JP2021030527A - Control device, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce such an opportunity that a printing result is output in a mode that is not intended by a user.SOLUTION: A control device comprises: reception means which receives an instruction related to image formation based on printing data; and control means which controls processing related to image formation based on the printing data corresponding to the instruction. The control means reserves the execution of the processing related to the image formation based on the printing data in accordance with a format of the printing data corresponding to the received instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to control devices, control methods, and programs.

In recent years, as an image forming apparatus such as a printing machine or a multifunction printer (MFP), it is possible to receive print data from another information processing device via a network and print based on the print data. Things have been proposed. When such an image forming apparatus is used, for example, the information processing apparatus uses a driver (or application) designed for utilizing the image forming apparatus, and print data suitable for the image forming apparatus. To generate. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an image forming apparatus capable of performing printing based on print data received from another apparatus via a network.

Further, in recent years, the image forming apparatus generates print data by using a general-purpose driver (or application) or a printing server on the cloud without going through a driver or application optimized for each image forming apparatus. A technology that enables transmission to the computer has also been proposed. In order to realize such a technique, a network protocol for transmitting print data to an image forming apparatus to execute printing, such as IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), is defined. By generating and transmitting print data according to such a protocol, print data can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus without installing a driver (or application) specific to each image forming apparatus for the information processing apparatus. It becomes possible to execute printing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-31423

On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is made to execute printing by using a general-purpose driver, the printing result is output in a mode different from the output originally intended by the user depending on the situation at that time. There is.

For example, in a general-purpose driver, as a print data format, there is a case where a print condition such as a color space can be specified for each object included in the print data such as PDF (Portable Document Form). In such a general-purpose driver, when the data amount of the PDF document data to be printed exceeds the data amount of the print data that the image forming apparatus can tolerate, the PDF document data is converted into a raster image. Some of them are converted and then transmitted as print data to an image forming apparatus.
As described above, when the image is formed after the format of the print data is changed, for example, at least some printing conditions are changed due to the change in the format, and the output originally intended by the user is The print result may be output in a different manner.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to make it possible to further reduce the chance that a print result is output in an unintended manner by the user.

The control device according to the present invention includes a receiving means for receiving an instruction related to image formation based on print data and a control means for controlling a process related to image formation based on the print data corresponding to the instruction. The means suspends the execution of the process related to the image formation based on the print data according to the format of the print data corresponding to the received instruction.
By applying such a configuration, even if the format of the print data is changed unintentionally by the user, it is possible to temporarily suspend the execution of the process related to the image formation based on the print data. It becomes. This makes it possible, for example, to notify the user that the process has been suspended, and then to receive another instruction from the user to execute the process related to image formation based on the print data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to further reduce the chance that a print result is output in an unintended manner by the user.

It is a figure which showed an example of the system configuration of an image formation system. It is a figure which showed an example of the hardware composition of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which showed an example of the functional structure of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which showed an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus. It is a figure which showed an example of the functional structure of an information processing apparatus. It is a sequence diagram which showed an example of the processing flow of an image formation system. It is a sequence diagram which showed another example of the processing flow of an image formation system. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the processing of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which showed an example of the setting screen about the storage function of a print job. It is a figure which showed an example of the notification screen about the storage job. It is a figure which showed an example of the selection screen which concerns on execution of a print job. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the process which concerns on the accumulation of a print job. It is a figure which showed an example of the screen which is presented according to the data amount of print data. It is a figure which showed another example of the screen which is presented according to the data amount of print data. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the process which concerns on the transmission control of a print job.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below 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, so that duplicate description will be omitted.

<System configuration>
An example of the system configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming device 101 and an information processing device 103. The information processing device 103 can be realized by a terminal device that can be connected to a network, such as a tablet, a smartphone, and a laptop computer. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes information processing devices 103a and 103b as the information processing device 103.

The image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 103 are connected via a predetermined network, and are configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving information and data to and from each other based on communication via the network. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 101 is connected to the network 100. The network 100 can be configured as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).
An access point 102 is connected to the network 100, and the image forming apparatus 101 and the access point 102 can transmit and receive various information and various data to and from each other via the network 100. Further, each of the information processing devices 103a and 103b is configured to be accessible to the access point 102 via a wireless communication path. As a result, the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 103a and 103b are connected to each other via the network 100 and the access point 102. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 103a and 103b can transmit and receive information and data to and from each other via the network 100 and the access point 102, respectively.
The type of network (for example, network 100) that connects the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 103 is not particularly limited. As a specific example, the network is not limited to a LAN, and may be configured by the Internet, a dedicated line, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like. Further, the network may be composed of a wired network or a wireless network. Further, the network may include a plurality of networks, and a network of a type different from other networks may be applied as a part of the network. Further, the communication between the above-mentioned devices may be logically established, and the physical configuration of the above-mentioned network is not particularly limited. As a specific example, communication between at least two or more devices among the above-mentioned devices may be relayed by another communication device or the like.

The image forming apparatus 101 has a printing function of printing an image on a sheet (recording medium). The image forming apparatus 101 receives print data transmitted via a network from another apparatus such as an information processing apparatus 103, and executes a printing process based on the printing data.

<Technical issues when a general-purpose driver is used>
Here, when the information processing apparatus 103 requests the image forming apparatus 101 to print via the network, a technical problem when a general-purpose driver is used as the print driver will be described. The information processing apparatus 103 transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 101 by generating and transmitting print data according to a network protocol such as IPP, without using a driver specific to the image forming apparatus 101. It is possible to execute printing.

A print server or information processing device (for example, information processing device 103) that provides a general-purpose print service in accordance with a standard such as IPP executes printing on various types of image forming devices (for example, image forming device 101). It is hoped that it is possible to make it possible. Therefore, in order to support different functions and specifications for each image forming apparatus, it may be desirable for the information processing apparatus to manage, for example, information regarding the configuration of the image forming apparatus (hereinafter, also referred to as "configuration information"). is there. The configuration information of the image forming apparatus includes, for example, information on the configuration of the device such as the presence or absence of a finisher, information on a printable format, information on printing ability such as whether or not the image can be rotated on the image forming apparatus side, and the like. Can be included.

Further, in a printing system using a protocol such as IPP, a format in which various printing conditions can be specified in more detail may be available. PDF is an example of such a format. In the following, various explanations will be given focusing on the case where PDF is available.

An image forming apparatus that supports PDF may notify other apparatus such as an information processing apparatus or a print server of information on an acceptable amount of data regarding PDF document data as a part of the above-mentioned configuration information. It is possible.
In the present disclosure, the "data amount of print data (for example, PDF document data) acceptable to the image forming apparatus" is the print data (for example, receiving) that can be used according to the function and performance of the image forming apparatus. Is the permissible amount of print data). In other words, it can be said that the "data amount of print data that the image forming apparatus can tolerate" is the data amount of print data in which the use of the function related to printing is restricted.

As a specific example, information regarding the maximum value of the amount of PDF document data that can be received by the image forming apparatus may be notified to another apparatus (for example, an information processing apparatus). In this case, when the information processing apparatus receiving the notification causes the image forming apparatus to print the PDF document data, the data amount of the PDF document data is the amount of data that the image forming apparatus can receive. Whether or not the maximum value of is exceeded may be determined based on the notified information. As a result, the information processing apparatus converts the PDF document data into a raster image, for example, when the data amount of the PDF document data exceeds the maximum value of the data amount that the image forming apparatus can receive. Then, the converted raster image can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. In this way, by converting the print data format from PDF to raster images, it may be possible to limit the amount of print data data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

Here, an outline of the difference between the case where the PDF print data is transmitted and the case where the raster image print data is transmitted by the print job will be described below. In the present disclosure, the print job corresponds to data in which an instruction for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a print process, image data (print data), setting information, and the like are stored. That is, the print job corresponds to an example of an instruction relating to image formation (for example, printing) based on print data.

Since the PDF print data can be handled as an object, it is possible to set printing conditions such as a color space for each object. When the PDF print data is used, the image forming apparatus that has received the print job can apply the profile specified on the image forming apparatus side.
On the other hand, it is difficult to handle the object in the print data of the raster image, and the print conditions such as the color space are also fixed. Further, when the print data of the raster image is used, it is difficult for the image forming apparatus that has received the print job to apply the profile specified by the image forming apparatus side.
From the above points, when focusing on the image quality of the print result, it tends to be more desirable to perform printing based on the PDF print data. Against this background, in an image forming system using the IPP protocol, if the image forming apparatus side has the printing ability based on the PDF print data, the transmission of the print job based on the PDF print data is prioritized. May occur.
On the other hand, when the data amount of the print data exceeds the maximum value of the data amount that can be shared by the image forming apparatus, the print data of the PDF is converted into the print data of the raster image, and then the converted raster. Image print data may be transmitted. Further, even when the image forming apparatus does not have the printing ability based on the print data of the PDF, the print data of the PDF is converted into the print data of the raster image, and then the print data of the converted raster image is transmitted. May be done.

By converting the print data format as described above, the print result may be output in a mode different from the output originally intended by the user.
As a specific example, it is assumed that a plurality of print jobs are transmitted from the information processing device to the image forming device based on an instruction from the user. At this time, for some print jobs, the amount of PDF print data exceeds the amount of data that can be tolerated by the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the PDF print data is converted into raster image print data. It is assumed that the print job has been sent based on the print data.

By converting the format of the print data as described above, the influence of the conversion of the format may become apparent in the print result. As a specific example, the print data format is converted from PDF to a raster image, so that the print conditions held in the PDF print data are defined as fixed values for the raster image print data. May be changed to.
In such a case, the difference in printing conditions becomes apparent in the printing result, and the user receives the impression that the image quality of the printing result suddenly changes even though the printing condition is not instructed to be changed. Such a situation can be assumed. That is, in this case, the user can recognize that the format of the print data has been converted from the PDF to the raster image only after seeing the output result. Further, depending on the user, the image quality of the print result changes even though the change of the print condition is not instructed, so that it may be confused because it is not possible to identify why the image quality of the print result has changed. ..

In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure proposes a technique that can further reduce the chance that a print result is output in an unintended manner by the user.

<Hardware configuration of image forming device>
An example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a control unit 210, an operation unit 216, and a printing unit 218. Further, the control unit 210 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM 212 (Read Only Memory), and a RAM 213 (Random Access Memory). Further, the control unit 210 includes a storage 214, an operation unit I / F215, an image processing unit 220, a printing unit I / F217, and a network I / F219.

The CPU 211 controls various operations of the image forming apparatus 101. For example, the CPU 211 may control the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 101. The ROM 212 stores a control program, a boot program, and the like that can be executed by the CPU 211. The RAM 213 is the main storage memory of the CPU 211, and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for developing various programs. The storage 214 stores various data such as print data and image data, various programs, and various setting information. The storage 214 is realized by, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a non-volatile memory represented by an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.
In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 realizes the functions shown in FIG. 3 and the processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and 12 by using one memory (RAM 213 or the like) by one CPU 211. However, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 is not limited. For example, by linking a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages, the functions shown in FIG. 3 and the processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and 12 may be realized. Further, a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) may be used to execute a part of the processing.

The operation unit interface (I / F) 215 connects the operation unit 216 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 216 is provided with a display unit having a touch panel function, various hard keys, and the like, and functions as a display unit for displaying information and a reception unit for receiving user's instructions.
The printing unit I / F 217 connects the printing unit (printer engine) 218 and the control unit 210. The image data generated by analyzing the print job received from the information processing device is transferred from the control unit 210 to the print unit 218 via the print unit I / F 217. The printing unit 218 receives a control command and a print job to be printed via the control unit 210, and prints an image on a sheet fed from a paper cassette (not shown) based on the print job. The printing method of the printing unit 218 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. It is also possible to apply other printing methods such as a thermal transfer method.
Further, the control unit 210 is connected to the network 100 via the network I / F 219. The network I / F 219 transmits image data and information to the information processing device connected to the network 100, and receives print jobs and information from the information processing device connected to the network 100.

The image processing unit 220 has a function of a RIP (Raster Image Processor) that develops a print job received via the network 100 and generates image data used for printing. Further, the image processing unit 220 can also apply resolution conversion, correction processing, rotation processing, and the like to the image data obtained by developing the print job.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image processing unit 220 is realized by a hardware circuit (for example, ASIC, FPGA, etc.), but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 may further include a processor for image processing applications, and the processor may execute an image processing program to realize image processing and expansion processing into print data. In this case, the functions shown in FIG. 3 and the processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and 12 may be realized by the cooperation of the processor and the CPU 211. Further, it is also possible to configure the CPU 211 to execute a program for performing image processing to perform image processing and print data expansion processing. Further, the image processing may be performed by combining the above-mentioned examples.
Information on configuration information and capabilities such as the format that the image forming apparatus 101 can print, the image rotation capability, and the maximum amount of PDF document data that can be received is stored in advance by the control unit 210 (for example, at startup). Alternatively, it may be stored in the RAM 213.

<Functional configuration of image forming device>
An example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 receives a request related to printing based on print data from another apparatus such as the information processing apparatus 103 as a print job generated based on PDL (Page Description Language). And. However, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 is not necessarily limited. That is, as long as the image forming apparatus 101 can receive a request for printing based on print data from another apparatus such as the information processing apparatus 103, the method is not limited to the method using a job.

The image forming apparatus 101 includes a print service control unit 301, a job generation unit 302, a reception control unit 303, a print information analysis unit 304, a job control unit 306, a RIP processing unit 312, and a print processing unit 313. Including. The job control unit 306 includes a job attribute storage unit 307 and a page control unit 308. The page control unit 308 includes a page storage unit 309 and a print control unit 311. The page storage unit 309 includes a page attribute storage unit 310.

The print service control unit 301 acquires the configuration information of the image forming apparatus 101 from the print processing unit 313 via the print control unit 311. Further, the print service control unit 301 reads out the ability information regarding the printing ability of the image forming apparatus 101 stored in the RAM 213 or the storage 214. Examples of the ability information include information regarding the presence or absence of PDF printing ability, information regarding the maximum amount of PDF document data that can be received, and the like. The print service control unit 301 notifies the information processing device 103 via the network 100 of the acquired configuration information and the read ability information as "information about the image forming apparatus".

Next, processing related to the print job will be described. When the print service control unit 301 receives a print job (for example, a print job based on the IPP standard) from the information processing device 103 via the network 100, the print service control unit 301 outputs the print job to the job generation unit 302.

When the job generation unit 302 acquires a print job from the print service control unit 301, the job generation unit 302 writes information about the print job to the reception control unit 303. Further, the job generation unit 302 registers the print job as a new job in the job control unit 306, and then requests the job control unit 306 to start the print process. Further, the job generation unit 302 stores the setting information related to printing applied to the print job (hereinafter, also referred to as “print setting information”) in the job attribute storage unit 307.
The reception control unit 303 plays a role of a buffer area for storing the information about the print job received by the job generation unit 302, and temporarily stores the information about the print job for each print job in the storage area such as the storage 214. Let me.

When the job control unit 306 is requested to start the print process, the job control unit 306 instructs the print information analysis unit 304 to perform a print job analysis process (for example, PDF analysis process). When the print information analysis unit 304 receives an instruction for analysis processing of a print job, the print information analysis unit 304 requests the output of information about the corresponding print job from the reception control unit 303. Upon receiving the request, the reception control unit 303 outputs information about the corresponding print job to the print information analysis unit 304.

The print information analysis unit 304 analyzes the print job according to a predetermined language specification (for example, PDL or the like), and generates intermediate drawing data and page attribute information as page data for each page based on the analysis result. The print information analysis unit 304 stores the generated page data (intermediate drawing data and page attribute information) in the page storage unit 309 and the page attribute storage unit 310 for each page. Specifically, the print information analysis unit 304 stores the intermediate drawing data in the page storage unit 309 and stores the page attribute information in the page attribute storage unit 310.

The print setting information stored in the job attribute storage unit 307 may include, for example, information regarding "number of copies". In addition, the print setting information includes "Nup (aggregate printing)", "print side (single-sided / double-sided) setting", "color / monochrome mode", and "finishing setting" that are set as job attributes such as IPP. , Etc. may also be included. The job attribute storage unit 307 manages this information in association with the identification information (job ID) of the corresponding print job. As a result, it is possible to selectively extract the print setting information corresponding to the desired print job from the print setting information stored in the job attribute storage unit 307 based on the identification information of the print job.

The page control unit 308 controls the operations of the analysis process by the print information analysis unit 304, the RIP process by the RIP processing unit 312, and the print control process by the print control unit 311.

The RIP processing unit 312 generates image data used for printing by performing RIP processing on the target print job. Specifically, the RIP processing unit 312 generates image data used for printing by developing a print job. Then, the RIP processing unit 312 stores the generated image data (RIP-completed image data) in the page storage unit 309.

The print control unit 311 acquires RIP-completed image data from the page storage unit 309, color-separates the image data into CMYK on a page-by-page basis, and transfers the image data to the print processing unit 313.
The print processing unit 313 acquires image data for each CMYK from the print control unit 311 on a page-by-page basis, controls the operation of the print unit 218, and executes the print processing of each page based on the image data. The print process executed by the print processing unit 313 corresponds to an example of an image forming process that forms an image based on print data.

In the above description, an example of the case where the image forming apparatus 101 executes the processing related to printing on a page-by-page basis has been described, but the processing of the image forming apparatus 101 is not necessarily limited. Specifically, the unit in which the image forming apparatus 101 executes the processing related to printing is not necessarily limited to the page unit, and is related to printing according to the performance of the printing unit 218, the usage scene of the image forming apparatus 101, and the like. The execution unit of the process may be changed as appropriate.

<Hardware configuration of information processing device>
An example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 103 will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing device 103 includes a control unit 400 and an operation unit 407. The control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a storage 404, an operation unit I / F405, and a network I / F406. Further, the network device 408 may be connected to the information processing device 103 via a predetermined network.

The CPU 401 controls various operations of the information processing device 103. For example, the CPU 401 may control the operation of the entire information processing device 103. The ROM 402 stores a control program, a boot program, and the like that can be executed by the CPU 401. The RAM 403 is the main storage memory of the CPU 401, and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for developing various programs. The storage 404 stores various data such as application data and print data, various programs, and various setting information. The storage 404 is realized by, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a non-volatile memory represented by an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.
In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 103 realizes the functions shown in FIG. 5 and the processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and 12 by using one memory (RAM 213 or the like) by one CPU 211. However, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 103 is not limited. For example, by linking a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages, the functions shown in FIG. 5 and the processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and 12 may be realized. Further, a part of the processing may be executed by using a hardware circuit such as ASIC or FPGA.

The operation unit I / F 405 connects the operation unit 407 and the control unit 400. Examples of the operation unit 407 include a display unit having a touch panel function. In this case, the operation unit 407 functions as a display unit for displaying information and a reception unit for receiving user's instructions. Further, as another example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse may be applied as the operation unit 407. In this case, the operation unit 407 functions as a reception unit that receives the user's instruction.

The Networks I / F 406 connects the control unit 400 to various networks. For example, the control unit 400 is connected to the network 100 via the network I / F 406.
Further, the network I / F 406 may play a role of connecting the network device 408 to the control unit 400 via various networks. Examples of the network device 408 include input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse that can be used via a wireless network based on a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

<Functional configuration of information processing device>
An example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 103 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 103 transmits an instruction related to printing based on the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 as a print job generated based on the PDL. However, the functional configuration of the information processing device 103 is not necessarily limited. That is, as long as the information processing device 103 can give an instruction related to printing based on print data to the image forming device 101, the method is not limited to the method using a job.

The information processing device 103 includes an application 501, a printing framework 502, a communication control unit 510, and a setting management unit 511.

Application 501 schematically shows an application that operates in the information processing apparatus 103. By operating the application 501, various functions such as a word processor and a spreadsheet are realized.

When the print function is called based on an instruction from the user, the application 501 presents the print setting screen to the user via a predetermined output unit (not shown), and the number of copies and finishing via the operation unit 407 and the like. Accepts instructions for various setting information related to printing such as. The setting management unit 511 acquires various setting information related to printing based on the instruction from the application 501, and stores the acquired various setting information.

The print framework 502 includes a client control unit 503, a print spooler 509, and a document data generation unit 512.

The document data generation unit 512 generates document data in a predetermined format such as PDF based on the data acquired from the application 501. As a specific example, the document data generation unit 512 may acquire data to be printed from the application 501 and generate PDF document data based on the data. The generated document data may include data for a plurality of pages. Further, in the present embodiment, the document data generation unit 512 generates PDF document data, but may generate document data in another format.

The client control unit 503 includes a job generation unit 504 and a printer information management unit 515.
The printer information management unit 515 stores information (for example, configuration information, capability information, etc.) related to the image forming apparatus 101. As a specific example, the printer information management unit 515 may acquire information about the image forming apparatus 101 from the image forming apparatus 101 via the communication control unit 510 and store the information. Of course, if the printer information management unit 515 can acquire the information about the image forming apparatus 101, the method is not particularly limited, and the information is acquired by a method different from the communication with the image forming apparatus 101. You may.

The job generation unit 504 executes the process related to the generation of the print job based on the instruction from the application 501. Specifically, the job generation unit 504 includes a document data storage unit 505, a job attribute generation unit 506, a page generation unit 507, and a print image generation unit 508.

The document data storage unit 505 acquires the document data generated by the document data generation unit 512 and stores the document data.
The job attribute generation unit 506 and the page generation unit 507 start processing in response to an instruction relating to the generation of print data from the application 501.
The job attribute generation unit 506 acquires various setting information related to printing based on the instruction from the application 501 from the setting management unit 511, and generates setting information related to the print job (for example, IPP job) based on the information.

The page generation unit 507 acquires information (for example, configuration information, ability information, etc.) about the image forming apparatus 101 from the printer information management unit 515. The page generation unit 507 acquires setting information related to the print job from the job attribute generation unit 506. Further, the page generation unit 507 acquires information (for example, the amount of data) related to the document data stored in the document data storage unit 505. Then, the page generation unit 507 sequentially reads the page data corresponding to each page from the document data stored in the document data storage unit 505, and generates print data based on the read page data and various acquired information. To do.
As a specific example, the page generation unit 507 may generate PDF print data. In this case, the page generation unit 507 may perform various processes such as rotation on the print data.
Further, as another example, the page generation unit 507 may generate print data of a raster image. In this case, the page generation unit 507 outputs the read page data and various acquired information to the print image generation unit 508, and print image (raster image) corresponding to the page data to the print image generation unit 508. ) Is generated. Then, the page generation unit 507 may generate print data of the raster image based on the generated print image.
Further, the page generation unit 507 may add information indicating the orientation of the page, information indicating the front surface or the back surface in the case of both sides, and the like to the generated print data as a page header.
Then, the page generation unit 507 generates a print job based on the generated print data, and sequentially outputs the print job to the print spooler 509.

The print spooler 509 transmits the print jobs sequentially output from the page generation unit 507 to the image forming apparatus 101 via the communication control unit 510.

<Processing>
An example of the processing flow of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, paying particular attention to the flow from the search and registration of the image forming apparatus to the completion of printing.

First, an example shown in FIG. 6 will be described.
In S601, the printer information management unit 515 searches for the image forming apparatus 101, and inquires about the ability of the searched image forming apparatus 101.
In S602, the print service control unit 301 responds to the inquiry from the information processing device 103 with information regarding the presence or absence of PDF printing capability and information regarding the maximum amount of receivable document data (for example, PDF document data). Etc., and confirm the information about the image forming apparatus 101.
In S603, the print service control unit 301 notifies the information processing device 103 of information about the image forming apparatus 101 according to the result of the confirmation.
In S604, the printer information management unit 515 stores the information regarding the image forming apparatus 101 notified from the image forming apparatus 101.

Subsequently, it is assumed that the application 501 operating on the information processing apparatus 103 calls the print function in order to print a desired file in response to an instruction from the user.
In this case, first, in S605, the setting management unit 511 acquires and stores various setting information related to printing such as the number of copies and finishing based on the instruction from the user received via the operation unit 407 and the like. .. The job attribute generation unit 506 acquires the various setting information from the setting management unit 511 and generates setting information related to the print job based on the information. Further, the document data generation unit 512 generates PDF document data based on the data acquired from the application 501. The document data storage unit 505 acquires the document data generated by the document data generation unit 512 and stores the document data.

In S606, the page generation unit 507 confirms the information about the image forming apparatus 101 stored in the printer information management unit 515. As a result, the page generation unit 507 can determine, for example, whether or not the image forming apparatus 101 has a PDF printing ability, the maximum amount of PDF document data that the image forming apparatus 101 can receive, and the like. It becomes possible to recognize the ability of 101.
In the example shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 101 has a PDF printing capability, and the amount of PDF document data to be printed is the maximum of the PDF document data that can be received by the image forming apparatus 101. It shall be less than or equal to the amount of data. Therefore, in S607, the page generation unit 507 generates PDF print data based on the setting information related to the print job and the PDF document data stored in the document data storage unit 505. Then, the page generation unit 507 transmits a print job based on the generated PDF print data to the image forming apparatus 101 via the communication control unit 510.
In S608, the image forming apparatus 101 receives the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 103, performs an analysis process on the print data of the PDF included in the print job, and then prints based on the result of the analysis process. Execute the process.

Subsequently, the example shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 7 shows an example of processing when the amount of PDF document data to be printed exceeds the maximum amount of PDF document data that can be received by the image forming apparatus 101. Since the processes of S701 to S703 are substantially the same as the processes of S601 to S603 shown in FIG. 6, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
Further, in S704, the printer information management unit 515 notifies the information regarding the image forming apparatus 101 notified from the image forming apparatus 101 (information regarding the presence / absence of PDF printing ability, the maximum amount of PDF document data that can be received, and the like). Remember.

Subsequently, it is assumed that the application 501 operating on the information processing apparatus 103 calls the print function in order to print a desired file in response to an instruction from the user.
In this case, first, in S705, the setting management unit 511 acquires and stores various setting information related to printing such as the number of copies and finishing based on the instruction from the user received via the operation unit 407 and the like. .. The job attribute generation unit 506 acquires the various setting information from the setting management unit 511 and generates setting information related to the print job based on the information. Further, the document data generation unit 512 generates PDF document data based on the data acquired from the application 501. The document data storage unit 505 acquires the document data generated by the document data generation unit 512 and stores the document data.

In S706, the page generation unit 507 confirms the information about the image forming apparatus 101 stored in the printer information management unit 515.
As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 101 has a PDF printing capability, and the amount of document data of the PDF to be printed is the amount of the PDF that the image forming apparatus 101 can receive. The maximum amount of document data has been exceeded. Therefore, in S707, the page generation unit 507 generates the print data of the raster image based on the setting information regarding the print job and the PDF document data stored in the document data storage unit 505. Then, the page generation unit 507 transmits a print job based on the print data of the generated raster image to the image forming apparatus 101 via the communication control unit 510.
In S708, the image forming apparatus 101 receives the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 103, and executes the print process based on the print data of the raster image included in the print job.

Even when the image forming apparatus 101 does not have the PDF printing capability, the page generation unit 507 generates print data of the raster image and a print job based on the print data, as in the example shown in FIG. Will be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101.

Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 8, the processing of the image forming apparatus 101 that has received the print job will be described in more detail. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a case where a print job that does not conform to the IPP standard is transmitted is also considered.

When the image forming apparatus 101 receives the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 103, first, in S801, the print service control unit 301 determines whether or not the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 103 conforms to the IPP standard. Is determined.
When the print service control unit 301 determines in S801 that the print job transmitted from the information processing device 103 conforms to the IPP standard, the print service control unit 301 proceeds to the process in S802. In this case, in S802, the job generation unit 302 receives the print job transmitted from the information processing device 103 via the print service control unit 301.
On the other hand, when the print service control unit 301 determines in S801 that the print job transmitted from the information processing device 103 does not conform to the IPP standard, the print service control unit 301 proceeds to the process in S803. In this case, the print service corresponding to each protocol (not shown in FIG. 3) receives the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 103 via the print service control unit 301.
The processes S801 to S803 correspond to an example of a reception process for receiving an instruction related to image formation based on print data.

In S804, the job generation unit 302 writes information about the received print job to the reception control unit 303. Further, the job generation unit 302 registers the print job as a new job in the job control unit 306, and then requests the job control unit 306 to start the print process.

In S805, the job control unit 306 determines whether or not the format of the print data included in the received print job is the PDF format. When the job control unit 306 determines in S805 that the format of the print data is not the PDF format (for example, when it is determined that the print data is a raster image), the job control unit 306 proceeds to the process in S806.
In S806, the job control unit 306 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 101 has a PDF printing ability. When the job control unit 306 determines in S806 that the image forming apparatus 101 does not have the PDF printing ability, the job control unit 306 proceeds to the process in S807.
In S807, the job control unit 306 determines whether or not the function of holding the print by storing the print jobs (hereinafter, also referred to as the “job storage function”) is enabled. When the job control unit 306 determines in S807 that the job storage function is enabled, the job control unit 306 advances the process to S808.
In S808, the job control unit 306 instructs the page control unit 308 to store the print jobs. As a result, printing based on the received print job is put on hold.

On the other hand, when the job control unit 306 determines in S801 that the print job does not conform to the IPP standard, the job control unit 306 stores the print job in the print service that received the print job in S802. Do not instruct.
Further, when the job control unit 306 determines in S805 that the format of the print data included in the print job is the PDF format, the job control unit 306 does not instruct the page control unit 308 to store the print jobs.
Similarly, when the job control unit 306 determines in S806 that the image forming apparatus 101 has the PDF printing ability, the job control unit 306 does not instruct the page control unit 308 to store the print jobs.
Further, when the job control unit 306 determines in S807 that the job storage function is not enabled, the job control unit 306 does not instruct the page control unit 308 to store print jobs.

In S809, the page control unit 308 generates RIP-completed image data by controlling the analysis process by the print information analysis unit 304 and the RIP process by the RIP processing unit 312.
Specifically, the job generation unit 302 stores the print setting information applied to the print job in the job attribute storage unit 307. Further, the reception control unit 303 temporarily stores information about the print job for each print job received by the job generation unit 302 in a storage area such as the storage 214. When the job control unit 306 is requested to start the print process, the job control unit 306 instructs the print information analysis unit 304 to analyze the print job.
The print information analysis unit 304 acquires information about the corresponding print job from the reception control unit 303 in response to an instruction from the job control unit 306. The print information analysis unit 304 analyzes the print job according to a language specification such as PDL, and generates intermediate drawing data and page attribute information for each page as page data based on the analysis result. The print information analysis unit 304 stores the generated page data (intermediate drawing data and page attribute information) in the page storage unit 309 and the page attribute storage unit 310 for each page.
Then, the page control unit 308 generates RIP-completed image data by controlling the RIP processing by the RIP processing unit 312 based on the result of the analysis processing by the print information analysis unit 304.
The process in S811 is substantially the same as the process in S809 described above, except for the difference in the process applied depending on whether the print job conforms to the IPP standard.

When the job control unit 306 instructs the storage of print jobs, in S810, the RIP processing unit 312 stores the generated RIP-completed image data in the page storage unit 309. In this case, the job control unit 306 causes the operation unit 216 to display the notification information notifying that the stored job exists on the screen of the operation unit 216 via the operation unit I / F 215.
In this case, the job control unit 306 instructs the print control unit 311 to perform a print process based on the print data included in the stored print job in response to an instruction from the user via the operation unit 216. You may. In this case, the print control unit 311 causes the print processing unit 313 to execute the print process based on the print data.

On the other hand, when the job control unit 306 does not instruct the print job to be stored, in S812, the print control unit 311 executes a print process based on the print data included in the print job to the print process unit 313. Let me. Specifically, the print control unit 311 acquires RIP-completed image data from the page storage unit 309, color-separates the acquired image data into CMYK on a page-by-page basis, and transfers the acquired image data to the print processing unit 313. The print processing unit 313 acquires image data for each CMYK from the print control unit 311 on a page-by-page basis, controls the operation of the print unit 218, and executes the print processing of each page based on the image data.
The series of processes S804 to S812 corresponds to an example of a control process for controlling the process related to image formation based on the print data corresponding to the instruction related to image formation.

<UI>
An example of the UI of the image forming system 1 will be described below.

(Example of UI related to storage of print jobs)
First, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, when the print job is stored, an example of the UI presented on the image forming apparatus 101 side and the image forming apparatus 101 based on the operation via the UI An example of the process to be executed will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 901 for instructing the image forming apparatus 101 to enable and disable the storage function of the print job. For example, the job control unit 306 may present the setting screen 901 to the user by displaying the setting screen 901 on the screen provided by the operation unit 216. Further, the job control unit 306 may recognize an instruction from the user regarding the activation or invalidation of the storage function of the print job according to the operation received by the setting screen 901. In this case, the job control unit 306 stores the setting information related to the activation or invalidation of the storage function of the print job according to the instruction from the user in a predetermined storage area (for example, RAM 213 or storage 214). You may let me.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of presenting notification information for notifying the existence of a storage job. The home screen 1001 shows an example of a screen for the user instructing the image forming apparatus 101 to execute various functions. The home screen 1001 is provided with an area 1002 for displaying notification information such as a message in order to notify the user of the information.
As a specific example, in S810 of FIG. 8, the job control unit 306 performs a storage job with respect to the area 1002 of the home screen 1001 displayed on the screen of the operation unit 216 via the operation unit I / F 215. Notification information for notifying the existence may be displayed. In this way, the job control unit 306 may notify the user that the print jobs are stored and prompt the user to instruct whether or not to execute printing based on the print job.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the selection screen 1101 for the job control unit 306 to receive an instruction from the user as to whether or not to execute printing based on the stored print jobs.
For example, when the job control unit 306 receives an operation in the area 1002 of the home screen 1001 while the notification information for notifying that the print job is stored is displayed in the area 1002, the job control unit 306 displays the selection screen 1101. It is displayed on the screen of the operation unit 216.

Since the selection screen 1101 shown in FIG. 11 includes print data of a raster image even though it is a print job based on the IPP standard, the image quality of the printed matter is higher than that in the case where printing is performed based on the print data of PDF. Notification information indicating that it may change is displayed. Further, on the selection screen 1101, a button for receiving an instruction from the user regarding whether or not to perform printing based on the stored print job is displayed. When the "Yes" button accepts the operation, the job control unit 306 may cause the print control unit 311 to execute the print process based on the stored print job. On the other hand, when the "No" button accepts the operation, the job control unit 306 may cancel the execution of the print process based on the stored print job.
By applying such control, when the print process is executed by operating the "Yes" button, the image quality of the printed matter changes as compared with the case where printing is performed based on the print data of PDF. Even if this is done, the user can recognize the reason based on the above notification information.

The selection screen 1101 shown in FIG. 11 is merely an example, and the displayed information may be added or modified according to the assumed use case, and the type and number of buttons that accept operations may be appropriately selected. May be changed. As a specific example, a "details" button for displaying more detailed information may be displayed on the selection screen 1101.
Further, the component displayed on the selection screen 1101 for receiving the operation from the user is not necessarily limited to the button. That is, in order to receive an operation from the user, a component other than the button may be displayed on the selection screen 1101.

Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 12, processing relating to notification of information to the user and control related to printing based on the print job in response to an instruction from the user when the print job is stored. An example will be described.

When the job control unit 306 stores the print jobs, the notification information notifying that the print jobs have been stored in the area 1002 of the home screen 1001 displayed on the screen of the operation unit 216 in S1201. Is displayed. When the job control unit 306 detects an operation on the area 1002, the job control unit 306 proceeds to process in S1202.
In S1202, the job control unit 306 displays the selection screen 1101 on the screen of the operation unit 216, and receives an instruction related to printing based on the print job via the selection screen 1101.
In S1203, the job control unit 306 determines whether or not an instruction related to printing based on the print job has been given according to the operation accepted by the selection screen 1101.

When the "Yes" button presented on the selection screen 1101 is pressed, the job control unit 306 recognizes in S1203 that printing based on the stored print job has been instructed, and performs processing. Proceed to S1204. In this case, in S1204, the job control unit 306 instructs the print control unit 311 to execute the print process based on the print job that has been stored. In response to this instruction, the print control unit 311 acquires the RIP-completed image data based on the print job, and causes the print processing unit 313 to execute the print process based on the image data.

On the other hand, when the "No" button presented on the selection screen 1101 is pressed, the job control unit 306 is instructed in S1203 to cancel printing based on the stored print job. Recognize and proceed with processing to S1205. In this case, in S1205, the job control unit 306 cancels the execution of the print process based on the print job in which the storage has been performed. Specifically, the job control unit 306 deletes information about jobs and pages stored in the job attribute storage unit 307 and the page attribute storage unit 310. Further, the page control unit 308 deletes the RIP-completed image data stored in the storage area such as the storage 214 and executes the process related to the cancellation of the job.

(Example of UI related to confirmation of print job transmission)
Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, when the format of the print data is converted, the information processing device is based on an example of the UI presented on the information processing device 103 side and the operation via the UI. An example of the process executed by 103 will be described.

FIG. 13 shows information processing when the amount of print data of the generated PDF exceeds the amount of print data that can be received by the image forming apparatus 101 when the application 501 calls the print function. An example of a screen presented to the output unit of the device 103 is shown.
Specifically, the page generation unit 507 determines that the amount of PDF document data to be printed exceeds the maximum amount of PDF document data that can be received by the image forming apparatus 101, and prints a raster image. Data will be generated.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the information processing apparatus 103 causes the selection screen 1301 to be displayed on a predetermined output unit (for example, the screen of the operation unit 407). Specifically, the information processing device 103 converts the data amount of the PDF document data to be printed into print data of a raster image because the data amount exceeds the maximum amount of document data that can be received by the image forming device 101. The notification information indicating that the information is to be processed is displayed on the selection screen 1301. Further, the information processing apparatus 103 causes the selection screen 1301 to display a "continue" button for receiving an instruction relating to the continuation of printing and a "cancel" button accepting an instruction relating to the cancellation of printing.
As long as the selection screen 1301 can be displayed on the output unit of the information processing device 103, the functional configuration that is the main body of the output control of the selection screen 1301 is not particularly limited. As a specific example, the application 501 may control the output of the selection screen 1301. Further, as another example, a function of controlling the output of the selection screen 1301 may be provided separately from the application 501. As a specific example, as a part of the function of the printing framework 502, a function of controlling the output of the selection screen 1301 may be provided.
Further, whether or not to display the selection screen 1301 may be selectively switchable based on an instruction from the user via a setting screen (not shown).

FIG. 14 shows information processing when the amount of print data of the generated PDF exceeds the amount of print data that can be received by the image forming apparatus 101 when the application 501 calls the print function. Another example of the screen presented to the output unit of the device 103 is shown.

The example shown in FIG. 14 differs from the example shown in FIG. 13 in the notification method of the notification information. Specifically, the information processing device 103 (for example, application 501) displays the notification screen 1401 so as to temporarily pop up on a part of the screen like a screen called a so-called toast. The information processing device 103 indicates that the amount of document data of the PDF to be printed exceeds the maximum amount of document data that can be received by the image forming device 101, so that the data is converted into print data of a raster image. The notification information is displayed on the notification screen 1401.
As long as the notification screen 1401 can be displayed on the output unit of the information processing device 103, the functional configuration that is the main body of the output control of the notification screen 1401 is not particularly limited. As a specific example, the application 501 may control the output of the notification screen 1401. Further, as another example, a function of controlling the output of the notification screen 1401 may be provided separately from the application 501. As a specific example, as a part of the function of the printing framework 502, a function of controlling the output of the notification screen 1401 may be provided.
Further, whether or not to display the notification screen 1401 may be selectively switchable based on an instruction from the user via a setting screen (not shown).

Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 15, processing relating to notification of information to the user and control related to transmission of the print job in response to an instruction from the user when the format of the print data is converted. An example will be described.

