JP2020087121A - Information processing device, image forming apparatus, image formation system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve a processing speed of image formation.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a conversion unit for acquiring electronic document data having browsability without depending on a browsing environment, and successively converting the electronic document data into electronic document data of processable format; a management unit for managing associated information for associating the unconverted electronic document data with the converted electronic document data; and a data processing unit for transmitting the converted electronic document data to an image output object when the converted electronic document data exists on the basis of the associated information in the case of receiving a request for an image output of the electronic document data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an image forming device, an image forming system, and a program.

Image forming apparatuses such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral/Printer/Product) are known. Such an image forming apparatus receives various electronic document data such as PCL (Printer Control Language), PS (PostScript) or PDF (Portable Document Format), and executes a printing process.

In electronic document data of a sequential access format such as PCL and PS, the data of each page is arranged in page order. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can sequentially read and print the data of each page while receiving the electronic document data of the sequential access format. On the other hand, in electronic document data of a random access format such as PDF, the data of each page can be arranged regardless of the page order. Therefore, after the reception of the entire electronic document data is completed, the image forming apparatus refers to the structure information of the electronic document data arranged at the rear of the electronic document data, and accesses and prints the data of each page. ..

For example, there is a system in which a computer device transmits electronic document data to a printing device, and the printing device prints the electronic document data (for example, Patent Document 1). In this system, the computer device divides the electronic document data to be printed into three or more data blocks, and transfers the data blocks from the last data block to the printing device in order. After receiving the signal indicating the acquisition of the mutual compatibility table from the printing apparatus, the computer apparatus transfers the data block in order from the first data block to the printing apparatus.

The printing apparatus of Patent Document 1 starts printing after acquiring the mutual compatibility table via the data block. However, if the mutual compatibility table exists in the first data block, for example, the start of printing will be delayed. That is, a delay occurs before the output of an image such as printing.

Therefore, an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a program according to the present disclosure aim to improve the processing speed of image formation.

An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a conversion unit that acquires electronic document data having a viewability that does not depend on a viewing environment and converts the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed; A management unit that manages related information for associating the document data with the converted electronic document data and a request to output an image of the electronic document data, based on the related information, the converted electronic document And a data processing unit for transmitting the converted electronic document data to an image output target when data exists.

According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the processing speed of image formation.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer terminal according to the first embodiment. Block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment. Diagram showing an example of the data structure of a PDF file The figure which shows an example of the management list which concerns on Embodiment 1. Block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a computer terminal according to the first embodiment Block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment The flowchart which shows an example of operation|movement of the server apparatus or computer terminal which concerns on Embodiment 1. Flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device according to the second embodiment. Block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a computer terminal according to the second embodiment Block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment The figure which shows an example of the comment of the electronic document data information after conversion which concerns on Embodiment 2. The figure which shows an example of the unconvertible comment which concerns on Embodiment 2. The flowchart which shows an example of operation|movement of the server apparatus or computer terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2. Flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

An image forming apparatus that receives various electronic document data transmitted from an information processing apparatus or the like and prints the electronic document data is known. When receiving electronic document data in a random access format such as PDF, the image forming apparatus accesses the data of each page while referring to the structure information of the electronic document data after receiving the entire electronic document data. To print. In the electronic document data of the random access format, the structure information indicating the position of each page in the data is not always located at the head of the data. For example, in the case of PDF, the structural information may be located after the data. As a result, the time required from the start of receiving the electronic document data to the start of printing may be long.

For example, in the system of Patent Document 1, among the data blocks formed by dividing the electronic document data into three or more, the last data block is sequentially transferred from the computer device to the printing device. Then, the printing apparatus acquires the mutual compatibility table in the data block, which is an example of the structural information, and the computer apparatus receives a signal indicating the acquisition from the printing apparatus, and then the computer apparatus sequentially prints from the first data block. Transfer to. The printing apparatus overlaps the receiving operation and the rasterizing operation of the data block that has been received, thereby shortening the printing time of the first page and the printing time of the entire electronic document data.

However, in the system of Patent Document 1, a unique flow in which electronic document data is divided and transmitted sequentially from the last data block, and after receiving the reception notification of the mutual compatibility table, the remaining data blocks are sequentially transmitted from the beginning. Then, the electronic document data is transferred from the computer device to the printing device. Therefore, the electronic document data can be transmitted only to the printing device corresponding to the above flow. Therefore, the computer device needs to perform different transmission processes for the printing device corresponding to the above flow and the non-corresponding printing device.

The PDF data structure, which is an example of electronic document data in the random access format, includes a header, a body, a mutual compatibility table, and a trailer in order from the beginning. The body contains an object of data. For example, in the body, a document catalog, page information, object information of each page, etc. are defined for each object number. In this body, the objects are not necessarily arranged side by side in the page order of the document. For this reason, for example, even if the printing apparatus acquires the mutual compatibility table, when the object of the first page is arranged near the end of the body, the printing start of the printing apparatus is delayed.

In view of the above-mentioned problem in Patent Document 1, the present inventors have considered converting electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed in order to reduce the time required for printing. The conversion into a format that can be sequentially processed is a conversion in which the objects of each page arranged in the electronic document data are processed in order from the beginning so that the pages can be output in the order of page numbers. For example, the conversion is a conversion in which the objects of each page in the electronic document data are rearranged in the order of page numbers. However, when the computer device or the printing device converts the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed after the computer device receives a request for printing the electronic document data, the conversion processing time is required. As a result, the time required from the print request to the print output may be long.

Therefore, the technique of the present disclosure converts the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed in advance, and associates the electronic document data before and after the conversion, so that the electronic document data can be printed after receiving the request for printing The time required to output a print of the electronic document data of is shortened.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
<Structure of image forming system 1000>
The configuration of the image forming system 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system 1000 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1000 includes a server device 1, a computer terminal 2, and an image forming device 3. The server device 1, the computer terminal 2, and the image forming device 3 communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, the server device 1, the computer terminal 2, and the image forming device 3 communicate with each other via the communication network 4. For example, the communication network 4 may be the Internet, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a mobile communication network, a telephone line communication network, or another communication network using wired or wireless communication. In this embodiment, the communication network 4 is the Internet. Here, the server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 are examples of an information processing device.

Such an image forming system 1000 transmits electronic document data from the server device 1 and/or the computer terminal 2 to the image forming device 3, and the image forming device 3 forms an image of the received electronic document data on a medium. .. In the present embodiment, the electronic document data handled by image forming system 1000 will be described as electronic document data having a viewability that does not depend on the viewing environment, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The medium on which the image is formed may be a recording medium, or a display screen for displaying a screen or a display surface such as a projection surface. An example of the recording medium is a sheet material such as paper, cloth, film or plate, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the medium is paper. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 3 forms an image by printing on paper which is a recording medium. Further, the image forming system 1000 may include one or more server devices 1, one or more computer terminals 2, and one or more image forming devices 3.

Further, the server device 1, the computer terminal 2, and the image forming device 3 are separate devices, but at least two devices may be integrated. Further, each device may be configured by one or more devices. When the device is composed of two or more devices, the two or more devices may be arranged in one device or may be separately arranged in two or more separate devices. In the present description and claims, "device" can mean not only one device but also a system composed of a plurality of devices.

The server device 1 is an information processing device having a communication function. The server device 1 constitutes a cloud server on the Internet. The server device 1 functions as a print server that manages electronic document data such as PDF (Portable Document Format) based on a request from the computer terminal 2 or the image forming device 3 and sends the electronic document data to the image forming device 3. In the present embodiment, the example of the server device 1 is a computer device, but is not limited to this. Also, electronic document data such as PDF is an example of electronic document data having a viewability that does not depend on the view environment.

The computer terminal 2 is an information processing device having a communication function. Examples of the computer terminal 2 include notebook PCs (Personal Computers), smart devices such as mobile phones, smartphones and tablet terminals, game machines, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital cameras, wearable PCs, desktop PCs, video conference terminals, and The IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board having an electronic blackboard function capable of mutual communication) and the like. In the present embodiment, the computer terminal 2 is described as a notebook PC, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The image forming apparatus 3 is an information processing apparatus having an image processing function and a communication function. Examples of the image forming apparatus 3 are an output device such as an MFP, a facsimile, a scanner, a printer, a PJ (Projector: projector), an IWB and a digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, and a display device. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 is described as an MFP having a facsimile, scanner, and printer function, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 generate electronic document data in a random access format such as PDF using any application or driver. The server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 send a print request including electronic document data to the image forming device 3. The image forming apparatus 3 receives the electronic document data transmitted by the server apparatus 1 or the computer terminal 2 and executes the print processing.

For example, the server device 1 converts the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed (also referred to as “format”), and outputs a print command for the converted electronic document data to the image forming device 3. Further, the server device 1 saves the converted electronic document data and holds it by itself.

For example, the computer terminal 2 converts the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed, and outputs a print command for the converted electronic document data to the image forming apparatus 3. Further, the computer terminal 2 saves the converted electronic document data and holds it by itself.

For example, the image forming apparatus 3 receives from the server device 1 or the computer terminal 2 the electronic document data converted into a format that can be sequentially processed. The image forming apparatus 3 receives the electronic document data and prints it by sequential processing before storing the entire electronic document data in the storage or the like.

<Hardware configuration>
The hardware configuration of the server device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a memory 104, and a communication I/F (interface: Interface) 105, input/output I/F 106, operation I/F 107, and display device 108 as constituent elements. Note that not all of these constituent elements are essential. Further, each of the above components is connected to each other via, for example, a bus. The above-mentioned components may be connected via either wired communication or wireless communication.

The CPU 101 is composed of a processor and the like, and controls the overall operation of the server device 1. The ROM 102 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor storage device or the like, and stores various programs such as application programs operating in the server device 1. The RAM 103 is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory device or the like and is used as a work area of the CPU 101. The memory 104 stores various information such as data used in various programs. The memory 104 is configured by a storage device such as a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory 104 may include the ROM 102 and/or the RAM 103.

The program is stored in advance in the ROM 102, the memory 104, or the like. The program is read by the CPU 101 from the ROM 102 or the memory 104 to the RAM 103 and expanded. The CPU 101 executes each coded instruction in the program expanded in the RAM 103. The program is not limited to the ROM 102 and the memory 104, and may be stored in a recording medium such as a recording disk. In addition, the program may be transmitted via a wired network, a wireless network, broadcasting, or the like, and may be loaded into the RAM 103.

The functions realized by the CPU 101 described above may be realized by a program execution unit such as the CPU 101, a circuit, or a combination of the program execution unit and the circuit. For example, such a function may be realized by an LSI (Large Scale Integration) that is an integrated circuit. Such a function may be individually implemented on a single chip, or may be implemented on a single chip so as to include a part or all of the functions. As an LSI, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, a reconfigurable processor in which connection and/or settings of circuit cells inside the LSI can be reconfigured, or a plurality of devices for specific purposes An ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) in which functional circuits are integrated may be used.

The communication I/F 105 is an interface for communicating with other devices via the communication network 4. The communication I/F 105 may include a connection terminal, a communication circuit, and the like.

The input/output I/F 106 is an interface that is connected to another device or device and transmits/receives information. For example, the input/output I/F 106 is connected to a recording medium such as an external memory, and makes it possible to read information stored in the recording medium and write information in the recording medium. The input/output I/F 106 may include a connection terminal and the like.

The operation I/F 107 is an interface for receiving an operation input by the user. The operation I/F 107 may include input devices such as buttons, dials, keys, a mouse, a touch panel, and a microphone for voice input.

The display device 108 displays various screens under the control of the CPU 101. The display device 108 may be a display such as a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electroluminescence), and an inorganic EL. Further, the display device 108 may include a speaker for outputting audio. The display device 108 may be a touch panel that also serves as the operation I/F 107.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer terminal 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the computer terminal 2 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a memory 204, a communication I/F 205, an input/output I/F 206, an operation I/F 207, and a display device 208. Include as an element. Since the configuration and function of each component of the computer terminal 2 are the same as those of the server device 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a controller 300, a plotter engine 320, an operation panel 330, and a scanner engine 340 as constituent elements. The controller 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an NVRAM (Non-volatile RAM) 304, a memory 305, a communication I/F 306, an engine I/F 307, a panel I/F 308, and a scanner I/F 309. , And the input/output I/F 310 as constituent elements.

The plotter engine 320 controls the operation of the plotter of the image forming apparatus 3 in the process of printing an image on the recording medium. The plotter is an arbitrary printing device, for example, an inkjet head in the case of an inkjet system, and a photoconductor, a laser irradiation device, or a transfer device in the case of a laser printer system.

The operation panel 330 receives inputs of settings, conditions, instructions, etc. from the user. The operation panel 330 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel having a touch panel function, a display such as an organic EL or an inorganic EL, a key, and/or a mouse.

The scanner engine 340 controls the operation of the scanner in the image forming apparatus 3. It should be noted that the scanner is not particularly limited, but a known one having, for example, a pressure plate, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), an image pickup element, and the like is exemplified.

The configurations of the CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 are similar to those of the CPU 101, the ROM 102, and the RAM 103. The CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs that operate on the image forming apparatus 3. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

The NVRAM 304 and the memory 305 store various information such as data used in various programs. The NVRAM 304 is composed of a non-volatile storage device or the like. The configuration of the memory 305 is similar to that of the memory 104.

The function realized by the CPU 301 may be realized by a program execution unit such as the CPU 301, a circuit, or a combination of the program execution unit and the circuit.

The communication I/F 306 is an interface for communicating with other devices via the communication network 4. The communication I/F 306 may include a connection terminal, a communication circuit, and the like.

The engine I/F 307 is an interface for connecting to the plotter engine 320. The panel I/F 308 is an interface for connecting to the operation panel 330. The scanner I/F 309 is an interface for connecting to the scanner engine 340.

The input/output I/F 310 is an interface for connecting to other devices or devices and transmitting/receiving information. For example, the input/output I/F 310 is connected to a recording medium such as an external memory, and can read information stored in the recording medium and write information in the recording medium. The input/output I/F 310 may include a connection terminal and the like.

<Functional configuration>
The functional configuration of the server device 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, a data storage unit 13, a data processing unit 14, a conversion module 15, a management DB (database) 16, and an input/output unit. 17 and 17 are included. Furthermore, the conversion module 15 includes a conversion determination unit 15a, a conversion unit 15b, and a management unit 15c.

The function of the communication unit 11 is realized by the communication I/F 105, the CPU 101, and the like. The communication unit 11 controls communication with other devices via the communication network 4. For example, the communication unit 11 sends and receives electronic document data.

The function of the display unit 12 is realized by the display device 108, the CPU 101, and the like. The display unit 12 displays various information. For example, the display unit 12 displays a screen that receives an instruction from the user, a screen that notifies a message to the user, and the like. The display unit 12 may perform aural display using voice in addition to visual display using a screen.

The function of the input/output unit 17 is realized by the input/output I/F 106, the CPU 101, and the like. The input/output unit 17 is connected to another device or device and transmits/receives information. For example, the input/output unit 17 sends and receives electronic document data.

The function of the data storage unit 13 is realized by the memory 104 or the like. The data storage unit 13 stores electronic document data. For example, the data storage unit 13 stores the electronic document data received from the computer terminal 2. The data storage unit 13 may store the electronic document data converted by the conversion module 15 into a format that can be sequentially processed. Here, in the present specification and claims, the “format capable of sequential processing” is also referred to as “sequential format”.

The function of the data processing unit 14 is realized by the CPU 101 and the like. The data processing unit 14 processes electronic document data. For example, the data processing unit 14 outputs the electronic document data stored in the data storage unit 13 and not yet converted into the sequential format to the conversion module 15 to convert the electronic document data into the sequential format. In addition, when the data processing unit 14 receives a request for image output of electronic document data, the data processing unit 14 transmits the corresponding electronic document data stored in the management DB 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 that is an image output target. For example, the data processing unit 14 transmits the converted electronic document data when the electronic document data converted into the sequential format exists, and transmits the unconverted electronic document data before the conversion when the electronic document data does not exist. Further, the data processing unit 14 may transmit the management list described later or management information in the management list in association with the electronic document data.

The function of the conversion determination unit 15a of the conversion module 15 is realized by the CPU 101 or the like. The conversion determination unit 15a determines whether or not the electronic document data received via the data processing unit 14 needs to be converted into a sequential format. The conversion determination unit 15a outputs the electronic document data to the conversion unit 15b when necessary. The conversion determination unit 15a stores the electronic document data in the management DB 16 when it is unnecessary.

For example, the conversion determination unit 15a may make a determination by comparing information included in a management list described later with electronic document data. Then, when the electronic document data is not included in the management list, the conversion determination unit 15a may determine that conversion to the sequential format is necessary. If the electronic document data is included in the management list but the electronic document data is newer than the electronic document data included in the management list, the conversion determining unit 15a determines that conversion to the sequential format is necessary. May be.

The conversion determination unit 15a may also make the determination based on the data format of the electronic document data. When the electronic document data is sequential access format electronic document data such as PCL and PS, the conversion determination unit 15a may determine that conversion is not necessary. If the electronic document data is electronic document data in a random access format such as PDF, the conversion determination unit 15a may determine that conversion is necessary.

Further, when the electronic document data is random access type electronic document data, the conversion determination unit 15a may refer to the body in the data structure of the electronic document data. Then, the conversion determination unit 15a may detect whether the objects included in the body are arranged in the order of page numbers corresponding to the objects. For example, boundary information indicating the boundary position of the object (also called page break information indicating the break position) is set between the objects. The conversion determination unit 15a may specify each object based on the boundary information. The conversion determination unit 15a determines that conversion is unnecessary when the objects are arranged in the order of page numbers, and determines that conversion is necessary when the objects are not arranged in the order of page numbers. Good.

For example, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a PDF file which is an example of electronic document data. As shown in FIG. 6, the data structure of the PDF file conforms to the open standard managed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the header PH, the body PB, and the cross reference table are arranged in order from the beginning. It has a PR and a trailer PT. Electronic document data such as PDF is sequentially read from the header PH at the head of the data structure. The header PH includes PDF version information and the like.

In the body PB, a document catalog, page information, object information of each page, etc. are defined for each object number. The object number is an identifier of the object, and is formed by arranging the reference number “x”, the generation number “y”, and “obj”, for example, “xy obj”. The document catalog is the root (top level) of the object hierarchy. The page information includes a reference to the object information of each page. The object information of each page includes data for drawing each page.

The cross reference table PR is also called a mutual compatibility table. The cross-reference table PR includes each object number defined in the body PB and address information (position information) of the object of the object number in association with each other. The address information is offset information indicating the number of bytes from the head of the header PH of the object. The position of the object can be specified and accessed based on the cross reference table PR.

The trailer PT includes address information (startxref) indicating a position in the cross reference table PR, an object number (Root) of the document catalog, reference information (Info) to the creation date and time of the PDF file, and the like.

Due to the structure of the PDF file, in order to access the document catalog, it is necessary to identify the object number of the document catalog from the trailer PT and the address information corresponding to this object number from the cross reference table PR. That is, in normal PDF file processing, the trailer PT of the PDF file is read, and then the image processing related to the PDF file is started.

Due to the PDF language specification, the object information does not have to be arranged in page order, and the object numbers do not have to be consecutive numbers. For example, in FIG. 6, even if “50 obj”, “180 obj”, and “70 obj” are object information for drawing the fifth page, the first page, and the third page of the document, respectively. Good. For this reason, if the object information is not aligned, it cannot be determined without the cross-reference table PR what the number of pages in the object information is.

The function of the conversion unit 15b is realized by the CPU 101 or the like. The conversion unit 15b converts the electronic document data received from the conversion determination unit 15a into a sequential format. For example, the conversion unit 15b specifies each object included in the body of the electronic document data based on the position information, the boundary information, and the like, and rearranges the specified objects in the order of page numbers corresponding to the objects. Good. Furthermore, the conversion unit 15b may change the cross-reference table and trailer of the electronic document data according to the position of the rearranged object. If the conversion to the sequential format is completed, that is, if the conversion is successful, the conversion unit 15b stores the electronic document data converted to the sequential format in the management DB 16 as the converted electronic document data. If the conversion to the sequential format cannot be completed, that is, if the conversion is not successful, the conversion unit 15b stores the electronic document data that has not been converted to the sequential format in the management DB 16 as the electronic document data before conversion.

Further, the conversion unit 15b may add information such as a comment indicating that the electronic document data after the conversion to the sequential format is the electronic document data after the conversion to the header. For example, in the electronic document data before and after conversion, even if the positions of the cross reference table and the trailer are not changed, by referring to the header at the time of printing, whether the electronic document data is converted to the sequential format or not. Can be determined. Therefore, the printing process may be changed depending on whether or not the electronic document data is sequentially converted into the format. For example, if the electronic document data has been converted to a sequential format, a dedicated print that prints each object contained in the body in the order of arrangement without referring to the cross reference table and trailer, that is, before referencing. Processing may be performed. When the electronic document data has not been converted into the sequential format, a normal print process for printing each object included in the body may be performed after referring to the cross reference table and the trailer.

The function of the management DB 16 is realized by the memory 104 or the like. The management DB 16 stores a management list of information indicating electronic document data. Further, the management DB 16 stores the electronic document data before conversion into the sequential format and the electronic document data after conversion. The information indicating the electronic document data may be any information that can identify the electronic document data. Examples of information indicating electronic document data are the ID and file name of electronic document data. When the conversion to the sequential format is successful, the management list includes the information indicating the electronic document data before the conversion to the sequential format and the information indicating the electronic document data after the conversion to the sequential format in association with each other. When the conversion to the sequential format is not successful, the management list includes information indicating the electronic document data before conversion to the sequential format and information indicating that the conversion to the sequential format is impossible in the electronic document data. And are associated and included. The management list is an example of related information that associates electronic document data before conversion with electronic document data after conversion.

For example, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the management list according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. The management list contains the file name of the electronic document data before conversion to the serial format, the file name of the electronic document data after conversion of the electronic document data to the serial format, the time stamp indicating the processing execution date and time, and the conversion list. It may be included in association with a conversion impossible flag indicating whether or not it has succeeded. The unconvertible flag is “No” if successful and “Yes” if unsuccessful. When the conversion to the sequential format is successful, the electronic document data after conversion is given a file name different from that of the electronic document data before conversion.

The function of the management unit 15c is realized by the CPU 101 and the like. The management unit 15c records the determination result of the conversion determination unit 15a and the conversion processing result of the conversion unit 15b in the management list. For example, the management unit 15c records, in the management list, the management information in which the information indicating the electronic document data for which the conversion determination unit 15a has determined that the conversion to the sequential format is unnecessary and the date and time of the determination execution are associated with each other. .. The management unit 15c stores, in the management list, management information that associates information indicating the electronic document data that could not be sequentially converted by the conversion unit 15b, information indicating that conversion is impossible, and the date and time of the conversion trial. Record. Further, the management unit 15c stores management information in which the information indicating the converted electronic document data converted into the sequential format by the conversion unit 15b, the information indicating the pre-conversion electronic document data, and the conversion execution date and time are associated with each other. , Record in the management list.

For example, in the management list of FIG. 7, the management information in which the file name column of the converted electronic document data is empty and the conversion impossible flag is Yes indicates that the electronic document data before conversion could not be converted. The time stamp indicates the date and time when the conversion was attempted.

The management information in which the file name field of the electronic document data after conversion is empty and the conversion impossible flag is No indicates that conversion of the electronic document data before conversion is not attempted, and its time stamp is The date and time when the management information item is registered in the list is shown. Such electronic document data is data that the conversion determination unit 15a has determined not to require conversion.

In the management information in which the file name is written in the file name column of the converted electronic document data, the conversion impossible flag does not become Yes, and the time stamp indicates the date and time when the conversion was executed.

It is desirable that the management list is stored in the same place as the electronic document data before conversion, but by managing the paths and the like in the management list, the management list and the electronic document data arranged in multiple places are managed. You can also

The functional configuration of the computer terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the computer terminal 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the computer terminal 2 includes a communication unit 21, a display unit 22, a data storage unit 23, a data processing unit 24, a conversion module 25, a management DB 26, and an input/output unit 27. .. Furthermore, the conversion module 25 includes a conversion determination unit 25a, a conversion unit 25b, and a management unit 25c. Since the configuration and function of each component of the computer terminal 2 are the same as those of the server device 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a communication unit 31, a display unit 32, an input/output unit 33, and a printing unit 34. Further, the printing unit 34 includes a print data receiving unit 34a, an output managing unit 34b, a converting unit 34c, a page data generating unit 34d, a data storage unit 34e, a print data processing unit 34f, and a transfer unit 34g. Including. The page data generation unit 34d includes a division availability determination unit 34d1 and a page-by-page data generation unit 34d2.

The function of the communication unit 31 is realized by the communication I/F 306, the CPU 301, and the like. The communication unit 31 controls communication with other devices via the communication network 4. For example, the communication unit 31 sends and receives electronic document data. Further, the communication unit 31 may receive the management list or the management information of the electronic document data in the management list together with the electronic document data.

The function of the display unit 32 is realized by the operation panel 330, the panel I/F 308, the CPU 301, and the like. The display unit 32 displays various information. For example, the display unit 32 displays a screen that receives an instruction from the user, a screen that notifies a message to the user, and the like. The display unit 32 may perform aural display using voice in addition to visual display using a screen.

The function of the input/output unit 33 is realized by the input/output I/F 310, the CPU 301, and the like. The input/output unit 33 is connected to another device or device and transmits/receives information. For example, the input/output unit 33 transmits/receives electronic document data.

The function of the printing unit 34 is realized by the controller 300, the plotter engine 320, the scanner engine 340, and the like. The printing unit 34 executes print processing for forming an image of the electronic document data on a recording medium based on the electronic document data and the print command received via the communication unit 31.

The function of the print data receiving unit 34a is realized by the CPU 301 and the like. The print data receiving unit 34a receives the information output from the communication unit 31 to the printing unit 34 among the information received via the communication unit 31, and outputs the information to the output management unit 34b and the like.

The function of the output management unit 34b is realized by the CPU 301 and the like. The output management unit 34b manages printing, which is an image output of the electronic document data received from the print data receiving unit 34a. For example, when the management information corresponding to the electronic document data in the management list includes information indicating that the electronic document data is converted into the sequential format, the output management unit 34b executes the image output of the electronic document data. The command and the electronic document data are output to the page data generation unit 34d. When the management information does not include information indicating that the electronic document data is converted to the sequential format, the output management unit 34b outputs the conversion instruction to the sequential format for the electronic document data and the electronic document data. , To the conversion unit 34c.

As shown in the management list of FIG. 7, when the management information does not include the file name of the converted electronic document data, but the conversion impossible flag is set to “Yes”, the output management unit 34b determines that the serial format The execution command for outputting the image of the electronic document data is output to the page data generation unit 34d without outputting the conversion command to the page data generation unit 34d. When the management information does not include the file name of the electronic document data after conversion, but the conversion impossible flag is not set and is "No", the output management unit 34b outputs a conversion command to the sequential format to the conversion unit 34c. ..

The function of the conversion unit 34c is realized by the CPU 301 and the like. The conversion unit 34c performs conversion of the electronic document data received from the output management unit 34b into a sequential format, and outputs it to the page data generation unit 34d.

The functions of the division availability determination unit 34d1 and the page data generation unit 34d2 of the page data generation unit 34d are realized by the CPU 301 and the like. The split availability determination unit 34d1 determines whether the electronic document data can be split based on the identification information in the received electronic document data.

For example, the division propriety determination unit 34d1 may detect boundary information, which is an example of identification information, in the body of the electronic document data. When detecting the boundary information between the objects, the split possibility determination unit 34d1 determines that the electronic document data can be split into a plurality of pages of data. The division availability determination unit 34d1 determines that the electronic document data cannot be divided when the boundary information between the objects is not detected. In this case, the electronic document data is, for example, one page of data. The split availability determination unit 34d1 outputs the split availability determination result and the detected boundary information to the per-page data generation unit 34d2.

The page-by-page data generation unit 34d2 divides the electronic document data into data for each page based on the determination result of the division availability determination unit 34d1 and the boundary information. Further, the page-by-page data generation unit 34d2 generates electronic document data for each page by calculating and adding information to each of the divided data, which is insufficient for forming the electronic document data. The electronic document data converted into the sequential format includes data for each page in the order of page numbers. Therefore, the page-by-page data generation unit 34d2 can generate and output the electronic document data for each page in the order of page numbers by sequentially dividing the electronic document data from the beginning.

The page-by-page data generation unit 34d2 stores the electronic document data before division and the electronic document data for each page of the electronic document data in association with each other in the data storage unit 34e. Further, the page-by-page data generation unit 34d2 outputs the electronic document data for each page to the print data processing unit 34f. The page-by-page data generation unit 34d2 may add information indicating the printing order to the electronic document data for each page.

The function of the data storage unit 34e is realized by the NVRAM 304, the memory 305, and the like. The data storage unit 34e stores electronic document data before division and electronic document data for each page after division.

The function of the print data processing unit 34f is realized by the CPU 301 and the like. The print data processing unit 34f interprets and draws a command included in the electronic document data for each page, generates image data for printing, and outputs the image data to the transfer unit 34g. For example, the print data processing unit 34f sequentially processes the electronic document data for each page to generate and output image data for printing for each page in the order of page numbers.

The function of the transfer unit 34g is realized by the CPU 301, the engine I/F 307, the plotter engine 320, and the like. The transfer unit 34g forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data for printing received from the print data processing unit 34f. The transfer unit 34g sequentially processes the image data for printing to form images in the order of page numbers.

<Operations of Server Device 1 and Computer Terminal 2>
The server device 1 converts the electronic document data transmitted from the computer terminal 2 or the like to the server device 1 into a sequential format in advance before receiving a command for a print request, and converts the converted electronic document data to the electronic document data. Hold. Further, when the server device 1 receives the command to request the printing of the electronic document data, the server device 1 transmits the held electronic document data to the image forming device 3.

The computer terminal 2 preliminarily stores in the server device 1 in order to convert the electronic document data generated by the computer terminal 2 or the electronic document data acquired from an external device or the like into a sequential format before receiving a print request command. Send. Alternatively, the computer terminal 2 itself converts the electronic document data into a sequential format in advance before receiving the command of the print request, and holds or transmits the electronic document data to the server device 1.

The operation of converting the electronic document data in the server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 as described above into a sequential format in advance will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server device 1 or the computer terminal 2 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the communication unit 11 or 21 acquires the electronic document data from the designated location and stores it in the data storage unit 13 or 23 (step S101). The designated place is a place where electronic document data is stored, and is a place where acquisition of electronic document data is designated by a user or the like. Examples of the designated location are the server device 1, the computer terminal 2, a path on the cloud, and a data storage location on the network or the like.

Further, the conversion determination unit 15a or 25a determines whether the management information of the acquired electronic document data is included in the management list of the management DB 16 or 26 (step S102). If the conversion determination unit 15a or 25a is not included in the management list (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S105, and if included in the management list (No in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the conversion determination unit 15a or 25a compares the time stamp of the acquired electronic document data with the time stamp of the management information of the electronic document data included in the management list. The time stamp of the acquired electronic document data is the date and time when the electronic document data was last updated. The time stamp of the management list is the date and time when the electronic document data included in the management list was registered in the management list or the date and time when the management information was last updated due to conversion into a sequential format or the like.

Next, if the time stamp of the acquired electronic document data is newer (Yes in step S104), the conversion determination unit 15a or 25a proceeds to step S105, and if not (No in step S104), proceeds to step S109. ..

In step S105, the conversion determination unit 15a or 25a determines whether to convert the acquired electronic document data into a sequential format. Then, the conversion unit 15b or 25b attempts to convert the acquired electronic document data into a sequential format.

Next, if the conversion is successful (Yes in step S106), the management unit 15c or 25c proceeds to step S107, and if the conversion is not successful (No in step S106), proceeds to step S108. The following example can be given as a case where the conversion is not successful. One is a case where the electronic document data includes only one page of data. One is that the objects of the electronic document data are already arranged in the order of page numbers, but the header of the electronic document data includes information such as a comment indicating that the header has been converted to the sequential format. There is no case. One is a case where a free storage area (work area or the like) having a size similar to the data size of the electronic document data to be converted cannot be secured during conversion to the sequential format. One is a case where a storage area for electronic document data after conversion to a sequential format cannot be secured. In this embodiment, the electronic document data before and after conversion to the sequential format is held. Therefore, a free storage area having a size similar to the data size of the converted electronic document data is required in the memory or the like.

In step S107, the management unit 15c or 25c updates the management list using the converted electronic document data, and proceeds to step S109. For example, the management unit 15c or 25c registers the file name of the electronic document data before conversion, the new file name of the electronic document data after conversion, the conversion execution date and time, the unchangeable flag, and the like in the management list in association with each other. In this case, the unchangeable flag is “No”.

In step S108, the management unit 15c or 25c adds the unchangeable flag to the management list for the electronic document data that has not been successfully converted, and proceeds to step S109. For example, the management unit 15c or 25c associates the file name of the electronic document data, the conversion trial date and time, the unchangeable flag “Yes”, and the like and registers them in the management list.

In step S109, the conversion determination unit 15a or 25a compares the electronic document data in the designated location with the management list, and determines whether or not the processing in steps S101 to S108 has been completed for all the electronic document data in the designated location. judge. The conversion determination unit 15a or 25a proceeds to step S110 when completed (Yes in step S109), and returns to step S101 when not completed (No in step S109).

In step S110, the conversion determination unit 15a or 25a compares the electronic document data in the designated location with the management list, and determines whether there is electronic document data that is not in the designated location but included only in the management list. .. If the conversion determination unit 15a or 25a exists (Yes in step S110), the process proceeds to step S111. If not (No in step S110), the series of processes ends.

In step S111, the management unit 15c or 25c deletes the management information of the electronic document data which is not in the designated place but is included only in the management list from the management list. Further, the management unit 15c or 25c deletes the electronic document data stored in the management DB 16 or 26, and ends the series of processes.

<Operation of image forming apparatus 3>
The operation of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the print data receiving unit 34a of the printing unit 34 acquires a print instruction of electronic document data from the request destination, which is the server device 1 or the computer terminal 2, via the communication unit 31 (step S201). ). At this time, the print data receiving unit 34a receives the electronic document data to be printed from the request destination in addition to the print instruction. Further, the print data receiving unit 34a may receive the management list or the management information of the electronic document data.

When the server device 1 or the computer terminal 2 receives a request for printing electronic document data from a user or the like, the server device 1 or the computer terminal 2 is stored in the management DB 16 or 26 and corresponds to the electronic document data to be printed before conversion to a sequential format. The electronic document data or the converted electronic document data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. The server device 1 or the computer terminal 2 refers to the management list, and when the converted electronic document data is recorded in the management list, transmits the converted electronic document data to the converted electronic document data in the management list. If the document data is not recorded, the electronic document data before conversion is transmitted.

Next, the output management unit 34b refers to the management list and determines whether or not the electronic document data to be printed is recorded in the management list (step S202). If the management list has been acquired, the output management unit 34b may use the acquired management list, or may inquire of the request destination and refer to the management list held by the request destination. The output management unit 34b proceeds to step S203 if the management list is recorded (Yes in step S202), and proceeds to step S204 if the management list is not recorded (No in step S202).

In step S204, the conversion unit 34c executes conversion of the electronic document data to be printed into a sequential format. Further, the printing unit 34 prints the converted electronic document data on the recording medium, and ends the series of processes. At this time, the printing unit 34 sequentially processes the converted electronic document data and prints each page in the order of page numbers.

In step S203, the output management unit 34b determines whether the management information of the electronic document data to be printed in the management list includes an electronic document data name that is information indicating the electronic document data after being converted into the sequential format. To determine. That is, the output management unit 34b determines whether the management list includes information indicating the converted electronic document data. If the information is included (Yes in step S203), the output management unit 34b proceeds to step S205. If the information is not included (No in step S203), the output management unit 34b proceeds to step S206.

In step S205, the printing unit 34 prints the electronic document data to be printed on the recording medium, and ends the series of processes. The electronic document data to be printed is the electronic document data after conversion. Therefore, the printing unit 34 can print the pages in the order of page numbers while sequentially processing the objects included in the electronic document data.

Further, in step S206, the output management unit 34b determines whether the conversion impossible flag included in the management information of the electronic document data to be printed in the management list is “Yes”, that is, whether or not it is standing. If the conversion impossible flag is set (Yes in step S206), the output management unit 34b proceeds to step S207, and if the conversion impossible flag is not set (No in step S206), proceeds to step S208.

In step S207, the printing unit 34 prints the electronic document data to be printed on the recording medium, and ends the series of processes. The electronic document data to be printed is the electronic document data that has not been converted into the sequential format, that is, the unconverted electronic document data. Therefore, the printing unit 34 prints the electronic document data as usual. For example, the printing unit 34 confirms the cross-reference table included in the electronic document data after completing the reception of the entire electronic document data, and accesses the object of each page included in the electronic document data based on the cross-reference table. Process and print each page in page number order.

In step S208, as in step S204, the printing unit 34 sequentially converts the electronic document data to be printed into a format, prints it on a recording medium, and ends the series of processes.

<Effects>
The server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 as the information processing device according to the first embodiment as described above acquire electronic document data having a viewability that does not depend on the viewing environment and convert the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed. When the conversion units 15b and 25b for conversion, the management units 15c and 25c for managing related information for associating the electronic document data before conversion with the electronic document data after conversion, and a request for image output of the electronic document data are received, Based on the related information, when the converted electronic document data exists, the data processing units 14 and 24 for transmitting the converted electronic document data to the image output target.

According to the above configuration, when the server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 receive an image output request for electronic document data, the electronic document data after conversion, which has already undergone the conversion process, is transmitted to the image output target. This reduces the time required from the reception of the image output request to the transmission of the converted electronic document data. Therefore, the output target of the image can start the image output of the converted electronic document data at an early stage. Further, since the output target of the image can be sequentially processed while receiving the converted electronic document data and output the image, the time required for the image output is also reduced. Therefore, the processing speed of image formation can be improved.

In addition, in the server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 according to the first embodiment, the management units 15c and 25c, when the conversion to the format that can be sequentially processed is successful, in the related information, the electronic document data before conversion and the post-conversion When the conversion is not successful, the related information may be related to the information indicating that the conversion is impossible and the electronic document data before conversion. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the electronic document data from being tried to be converted with respect to the electronic document data that cannot be converted. Therefore, unnecessary processing is reduced.

Further, in the server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 according to the first embodiment, the related information may include a management list of electronic document data. Further, when the conversion into the format that can be sequentially processed is successful, the management units 15c and 25c record the information indicating the electronic document data before conversion and the information indicating the electronic document data after conversion in the management list in association with each other. If the conversion is not successful, the information indicating the electronic document data before conversion and the information indicating that the conversion cannot be performed may be recorded in the management list in association with each other. According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the electronic document data is the converted electronic document data or the unconvertible electronic document data by referring to the management list. Therefore, unnecessary processing such as conversion processing to electronic document data that cannot be converted is reduced.

Further, in the server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 according to the first embodiment, the conversion units 15b and 25b acquire electronic document data from a designated place, and the management units 15c and 25c store the electronic document data included in the designated place. After completion of the recording process to the management list for all, information indicating electronic document data which is not included in the designated location but included in the management list may be deleted from the management list. According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce unnecessary or inappropriate processing on electronic document data.

Further, the server device 1 and the computer terminal 2 according to the first embodiment determine whether or not the acquired electronic document data can be converted into a format that can be sequentially processed, and the electronic document is determined according to the determination result. Conversion determination units 15a and 25a for converting the data to the conversion units 15b and 25b may be provided. According to the above configuration, unnecessary conversion processing for electronic document data is reduced.

The image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment also includes a print data receiving unit 34a as a receiving unit that receives electronic document data and related information about the electronic document data, and an image output of the electronic document data based on the related information. And an output management unit 34b that manages. When the related information indicates that the electronic document data has been converted into a format that can be sequentially processed, the output management unit 34b executes the image output of the electronic document data without executing the conversion on the electronic document data. To do.

According to the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 3 executes the image output on the converted electronic document data without executing the conversion. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 3 can reduce the processing amount. Further, since the image forming apparatus 3 can sequentially process and output the image while receiving the converted electronic document data, it is possible to reduce the time required for the image output. Therefore, the processing speed of image formation can be improved.

In addition, in the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment, the related information includes the management list, and the output management unit 34b converts the information indicating the electronic document data recorded in the management list into a format that can be sequentially processed. When indicating the converted electronic document data, the image output is executed without performing the conversion on the electronic document data, and the information indicating the electronic document data recorded in the management list indicates that the conversion is impossible. In the case shown, the image output may be executed without converting the electronic document data. According to the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 3 performs image output on the electronic document data after conversion and the electronic document data that cannot be converted without performing conversion. Therefore, the processing amount can be reduced. You can

Further, in the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment, the output management unit 34b uses the information indicating the electronic document data recorded in the management list as the electronic document data after conversion into a format that can be sequentially processed and the conversion. If none of the above is not shown, the image output may be executed after the conversion is executed for the electronic document data. According to the above configuration, the electronic document data as described above can be converted but not converted. By performing image output after performing conversion on such electronic document data, the image forming apparatus 3 can sequentially process the electronic document data and output the image.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment, when the information indicating the received electronic document data is not recorded in the management list, the output management unit 34b has a format in which the electronic document data can be sequentially processed. The image output may be executed after the conversion to the. According to the above configuration, the electronic document data as described above is unconverted. By performing image output after performing conversion on such electronic document data, the image forming apparatus 3 can sequentially process the electronic document data and output the image.

Further, the image forming system 1000 according to the first embodiment acquires the electronic document data and converts the electronic document data into electronic document data in a format that can be sequentially processed, and the electronic document data before conversion and the electronic document data before conversion. The management unit 15c or 25c that manages related information associated with electronic document data, and the output management unit 34b that manages image output of electronic document data based on the related information are provided. When the electronic document data indicates that it has been converted, the image output is executed without executing the conversion on the electronic document data. With the above configuration, the image forming system 1000 can achieve the same effects as the server device 1, the computer terminal 2, and the image forming device 3 according to the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 2)
The image forming system according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the electronic document data includes related information that associates the electronic document data before conversion into the sequential format with the electronic document data after conversion. The image forming system according to the first embodiment uses the management list as the related information. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the points different from the first embodiment, and the description of the same points as the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

<Structure of image forming system>
The image forming system according to the second embodiment includes a server device 1A, a computer terminal 2A, and an image forming device 3A. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 1A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the computer terminal 2A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the server device 1A according to the second embodiment includes a conversion module 15A instead of the conversion module 15 as compared with the server device 1 according to the first embodiment. The conversion module 15A includes a conversion determination unit 15Aa, a conversion unit 15b, and a management unit 15Ac.

As shown in FIG. 13, the computer terminal 2A according to the second embodiment includes a conversion module 25A instead of the conversion module 25 as compared with the computer terminal 2 according to the first embodiment. The conversion module 25A includes a conversion determination unit 25Aa, a conversion unit 25b, and a management unit 25Ac.

As shown in FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment includes a printing unit 34A instead of the printing unit 34, as compared with the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment. Compared with the printing unit 34, the printing unit 34A includes an output management unit 34Ab instead of the output management unit 34b.

The hardware configurations of the server device 1A, the computer terminal 2A, and the image forming device 3A are similar to those of the server device 1, the computer terminal 2, and the image forming device 3 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the conversion determination unit 25Aa of the conversion module 25A of the server device 1A determines whether or not the electronic document data received via the data processing unit 14 needs to be converted into a sequential format. To do. The conversion determination unit 25Aa makes a determination based on the information included in the electronic document data. For example, if the information included in the electronic document data includes information indicating that the electronic document data has been converted to the sequential format, the conversion determination unit 25Aa determines that conversion to the sequential format is unnecessary. Good. When the information included in the electronic document data does not include the information indicating that the electronic document data has been converted to the sequential format, the conversion determination unit 25Aa may determine that the conversion to the sequential format is necessary. .. For example, such information may be placed at the beginning of the electronic document data. This improves the speed of the determination process of the conversion determination unit 25Aa. An example of the beginning of the electronic document data is a header or the like. An example of the information indicating that the electronic document data has been converted into the sequential format is a comment indicating the information.

The management unit 15Ac of the conversion module 25A adds the information indicating the conversion processing result of the conversion unit 15b to the electronic document data that has been converted by the conversion unit 15b, and stores the added electronic document data in the management DB 16. For example, the management unit 15Ac adds information indicating that the electronic document data is the converted electronic document data to the converted electronic document data when the conversion process by the converting unit 15b is successful. An example of information indicating that the electronic document data is converted is a comment indicating the information.

If the conversion unit 15b does not succeed in the conversion processing into the sequential format, the management unit 15Ac provides the information indicating that the conversion is impossible to the electronic document data for which conversion is attempted, that is, the electronic document before conversion. Add to data. An example of the information indicating that the conversion is impossible is a comment indicating the information. The electronic document data that has not been converted by the conversion unit 15b does not include information indicating the converted electronic document data or information indicating that conversion is not possible. The information indicating that the electronic document data is converted and the information indicating that conversion is impossible are examples of related information.

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of a comment of converted electronic document data information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of a comment that cannot be converted according to the second embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15A, when the conversion process is successful, the management unit 15Ac uses the comment of the converted electronic document data information as the information indicating that the electronic document data is the converted electronic document data. It may be added to the data header PH. The example of FIG. 15A includes “converted_file” indicating converted data and a target electronic document data name “Test1_conv”.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 15B, when the conversion process is not successful, the management unit 15Ac, as the information indicating that the conversion is impossible, the unconvertible comment is the electronic document data before conversion that cannot be converted. May be added to the header PH. The example of FIG. 15B includes “unable_to_convert” indicating that conversion is impossible and a conversion impossible flag “Yes”. The position of the comment is not limited to the header PH and may be any position in the electronic document data.

Further, the configuration and function of each component of the computer terminal 2A are the same as those of the server device 1A, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

The output management unit 34Ab of the printing unit 34A of the image forming apparatus 3A manages printing of the electronic document data received from the print data receiving unit 34a. For example, when the electronic document data includes information indicating that the electronic document data is the electronic document data after being converted into the sequential format, the output management unit 34Ab outputs the execution instruction for printing the electronic document data and the electronic document data. , To the page data generation unit 34d. When the electronic document data includes information indicating that conversion to the sequential format is impossible, the output management unit 34Ab outputs the print execution instruction of the electronic document data and the electronic document data to the page data generation unit 34d. .. When the electronic document data does not include either of the above two pieces of information, the output management unit 34Ab outputs the conversion command for converting the electronic document data to the sequential format and the electronic document data to the conversion unit 34c.

<Operations of server device 1A and computer terminal 2A>
The operation of converting the electronic document data in the server device 1A and the computer terminal 2A into a sequential format in advance will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server device 1A or the computer terminal 2A according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the communication unit 11 or 21 acquires the electronic document data from the designated location and stores it in the data storage unit 13 or 23 (step S301).

Further, the conversion determination unit 15Aa or 25Aa searches the acquired electronic document data and determines whether the electronic document data includes a comment that is information regarding the conversion result to the sequential format (step S302). If the comment is not included (Yes in step S302), the conversion determination unit 15a or 25a proceeds to step S303, and if the comment is included (No in step S302), proceeds to step S307.

In step S303, the conversion determination unit 15Aa or 25Aa determines whether to perform conversion of the acquired electronic document data into the sequential format. Then, the conversion unit 15b or 25b attempts to convert the acquired electronic document data into a sequential format.

Next, when the conversion is successful (Yes in step S304), the management unit 15Ac or 25Ac proceeds to step S305, and when the conversion is not successful (No in step S304), proceeds to step S306.

In step S305, the management unit 15Ac or 25Ac adds a comment, which is information indicating that the electronic document data is the converted electronic document data, to the converted electronic document data, and the process proceeds to step S307. The management unit 15Ac or 25Ac stores the converted electronic document data with the comment added in the management DB 16.

Further, in step S306, the management unit 15Ac or 25Ac adds a comment, which is information indicating that conversion to the sequential format is impossible, to the electronic document data that could not be converted, and proceeds to step S307. The management unit 15Ac or 25Ac stores the pre-conversion electronic document data to which the comment has been added in the management DB 16.

In step S307, the conversion determination unit 15Aa or 25Aa searches the electronic document data in the designated location and determines whether or not the processes in steps S301 to S306 have been completed for all the electronic document data in the designated location. The conversion determination unit 15Aa or 25Aa ends the series of processes when it is completed (Yes in step S307), and returns to step S301 when it is not completed (No in step S307).

<Operation of image forming apparatus 3A>
The operation of the image forming apparatus 3A will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, the print data receiving unit 34a of the printing unit 34 acquires a print instruction of electronic document data from the request destination, which is the server device 1 or the computer terminal 2, via the communication unit 31 (step S401). ). At this time, the print data receiving unit 34a receives the electronic document data to be printed from the request destination in addition to the print instruction.

Next, the output management unit 34Ab searches the electronic document data to be printed, and determines whether the electronic document data includes a comment regarding the conversion result to the sequential format (step S402). When the comment is included (Yes in step S402), the output management unit 34Ab proceeds to step S403, and when the comment is not included (No in step S402), proceeds to step S404.

In step S404, the conversion unit 34c executes conversion of the electronic document data to be printed into a sequential format. Further, the printing unit 34A prints the converted electronic document data on the recording medium, and ends the series of processes. At this time, the printing unit 34A sequentially processes the converted electronic document data and prints each page in the order of page numbers.

Further, in step S403, the output management unit 34Ab determines whether the comment included in the electronic document data to be printed is the comment of the converted electronic document data information indicating that the comment is the electronic document data converted to the sequential format. Determine whether or not. If the comment is the comment (Yes in step S403), the output management unit 34Ab proceeds to step S405, and if it is not the comment (No in step S403), proceeds to step S406.

In step S405, the printing unit 34A prints the electronic document data to be printed on the recording medium, and ends the series of processes. The printing unit 34 sequentially processes the electronic document data and prints each page in the order of page numbers.

In step S406, the output management unit 34Ab determines whether the comment included in the electronic document data to be printed is a non-convertible comment. The output management unit 34Ab proceeds to step S407 if the comment cannot be converted (Yes in step S406), and proceeds to step S408 if the comment is not convertible (No in step S406).

In step S407, the printing unit 34A prints the electronic document data to be printed on the recording medium, and ends the series of processes. The printing unit 34A prints the electronic document data as usual. In this case, the comment included in the electronic document data is neither the comment of the converted electronic document data information nor the unconvertible comment. An example of such a comment is a comment indicating that the conversion to the sequential format was possible, but the converted electronic document data could not be saved due to the insufficient capacity of the storage area of the management DB 16 or 26. .. Such a comment may be a comment only indicating that conversion to the sequential format is possible.

In step S408, the printing unit 34A, similarly to step S404, sequentially converts the electronic document data to be printed into a format, prints it on the recording medium, and ends the series of processes.

