JP2015168224A - Image forming device, image forming method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device, an image forming method, and a program capable of shortening processing time required for estimating an image formation processing time.SOLUTION: An image forming method includes: a step for storing print data and an image formation processing time for the print data; a step for accepting a change in printing settings of the stored print data; a step for determining whether or not the changed printing settings are the settings that change a drawing content of the print data; and a step for estimating an image formation processing time when it is determined that the changed printing settings are the settings that change a drawing content of the print data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program for calculating a processing time required for image forming processing when outputting image data and predicting the image forming processing time.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, print data is received and stored from an external apparatus, and a time required for image formation processing of the print data (image formation processing time) is predicted according to print settings and provided to the user. It has been broken.

  In order to predict the image formation processing time, a technique has been proposed in which a parameter corresponding to a print setting is applied to a single prediction formula for prediction (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-213254 A

  However, the user may change the print settings after confirming the image formation processing time. In the conventional image forming apparatus, even after the image formation processing time is once predicted, whenever the print setting is changed, the image formation processing time corresponding to the changed print setting is predicted. On the other hand, some changes in print settings do not affect the image formation processing time, and even in such a case, the image formation processing time is uniformly re-estimated, and work time is wasted. .

  The invention according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus, which stores print data and an image formation processing time of the print data, and accepts a change in print setting of the stored print data When it is determined that the accepting unit, the determination unit that determines whether the changed print setting is a setting for changing the drawing content of the print data, and the setting that changes the drawing content of the print data, And a prediction means for predicting the image forming processing time.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the processing time required for predicting the image forming processing time.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the program module which the conventional ROM stores. It is a flowchart regarding the process which keeps the conventional print data. It is a flowchart which shows the printing process of the conventional reservation print data. It is a block diagram which shows the program module which ROM which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention stores. It is a flowchart which shows the printing process of the reservation print data based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the re-prediction process determination which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the number of objects on a scan line, and the change of a position accompanying the setting change of page aggregation. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating changes in the number and positions of objects on a scan line in accordance with a change in the arrangement order of print pages. It is a block diagram which shows the program module which ROM which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention stores. It is a flowchart which shows the printing process of the reservation print data based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the prediction time correction | amendment determination which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the prediction time correction which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the program module which ROM which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention stores. It is an example of the table stored in the prediction data storage area which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the re-prediction process determination which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 102 temporarily stores print data received from an external apparatus in the apparatus, and performs reservation printing (BOX printing or pull print printing) in which printing is executed by receiving a print request for the print data from the user. It is a compatible printer.

  The image forming apparatus 102 is a printer that can change the print setting of print data after reception of print data received from an external apparatus.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 102 receives print data (also referred to as PDL data) described in PDL (Page Description Language) together with a print instruction via the LAN 103 under an instruction from the user.

  The image forming apparatus 102 includes a print controller 110, a printer device 111, and an operation unit 113.

  The image forming apparatus 102 develops the received PDL data into image data (bitmap image) by the print controller 110.

  The image forming apparatus 102 prints the image data developed by the print controller 110 on a print sheet by the printer apparatus 111.

  The print controller 110 is connected to the LAN 103 or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN) via the network I / F 226 and inputs / outputs information to / from an external device. The print controller 110 is connected to the operation unit 113 via the operation unit I / F 225 and is connected to the printer apparatus 111 via the device I / F 232.

  In addition, the print controller 110 starts a print job in response to a print request input from the user via the operation unit 113, forms image data from the print data, and outputs the image data to the printer device 111. The print job ends when the printer device 111 prints the image data on printing paper.

  The operation unit 113 has a display screen that can display various menus, print data information, and the like. The operation unit 113 accepts a change in print setting items used by the print controller 110 from the user and passes the change to the operation unit I / F 225 of the print controller 110. . The operation unit 113 also receives input related to execution of various services provided in the image forming apparatus 102 such as printing and copying. The operation unit I / F 225 is an interface unit for the operation unit 113, and outputs operation screen data to the operation unit 113. The operation unit I / F 225 transmits information input by the user from the operation unit 113 to the print controller 110.

