JP2018140498A - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make effective use of an image processing function provided inside of a main body of an image forming apparatus, and effectively perform printing output.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 2 is connected to an image processing apparatus 3 which performs image processing based on a printing object file 9 to generate drawing data for printing, and has an image processing function which performs image processing based on the printing object file 9 to generate the drawing data. The image forming apparatus 2 compares performance or a loaded condition of the image processing apparatus 3 and the image forming apparatus 2 when the printing object file 9 is specified by a user, determines whether or not image processing based on the printing object file 9 is performed by either the image processing apparatus 3 or the image forming apparatus 2, and makes either the image processing apparatus 3 or the image forming apparatus 2 perform the image processing based on the determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program, and more particularly to a technique for controlling image processing when an image processing apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image processing apparatus that generates drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on a print target file is externally connected to an MFP (Multifunction Peripherals) image forming apparatus, and drawing is performed from the print target file. A system has been proposed in which an image processing apparatus exclusively performs image processing for generating data. However, in the case of this system, even though a function for performing image processing is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, it is not used. Therefore, there is a problem that system resources provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus cannot be effectively used.

  For example, when the file to be printed is a file of a predetermined format such as a PDF file, data constituting one page is distributed and recorded in the file (for example, Patent Document 1). Therefore, even when the image processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus performs image processing as described above, if the print target file is a file in a predetermined format such as a PDF file, the image processing apparatus Image processing cannot be started until all data included in the print target file is received from the forming apparatus. Especially when the communication speed between the image forming apparatus and the image processing apparatus is slow and the file size of the file to be printed is large, it may take a long time for the image processing apparatus to start image processing. There is a problem of inefficiency.

JP 2008-262543 A

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an image that can be efficiently printed out by effectively utilizing an image processing function provided in the main body. It is an object to provide a forming apparatus and a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus connected to an image processing apparatus that generates drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on a print target file. The image processing means capable of generating drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on the target file, the performance or load state of the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus are compared, and the print target specified by the user One of the image processing apparatus and the image processing means, and a determination means for determining whether the image processing based on the file is performed by the image processing apparatus or the image processing means. A file output means for outputting a file to be printed to perform image processing, and any of the image processing apparatus and the image processing means One and image data obtaining means for obtaining drawing data from either an image forming unit for forming an image based on the drawing data acquired by the image data obtaining unit, a configuration which is characterized in that it comprises.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connection terminal to which the recording medium can be attached and detached, wherein the determination means is recorded on the recording medium attached to the connection terminal. When a print target file is specified by a user, it is determined whether the image processing device or the image processing unit performs image processing based on the print target file.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the determination unit is provided in the image processing apparatus when the image processing apparatus determines to perform image processing based on the print target file. In this configuration, the user is prompted to attach the recording medium to the connected connection terminal.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the determination unit performs image processing with the image processing apparatus based on a performance or a load state of the image processing apparatus. And calculating the first time required for the image forming unit to start image formation and causing the image processing unit to perform image processing based on the performance or load state of the image forming apparatus. In this case, a second time required until image formation is started by the image forming unit is calculated, and it is determined which of the first time and the second time is earlier. is there.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the determination unit changes the load state of the image forming apparatus after the image processing unit starts image processing. If detected, the image processing by the image processing unit is interrupted, and the file output unit outputs the file to be printed to the image processing apparatus and performs image processing when the image processing is interrupted by the determination unit. It is the structure characterized by making it.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the determination unit performs image processing based on a file to be printed by either the image processing device or the image processing unit. And a result of determining whether or not the image processing apparatus or the image processing unit is selected by the user, and the image processing based on the print target file is performed based on the user's selection operation. It is determined that either one of the apparatus and the image processing means is determined.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the image processing based on the file to be printed is set in advance by either the image processing apparatus or the image processing means. Further comprising setting means for registering image processing setting information, wherein the determining means is set to perform image processing in either of the image processing device or the image processing means in the image processing setting information; Based on the setting in the image processing setting information, it is determined which of the image processing apparatus and the image processing means performs the image processing.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the image processing setting information includes, for each user, image processing based on a file to be printed by either the image processing apparatus or the image processing unit. It is the structure characterized by including the information which preset whether to perform.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the file output unit includes a case where data for one page is dispersedly included in a file to be printed. When the print target file is output to the image processing apparatus, data constituting one page is sequentially extracted from the print target file and sequentially output page by page to the image processing apparatus. is there.

  The invention according to claim 10 is a program executed in an image forming apparatus connected to an image processing apparatus that generates drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on a file to be printed, the image forming The image processing means capable of generating drawing data for printing by performing image processing on the device based on the print target file, the performance or load state of the image processing device and the image forming device are compared and designated by the user. A determination unit that determines whether the image processing based on the file to be printed is performed by the image processing device or the image processing unit, and any of the image processing device and the image processing unit based on a determination result by the determination unit A file output means for outputting a file to be printed to one of them and performing image processing; A drawing data acquisition unit that acquires drawing data from any one of the image processing units, and a job control unit that performs image formation based on the drawing data acquired by the drawing data acquisition unit, It is the structure to do.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the tenth aspect, the image forming apparatus includes a connection terminal to which a recording medium can be attached and detached, and the determination means is the recording device attached to the connection terminal. When a print target file recorded on a medium is designated by a user, it is determined which of the image processing apparatus and the image processing means performs image processing based on the print target file It is.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the eleventh aspect, the determination unit is provided in the image processing device when the image processing device determines to perform image processing based on the print target file. The user is prompted to attach the recording medium to the connecting terminal.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the determination unit causes the image processing apparatus to perform image processing based on performance or a load state of the image processing apparatus. A first time required for the image forming unit to start image formation is calculated and the image processing unit performs image processing based on the performance or load state of the image forming apparatus. A second time required until image formation is started by the image forming unit is calculated, and it is determined which of the first time and the second time is earlier.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, the determination unit detects a change in a load state of the image forming apparatus after the image processing unit starts image processing. In this case, the image processing by the image processing unit is interrupted, and the file output unit outputs the file to be printed to the image processing apparatus to perform image processing when the image processing is interrupted by the determination unit. It is the structure characterized by these.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects, the determination unit determines whether the image processing based on the print target file is performed by the image processing device or the image processing unit. The determined result is displayed, and a selection operation of either one of the image processing device and the image processing unit by the user is received, and the image processing based on the print target file is performed based on the user's selection operation. It is a configuration characterized in that one of the image processing means is determined.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth aspects, the image forming apparatus further performs image processing based on a print target file by either the image processing apparatus or the image processing means. Functioning as a setting unit that registers image processing setting information that is set in advance, and the determination unit performs image processing in either of the image processing apparatus or the image processing unit in the image processing setting information. Is set, the image processing apparatus or the image processing means determines whether to perform image processing based on the setting in the image processing setting information.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the sixteenth aspect, in the image processing setting information, the image processing apparatus or the image processing unit performs image processing based on a print target file for each user. Is included in the information set in advance.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the tenth to seventeenth aspects, the file output means includes a case where data for one page is distributed and included in a print target file. When outputting a print target file to the image processing apparatus, data constituting one page is sequentially extracted from the print target file and sequentially output page by page to the image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the image processing function provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus can be used effectively, and print output can be performed efficiently.