Further, other configurations and operations of the image forming system according to the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. Then, according to the image forming system according to the second embodiment as described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in the server device 1A and the computer terminal 2A according to the second embodiment, the management units 15Ac and 25Ac provide information indicating that the electronic document data is converted after successful conversion to a format that can be sequentially processed. In addition to the converted electronic document data as the related information, when the conversion is not successful, information indicating that the conversion is impossible may be added as the related information to the electronic document data before the conversion. According to the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 3A that receives the electronic document data from the server device 1A or the computer terminal 2A can determine the state of the electronic document data from the information included in the electronic document data.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment, the electronic document data includes related information, and the output management unit 34Ab determines that the related information of the electronic document data is electronic document data after conversion into a format that can be sequentially processed. When it indicates that the electronic document data is not converted, image output is executed, and when the related information of the electronic document data indicates that conversion is impossible, the electronic document data is converted. The image output may be executed without executing. According to the above configuration, unnecessary processing on electronic document data is reduced.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment, the output management unit 34Ab determines that the related information of the received electronic document data is the electronic document data after conversion into a format that can be sequentially processed, and When neither of the above is shown, the image output may be performed after the conversion is performed on the electronic document data. According to the above configuration, the electronic document data as described above can be converted but not converted. By performing image output after performing conversion on such electronic document data, the image forming apparatus 3 can sequentially process the electronic document data and output the image.

(Other embodiments)
Although the example of the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modification. That is, various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, various modifications of the embodiment or the modification, and an embodiment constructed by combining the constituent elements of the different embodiments and the modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention.

For example, although the server device and the computer terminal according to the embodiment each include the conversion module and the management DB, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one of the server device and the computer terminal may include the conversion module and the management DB. Alternatively, the server device may include one of the conversion module and the management DB, and the computer terminal may include the other of the conversion module and the management DB.

Further, the server device according to the embodiment may be composed of two or more server devices.

Further, the present invention may be a program or a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium in which the program is recorded. Further, it goes without saying that the above program can be distributed via a transmission medium such as the Internet. For example, a program according to the present invention is a program to be executed by an information processing device, and a process of acquiring electronic document data having a viewability independent of a viewing environment and converting the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed. A process of managing related information for associating the electronic document data before the conversion with the electronic document data after the conversion and a request for image output of the electronic document data, based on the related information, And processing for transmitting the converted electronic document data to an image output target when the converted electronic document data exists. According to this program, the same effects as those of the server device and the computer terminal as the information processing device can be obtained.

Further, a program according to the present invention is a program to be executed by a computer device of an image forming apparatus, and a process of receiving electronic document data having viewability independent of a viewing environment and related information of the electronic document data, A process of managing image output of the electronic document data based on the related information, wherein the related information includes the electronic document data before conversion into a format that can be sequentially processed and the electronic document data after conversion. In the process of managing the image output, when the related information indicates that the electronic document data has been converted, the image output is performed without performing the conversion on the electronic document data. To execute. According to this program, the same effect as that of the image forming apparatus can be obtained.

Moreover, all the numbers such as ordinal numbers and quantities used above are examples for specifically explaining the technique of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the exemplified numbers. Further, the connection relationship between the constituent elements is an example for specifically explaining the technique of the present invention, and the connection relationship for realizing the function of the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, the block division in the functional block diagram is an example, and even if a plurality of blocks are realized as one block, one block is divided into a plurality of blocks, and/or a part of the functions is transferred to another block. Good. Also, the functions of a plurality of blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time division by a single piece of hardware or software.

1,1A server device (information processing device)
2,2A Computer terminal (information processing device)
3, 3A Image forming device 14, 24 Data processing unit 15a, 15Aa, 25a, 25Aa Conversion determination unit 15b, 25b Conversion unit 15c, 15Ac, 25c, 25Ac Management unit 34a Print data receiving unit 34b, 34Ab Output management unit 34c Conversion unit 1000 image forming system

Japanese Patent No. 4155514

Claims (15)

A conversion unit that acquires electronic document data having readability that does not depend on the reading environment and converts the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed,
A management unit that manages related information that associates the electronic document data before conversion with the electronic document data after conversion;
When receiving the image output request of the electronic document data, when the converted electronic document data exists based on the related information, the converted electronic document data is transmitted to an image output target. An information processing apparatus including a data processing unit that performs the processing. The management unit is
When the conversion is successful, in the related information, the electronic document data before the conversion and the electronic document data after the conversion are associated with each other,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the conversion is not successful, the information indicating that the conversion is impossible and the electronic document data before the conversion are associated with each other in the related information. The related information includes a management list of the electronic document data,
The management unit is
When the conversion is successful, information indicating the electronic document data before the conversion and information indicating the electronic document data after the conversion are associated and recorded in the management list,
When the conversion is not successful, the information indicating the electronic document data before the conversion and the information indicating that the conversion is impossible are associated and recorded in the management list. Information processing device. The conversion unit acquires the electronic document data from a designated location,
Information indicating the electronic document data that is not included in the specified location but is included in the management list after the management unit completes the recording process on the management list for all of the electronic document data included in the specified location The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein is deleted from the management list. The management unit is
If the conversion is successful, information indicating that the electronic document data after conversion is added to the converted electronic document data as the related information,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the conversion is not successful, information indicating that the conversion is impossible is added to the electronic document data before the conversion as the related information. Any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a conversion determination unit that determines whether the acquired electronic document data can be converted and converts the electronic document data into the conversion unit according to a determination result. The information processing device according to claim 1. A receiving unit for receiving electronic document data having readability that does not depend on a reading environment and related information of the electronic document data;
An output management unit that manages image output of the electronic document data based on the related information,
The related information is information that associates the electronic document data before conversion into a format that can be sequentially processed and the electronic document data after conversion,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the output management unit performs image output without performing the conversion on the electronic document data when the related information indicates that the electronic document data is after the conversion. The related information includes a management list of the electronic document data,
The output management unit,
When the information indicating the electronic document data recorded in the management list indicates the converted electronic document data, image output is executed without executing the conversion for the electronic document data,
The image output is executed without executing the conversion for the electronic document data when the information indicating the electronic document data recorded in the management list indicates that the conversion is impossible. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. If the information indicating the electronic document data recorded in the management list does not indicate the electronic document data after the conversion or that the conversion is not possible, the output management unit outputs the electronic document data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein image output is executed after execution of the conversion. The output management unit, if information indicating the received electronic document data is not recorded in the management list, executes image output after the conversion is performed on the electronic document data. The image forming apparatus described. The electronic document data includes the related information,
The output management unit,
When the related information of the electronic document data indicates that the electronic document data after the conversion, the image output is executed without executing the conversion for the electronic document data,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the related information of the electronic document data indicates that the conversion is impossible, image output is executed without executing the conversion for the electronic document data. If the related information of the received electronic document data does not indicate that the electronic document data is the converted electronic document data or the conversion is not possible, the output management unit adds the electronic document data to the electronic document data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image output is executed after the conversion is executed. A conversion unit that acquires electronic document data having readability that does not depend on the reading environment and converts the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed,
A management unit that manages related information that associates the electronic document data before conversion with the electronic document data after conversion;
An output management unit that manages image output of the electronic document data based on the related information,
An image forming system in which the output management unit executes image output without performing the conversion on the electronic document data when the related information indicates that the electronic document data has been converted. A program to be executed by an information processing device,
A process of acquiring electronic document data having readability that does not depend on the browsing environment and converting the electronic document data into a format that can be sequentially processed,
A process of managing related information associating the electronic document data before the conversion with the electronic document data after the conversion;
When receiving the image output request of the electronic document data, when the converted electronic document data exists based on the related information, the converted electronic document data is transmitted to an image output target. A program that includes the processing to do. A program to be executed by a computer device of an image forming apparatus,
A process of receiving electronic document data having readability that does not depend on a browsing environment and related information of the electronic document data;
A process of managing image output of the electronic document data based on the related information,
The related information is information that associates the electronic document data before conversion into a format that can be sequentially processed and the electronic document data after conversion,
A program for performing image output without performing the conversion on the electronic document data when the related information indicates that the electronic document data has been subjected to the conversion in the process of managing the image output.

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