  The CPU 220 is a processor that controls the image forming apparatus 102.

  The RAM 222 is a system work memory for the CPU 220 to operate. The RAM 222 includes a PDL data storage area, an intermediate data storage area, an image data storage area, a measurement data storage area, and a prediction data storage area, and stores processing results of software modules executed by the CPU 220.

  The ROM 221 stores a boot program for the image forming apparatus 102 and various control programs such as the operation unit 113, the print controller 110, and the printer apparatus 111.

  The storage device 223 can be a hard disk drive, and stores system software for various processes, input image data, and the like.

  The image bus I / F 228 is an interface that connects the system bus 227 and the image bus 230 that transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts a data structure. A RIP (raster image processor) 231 and a device I / F 232 are connected to the image bus 230. The RIP 231 interprets PDL data included in the print data and develops it into image data (bitmap image).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing program modules stored in the conventional ROM 221.

  The program module stored in the ROM 221 is expanded on the RAM 222 and executed by the CPU 220. By doing so, the program modules stored in the ROM 221 function as the job control processing unit 241, the PDL interpretation processing unit 242, the RIP processing unit 243, the time prediction processing unit 244, and the print data change unit 245.

  FIG. 3 shows a flowchart relating to a conventional process for retaining print data. Here, an example of a processing flow from when the image forming apparatus 102 receives print data from an external apparatus until the print data is retained is shown. The print instruction from the user or the setting of the image forming apparatus 102 in advance includes a setting for retaining (temporarily storing) the print data. Specifically, the user performs a print instruction or a setting for the image forming apparatus 102 to perform BOX printing or pull printing.

  In step S301, the image forming apparatus 102 receives print data described in PDL from an external apparatus. Specifically, the print controller 110 of the image forming apparatus 102 receives print data via the network I / F 226 connected to the LAN 103. The received print data is stored in the print data storage area of the RAM 222 and the storage device 223.

  In step S302, the CPU 220 starts job control processing. Specifically, the CPU 220 expands the job control processing unit 241, the PDL interpretation processing unit 242, the RIP processing unit 243, and the time prediction processing unit 244, which are program modules stored in the ROM 221, in the RAM 222. The CPU 220 starts job control processing by executing the job control processing unit 241 developed in the RAM 222. The other PDL interpretation processing unit 242, RIP processing unit 243, and time prediction processing unit 244 are indirectly controlled and executed by the job control processing unit 241.

  In step S303, the job control processing unit 241 executes the PDL interpretation processing unit 242, and starts PDL interpretation processing of print data.

  In step S304, the PDL interpretation processing unit 242 interprets the print data stored in the print data storage area of the RAM 222, and generates intermediate data. This intermediate data is generated at a lower resolution than that applied in the actual print process for subsequent RIP processing. For example, if the resolution applied in the actual print processing is 600 dpi, the resolution is lower than 600 dpi (150 dpi, 75 dpi, etc.). The PDL interpretation processing unit 242 stores the generated intermediate data in the intermediate data storage area of the RAM 222 and notifies the job control processing unit 241 of the end.

  In step S305, the job control processing unit 241 receives the end of the PDL interpretation processing, executes the RIP processing unit 243, and starts RIP processing of intermediate data.

  In step S306, the RIP processing unit 243 obtains the start time of the RIP processing, stores it in the measurement data storage area of the RAM 222, and uses the RIP 231 to obtain the image data according to the intermediate data stored in the intermediate data storage area of the RAM 222. Generate.

  As a method for generating image data according to the intermediate data by the RIP processing unit 243, for example, there is a generally known scan line method. In the scan line method, image data is generated while performing hidden surface removal for each line in the main scanning direction, and image data of an object region hidden by overlapping another object on the front surface is not generated. For this reason, the RIP processing unit 243 first reads the intermediate data and executes the sort process to place the drawing objects in the correct arrangement in units of scan lines. Next, the RIP processing unit 243 assigns colors to the correctly arranged drawing objects, and synthesizes the colors of the drawing objects in units of pixels. In the scan line method, image data is generated in this way.

  Next, the RIP processing unit 243 stores the generated image data in the image data storage area of the RAM 222. When the image data is stored, the RIP processing unit 243 notifies the job control processing unit 241 of the end, acquires the end time of the RIP processing, and stores it in the measurement data storage area of the RAM 222.

  In step S307, the job control processing unit 241 receives the end of the RIP process, executes the time prediction processing unit 244, and starts the time prediction process.

  In step S <b> 308, the time prediction processing unit 244 calculates the time taken for the RIP process from the difference between the start time and the end time of the RIP process stored in the measurement data storage area of the RAM 222.

  In the RIP process using the scanline method described above, the process involved in pixel generation has a processing time proportional to the square of the change with respect to a change in resolution. On the other hand, the object sorting process controls the position of drawing objects independent of the resolution, and requires a specific processing time for each print data. Therefore, the time required for the RIP processing is expressed by the relation y = ax ^ 2 + b when the x-axis is the resolution and the y-axis is the processing time. The parameters “a” and “b” are calculated from the intermediate data stored in the RAM 222 and the time taken for the RIP process for the intermediate data.

  The time prediction processing unit 244 predicts the image formation processing time, which is the RIP processing time at the resolution applied in the actual print processing, from the above relational expression, and stores it in the prediction data storage area of the RAM 222 as prediction data. At this time, the calculated parameters “a” and “b” are also stored in the predicted data storage area of the RAM 222. After storing the prediction data and parameters, the time prediction processing unit 244 notifies the job control processing unit 241 of the end.

  In step S309, the job control processing unit 241 ends the job control process upon completion of the time prediction process. Further, the job control processing unit 241 stores the prediction data stored in the prediction data storage area of the RAM 222 in the storage device 223 so as to correspond to the print data.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 102 processes the print data received from the external apparatus, predicts the image formation processing time that is the RIP processing time at the resolution applied in the actual print processing, and print data Retain.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a conventional print processing of reserved print data. In the conventional processing, when the print setting of the reserved print data is changed, the RIP processing time is uniformly re-estimated as described below.

  In step S <b> 401, the image forming apparatus 102 displays a login screen on the operation unit 113 in response to an instruction from the user (for example, returning from sleep). The display of the login screen is performed by the CPU 220 expanding and executing the operation unit application stored in the ROM 221 on the RAM 222 and controlling the operation unit 113.

  In step S402, the CPU 220 that executes the operation unit application performs user authentication using an IC card or the like. In this embodiment, user authentication is not an important process, and therefore, detailed description such as an authentication card detection method, an IC card identification ID acquisition method, and authentication processing by an authentication server is omitted here.

  In step S403, the CPU 220 that executes the operation unit application determines an authentication result. If an authentication error has occurred, the CPU 220 displays an error screen on the operation unit 113 in step S404. If the OK button is pressed on the error screen, the process returns to step S401 to display the login screen again. On the other hand, if the authentication result is authentication success, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S <b> 405, the CPU 220 that executes the operation unit application executes print processing of the reserved print data based on an instruction from the user via the operation unit 113.

  In step S <b> 406, the CPU 220 that executes the operation unit application displays a list of print data retained in the operation unit 113. The items displayed as a list include the document name, the print data reception date and time, and the print settings, as well as the estimated print processing time calculated by applying the print data RIP processing predicted time calculated in step S308 in FIG. .

  In step S <b> 407, the CPU 220 that executes the operation unit application accepts selection of print data to be printed via the reserved print data list screen displayed on the operation unit 113.

  In step S <b> 408, the CPU 220 that executes the operation unit application displays a screen on which the user can select whether to print the selected print data as it is or to change the print setting on the operation unit 113. To do. This screen includes display items similar to those of the reserved print data list screen. Therefore, in addition to the document name of the selected print data, the reception date and time of the print data, and the print settings, the display items include print processing that applies the predicted time of the RIP processing of the print data predicted in step S308 in FIG. Estimated time is included.

  If printing of print data is selected, the process proceeds to step S414, and if changing print settings is selected, the process proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the CPU 220 executing the operation unit application displays a print setting change screen on the operation unit 113. The print setting items that can be changed include color mode settings, page aggregation settings, consolidated page layout settings, number of copies to be printed, tint block / stamp settings, resolution settings, output paper size settings, and blank page saving settings. Settings, double side / single side designation, etc. are included.

  The color mode setting specifies either monochrome printing or color printing. As the page aggregation setting, for example, a print setting for assigning 4 pages to one page (4 in 1, hereinafter, a print setting for assigning N pages to 1 page is designated as Nin 1) is specified. The arrangement setting of the aggregated pages designates the arrangement of the print data for which Nin1 is set on the printing paper. The designation of the number of print copies designates the number of print data print copies. The setting of a background pattern / stamp specifies printing of a stamp such as a background pattern or a date on a printing paper. The resolution setting specifies a print resolution according to the performance of the printer device 111, such as 600 dpi or 1200 dpi. The output paper size is set by specifying the print paper. The blank page saving setting specifies whether or not to delete a blank page of print data. The designation of double side / single side specifies single side, double side (long side binding), double side (short side binding).

  In step S410, the CPU 220 executing the operation unit application accepts the completion of the print setting change by the user.

  In step S411, the CPU 220 executing the operation unit application determines whether the print setting has been changed. If the print setting has not been changed, the process returns to step S408. On the other hand, if the print settings have been changed, the process proceeds to step S412.

  In step S412, the CPU 220 expands and executes the print data change unit 245 of the ROM 221 in the RAM 222, and executes print data change processing. Specifically, the selected print data is edited into print data corresponding to the print setting changed by the user.

  In step S413, the CPU 220 predicts the RIP processing time of the edited print data. The processing in step S413 is the same as the processing from step S302 to step S309 shown in FIG. If the RIP processing time is predicted, the process returns to step S408.

  If printing of print data is selected in step S408, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 220 starts job control processing. Specifically, the CPU 220 expands the job control processing unit 241, the PDL interpretation processing unit 242, the RIP processing unit 243, and the time prediction processing unit 244, which are program modules stored in the ROM 221, in the RAM 222. The CPU 220 starts job control processing by executing the job control processing unit 241 developed in the RAM 222.

  In step S415, the job control processing unit 241 expands the print data stored in the storage device 223 to the RAM 222, and executes the PDL interpretation processing unit 242, thereby starting the PDL interpretation processing of the print data.

  In step S416, the PDL interpretation processing unit 242 interprets the print data stored in the print data storage area of the RAM 222, and generates intermediate data. The intermediate data generated here is different from the intermediate data generated in step S304 in FIG. 3 and is generated at the resolution applied in the actual print processing.

  Next, the PDL interpretation processing unit 242 stores the generated intermediate data in the intermediate data storage area of the RAM 222 and notifies the job control processing unit 241 of the end.

  In step S417, the job control processing unit 241 receives the notification of the end of the PDL interpretation process, executes the RIP processing unit 243, and starts the RIP process.

  In step S418, the RIP processing unit 243 uses the RIP 231 to generate image data (bitmap image) according to the intermediate data stored in the intermediate data storage area of the RAM 222. The RIP processing unit 243 stores the generated image data in the image data storage area of the RAM 222 and notifies the job control processing unit 241 of the end.

  In step S <b> 419, the job control processing unit 241 instructs the printer device 111 to print the image data stored in the image data storage area of the RAM 222.

  In step S <b> 420, the printer device 111 prints the image data stored in the image data storage area of the RAM 222 on printing paper and discharges it. When the paper discharge is completed, the printer apparatus 111 notifies the job control processing unit 241 of the end of printing.

  In step S <b> 421, the job control processing unit 241 receives the print processing end notification from the printer device 111, ends the job control processing, and displays the end notification on the operation unit 113. The print data that has been printed may be deleted after printing, or may be stored in the storage device 223 until the user instructs deletion. The prediction data stored in the storage device 223 is deleted when the corresponding print data is deleted.

  As shown in step S413 of FIG. 4, the RIP processing time prediction process is executed every time the user changes the print setting. Therefore, the user cannot perform the next operation until the prediction process of the RIP processing time is completed.

(First embodiment)
Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the time required for the prediction process of the RIP processing time in the conventional print process of reserved print data.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing program modules stored in the ROM 221 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ROM 221 includes a re-prediction processing determination unit 246 in addition to the program modules shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing process of reserved print data according to an embodiment of the present invention. Steps S601 to S612 in FIG. 6 correspond to steps S401 to S412 in FIG. Also, Steps S615 to S623 in FIG. 6 correspond to Steps S413 to S421 in FIG. Therefore, the description of the steps corresponding to FIG. 4 is omitted. Steps S613 and S614 in FIG. 6 are processes added to the conventional print processing of reserved print data.

  When the editing of the print data is completed in step S612, in step S613, the CPU 220 executes the re-prediction process determination unit 246 expanded in the RAM 222 and starts re-prediction process determination. The re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether it is necessary to re-predict the RIP processing time of the edited print data. Details of the determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S614, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 returns to step S608 if the determination result in step S613 is “not re-predict (re-prediction execution flag is False)”. In this case, since the RIP processing time is not re-predicted, the predicted time already calculated and stored is displayed and notified to the user. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S613 is “pre-prediction (re-prediction execution flag is True)”, the process proceeds to step S615 to re-predict the RIP processing time.

  Thus, in this embodiment, whether to re-predict the RIP processing time can be switched according to the determination result of S613.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the re-prediction process determination in step S613 in FIG. In the re-prediction processing determination, it is determined whether or not the print setting change received from the user is a change that affects the RIP processing time by changing the drawing content of the print data. Among print setting changes, designation of the number of copies to be printed and designation of double-sided / single-sided do not change the drawing content of the print data. Therefore, these setting changes do not affect the RIP processing time, and the change is constant with respect to the type and the number of copies of the printing paper to be used, so that the re-prediction processing is unnecessary. On the other hand, when the color mode setting, page aggregation setting, aggregated page layout setting, tint block / stamp setting, resolution setting, output paper size setting, blank page saving setting are changed, the print data drawing contents Is changed. Therefore, since these setting changes affect the RIP processing time, re-prediction processing is necessary.

  First, in step S701, the re-prediction process determination unit 246 sets the re-prediction execution flag to False.

  In step S702, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the page aggregation setting has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S711, and the re-prediction execution flag is set to True.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating changes in the number and positions of objects on the scan line in accordance with the change in the page aggregation setting.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when two print data 121 and 122 are integrated into one print data 123, the direction of the print data changes with respect to the paper discharge direction. For this reason, in the RIP 231 using scanline rendering, the number and positional relationship of objects in the page existing on the scanlines 124 and 125 also change. Accordingly, if the page aggregation setting is changed, the object sorting process and hidden surface removal process for each scan line described above change compared to before the print setting is changed, and thus re-prediction processing is necessary.

  On the other hand, if there is no change in the page aggregation setting, the process advances to step S703.

  In step S703, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether or not the color mode setting has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S711, and the re-prediction execution flag is set to True.

  When the color mode setting is changed, the number of color channels and the data size required for color designation are different. For this reason, the processing load necessary for color synthesis, the intermediate data to be generated, and the content of the image forming process are changed, so that a re-prediction process is necessary.

  On the other hand, if there is no change in the color mode setting, the process advances to step S704.

  In step S704, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether or not the setting of the print page arrangement order has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S705. On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to step S706.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a change in print data in accordance with a change in the arrangement order of print pages in 4in1 (4 pages are combined into one page). When the print page layout example 126 before the change is compared with the print page layout example 127 after the change, the number of objects in the page and the positional relationship existing on the scan lines 128 and 129 change.

  If there is a change in the print page arrangement order, in step S705, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 changes the print page arrangement order only in the scan line direction in a setting in which a plurality of pages are combined into one page. Determine whether it was done. If it is not a change in only the scan line direction, the process advances to step S711 to set the re-prediction execution flag to True. On the other hand, if the change is only in the scan line direction, the process proceeds to step S706.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a change in print data in accordance with a setting change of the arrangement order of print pages in 2 in 1 (2 pages are combined into 1 page). Comparing the print page arrangement example 130 before the change with the print page arrangement example 131 after the change, there is no change in the number of objects in the page existing on the scan lines 132 and 133 and the positional relationship affecting the sort processing. . Therefore, even if there is a change in the print page layout order setting, if the page layout order is changed only in the scan line direction in one print data, it is necessary to execute the re-prediction process. Absent.