1 is a diagram illustrating a conceptual configuration example of an image forming system. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus and an image processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of an image forming apparatus and an image processing apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of image process setting information and performance information. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of an automatic discrimination | determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of an image process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of a guidance process. It is a figure which shows an example of the file of a predetermined format. It is a figure which shows an example of the execution pattern of an image process. It is a figure which shows the example of another execution pattern of image processing. It is a figure which shows the example of another execution pattern of image processing.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conceptual configuration example of an image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This image forming system 1 has a configuration in which an image processing apparatus 3 is externally connected to an image forming apparatus 2 via a communication cable 4 or the like. Note that communication between the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3 is not necessarily limited to wired communication via the communication cable 4 and may be wireless communication.

  The image forming apparatus 2 has at least a print function and is capable of performing print output by forming an image on a sheet material such as printing paper based on drawing data for printing. The image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment is configured by an MFP, for example, and includes a plurality of functions such as a scan function and a copy function in addition to a print function. However, the image forming apparatus 2 is not limited to the MFP, and may be a printer having only a print function.

  The image processing device 3 is a device that generates drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on input image data. For example, when receiving the print target file 9 from the image forming apparatus 2, the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing on the print target file 9. Then, the image processing device 3 generates drawing data for printing corresponding to the print target file 9 and outputs the drawing data to the image forming device 2.

  The image forming apparatus 2 can be loaded with an external recording medium 8 such as a USB memory as shown in FIG. When the print target file 9 is recorded on the attached external recording medium 8, the image forming apparatus 2 can read the print target file 9 and perform print output based on the print target file 9. Files that can be printed in the image forming apparatus 2 are, for example, files expressed in a page description language such as PCL (Printer Control Language), PS (Post Script), PJL (Printer Job Language), or PDF (Portable Document Format). Format files. The image forming apparatus 2 is also connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) (not shown), and can receive the print target file 9 via the network.

  When the image forming apparatus 2 performs print output based on the print target file 9, it is necessary to generate drawing data for printing based on the print target file 9. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 has an image processing function as will be described later, and can generate drawing data for printing from the print target file 9 by the image processing function. The image forming apparatus 2 can also cause the image processing apparatus 3 to perform image processing by transmitting the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3 as described above. In this case, the image forming apparatus 2 acquires drawing data generated in the image processing apparatus 3 and performs printout based on the drawing data.

  The image forming apparatus 2 in the present embodiment is provided in the image processing function provided in the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 3 so that the print output based on the print target file 9 can be efficiently started. The image processing function is configured to effectively use both. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3. First, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 10, an operation panel 11, a connection terminal 12, a network interface 13, a storage unit 14, a communication interface 15, and an image forming unit 16.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU 10a and a memory 10b, and functions as various processing units described later when the CPU 10a executes a program (not shown). The memory 10b is for storing temporary data or the like when the CPU 10a executes a program. The program executed by the CPU 10a is stored in advance in the storage unit 14, for example.

  The operation panel 11 is a user interface when the user uses the image forming apparatus 2, and includes a display unit 11a and an operation unit 11b. The display unit 11a is composed of a color liquid crystal display, for example, and displays various types of information to the user. The operation unit 11b includes, for example, a touch panel key arranged on the display screen of the display unit 11a and receives an operation by the user.

  The connection terminal 12 is a terminal to which the external recording medium 8 can be attached and detached. When the external recording medium 8 is attached to the connection terminal 12, the control unit 10 can refer to or read information stored in the external recording medium 8 via the connection terminal 12. Therefore, when the print target file 9 is stored in the external recording medium 8 attached to the connection terminal 12, the image forming apparatus 2 can also perform direct printing based on the print target file 9.

  The network interface 13 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 2 to a network such as a LAN. When the image forming apparatus 2 receives a print job via the network interface 13, the image forming apparatus 2 can also perform print output based on the print job.

  The storage unit 14 is a non-volatile storage device configured by, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 14 stores a program executed by the CPU 10a of the control unit 10, a print job, a file to be printed, and the like, as well as various information described below.

  The communication interface 15 is an interface for communicating with the image processing apparatus 3. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 communicates with the image processing apparatus 3 via the communication interface 15.

  The image forming unit 16 has a function of discharging the sheet material after the image is formed and fixed on a sheet material such as printing paper based on the input drawing data. For example, the image forming unit 16 can perform color printing by transferring and fixing a plurality of color toner images onto a sheet material.

  On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 3 includes a control unit 20, a communication interface 21, and a connection terminal 22 as a hardware configuration. However, the connection terminal 22 is not necessarily essential for the image processing apparatus 3.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU 20a and a memory 20b, and functions as various processing units to be described later when the CPU 20a executes a program (not shown). The memory 20b is for storing temporary data or the like when the CPU 20a executes the program. The program executed by the CPU 20a is stored in advance in, for example, a non-volatile storage unit (not shown).

  The communication interface 21 is an interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, the image processing apparatus 3 communicates with the image forming apparatus 2 via the communication interface 21.

  The connection terminal 22 is a terminal to which the external recording medium 8 can be attached and detached. When the external recording medium 8 is attached to the connection terminal 22, the control unit 20 can refer to or read information stored in the external recording medium 8 via the connection terminal 22.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3. In the following description, the external recording medium 8 in which the print target file 9 is stored is mainly attached to the connection terminal 12 of the image forming apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 2 is stored in the external recording medium 8. An example in which direct printing is performed based on the print target file 9 is illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 2 executes an image processing setting unit 30, a file designation unit 31, a determination unit 32, a file output unit 33, an image processing when the CPU 10 a executes a predetermined program. Functions as a unit 34, a drawing data acquisition unit 35, and a job control unit 36. The control unit 20 of the image processing apparatus 3 functions as the information transmission unit 40 and the image processing unit 41 when the CPU 20a executes a predetermined program.

  The image processing setting unit 30 is a processing unit that registers image processing setting information 38 in which image processing for the print target file 9 stored in the external recording medium 8 is set in advance. The image processing setting unit 30 generates image processing setting information 38 in which image processing settings for the print target file 9 are recorded for each user, and stores the image processing setting information 38 in the storage unit 14 for management.

  The storage unit 14 stores image processing setting information 38 and performance information 39 related to the performance of the image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of image processing setting information 38 and performance information 39 stored in the storage unit 14. First, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the image processing setting information 38 is information in which a user and an image processing setting are associated with each other. In the image processing setting, it can be set that the image processing for the print target file 9 is performed every time in the image forming apparatus 2 and can be performed every time in the image processing apparatus 3. The image processing setting can also be set to automatically determine which of the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing. For example, in FIG. 4A, automatic determination is set for the users A, B, and E, and it is set that the image forming apparatus 2 always performs image processing for the user C. The image processing apparatus 3 is set to always perform image processing for the users D and F. In this way, the image processing setting information 38 is set for how to perform image processing for each user.

  The performance information 39 is information indicating the performance of the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the processing speed of the CPU 10 a, the capacity of the memory 10 b, and the data transfer speed when the control unit 10 performs data transfer with the external recording medium 8. The data transfer speed when the image forming apparatus 2 performs data transfer with the image processing apparatus 3 is registered in advance. The performance information 39 is information that is referred to when automatically determining which of the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing on the print target file 9.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the file designation unit 31 is a processing unit that accepts designation of the print target file 9 by the user. The file specifying unit 31 functions when, for example, a user logs in to the image forming apparatus 2 and determines the print target file 9 based on a file specifying operation by the login user. For example, when the external recording medium 8 is attached to the connection terminal 12 by the logged-in user, the file designating unit 31 accesses the external recording medium 8 via the connection terminal 12 and stores the file stored in the external recording medium 8. A list is displayed on the display unit 11a. Then, the print target file 9 is determined based on the operation of the login user on the operation unit 11b. The file designating unit 31 is not only a file stored in the external recording medium 8 but also a file stored in the storage unit 14 or a file stored in an external device connected via a network. Can be determined as the print target file 9. When the print target file 9 is determined by the file designating unit 31, the determination unit 32 functions in the control unit 10.

  Note that the file designating unit 31 can determine the file to be printed 9 as a print target file 9 even when the file to be printed is received via the network interface 13. In this case, the file designating unit 31 identifies the user who transmitted the print target file 9 based on the information received via the network interface 13.

  The determination unit 32 is a processing unit that determines whether image processing for the print target file 9 is performed by the image processing unit 34 of the image forming apparatus 2 or the image processing unit 41 of the image processing apparatus 3. The determination unit 32 first reads the image processing setting information 38 from the storage unit 14 and refers to the image processing setting for the user. When the image forming apparatus 2 is set to always perform image processing on the print target file 9 specified by the user in the image processing setting information 38, the determination unit 32 performs image processing on the image forming apparatus 2. Decide to do. If the image processing apparatus 3 is set to always perform image processing on the print target file 9 specified by the user in the image processing setting information 38, the determination unit 32 performs image processing on the image processing apparatus 3. Decide to do. Further, when the image processing setting information 38 is set to automatically determine the image processing for the print target file 9 specified by the user, the determination unit 32 uses either the image forming apparatus 2 or the image processing apparatus 3 to perform image processing. Automatically determine whether to perform

  When performing the automatic determination, the determination unit 32 performs image processing on the print target file 9 based on the file size of the print target file 9, the performance of the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3, and the load state. And the image processing apparatus 3 are determined. The determination unit 32 reads the performance information 39 from the storage unit 14 and detects the current load state in the image forming apparatus 2. Further, the determination unit 32 transmits a request for requesting performance information of the image processing apparatus 3 to the image processing apparatus 3 via the communication interface 15. When receiving the request transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2, the image processing apparatus 3 causes the information transmitting unit 40 to function, and displays the performance information of the image processing apparatus 3 and the current load state in the image processing apparatus 3. Transmit to device 2. Thereby, the determination unit 32 can acquire the performance information of the image processing device 3 and the current load state in the image processing device 3.

  Then, the determination unit 32 compares the performance and load state of the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3, and when the image processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 2 and when the image processing is performed by the image processing apparatus 3. Then, it is determined which print output based on the print target file 9 can be started early, and it is determined that image processing is performed by an apparatus capable of starting print output early. More specifically, in the determination unit 32, the image forming unit 16 starts image formation when the image processing device 3 performs image processing on the print target file 9 based on the performance or load state of the image processing device 3. The first time required until is calculated. Further, the determination unit 32 is the first required for the image forming unit 16 to start image formation when the image processing unit 34 performs image processing on the print target file 9 based on the performance or load state of the image forming apparatus 2. Calculate the time of 2. Then, the determination unit 32 selects one of the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3 as a device to perform image processing by determining which of the first time and the second time is earlier. To do. Therefore, when the determination unit 32 performs automatic determination, among the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3, an apparatus that can start print output at an early stage is determined as an apparatus that performs image processing.

  Further, the determination unit 32 may display on the display unit 11a the result of determining which of the image processing apparatus 3 and the image processing unit 34 performs the image processing on the print target file 9 by the automatic determination described above. . In this case, the determination unit 32 displays the determination result on the display unit 11a, then accepts a selection operation of either the image processing device 3 or the image processing unit 34 by the user, and performs image processing based on the print target file. Based on the selection operation, either the image processing device 3 or the image processing unit 34 may be determined. As a result, even when the user manually selects, either the image processing device 3 or the image processing unit 34 can be selected while referring to the result of the automatic determination described above. Will be able to easily select the one that can.

  The file output unit 33 is a processing unit that outputs the print target file 9 to one of the image processing unit 34 and the image processing device 3 based on the determination result by the determination unit 32. When the determination result by the determination unit 32 is obtained, the file output unit 33 starts reading the print target file 9 stored in the external recording medium 8 via the connection terminal 12. That is, the file output unit 33 first starts downloading the print target file 9 from the external recording medium 8. The time required for completing the download depends on the file size of the print target file 9 and the data transfer speed with the external recording medium 8. Therefore, it takes a certain time for the file output unit 33 to acquire the entire print target file 9 from the external recording medium 8.

  The file output unit 33 also acquires the print target file 9 when the print target file 9 is stored in the storage unit 14 or when the file output unit 33 is stored in an external device connected via a network. . However, when the print target file 9 is stored in the storage unit 14, the time required for the file output unit 33 to acquire all of the print target file 9 is not so long, and the print target file 9 of the print target file 9 is relatively early. You can get everything.

  When acquiring the print target file 9, the file output unit 33 outputs the print target file 9 based on the determination result of the determination unit 32. For example, when the determination unit 32 determines that the image processing is to be performed by the image processing unit 34, the file output unit 33 outputs the print target file 9 to the image processing unit 34. When the determination unit 32 determines that image processing is to be performed by the image processing apparatus 3, the file output unit 33 outputs the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3 via the communication interface 15.

  The image processing unit 34 is a processing unit that generates drawing data for printing by performing image processing such as RIP (Raster Image Processing) on the print target file 9. When the image processing unit 34 receives the print target file 9 output from the file output unit 33, the image processing unit 34 performs image processing on the print target file 9 and generates drawing data for printing. Then, the image processing unit 34 outputs the drawing data to the drawing data acquisition unit 35.

  When the image processing apparatus 3 receives the print target file 9 from the image forming apparatus 2, the image processing apparatus 3 causes the image processing unit 41 to function. Similar to the image processing unit 34, the image processing unit 41 is a processing unit that generates drawing data for printing by performing image processing such as RIP (Raster Image Processing) on the print target file 9. When the image processing unit 41 receives the print target file 9 output from the file output unit 33, the image processing unit 41 performs image processing on the print target file 9 and generates drawing data for printing. The image processing unit 41 transmits drawing data to the image forming apparatus 2 via the communication interface 21.

  The drawing data acquisition unit 35 acquires drawing data generated by the image processing unit 34 or the image processing device 3. For example, when image processing is performed in the image processing unit 34, the drawing data acquisition unit 35 acquires drawing data output from the image processing unit 34. When image processing is performed in the image processing device 3, the drawing data acquisition unit 35 acquires drawing data output from the image processing device 3 via the communication interface 15. The drawing data acquisition unit 35 outputs the drawing data for printing to the job control unit 36.

  When the job control unit 36 acquires the drawing data output from the drawing data acquisition unit 35, the job control unit 36 outputs the drawing data to the image forming unit 16 and drives the image forming unit 16, thereby performing print output based on the drawing data. Let it be done. Therefore, in the present embodiment, print output is performed based on drawing data generated by performing image processing in either the image processing unit 34 of the image forming apparatus 2 or the image processing unit 41 of the image processing apparatus 3. Done.

  Next, a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus 2. This process is performed, for example, when the CPU 10a of the control unit 10 executes a predetermined program. In the flowchart of FIG. 5, it is determined whether the image processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 2 or the image processing apparatus 3 when the file stored in the external recording medium 8 is designated as the print target file 9. In other cases, a processing procedure for performing image processing by the image processing apparatus 3 is illustrated.

  When the image forming apparatus 2 starts this process, it accepts a user's login operation. When the image forming apparatus 2 can identify the user, the image forming apparatus 2 shifts the operation state to the login state (step S10). When a file selection operation by the login user is detected in the login state (step S11), the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether the print target file 9 selected by the login user is a file on the external recording medium 8 (step S11). S12). As a result, when the print target file 9 is not the file of the external recording medium 8 (NO in step S12), the processing by the image forming apparatus 2 proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when the file of the external recording medium 8 is designated as the print target file 9 (YES in step S12), the image forming apparatus 2 reads the image processing setting information 38 (step S13). Then, the image forming apparatus 2 determines the image processing setting of the login user in the image processing setting information 38 (steps S14 and S15). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether the image processing setting of the login user is a setting for performing image processing in the image forming apparatus 2 every time (step S14), and a setting for performing image processing in the image forming apparatus 2 each time. If so (YES in step S14), the process of step S18 is performed. When the image processing setting of the login user is not a setting for performing image processing in the image forming apparatus 2 every time (NO in step S14), the image forming apparatus 2 next sets the image processing setting of the login user in the image processing apparatus 3 every time. It is determined whether or not the setting is to perform image processing (step S15). If the setting is to perform image processing by the image processing device 3 every time (YES in step S15), the processing of step S21 is performed. Further, if the image processing setting of the logged-in user is a setting for automatic determination (NO in step S15), the image forming apparatus 2 executes automatic determination processing (step S16).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the automatic determination processing (step S16). When starting the automatic determination process (step S16), the image forming apparatus 2 acquires the file size of the print target file 9 (step S40). Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 2 communicates with the image processing apparatus 3 to acquire performance information of the image processing apparatus 3 (step S41) and acquire a load state of the image processing apparatus 3 (step S42). Then, the image forming apparatus 2 determines the time required to start image formation by the image forming unit 16 when the image processing is performed by the image processing apparatus 3 based on the performance information and load state of the image processing apparatus 3 (first time). Time Ta) is calculated (step S43).

  Next, the image forming apparatus 2 reads and acquires the performance information 39 of the image forming apparatus 2 from the storage unit 14 (step S44), and further detects the load state of the image forming apparatus 2 (step S45). Then, based on the performance information and load state of the image forming apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus 2 takes the time required for image formation by the image forming unit 16 to start when the image forming apparatus 2 performs image processing (second time). (Time Tb) is calculated (step S46).

  Then, the image forming apparatus 2 compares the first time Ta and the second time Tb (step S47). As a result, when the first time Ta is shorter than the second time Tb (YES in step S47), the image forming apparatus 2 determines to perform image processing in the image processing apparatus 3 (step S48). On the other hand, when the first time Ta is the same as or longer than the second time Tb (NO in step S47), the image forming apparatus 2 performs image processing with the image forming apparatus 2. Is determined (step S48). Thus, the automatic discrimination process (step S16) ends. Therefore, in the automatic determination process (step S16), among the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3, an apparatus that can start image formation by the image forming unit 16 at an early stage is automatically determined as an apparatus that performs image processing. .

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the automatic determination process (step S <b> 16) ends, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 2 is determined to perform the image processing (step S <b> 17). If it is determined that the image processing is to be performed by the image forming apparatus 2 (YES in step S17), the processing by the image forming apparatus 2 proceeds to step S18. If it is determined that the image processing is to be performed by the image processing apparatus 3 (NO in step S17), the processing by the image forming apparatus 2 proceeds to step S21.

  When the image forming apparatus 2 performs image processing, the image forming apparatus 2 reads the print target file 9 from the external recording medium 8 (step S18), and executes image processing by the image processing unit 34 (step S19).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the image processing (step S19). When starting this processing, the image forming apparatus 2 operates the image processing unit 34 to start image processing such as RIP for the print target file 9 (step S50). As a result, drawing data based on the print target file 9 is sequentially generated page by page. When the image forming apparatus 2 starts image processing for the print target file 9, the image forming apparatus 2 registers the current load state as an initial state (step S51). For example, the image forming apparatus 2 detects the load state after starting the image processing, and temporarily registers the load state in the memory 10b or the like. Then, the image forming apparatus 2 enters a state where the subsequent load state is monitored.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the image processing for the print target file 9 has been completed (step S52). If the image processing for the print target file 9 has not been completed (NO in step S52), the image forming apparatus 2 has detected a change in the load state of the image forming apparatus 2 due to the occurrence of processing other than image processing. Whether or not (step S53). Other processes other than image processing include, for example, when other jobs are received, when access to the image forming apparatus 2 from an external device is detected via the network, or when image stabilization processing is generated by interruption This process is performed in some cases. As a result, when a change in the load state is detected (YES in step S53), the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the load state has increased by a predetermined value or more (step S54). When the load state of the image forming apparatus 2 increases by a predetermined value or more, the execution speed of the image processing started in step S50 decreases, so that the time required for completing the image processing for the print target file 9 is delayed. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 2 determines that the load state has increased by a predetermined value or more (YES in step S54), it calculates again the time required until image formation by the image forming unit 16 is started (step S55). ). Then, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the time required for starting image formation is delayed by a predetermined time or more compared to the time until other processing occurs (step S56). At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether image formation can be started more quickly when the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing than when the image forming apparatus 2 continues image processing. Also good. If the time until image formation is started is delayed by a predetermined time or more (YES in step S56), the image forming apparatus 2 interrupts the image processing by the image processing unit 34 (step S57), and the image processing apparatus 3 It is decided to perform image processing, and the subsequent processing proceeds to step S21 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when no change in the load state is detected (NO in step S53), when the load state has not increased by a predetermined value or more (NO in step S54), or image formation by the image forming unit 16 is started. If the time until the image processing is not delayed for a predetermined time or more (step S56), the image forming apparatus 2 continues the image processing by the image processing unit 34, and returns to the processing of step S52. When the image processing by the image processing unit 34 ends (YES in step S52), the image processing (step S19) ends. Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 2 outputs the drawing data generated in step S19 to the image forming unit 16, and starts printing based on the drawing data (step S20).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing, the image forming apparatus 2 needs to transfer the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3. Therefore, when the print target file 9 is stored in the external recording medium 8, the image forming apparatus 2 reads the print target file 9 from the external recording medium 8 and transfers it to the image processing apparatus 3. However, when the image forming apparatus 2 reads and acquires the print target file 9 from the external recording medium 8 and then transfers the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3, the transfer to the image processing apparatus 3 is completed. The time required until the time depends on the data transfer speed with the external recording medium 8 and the data transfer speed with the image processing apparatus 3. That is, when these data transfer rates are slow, it takes time to complete the transfer of the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3. Therefore, if the connection terminal 22 for attaching the external recording medium 8 to the image processing apparatus 3 is provided, it is more efficient to directly attach the external recording medium 8 to the connection terminal 22 of the image processing apparatus 3. The print target file 9 can be transferred to the image processing apparatus 3. Therefore, when it is determined that the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing, the image forming apparatus 2 first executes guidance processing for the login user (step S21).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of this guidance processing (step S21). When starting the guidance process (step S21), the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the connection terminal 22 for mounting the external recording medium 8 is present in the image processing apparatus 3 (step S60). At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 inquires of the image processing apparatus 3 whether or not the connection terminal 22 exists, and determines whether or not the connection terminal 22 exists based on a response from the image processing apparatus 3. May be. If the connection terminal 22 exists in the image processing apparatus 3 (YES in step S60), the image forming apparatus 2 mounts the external recording medium 8 mounted on the connection terminal 12 on the connection terminal 22 of the image processing apparatus 3. This is guided to the login user (step S61). For example, the image forming apparatus 2 may guide the login user by displaying a message prompting the user to attach the external recording medium 8 to the image processing apparatus 3 on the display unit 11a of the operation panel 11. good.

  The image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the external recording medium 8 attached to the connection terminal 12 has been removed after providing guidance to the logged-in user (step S62). If the external recording medium 8 is removed from the connection terminal 12 (YES in step S62), the processing by the image forming apparatus 2 proceeds to step S26 shown in FIG. In this case, since the external recording medium 8 is attached to the connection terminal 22 of the image processing apparatus 3, the image processing apparatus 3 directly reads the print target file 9 from the external recording medium 8 attached to the connection terminal 22. To execute image processing. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 is in a state of waiting for reception of drawing data transmitted from the image processing apparatus 3.

  On the other hand, if the external recording medium 8 has not been removed from the connection terminal 12 after providing guidance to the login user (NO in step S62), the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. (Step S63), and the process of determining whether or not the external recording medium 8 has been removed is repeated until a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed without removing the external recording medium 8 (YES in step S63), the guidance process (step S21) ends. Even when the connection terminal 22 does not exist in the image processing apparatus 3 (NO in step S60), the guidance process (step S21) ends.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether the print target file 9 is a file of a predetermined format (step S22). Here, the file of a predetermined format is a file in which data constituting one page is distributed and included in the file, for example, a file such as a PDF file.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file in a predetermined format, and illustrates a case of a PDF file. In the case of a PDF file, as shown in FIG. 9, the resource of each page is described in order from the top area of the file, the drawing command of each page is described in order from the area next to the resource of the last page (n page), A directory information block is provided in the area. In the case of such a PDF file, the image processing apparatus 3 cannot start image processing for one page until the entire PDF file is acquired. However, when the file size of the print target file 9 is large, it takes time until the image processing apparatus 3 acquires all of the print target file 9 as described above, and therefore image processing is started in the image processing apparatus 3. It will take some time to complete.

  Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 2 determines that the print target file 9 is a file in a predetermined format (YES in step S22), the image forming apparatus 2 stores data for one page from the print target file 9 stored in the external recording medium 8. Is read (step S23), and the data for one page is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 3 (step S24). Then, the processes in steps S23 to S24 are repeated until data transmission for all pages is completed (step S25). In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 2 starts with the resource for the first page, the drawing command for the first page, and information necessary for data construction for the first page recorded in the directory information block. Is read and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 3, and from the next time onward, the process of reading the data for each page up to the last page in the order of the second page and the third page and transmitting to the image processing apparatus 3 is repeated. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 3 can start the process of generating the drawing data for the first page at the timing when the reception of the first page data from the image forming apparatus 2 is completed, so that the processing efficiency is improved. In particular, when the print target file 9 is stored in the external recording medium 8 and the data transfer speed between the external recording medium 8 and the image forming apparatus 2 is slower than the data transfer speed between the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3. In this case, the image processing apparatus 3 can start image processing at an early stage by repeatedly performing the processes in steps S23 to S25. Therefore, the effect is significant compared with the processes in steps S29 and S30 described below. Demonstrate.

  On the other hand, if the print target file 9 is not a file of a predetermined format (NO in step S22), the image forming apparatus 2 reads all the print target files 9 as they are (step S29), and reads the print target file 9. It transmits to the image processing apparatus 3 (step S30).

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 2 waits for reception of drawing data from the image processing apparatus 3 (step S26). When the drawing data is received from the image processing apparatus 3, the image forming apparatus 2 outputs the drawing data to the image forming unit 16, and starts printing based on the drawing data (step S27). When the image forming apparatus 2 completes the output of the drawing data for all pages (YES in step S28), the printing process is terminated.

  Next, an execution pattern of image processing performed by the above processing will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution pattern of image processing. First, FIG. 10A shows a case where the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing. When it is determined that the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3 as shown in FIG. When receiving the print target file 9 from the image forming apparatus 2, the image processing apparatus 3 executes image processing based on the print target file 9 (process P10). Then, the image processing device 3 transmits the drawing data DP generated by performing the image processing to the image forming device 2. The image forming apparatus 2 forms an image based on the drawing data DP received from the image processing apparatus 3 and prints it out (process P11).

  Next, FIG. 10B shows a case where image processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 2. When it is determined that the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing, the image forming apparatus 2 does not transmit the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3 as illustrated in FIG. Then, the image forming apparatus 2 operates its own image processing function to execute image processing based on the print target file 9 (process P20). Then, the image forming apparatus 2 forms an image based on the drawing data generated by performing the image processing and prints it out (process P21).

  Thus, in the present embodiment, image processing can be performed by either the image forming apparatus 2 or the image processing apparatus 3. In particular, when automatically determining which of the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing, the performance and load state of the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 3 are compared to start image formation at an early stage. Since the image processing is performed by the apparatus that can perform this, it is possible to eliminate the situation in which the image processing function provided in the image forming apparatus 2 is not used, and to perform print output efficiently.

  Next, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of another execution pattern of image processing. In the example of FIG. 11, it is determined that image processing is determined to be performed by the image processing apparatus 3 and the print target file 9 is a file of a predetermined format. When the print target file 9 is a file of a predetermined format, the image forming apparatus 2 reads the data D1 of the first page from the print target file 9 as shown in FIG. 3 to send. When the image processing apparatus 3 receives the data D1 for the first page, the image processing apparatus 3 starts image processing based on the data D1, and generates drawing data for the first page. Further, after transmitting the data D1 for the first page, the image forming apparatus 2 reads the data D2 for the second page from the print target file 9, and transmits the data D2 to the image processing apparatus 3. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 2 reads one page at a time from the print target file 9 and transmits it to the image processing apparatus 3, and finally transmits the data Dn of the nth page to the image processing apparatus 3. The image processing apparatus 3 performs image processing each time data is received page by page, and sequentially generates drawing data for each page. In this case, the image processing apparatus 3 generates drawing data for each page. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11B, the image processing apparatus 3 sequentially generates drawing data DP1, DP2,..., DPn for each page for the image forming apparatus 2 and transmits them to the image forming apparatus 2. . Then, the image forming apparatus 2 can start image formation upon receiving the drawing data DP1 for the first page (process P30). As described above, when the print target file 9 is a file of a predetermined format, the image forming apparatus 2 sequentially transmits the data D1, D2,..., Dn for each page to the image processing apparatus 3, thereby the first page. The drawing data DP1 can be acquired from the image processing apparatus 3 at an early stage, and image formation can be started at an early stage.

  Next, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of an execution pattern of image processing. The example of FIG. 12 shows an execution pattern when the load state of the image forming apparatus 2 increases after image processing is started in the image forming apparatus 2. When the image forming apparatus 2 determines to perform image processing on the print target file 9 using the image processing function of the image forming apparatus 2, the image processing unit 34 transmits the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3. Starts image processing (process P40). After that, during the execution of the image processing for the print target file 9, when an increase in the load on the image forming apparatus 2 is detected as another process occurs due to an interruption (process P41), the image forming apparatus 2 performs printing. The image processing for the target file 9 is interrupted (process P42). Thereby, the load of the image forming apparatus 2 can be reduced. Then, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3. When receiving the print target file 9 from the image forming apparatus 2, the image processing apparatus 3 executes image processing on the print target file 9 (process P43). As a result, the drawing data DP based on the print target file 9 is generated in the image processing apparatus 3. Then, the image processing apparatus 3 transmits the drawing data DP for printing to the image forming apparatus 2. When the image forming apparatus 2 receives the drawing data DP from the image processing apparatus 3, the image forming apparatus 2 starts image formation based on the drawing data DP and performs print output (process P44).

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 2 detects an increase in load during the execution of the image processing, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3, and the image forming apparatus 2 replaces the image forming apparatus 2 with the image processing apparatus 3. Perform image processing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the execution efficiency of other processing that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 2 from being lowered.

  Further, when the image processing apparatus 3 receives the print target file 9 from the image forming apparatus 2, if the image processing apparatus 3 takes over the image processing apparatus 2 from the middle of the interruption, the processing efficiency is further improved. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image processing apparatus 3 may perform image processing on the print target file 9 from the beginning. For example, when the image processing unit 34 in the image forming apparatus 2 and the image processing unit 41 in the image processing apparatus 3 execute image processing based on different programs, the image processing unit 41 of the image processing apparatus 3 Even if the data that has been executed halfway by the image processing unit 34 of the forming apparatus 2 is acquired, the image processing performed by the image processing unit 34 cannot be continued. In such a case, the image processing unit 41 of the image processing apparatus 3 needs to perform image processing on the print target file 9 from the beginning.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment is connected to the image processing apparatus 3 that generates drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on the print target file 9, and also in its own apparatus. An image processing unit 34 capable of generating drawing data for printing is provided. The image forming apparatus 2 compares the performance or load state of the image processing apparatus 3 and the image forming apparatus 2, and performs image processing based on the print target file 9 designated by the user in the image processing apparatus 3 and the image processing unit 34. In this configuration, it is possible to automatically determine which is to be performed. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment does not always cause the external image processing apparatus 3 to always perform image processing, but effectively uses its own image processing function so that print output can be performed efficiently. It is the structure which can be done.

  In particular, the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment performs image processing based on the print target file 9 when the print target file 9 recorded on the external recording medium 8 attached to the connection terminal 12 is designated by the user. It is automatically determined which of the image processing apparatus 3 and the image processing unit 34 is used. For this reason, when the print target file 9 is stored in the external recording medium 8, the print output is efficiently performed in consideration of the time required for the image forming apparatus 2 to read the print target file 9 from the external recording medium 8. Will be able to.

  The image forming apparatus 2 is provided in the image processing apparatus 3 when the print target file 9 is stored in the external recording medium 8 and the image processing apparatus 3 determines to perform image processing based on the print target file 9. The user is prompted to attach the external recording medium 8 to the connected connection terminal 22. This eliminates the need for the image forming apparatus 2 to read the print target file 9 from the external recording medium 8 and further transfer the print target file 9 to the image processing apparatus 3, thereby enabling more efficient processing.

  When the print target file 9 stored in the external recording medium 8 is a file in a predetermined format and the image processing apparatus 3 determines to perform image processing based on the print target file 9, the image forming apparatus 2 Data constituting one page is sequentially extracted from the print target file 9 and is sequentially output to the image processing apparatus 3 page by page. Therefore, when the print target file 9 is a file of a predetermined format, the image processing apparatus 3 can start image processing and generate drawing data every time data is received page by page. In 2, it is possible to shorten the time required to start the print output of the first page, which is efficient. Thereby, the processing efficiency at the time of direct printing the print target file 9 such as a PDF file is improved.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment regarding this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to the thing of the content demonstrated in the said embodiment, A various modification is applicable.

  For example, in the image forming system 1 in the above embodiment, the case where one image processing apparatus 3 is connected to one image forming apparatus 2 is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one image processing apparatus 3 may be connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2. In this case, one image processing apparatus 3 is shared by a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 2 performs the automatic determination as described above, print output can be started efficiently even when the image processing apparatus 3 is used by another image forming apparatus 2 in particular. It becomes possible to select an apparatus and perform image processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 2 Image forming apparatus 3 Image processing apparatus 8 External recording medium (recording medium)
12 connection terminal 16 image forming unit (image forming means)
32 Discrimination unit (discrimination means)
33 File output unit (file output means)
34 Image processing unit (image processing means)
35 Drawing data acquisition unit (drawing data acquisition means)
36 Job control unit (job control means)

Claims (18)

An image forming apparatus connected to an image processing apparatus that generates drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on a print target file,
Image processing means capable of generating drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on a print target file;
Discriminating whether the image processing device and the image processing unit perform the image processing based on the print target file designated by the user by comparing the performance or load state of the image processing device and the image forming device. Means,
A file output means for outputting a print target file to either one of the image processing apparatus and the image processing means based on a determination result by the determination means, and performing image processing;
Drawing data acquisition means for acquiring drawing data from any one of the image processing apparatus and the image processing means;
Image forming means for forming an image based on the drawing data acquired by the drawing data acquiring means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: It further includes a connection terminal to which the recording medium can be attached and detached,
When the print target file recorded on the recording medium attached to the connection terminal is designated by the user, the determination unit performs image processing based on the print target file in the image processing apparatus and the image processing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus determines whether to perform the operation.   When the determination unit determines to perform image processing based on a print target file in the image processing apparatus, the determination unit prompts the user to attach the recording medium to a connection terminal provided in the image processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   The determination unit calculates a first time required until image formation is started by the image forming unit when the image processing unit performs image processing based on the performance or load state of the image processing unit. And calculating a second time required to start image formation by the image forming unit when the image processing unit performs image processing based on the performance or load state of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus determines which of the first time and the second time is earlier. The determination unit, when detecting a change in the load state of the image forming apparatus after the image processing unit starts image processing, interrupts the image processing by the image processing unit,
5. The file output unit according to claim 1, wherein when the image processing is interrupted by the determination unit, the file to be printed is output to the image processing apparatus to perform image processing. The image forming apparatus described.   The determination unit displays a result of determining whether the image processing based on the print target file is performed by the image processing device or the image processing unit, and displays either the image processing device or the image processing unit by the user. 6. One of the selection operations is received, and image processing based on a print target file is determined as one of the image processing apparatus and the image processing unit based on a user selection operation. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. Further comprising setting means for registering image processing setting information in which whether the image processing based on the print target file is performed by the image processing apparatus or the image processing means is set in advance;
When the image processing setting information is set to perform image processing in one of the image processing apparatus and the image processing means in the image processing setting information, the determining unit performs image processing based on the setting in the image processing setting information. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus determines whether the image processing apparatus or the image processing unit performs the processing.   8. The image processing setting information includes information in which whether the image processing based on a print target file is to be performed by the image processing apparatus or the image processing unit is set in advance for each user. The image forming apparatus described.   The file output unit is configured to output one page from the print target file when the print target file includes data for one page in a distributed manner and outputs the print target file to the image processing apparatus. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein constituent data is sequentially extracted and sequentially output to the image processing apparatus page by page. A program executed in an image forming apparatus connected to an image processing apparatus that generates drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on a print target file, the image forming apparatus comprising:
Image processing means capable of generating drawing data for printing by performing image processing based on a print target file;
Discriminating whether the image processing device and the image processing unit perform the image processing based on the print target file designated by the user by comparing the performance or load state of the image processing device and the image forming device. means,
A file output unit that outputs a print target file to one of the image processing apparatus and the image processing unit based on a determination result by the determination unit, and performs image processing;
Drawing data acquisition means for acquiring drawing data from any one of the image processing device and the image processing means; and
Job control means for performing image formation based on the drawing data acquired by the drawing data acquisition means;
A program characterized by functioning as The image forming apparatus includes a connection terminal to which a recording medium can be attached and detached,
When the print target file recorded on the recording medium attached to the connection terminal is designated by the user, the determination unit performs image processing based on the print target file in the image processing apparatus and the image processing unit. The program according to claim 10, wherein it is determined which one of the two is performed.   When the determination unit determines to perform image processing based on a print target file in the image processing apparatus, the determination unit prompts the user to attach the recording medium to a connection terminal provided in the image processing apparatus. The program according to claim 11, wherein   The determination unit calculates a first time required until image formation is started by the image forming unit when the image processing unit performs image processing based on the performance or load state of the image processing unit. And calculating a second time required to start image formation by the image forming unit when the image processing unit performs image processing based on the performance or load state of the image forming apparatus. The program according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein it is determined which of the first time and the second time is earlier. The determination unit, when detecting a change in the load state of the image forming apparatus after the image processing unit starts image processing, interrupts the image processing by the image processing unit,
14. The file output unit according to claim 10, wherein when the image processing is interrupted by the determination unit, the file to be printed is output to the image processing apparatus to perform image processing. The listed program.   The determination unit displays a result of determining whether the image processing based on the print target file is performed by the image processing device or the image processing unit, and displays either the image processing device or the image processing unit by the user. 15. One of the selection operations is received, and image processing based on a file to be printed is determined as one of the image processing device and the image processing means based on a user selection operation. The program according to any one. The image forming apparatus;
A setting unit for registering image processing setting information in which the image processing device or the image processing unit performs image processing based on a print target file;
Function as
When the image processing setting information is set to perform image processing in one of the image processing apparatus and the image processing means in the image processing setting information, the determining unit performs image processing based on the setting in the image processing setting information. The program according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein it is determined which of the image processing apparatus and the image processing means performs the processing.   The image processing setting information includes, for each user, information in which whether the image processing based on a print target file is to be performed by the image processing apparatus or the image processing unit is set in advance. The listed program.   The file output unit is configured to output one page from the print target file when the print target file includes data for one page in a distributed manner and outputs the print target file to the image processing apparatus. The program according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein constituent data is sequentially extracted and sequentially output to the image processing apparatus page by page.

Images