatus comprising a conversion unit. A command specifying means for specifying a drawing command for an object that does not conform to scaling among the drawing commands included in the print data;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawing command for the object adapted to the scaling is a drawing command other than the drawing command specified by the command specifying unit. A determination unit that determines whether the print data includes an object that does not conform to the scaling when the print setting with the scaling processing is performed;
The command specifying means specifies a drawing command for an object that does not conform to scaling, when it is determined that the print data includes an object that does not conform to scaling as a result of the determination. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the drawing command for an object that does not conform to the scaling by the command specifying unit is executed when the print data is reserved. The drawing command includes position information indicating the position of the object to be drawn, and size information indicating the size of the object,
The command conversion means converts the position information into position information indicating the position of the object arranged after scaling for the drawing command for the object that matches the scaling, and converts the size information after scaling. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is converted into size information indicating a size.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting is aggregate printing that aggregates and prints a plurality of pages into one page.   The command specifying means is for an object that does not conform to the scaling based on at least one of page size information indicating the size of the print data, attribute information of the drawing command, and appearance order information of the drawing command. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a drawing command is specified.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the object that does not match the scaling is a ground pattern.   The command conversion means deletes a page switching command between the plurality of pages to be aggregated in the conversion, and deletes some overlapping drawing commands among drawing commands for objects that do not conform to the scaling. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus.   And further comprising means for displaying a list of the reserved print data, allowing a user to select print data to be printed from the list, and receiving the execution of the print and the print settings. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit configured to store the print data.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that executes printing using the print data in which the drawing command is converted by the command conversion unit.   A printing system comprising: an information processing apparatus used for storing print data; and the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. An image processing method for reserving printing in which retained print data is acquired and printed,
A command for converting a drawing command for an object suitable for scaling among drawing commands included in the print data when a print setting accompanied by a scaling process is performed at the time of executing the printing. An image processing method comprising a conversion step.   A program for causing a computer to function as the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the print setting is for canceling the aggregate print setting of the print data for which the aggregate print is set or changing the aggregate print setting to a different aggregate print setting. Processing equipment.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the command conversion unit includes a storage unit that acquires and stores a drawing command for an object that does not conform to the scaling.   In the conversion, the command conversion means determines page breaks in a plurality of aggregated pages, and adds a page switching command and a drawing command for an object that does not conform to the scaling stored in the storage means The image processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: