JP2018113539A - Image processing device, processing method therefor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device capable of reducing user's time and effort by preventing processing from being complicated, the image processing device being configured to execute multiple kinds of processing through one operation, a processing method therefor and a program.SOLUTION: In a case where processing to be executed by one operation is discriminated as multiple kinds of processing, an image processing device (MFP 100) stores image data (intermediate file) read by a scan part 10j in a BOX of a RAM 10b as common processing of the multiple kinds of processing. In a case where processing to be executed by one operation is single processing, the image processing device (MFP 100) converts image data into data of a direct output format. In a case where processing to be executed by one operation is multiple kinds of processing and image data (intermediate file) are being stored in the BOX of the RAM 10b, the image processing device utilizes the image data (intermediate file) to convert image data into data corresponding to an output format of each processing to be executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a processing method thereof, and a program, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus capable of performing a plurality of processes by one operation, a processing method thereof, and a program thereof.

  In an office environment or the like, image processing apparatuses such as copiers, printers, and MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals) that are multifunction machines of these are widely used.

  In the MFP, there are cases where it is desired to output a plurality of printed materials with different print settings, or where it is desired to print a document and perform FAX. However, the conventional method for registering / calling preference settings and the operation method have to be instructed to execute printing multiple times for each print setting, or to perform a fax operation after printing, which is troublesome. It was. Therefore, in the system described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of different favorite print settings are registered as one workflow, and a plurality of print jobs reflecting the different print settings are generated by specifying the registered workflow at the time of printing. Yes.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-18509

  In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to execute a plurality of prints reflecting different print settings by executing one registered workflow. However, in order to execute a plurality of prints as in the system, there is a problem that the same original document needs to be read a plurality of times in the scanner unit, and the processing becomes complicated. For example, when executing one workflow of copying five copies of a 100-page document in monochrome and copying one copy in color, the scanner unit reads the document of 100 pages once in the process of copying five copies in monochrome. In addition, in the process of copying one copy in color, since the scanner unit reads a document of 100 pages once, a total of 200 pages of the document must be read, which takes time and effort for the user.

  Therefore, the present technology provides an image processing apparatus, a processing method thereof, and a program capable of reducing a user's effort without making the process complicated in an image processing apparatus capable of performing a plurality of processes with one operation. One purpose.

  An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of processes by one operation, and includes a reading unit that reads an image, and a plurality of output units that output an image read by the reading unit. , Conversion means for converting the first data of the image read by the reading means into second data in the output format of the output means output by the executed processing, storage means for storing the data, and execution A determination unit configured to determine a type of processing. When the determination unit determines that the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes, the determination unit determines whether the image read by the reading unit is a common process of the plurality of processes. The first data is stored in the storage means, and the conversion means converts the first data of the image read by the reading means directly into the second data when the process executed by one operation is a single process. Horn When the process executed in the operation is a plurality of processes and the first data is stored in the storage unit, the first data stored in the storage unit is used to output each of the output units of the processes to be executed. Convert to second data suitable for the output format.

  Preferably, when the determination unit determines that the output format of the second data used in a plurality of processes executed by one operation is common, the storage unit stores the second data after conversion by the conversion unit The output means outputs the stored second data when the second data is stored in the storage means, and executes the process executed when the first data is stored in the storage means. It converts into the 2nd data according to the output format of an output means, and outputs.

  Preferably, the first data can be converted into second data having a plurality of file formats and a plurality of resolutions in accordance with the output format of the output means of the process to be executed.

  Preferably, the determination unit determines the order of processes to be executed in one operation based on conditions including the type of process to be executed and the status of the image processing apparatus.

  According to an aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a processing method for an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of processes with one operation, and the image processing apparatus outputs an image read by the reading means and an image read by the reading means. An image read by the reading means as a common process of the plurality of processes when it is determined that the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes. Storing the first data in the storage means, and if the processing executed by one operation is a single process, converting the first data of the image read by the reading means directly into the second data; When the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes and the first data is stored in the storage means, the first data stored in the storage means is used to output the processes executed respectively. means And converting the second data that was in the output format.

  According to an aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a program executed by an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of processes with one operation, the image processing apparatus including a reading unit that reads an image and an image that is read by the reading unit A plurality of output means for outputting and storage means for storing data, and when the program determines that a process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes in a computer mounted on the image processing apparatus, When the step of storing the first data of the image read by the reading means in the storage means as a common process of the plurality of processes and the process executed by one operation are single processes, the image read by the reading means When the step of directly converting the first data into the second data and the process executed by one operation are a plurality of processes and the first data is stored in the storage means, Using the first data stored in, and a step of converting the second data that was in the output format of the output means of the processing respectively executed.

  According to the present technology, when it is determined that the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes, the first data of the read image is stored in the storage unit, and the stored first data is stored in each storage unit. Since the data is converted into the second data suitable for the output format of the output means, the processing is not complicated and the user's labor can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the image processing system concerning embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a function structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the platform of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a menu screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu screen of an application. It is a figure which shows the example of a simple setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a one-touch command screen. It is a figure for demonstrating Job performed with an image processing apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of the image data of a file format, and the image data of an intermediate file. 10 is a flowchart for explaining job determination executed by the image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the structure which determines the order of the process contained in Job performed with an image processing apparatus.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of an image processing system (hereinafter, system) according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the system includes MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals) 1 and 23 as an example of an image processing apparatus, and a cloud server 21 on the Internet. A terminal device 22 such as a PC (personal computer) can also be connected to the cloud server 21. This system corresponds to what is called an intranet using a protocol compliant with the Internet.

  FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system includes two MFPs 1 and 23 and one terminal device 22 as client devices. The MFPs 1 and 23 are not limited to two, but may be only one or three or more. Further, the terminal device 22 is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

  The cloud server 21 provides various cloud services to the MFPs 1 and 23 connected to the network. As an example of a service provided from the cloud server 21, a print service that causes the MFPs 1 and 23 to print data (such as documents and images) stored in the cloud server 21, and a document that is scanned by the MFPs 1 and 23. There is a scan service, a storage service that stores FAX data received by the MFPs 1 and 23, and the like. Image data obtained by executing the scan service can be uploaded to the cloud server 21. Further, the image data can be transmitted to another MFP.

  The MFPs 1 and 23 are apparatuses in which functions for providing services such as copy, PC print, fax, scan, box, and ubiquitous are integrated. Sometimes called a "multifunction machine".

  The PC print service is a service for printing an image on a sheet based on the image data received from the terminal device 22. It may also be called “network printing” or “network printing”.

  The box service is a service for storing and managing image data and the like by using a storage area called “box” or “personal box” for each user. A box corresponds to a “folder” or “directory” in a personal computer.

  The scanning service is a service that reads an image written on a sheet to generate image data, stores the image data in a recording medium, or transmits the image data to another apparatus. Services are subdivided according to storage destination or transmission destination. For example, there are services such as “Scan_To_Box” whose storage destination is a box, “Scan_To_Email” whose transmission destination is an e-mail address, and “Scan_To_FAX” whose transmission destination is FAX.

  The ubiquitous service is a service that performs user login, data management, and the like in cooperation with other image processing apparatuses.

  The terminal device 22 is a client for using the above-described service of the MFP 1 remotely. As the terminal device 22, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like is used.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus (MFP 1). As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a VRAM (Video RAM) 10c, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10d, an HDD unit 10e, an operation panel unit 10g, The network I / F unit 10h, the FAX unit 10i, the scanning unit 10j, and the printing unit 10k are configured.

  The operation panel unit 10g is a so-called touch panel display, and displays a screen showing a message for the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. The operation panel unit 10g sends a signal indicating the touched position to the CPU 10a.

  The VRAM 10c is used for storing screen data to be displayed on the operation panel unit 10g which is a touch panel display.

  The network I / F unit 10h communicates with other devices using a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The FAX unit 10i exchanges image data with a facsimile terminal using a protocol such as G3.

  The scanning unit 10j reads an image written on a sheet set on the platen glass and generates image data.

  In addition to the image read by the scan unit 10j, the print unit 10k prints an image received from another device by the network I / F unit 10h or the FAX unit 10i on paper.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus (MFP 1). In the MFP 1, a technique of providing a web server called “IWS (Internal Web Server)” has been proposed in order to improve the expandability of functions more easily than in the past. As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 1 also employs IWS technology, and has an IWS platform 10m as a function executed by the CPU 10a. Since the MFP 1 has the IWS platform 10m, it is possible to execute a one-touch application that executes a job including at least one process by one operation described later. The IWS platform 10m also functions as a determination unit that determines the type of processing to be executed.

  Other functions executed by the CPU 10a include an image processing unit 10n, an image transfer unit 10p, and a received data analysis unit 10q. For example, when the image processing unit 10n outputs image data read by the scanning unit 10j to the printing unit 10k, the image processing unit 10n performs processing for converting the image data in accordance with the output format of the printing unit 10k. That is, the image processing unit 10n functions as a conversion unit that converts the image data read by the scanning unit 10j into data suitable for the output format of the output unit (for example, the print unit 10k) output by the executed process. doing. As the output means, in addition to the printing unit 10k, a FAX unit 10i, a network I / F unit 10h, and the like are also included. The output format includes color or monochrome, resolution, file format, and the like.

  For example, the image transfer unit 10p performs processing for transferring and storing image data received via the network I / F unit 10h to the HDD unit 10e. The reception data analysis unit 10q performs processing for analyzing image data received via the network I / F unit 10h, for example, and analyzing image data read from the HDD unit 10e. Therefore, FIG. 3 shows arrows indicating the flow of image data between the reception data analysis unit 10q and the network I / F unit 10h and between the reception data analysis unit 10q and the HDD unit 10e. . In addition, since the user can check the image data analyzed by the reception data analysis unit 10q with the operation panel unit 10g, the flow of the image data also between the reception data analysis unit 10q and the operation panel unit 10g. The arrow which shows is shown in figure.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a platform of the image processing apparatus (MFP 1). The operating system 101 and the MFP system 102 shown in FIG. 4 are installed in the ROM 10d or the HDD unit 10e shown in FIG. 2 as software for performing overall management or basic processing of the MFP 1 and providing a user interface. ing. A native application platform 103 is prepared to provide the functions of the operating system 101 or the MFP system 102 to the application.

  Furthermore, in addition to the copy application 401, the scan application 402, and the box application 403, a browser application 404, a menu application 405, and the like are installed in the area of the HDD unit 10e reserved as hardware resources. The copy application 401 or the menu application 405 operates via the native application platform 103.

  A web server system 105, which is software for IWS, is installed in the area of the HDD 10e reserved as hardware resources for the web server. Furthermore, an IWS application (1) 471, an IWS application (2) 472, a menu web application 475, and the like are installed. These applications operate via the web server system 105. A job manager 49 is installed in the area of the HDD 10e. When the user instructs execution of a job using the native application 40 or the IWS application 47, the job manager 49 registers the job in a queue. Then, the jobs registered in the queue are sequentially executed according to the status of each hardware. The job manager 49 records the performance data of the executed job in the job information storage area 43.

  Thus, some applications are executed via the native application platform 103 and others are executed via the web server system 105.

  Hereinafter, in order to distinguish these applications, an application executed via the native application platform 103 is referred to as a “native application 40”. On the other hand, an application executed via the web server system 105 is referred to as “IWS application 47”.

  A copy application 401, a scan application 402, and a box application 403 are applications for providing the above-described copy, scan, and box services, respectively.

  According to the copy application 401, the user arbitrarily sets the conditions for all items related to copying (number of copies, color, paper size, magnification, reading resolution, output resolution, printing surface, aggregate printing, finishing, etc.) The job can be executed by the MFP 1.

  According to the scan application 402, the user arbitrarily sets conditions for all items related to scanning, and sends a scan job (a job to scan an image from paper to generate image data and save or transmit it) to the MFP 1. Can be executed.

  The browser application 404 is a web browser. The menu application 405 is an application that displays the menu screen 50 including the buttons of the native application 40 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel unit 10g and activates the native application 40 of the button selected by the user. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen.

  The native application 40 is basically fixedly installed in the MFP 1. The menu screen 50 also displays buttons for the IWS application (1) 471 and the IWS application (2) 472 in addition to the buttons for the native application 40.

  When the user selects the button of the browser application 404 among the buttons of the native application 40 shown in FIG. 5, the menu screen 57 of the menu web application 475 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the operation panel unit 10g. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an application menu screen. The menu screen 57 includes buttons for specific applications selected by the user from the native application 40 and the IWS application 47 exemplified above. That is, the user can customize which application button is arranged on the menu screen 57.

  The IWS application 47 is mainly composed of source files, and may include image files or audio files. A web page file or a program file is used as the source file. The web page file is a file for displaying the web page of the IWS application 47, and is a markup language (for example, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) or XML (Extensible Markup Language)) or a script language (for example, Python or JavaScript (registered trademark). The program file is described in CGI (Common Gateway Interface), for example, Python's WSGI (Web Server Gateway Interface). A plurality of source files may be prepared for one IWS application 47. In addition, a web page file is not prepared in advance, and a new program file may be generated each time an access is made from a web browser. The user can freely install and uninstall the IWS application 47.

  Modules or program files constituting these software are loaded into the RAM 10b as necessary and executed by the CPU 10a. A hard disk drive, SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used for the HDD unit 10e, which is a mass storage device.

  Note that the operating system 101, the MFP system 102, and the native application platform 103 are some of the elements of a conventional platform of a general image processing apparatus. Depending on the model, all or some of these parts correspond to firmware. On the other hand, the web server system 105 is an element extended to execute a web application.

  Next, when the user selects the button of the IWS application (1) 471, a simple setting copy application condition setting screen 531 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the operation panel unit 10g. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a simple setting screen. Similar to the copy application 401, the simple setting copy application provides a copy service to the user. As described above, according to the copy application 401, the conditions of all items relating to copying can be arbitrarily set. However, according to the simple setting copy application, the condition setting screen 531 as shown in FIG. Displayed on the part 10g. The user can set only the conditions of some specific items via the condition setting screen 531 and cause the MFP 1 to execute a copy job.

  Next, when the user selects the button of the IWS application (2) 472, a one-touch command screen 532 of the one-touch application as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the operation panel unit 10g. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a one-touch command screen. The one-touch application is an application for executing a job including at least one or more processes in one operation, and the user gives an instruction to execute at least one or more processes only by pressing a center button. Can do. Specifically, on the one-touch command screen 532 shown in FIG. 8, only by pressing the button once, for example, “Copy” processing for copying one copy in monochrome, the document is read by the scan unit 10j, and the read image data is color-coded. Then, the “Scan_To_Email” process for sending by e-mail as a PDF file with a resolution of 200 dpi, and the “Scan_To_FAX” process for sending the scanned image data in black and white at a resolution of 400 dpi can be executed in order.

  However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when the button on the one-touch command screen 532 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, the document is read once by the scan unit 10j in the “Copy” process, and the document is scanned by the scan unit 10j in the “Scan_To_Email” process. The original is read once by the scanning unit 10j in the “Scan_To_FAX” process. That is, in the conventional image processing apparatus, even if there is only one operation, the same process is repeated a plurality of times, which makes the process complicated, and the user's effort to set the document in the scanning unit 10j is increased by the number of times the document is read. There was a problem.

  Therefore, the MFP 1 does not simply set the “Copy” process, the “Scan_To_Email” process, and the “Scan_To_FAX” process as one IWS application (2) 472 in the IWS platform 10m. The image data read in one reading process is converted into a process to be stored in the storage means (RAM 10b) and set. Further, in the MFP 1, in the IWS platform 10m, the image data stored in the storage unit is converted into a process for converting into image data suitable for the output format of each output unit (print output, EMAIL transmission, FAX transfer, etc.) and set. . That is, the IWS platform 10m functions as a determination unit that determines the type of process to be executed, and when it is determined that the process executed in one operation is a plurality of processes, The intermediate file (first data) of the image read by the scanning unit 10j is converted into a process for storing in the storage means and set as the IWS application (2) 472. In the following, processing to be converted by the IWS platform 10m will be specifically described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a job executed by the image processing apparatus (MFP 1). In FIG. 9, four typical applications (Job 1 to Job 4) set in the IWS application will be described in detail. First, Job1 is a process of copying one copy in monochrome [Copy (monochrome, one copy)], and description in the IWS application is [API_Copy (mono, 1)]. Since Job1 has a single set process, the description of the IWS application after conversion on the IWS platform 10m is the same [API_Copy (mono, 1)].

  Next, Job2 performs a process of copying one copy in monochrome [Copy (monochrome, one copy)], reads a document by the scan unit 10j, and transmits the read image data by color as a PDF file having a resolution of 200 dpi. [Scan To Email (color, PDF, 200 dpi)] and processing for scanning the scanned image data in monochrome and at a resolution of 400 dpi [Scan To FAX (monochrome, 400 dpi)] are sequentially executed.

  When Job2 is simply described as an application that sequentially executes three processes, [API_Copy (mono, 1), API_ScanToEmail (Color, PDF, 200, km@xx.jp), API_ScanToFax (mono, 400, 07200000000)] In each process, scanning for reading a document is executed, so that three scans are executed as a whole.

  Therefore, in the IWS platform 10m, the description of Job2 is changed to [API_ScanToBox, API_BoxToPrint (mono, 1), API_BoxToEmail (Color, PDF, 200, km@xxx.jp), API_Box7O0007, Tom000, 10000] ]. That is, in Job 2, the image data of the original read by the scanning unit 10j is temporarily stored in a box (BOX) set in the RAM 10b. The image data stored in the box (BOX) is saved as an intermediate file (first data) independent of the output format.

  Further, in Job2, using the intermediate file stored in the box (BOX), a process of performing one copy in monochrome [API_BoxToPrint (mono, 1)], and the read image data in color as a PDF file with a resolution of 200 dpi Processing to send to the destination (km@xx.jp) by mail [API_BoxToEmail (Color, PDF, 200, km@xx.jp)], processing to send the scanned image data to the destination (07200000000) at monochrome and resolution of 400 dpi [API_BoxToFax (mono, 400, 07200000000)] is executed in order. In each process, the intermediate file is converted into image data (second data) suitable for the output format, so that the scan for reading the document is not executed in each process, and only one scan can be executed as a whole. it can.

  Next, Job3 performs a process of performing one copy in monochrome [Copy (monochrome, one copy)], and performs a process of performing one copy in monochrome by reducing two pages into one (2 in 1) [Copy (monochrome, one copy)]. Copy, 2 in 1)], and a process [Copy (monochrome, 1 copy, double side)] for performing one copy in monochrome on both sides of the paper.

  When Job3 is simply described as an application that executes three processes in order, [API_Copy (mono, 1), API_Copy (mono, 1, 2 in 1), API_Copy (mono, 1, both sides)], and a document in each process Therefore, three scans are executed as a whole. Note that the output for each process is the same print output, but since the output format is different for each process, scanning for reading a document is executed in each process.

  Therefore, in the IWS platform 10m, the description of Job3 is changed to [API_ScanToBox, API_BoxToPrint (mono, 1), API_BoxToPrint (mono, 1, 2in1), API_BoxToPrint (mono, 1 side, double side) as shown in FIG. That is, in Job 3, the image data of the document read by the scanning unit 10j is temporarily stored in a box (BOX) set in the RAM 10b. The image data stored in the box (BOX) is saved as an intermediate file (first data) independent of the output format.

  Further, in the job 3 process, a single copy is made in monochrome using the intermediate file stored in the box (BOX) [API_BoxToPrint (mono, 1)], and 2 pages are reduced to 1 sheet (2 in 1). Then, a process of copying one copy in monochrome [API_BoxToPrint (mono, 1, 2 in 1)] and a process of copying one copy in monochrome on both sides of the paper [API_BoxToPrint (mono, 1, duplex)] are sequentially executed. In each process, the intermediate file is converted into image data (second data) suitable for the output format, so that the scan for reading the document is not executed in each process, and only one scan can be executed as a whole. it can.

  Next, Job4 scans the original with the scanning unit 10j, sends the scanned image data as a PDF file with a resolution of 200 dpi in color [Scan_To_Email (color, PDF, 200 dpi)], and reads the scanned image data in color. The “Scan_To_SMB” process [Scan_To_SMB (color, PDF, 200 dpi)] to be transmitted to the cloud server 21 as a PDF file with a resolution of 200 dpi is sequentially executed.

  When Job3 is simply described as an application that sequentially executes two processes, [API_ScanToEmail (Color, PDF, 200, km@xx.jp), API_ScanToSMB (Color, PDF, 200, 150.xx.xx)] Since scanning for reading a document is executed in each process, two scans are executed as a whole.

  Therefore, in the IWS platform 10m, the description of Job4 is changed to [API_ScanToBox, API_BoxToEmail (Color, PDF, 200, km@xx.jp), API_BoxToSMB (Color, PDF, 200, 150.xx.xx)] as shown in FIG. Convert to That is, in Job4, the image data of the document read by the scanning unit 10j is temporarily stored in a box (BOX) set in the RAM 10b. However, in the case of Job4, since the output format in each process is the same file format, the image data in the file format (Color, PDF, 200 dpi) is stored rather than stored in the box (BOX) as the intermediate file (first data). As a result, the overall processing speed is faster.

  In the IWS platform 10m, the above conversion is not performed, and Job4 is described as [API_ScanToHDD (Color, PDF, 200), API_BoxToEmail (km@xx.jp), API_BoxToSMB (150.xx.xx)] as shown in FIG. Convert to That is, in Job4, the image data of the document read by the scanning unit 10j is stored in the HDD unit 10e as a PDF file having a color resolution of 200 dpi.

  Further, in Job4, a process [API_BoxToHDD (km@xx.jp)] that sends a PDF file stored in the HDD unit 10e to a destination (km@xx.jp) by e-mail, and a PDF file stored in the HDD unit 10e is addressed ( 150.xx.xx) [API_BoxToSMB (150.xx.xx)] to be transmitted to the cloud server 21 is executed in order. Since it is not necessary to convert the intermediate file into image data (PDF file) in each process in each process, the processing speed of Job can be improved.

  Processing of document image data read by the scanning unit 10j in Job1 to Job4 shown in FIG. 9 will be described in more detail. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining processing of image data in a file format and image data of an intermediate file. In the case of Job1, since only the process of copying one copy in monochrome [Copy (monochrome, one copy)] is performed, the document image data (intermediate file) read by the scan unit 10j is directly converted into monochrome image data. Print out.

  In the case of Job2 and Job3, the image data of the original read by the scanning unit 10j is stored in a box (BOX) provided in the RAM 10b as an intermediate file. Since the intermediate file stored in the box (BOX) is a file that does not depend on the output format, it is necessary to perform data conversion in accordance with the output format of the output means. Specifically, in the “Scan_To_Email” process in Job2, the intermediate file is converted into a PDF file having a resolution of 200 dpi in color and mail transmission is performed. Further, in the “Scan_To_FAX” process in Job2, the intermediate file is converted into monochrome image data with a resolution of 400 dpi, and FAX transmission is performed.

  On the other hand, in the case of Job4, the image data of the original read by the scanning unit 10j is not stored as an intermediate file, but is converted into image data in a file format (PDF file having a color resolution of 200 dpi) and stored in the HDD unit 10e. To do. In Job4, the PDF file stored in the HDD unit 10e is directly sent by e-mail or sent to the cloud server 21.

  Next, in the IWS platform 10m, as shown in FIG. 10, the image data of the original read by the scanning unit 10j is directly converted and output, or the intermediate file is stored in a box (BOX), or the data Job determination processing for determining whether the converted image data is stored in the HDD unit 10e will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining job determination executed by the image processing apparatus (MFP 1). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, first, the CPU 10a (see FIG. 2) determines whether or not the number of processes (job number) included in the job of the IWS application executed on the IWS platform 10m is greater than 1 (step S11). ).

  If the number of jobs of the IWS application is greater than 1 (YES in step S11), the CPU 10a determines whether the intermediate file is converted into image data in the file format and the output format is the same in all the processes to be executed. (Step S12). If all the processes are converted into the file format and the output formats are not the same (NO in step S12), the CPU 10a stores the image data of the document read by the scan unit 10j in the box (BOX) as an intermediate file, For each process, the intermediate file is converted into an output format and the process is executed a plurality of times (step S13). As the IWS applications classified in step S13, there are Job2 and Job3 shown in FIG.

  When all the processes are converted into the file format and the output format is the same (YES in step S12), the CPU 10a converts the image data of the document read by the scan unit 10j into the image data of the file format and converts it into the HDD unit. 10e, and the process is executed a plurality of times using the image data in the converted file format (step S14). As an IWS application classified in step S14, there is Job4 shown in FIG.

  Returning to step S11, if the number of jobs in the IWS application is 1 (NO in step S11), the CPU 10a determines that it is not necessary to store image data in the processing of the IWS application being executed, and the scanning unit 10j. A process for directly converting the image data of the original read in step S15 is executed (step S15). As an IWS application classified in step S15, there is Job1 shown in FIG.

  As described above, MFP 1 according to the present embodiment is an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of processes with one operation. If the MFP 1 determines that the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes, the MFP 1 stores the image data (first data) read by the scanning unit 10j in the RAM 10b as a process common to the plurality of processes. . Further, when the process executed by one operation is a single process, the MFP 1 directly converts the image data (first data) read by the scanning unit 10j into image data (second data), and performs one operation. In the case where the processing executed in step S1 is a plurality of processing and the image data (first data) is stored in the RAM 10b, the image data (first data) is used in the RAM 10b to output the processing to be executed respectively. Are converted into image data (second data) suitable for the output format.

  Therefore, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes, the read image data (first data) is stored in the RAM 10b and stored. Since the image data (first data) is converted into image data (second data) suitable for the output format of each output means, the processing is not complicated and the user's labor can be reduced.

  Also, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the file format of the image data used in a plurality of processes executed in one operation is common, the image data in the converted file format is displayed. Save in the HDD unit 10e. Further, when the image data (second data) is stored in the HDD unit 10e, the MFP 1 outputs the stored second data, and the read image data (first data) is stored in the RAM 10b. In this case, the image data is converted into image data (second data) that conforms to the output format of the output means of the process to be executed and output. Therefore, the MFP 1 does not need to convert to duplicated image data (second data), and can improve the processing speed.

  Also, the image data (first data) according to the present embodiment can be converted into image data (second data) having a plurality of file formats and a plurality of resolutions in accordance with the output format of the output means of the processing to be executed. is there. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform processing for reading a document by the scanning unit 10j for each output format of the output unit.

<Embodiment 2>
In MFP 1 according to the first embodiment, processing is executed in the order set by the IWS application. That is, in Job 2 shown in FIG. 9, [Copy (monochrome, 1 copy)] processing, [Scan To Email (color, PDF, 200 dpi)] processing, and [Scan To FAX (monochrome, 400 dpi)] processing are executed in this order. The However, if the print output is used in another process in the MFP 1, the [Scan To Mono (color, PDF, 200 dpi)] process is executed first without executing the [Copy (monochrome, 1 copy)] process. The whole processing can be made faster. Therefore, in MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, a configuration for determining the order of processes included in Job in consideration of conditions including the type of process to be executed and the status of MFP 1 will be described.

  Hereinafter, a configuration for determining the order of processing included in the job will be specifically described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a configuration for determining the order of processing included in a job executed by the image processing apparatus (MFP 1). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, first, the CPU 10a (see FIG. 2) determines whether or not the number of processes (job number) included in the job of the IWS application executed on the IWS platform 10m is greater than 1 (step S21). ).

  If the number of jobs in the IWS application is greater than 1 (YES in step S21), the CPU 10a determines whether print output of the MFP 1 is being executed (step S22). If the print output of the MFP 1 is not being executed (NO in step S22), the CPU 10a sets the order of processing involving printing such as copying to the first (step S23). Specifically, in the case of Job 2 shown in FIG. 9, the process [Copy (monochrome, one copy)] for performing one copy in monochrome is set to the first.

  When the print output of the MFP 1 is being executed (YES in step S22), the CPU 10a determines whether or not the network load is large (step S24). When the load on the network is not large (NO in step S24), the CPU 10a sets the order of processing involving transmission to the network to 1 (step S25). Specifically, in the case of Job2 shown in FIG. 9, the processing [Scan_To_Email (color, PDF, 200 dpi)] for sending the image data read by the scanning unit 10j as a PDF file with a resolution of 200 dpi in color is set to No. 1. Is done.

  When the load on the network is large (YES in step S24), the CPU 10a sets the number 1 for processing involving communication such as FAX transmission (step S26). Specifically, in the case of Job2 shown in FIG. 9, the processing [Scan_To_FAX (monochrome, 400 dpi)] for transmitting the image data read by the scanning unit 10j in monochrome and at a resolution of 400 dpi is set to No. 1. The CPU 10a executes the job process according to the order set in step S23, step S25, and step S26 (step S27).

  Returning to step S21, if the number of jobs in the IWS application is 1 (NO in step S21), the CPU 10a executes the job processing in step S27 without setting the processing order.

  As described above, in MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the order of processes to be executed in one operation is determined based on conditions including the type of process to be executed and the status of MFP 1. Therefore, the MFP 1 can execute job processing faster by effectively using the resources of the MFP 1.

<Modification>
(1) In the above embodiment and the like, it has been described that the intermediate file is stored in the box (BOX) set in the RAM 10b, and the image data in the file format is saved in the HDD unit 10e. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the intermediate file may be stored in the HDD unit 10e, and the image data in the file format may be stored in the RAM 10b. Furthermore, the intermediate file and the file format image data may be stored in the cloud server 21.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment and the like, when all processes are converted into the file format and the output format is the same (YES in step S12), the CPU 10a converts the document image data read by the scanning unit 10j into the file format. It has been described that the image data is converted into the image data and stored in the HDD unit 10e. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if it is converted into the file format by a plurality of processes included in the job and the output format is the same, the image data of the document read by the scanning unit 10j is converted into the image data of the file format. And may be stored in the HDD unit 10e. In that case, an intermediate file may be stored in a box (BOX) set in the RAM 10b. For example, among the five processes included in the job, the image data in the file format saved in the HDD unit 10e by three processes may be used, and the intermediate file stored in the RAM 10b may be used by the remaining two processes. The file format may be an image file such as a JPEG file or a TIFF file in addition to the above-described PDF file.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment and the like, it has been described that the MFP 1 determines the order of processing included in the job based on the conditions including the type of processing to be executed and the status of the MFP 1 before executing the job. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and every time the MFP 1 executes the process included in the job, the remaining process included in the job is executed based on the condition including the type of the process to be executed and the status of the MFP 1. It may be determined from processing.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 MFP, 10a CPU, 10b RAM, 10c VRAM, 10d ROM, 10e HDD unit, 10g operation panel unit, 10h network I / F unit, 10i FAX unit, 10j scanning unit, 10k printing unit, 10m IWS platform, 10n image processing Unit, 10p image transfer unit, 10q received data analysis unit, 21 cloud server, 22 terminal device.

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of processes in one operation,
Reading means for reading an image;
A plurality of output means for outputting an image read by the reading means;
Conversion means for converting the first data of the image read by the reading means into second data that is in an output format of the output means that is output by an executed process;
Storage means for storing data;
A discriminating means for discriminating the type of processing to be executed,
The discrimination means includes
When it is determined that the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes, the first data of the image read by the reading unit is stored in the storage unit as a common process of the plurality of processes,
The converting means includes
When the process executed by one operation is a single process, the first data of the image read by the reading unit is directly converted to the second data,
When the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes and the first data is stored in the storage unit, each of the processes is executed using the first data stored in the storage unit. An image processing apparatus that converts the data into the second data suitable for the output format of the output means. When the determination unit determines that the output format of the second data used in a plurality of processes executed in one operation is common, the second data after being converted by the conversion unit is Memorize it in the memory means,
The output means includes
When the second data is stored in the storage means, the stored second data is output,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the first data is stored in the storage unit, the first data is converted into the second data according to an output format of the output unit of the process to be executed and output.   3. The image according to claim 1, wherein the first data can be converted into the second data having a plurality of file formats and a plurality of resolutions in accordance with an output format of the output means of a process to be executed. Processing equipment.   4. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the order of processing executed in one operation based on a condition including a type of processing to be executed and a status of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to item. A processing method for an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of processes in one operation,
The image processing apparatus includes a reading unit that reads an image, a plurality of output units that output an image read by the reading unit, and a storage unit that stores data.
If it is determined that the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes, the first data of the image read by the reading unit is stored in the storage unit as a common process of the plurality of processes;
When the process executed by one operation is a single process, the step of directly converting the first data of the image read by the reading unit into the second data;
When the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes and the first data is stored in the storage unit, each of the processes is executed using the first data stored in the storage unit. And a step of converting to the second data suitable for the output format of the output means. A program executed by an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of processes in one operation,
The image processing apparatus includes a reading unit that reads an image, a plurality of output units that output an image read by the reading unit, and a storage unit that stores data.
The program is stored in a computer installed in the image processing apparatus.
If it is determined that the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes, the first data of the image read by the reading unit is stored in the storage unit as a common process of the plurality of processes;
When the process executed by one operation is a single process, the step of directly converting the first data of the image read by the reading unit into the second data;
When the process executed by one operation is a plurality of processes and the first data is stored in the storage unit, each of the processes is executed using the first data stored in the storage unit. And a step of converting to the second data suitable for the output format of the output means.

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