  In step S706, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the tint block / stamp setting has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S707. On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to step S708. If the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern / stamp setting is changed, a re-prediction process is required because a synthesis process is required for the entire page.

  However, if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern / stamp setting is changed, in step S707, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the degree of influence is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Specifically, if the area to be added / deleted exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 0.1% of the print data) due to the change in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern / stamp setting, the process proceeds to step S711 and the re-prediction execution flag is set. To True. On the other hand, if it is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S708. Even if the tint block / stamp setting is changed, if the degree of influence is not more than a predetermined threshold, for example, if the area to be added / deleted is not more than 0.1% of the print data, the RIP processing time is not greatly affected. Therefore, re-prediction processing is not required.

  In step S708, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether or not the resolution setting has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S711, and the re-prediction execution flag is set to True. On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to step S709.

  In step S709, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the setting of the output paper has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S711, and the re-prediction execution flag is set to True. On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to step S710.

  When the resolution setting and the output paper setting are changed, the output image size after the image forming process is changed. In addition, when the orientation (for example, portrait / landscape) of the output paper is changed, the number and position of the objects in the page existing on the scan line change, and thus re-prediction is necessary.

  In step S710, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the setting for saving blank pages has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S711, and the re-prediction execution flag is set to True.

  When the blank page saving setting is changed and a blank page is added or deleted, the number and position of the objects in the page existing on the scan line change, and thus re-prediction is necessary.

  On the other hand, when there is no change, the re-prediction process determination is terminated.

  In step S711, the re-prediction process determination unit 246 sets the re-prediction execution flag to True and ends the re-prediction process determination.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when there is a change in the print setting of the reserved print data, the change content is determined in detail, and a change in the print setting that does not require re-prediction processing is determined. By doing so, it is possible to switch whether or not to perform re-prediction processing according to the changed print setting, and to reduce unnecessary prediction processing that is not necessary.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the RIP processing time is re-estimated only when there is a print setting change that affects the RIP processing time. On the other hand, in this embodiment, even if a change in print settings affects the RIP processing time, the predicted time already calculated is corrected without performing the re-prediction processing. By doing so, the prediction process of RIP processing time can be reduced.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing program modules stored in the ROM 221 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ROM 221 includes a predicted time correction determination unit 247 and a predicted time correction unit 248 in addition to the program modules shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a printing process of reserved print data according to an embodiment of the present invention. Steps S1101 to S1114 in FIG. 11 correspond to steps S601 to S614 in FIG. Further, Steps S1118 to S1126 in FIG. 11 correspond to Steps S615 to S623 in FIG. Therefore, the description of the steps corresponding to FIG. 6 is omitted. Steps S1115 to S1117 in FIG. 11 are processes added to the first embodiment.

  If it is determined in step S1114 that re-prediction needs to be executed, in step S1115, the CPU 220 executes the prediction time correction determination unit 247 developed in the RAM 222, and executes prediction time correction determination. Details of the determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1116, if it is determined that the predicted RIP processing time can be corrected, the predicted time correction determination unit 247 proceeds to step S1117. Specifically, if the predicted time correction flag described later is True, the process proceeds to step S1117. In step S <b> 1117, the CPU executes the predicted time correction unit 248 developed in the RAM 222 to correct the predicted time. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predicted RIP processing time cannot be corrected, the process advances to step S1118 to re-predict the RIP processing time.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the prediction time correction determination in step S1115 of FIG.

  First, in step S1201, the prediction time correction determination unit 247 sets the prediction time correction flag to False.

  In step S1202, the predicted time correction determination unit 247 determines whether or not the resolution setting has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S1205, and the predicted time correction flag is set to True. On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to S1203.

  In step S1203, the predicted time correction determination unit 247 determines whether the setting of the output paper has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S1205, and the predicted time correction flag is set to True. On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to S1204.

  In step S1204, the predicted time correction determination unit 247 determines whether or not the setting for saving blank paper has been changed. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S1205, and the predicted time correction flag is set to True. On the other hand, when there is no change, the re-prediction process determination is terminated.

  In step S1205, the predicted time correction determination unit 247 sets the predicted time correction flag to True, and ends the predicted time correction determination.

  As described above, even when the print setting of the print data is changed, if the setting is the resolution setting, the output paper setting, or the blank page saving setting, the prediction time correction flag is set to True, The prediction time correction process described later is performed without performing the re-prediction process.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the prediction time correction in step S1117 of FIG.

  First, in step S1301, the predicted time correction unit 248 determines whether the resolution or output paper setting has been changed. If there is a change in the resolution or output paper setting, the process advances to step S1303. On the other hand, if there is no change in the resolution or output paper setting, that is, if there is a change in the setting for saving blank pages, the process advances to step S1302.

  When the resolution is changed, or when only the paper size is changed without changing the vertical and horizontal directions of the output paper (for example, when A4 paper is changed to A3 paper), the RIP processing time is adjusted according to the changed resolution. Can be corrected. Therefore, in step S1303, the prediction time correction unit 248 applies the parameters “a” and “b” stored in the prediction data storage area and the changed resolution x to the above-described equation y = ax ^ 2 + b, and the processing time. The RIP processing time is corrected by obtaining y.

  On the other hand, when the blank page saving setting is changed, only the processing time of the target blank page is calculated, and the processing time of the page is added / deleted. Therefore, in step S1302, the prediction time correction unit 248 corrects the RIP processing time by calculating only the processing time of the target blank page and adding / deleting the processing time of the page.

  Although the prediction time correction determination and the prediction time correction have been described independently with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, these processes may be executed simultaneously based on the change contents of the print settings. .

  As described above, it is possible to obtain a prediction time calculation time shortening effect by correcting the prediction time before changing the print setting without performing the re-prediction processing for the change in the resolution, output paper, and blank page saving setting. be able to.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, when the print setting change by the user is repeatedly executed, the prediction time corresponding to the print setting content is held, so that the calculation time of the predicted time when the same setting occurs repeatedly is calculated. Shorten.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing program modules stored in the ROM 221 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ROM 221 includes a predicted time storage unit 249 and a predicted time change unit 250 in addition to the program modules of FIG.

  The flowchart of the process according to the present embodiment is different from the flowchart of FIG. 11 except that the internal process of the re-prediction process determination in step S1113, the prediction time correction in step S1117, and the RIP time prediction process in step S1118 is different. Corresponding to Therefore, only different processes will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the prediction data stored in the prediction data storage area of the RAM 222 is stored in the form of a table that is paired with the print setting when the prediction data is calculated.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a table 500 stored in the predicted data storage area of the RAM 222 in the present embodiment. The predicted time storage unit 249 stores print data 501, page aggregation setting (Nup setting) 502, color mode setting 503, aggregated page layout setting 504, and copy-forgery-inhibited pattern / stamp setting 505 for each setting in the form of a table 500. To do. Further, the predicted time storage unit 249 corrects the resolution setting 506, the output paper setting 507, the blank paper saving setting 508, the predicted time 509, and the parameter “a” necessary for the relational expression between the resolution and the processing time in order to correct the predicted time 509. "510" and "b" 511 are held for each setting. In the predicted time correction in step S1117 and the RIP time prediction process in step S1118, the CPU 220 that executes each process adds the predicted RIP processing time and print settings to the table 500 of the predicted data storage area.

  FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of processing executed before the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 in the re-prediction processing determination in step S1113 in the present embodiment. The re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the changed combination of print setting items exists in the table 500 of the predicted data storage area.

  First, in step S1601, the re-prediction process determination unit 246 sets the re-prediction execution flag to False.

  In step S1602, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the same setting as the page aggregation setting exists in the table 500 for the same print data as the print data whose print setting has been changed. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S1603. On the other hand, if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG.

  In step S1603, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the same setting as the color mode setting exists in the table 500 for the same print data as the print data whose print setting has been changed. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S1604. On the other hand, if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG.

  In step S1604, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the same setting as the aggregated page layout setting exists in the table 500 for the same print data as the print data whose print settings have been changed. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S1605. On the other hand, if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG.

  In step S1605, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the same setting as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern / stamp setting exists in the table 500 for the same print data as the print data whose print setting has been changed. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S1606. On the other hand, if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG.

  In step S1606, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the same setting as the resolution setting exists in the table 500 for the same print data as the print data whose print settings have been changed. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S1607. On the other hand, if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG.

  In step S1607, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the same setting as the output paper setting exists in the table 500 for the same print data as the print data whose print setting has been changed. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S1608. On the other hand, if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG.

  In step S1608, the re-prediction processing determination unit 246 determines whether the same setting as the blank paper saving setting exists in the table 500 for the same print data as the print data whose print settings have been changed. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S1609. On the other hand, if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG.

  If the table 500 includes print setting data that has the same print setting items as described above, the predicted time change unit 250 refers to the predicted time 509 in the print setting data in the table 500 in step S1609. The operation unit application displays the estimated RIP processing time 509 referred to on the operation unit 113. Next, the process proceeds to step S1114 in FIG.

  As described above, when the same print setting is repeatedly executed, it is not necessary to predict the RIP processing time by holding the print setting and its estimated time and calling the estimated time in the saved print setting. , Wasteful prediction processing can be reduced.

  Similarly, in the predicted time correction process in step S1117 of FIG. 11, the print data is the same for all print setting items other than the resolution setting, the output paper setting, or the blank page saving setting with reference to the table 500. If there is, the following processing may be performed. That is, correction may be performed using the prediction time 509, the prediction parameter a 510, and the prediction parameter b 511 in the print setting data stored in the prediction data storage area.

  In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated the form using 2nd Embodiment, the form using 1st Embodiment may be sufficient.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (12)

Storage means for storing print data and image formation processing time of the print data;
Accepting means for accepting a change in print settings of the stored print data;
A determination unit for determining whether the changed print setting is a setting for changing a drawing content of the print data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a predicting unit that predicts an image forming processing time when it is determined that the drawing content of the print data is changed.   The settings for changing the drawing contents of the print data include page aggregation setting, color mode setting, aggregated page arrangement setting, tint block / stamp setting, resolution setting, output paper setting, and blank page saving setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the settings is changed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying the predicted image forming processing time.   4. The notification unit according to claim 3, wherein when the changed print setting is not a setting for changing the drawing content of the print data, the notification unit notifies the image forming processing time stored in the storage unit. Image forming apparatus.   When the changed print setting is an aggregated page layout setting, and the setting is a setting in which a plurality of pages are aggregated into one page, the page is changed only in the scan line direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming processing time is not predicted.   The predicting unit does not predict an image forming processing time when the changed print setting is a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern / stamp setting and an influence on the print data is equal to or less than a threshold value. The image forming apparatus described in 1. When it is determined that the changed print setting is a setting for changing the drawing content of the print data,
Determining means for determining whether the changed print setting is a setting capable of correcting an image forming processing time of the stored print data;
And a correction unit that corrects the image formation processing time of the stored print data when it is determined that the setting is capable of correcting the image formation processing time of the stored print data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The setting capable of correcting the image forming processing time of the stored print data is a setting in which at least one of a resolution setting, an output sheet setting, and a blank page saving setting is changed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. Storage means for holding the changed print setting and the image forming processing time corresponding to the changed print setting;
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a changing unit configured to change the image forming process time based on the held image forming process time when the same print setting as the held print setting occurs. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Storage means for storing print data and image formation processing time of the print data;
Accepting means for accepting a change in print settings of the stored print data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a switching unit that switches a prediction method of the image forming processing time according to the changed print setting. Storing print data and an image formation processing time of the print data;
Receiving a change in print settings of the stored print data;
Determining whether the changed print setting is a setting for changing a drawing content of the print data; and
And a step of predicting an image forming processing time when it is determined that the setting is to change the drawing content of the print data.   The program for functioning a computer as an image forming apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10.

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