When the application 501 calls the print function based on the instruction from the user in S1501, the document data generation unit 512 acquires the data to be printed from the application 501 and generates the PDF document data based on the data in S1502.
In S1503, the page generation unit 507 sets the data amount of the generated PDF document data based on the information regarding the maximum amount of PDF document data that can be received by the image forming apparatus 101 stored in the printer information management unit 515. Compare with the determined threshold.
When the page generation unit 507 determines in S1503 that the data amount of the generated PDF document data is equal to or less than the threshold value based on the maximum amount of PDF document data that can be received by the image forming apparatus 101, the page generation unit 507 performs processing. Proceed to S1504.
In S1504, the page generation unit 507 generates a print job for each page based on the document data (print data) of the PDF. The print spooler 509 sequentially transmits the generated print jobs to the image forming apparatus 101 via the communication control unit 510.

On the other hand, when the page generation unit 507 determines in S1503 that the data amount of the generated PDF document data exceeds the threshold value based on the maximum amount of PDF document data that can be received by the image forming apparatus 101. Advances the process to S1505. In S1505, the information processing apparatus 103 displays the selection screen 1301 on a predetermined output unit (for example, the screen of the operation unit 407), and receives an instruction from the user regarding whether or not to continue the printing process.

When the page generation unit 507 determines in S1506 that the user has instructed to continue the printing process, the page generation unit 507 advances the process to S1507.
In S1507, the page generation unit 507 reads the page data from the print data, and causes the print image generation unit 508 to generate a print image (raster image) corresponding to the page data. As a result, the PDF print data is converted into the raster image print data.
Then, in S1504, the page generation unit 507 generates a print job for each page based on the print data of the raster image. The print spooler 509 sequentially transmits the generated print jobs to the image forming apparatus 101 via the communication control unit 510.

On the other hand, when the page generation unit 507 determines in S1506 that the user has instructed to cancel the print process, the page generation unit 507 proceeds to the process in S1508.
In S1508, the page generation unit 507 deletes the PDF document data stored in the document data storage unit 505, and executes a process related to the cancellation of the print job.
In the example shown in FIG. 15, in S1501, the process in which the print function is called by the application 501 or the like corresponds to an example of the process related to the instruction related to image formation based on the print data. Further, the processes S1501 to S1508 executed based on the instruction correspond to an example of a control process for controlling the process related to image formation based on the print data corresponding to the instruction related to image formation.

<Other Embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or recording medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Further, the hardware configuration and the functional configuration described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are merely examples, and do not limit the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. That is, a part of the configuration may be changed as appropriate without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure.
For example, of the hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 2, a part of the configurations may be externally attached to the outside of the image forming apparatus 101. As a more specific example, the operation unit 216 and the printing unit 218 may be externally attached to the outside of the image forming apparatus 101.
Further, as another example, among the functional configurations of the image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 2, some functions may be realized by another apparatus different from the image forming apparatus 101. As a more specific example, at least a part of the functions of the print information analysis unit 304, the RIP processing unit 312, and the print processing unit 313 may be realized by another device.
The device that realizes at least the job control unit 306 in the functional configuration of the image forming device 101 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to an example of a “control device” that controls processing related to image forming based on print data.

Further, the hardware configuration and the functional configuration described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are merely examples, and do not limit the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 103. That is, a part of the configuration may be changed as appropriate without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure.

Further, in the above embodiment, mainly, when the print data of PDF is converted into the print data of the raster image, an example of the case where the execution of the process related to printing is suspended by accumulating the print jobs has been described. .. On the other hand, not limited to the example described as the above embodiment, when the format of the print data is converted and the influence of the conversion becomes apparent in the print result, the technique according to the present disclosure is applied. Is possible. In this case, when the influence of the conversion of the print data format becomes apparent in the print result, the execution of the print process based on the print data may be suspended.
Further, as another example, even when at least a part of the print conditions set for the print data is changed according to the limitation of the function and the performance of the image forming apparatus without the instruction from the user. , The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. In this case, when at least a part of the print conditions set for the print data is changed, the execution of the print process based on the print data may be suspended.

Further, as long as the execution of the processing related to printing according to the format of the print data is suspended, the subject performing the suspension is not particularly limited.
For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus 101 suspends the execution of the processing related to printing. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 101 suspends execution of processing related to printing (image forming) based on the print data by accumulating print jobs corresponding to the print data according to the format of the print data. doing.
Further, as another example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the information processing apparatus 103 suspends the execution of the processing related to printing. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 103 suspends the execution of processing related to printing based on the print data by suppressing the execution of the transmission of the print job including the print data according to the format of the print data. ing.
Of course, the above is only an example, and other devices other than the image forming device 101 and the information processing device 103 may suspend the execution of the processing related to printing according to the format of the print data. In this case, the method of suspending the execution of the processing related to printing may be appropriately changed according to the role played by the other device.
For example, when another device that mediates the transfer of the print job is interposed between the information processing device 103 and the image forming device 101, the other device performs printing based on the print data included in the print job. Execution of such processing may be suspended. In this case, the other device suspends the execution of the process related to printing based on the print data by suppressing the transfer of the print job according to the format of the print data included in the print job, for example. You may. Further, in this case, the other device may notify the information processing device 103 that the print job has been suspended. As a result, the information processing device 103 can also notify the user that the print job has been suspended. Further, the other device may transfer the print job whose transfer has been suspended to the image forming apparatus 101 again in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus 103 or the like.

1 Image formation system 101 Image formation device 103 Information processing device 306 Job control unit 504 Job generation unit

Claims (15)

A reception means that accepts instructions related to image formation based on print data,
A control means for controlling a process related to image formation based on the print data corresponding to the instruction, and
With
The control means suspends execution of a process related to image formation based on the print data according to the format of the print data corresponding to the received instruction.
Control device. The control means according to claim 1, wherein when the format of the print data is different from the format corresponding to the control of the image formation conditions, the execution of the process related to the image formation based on the print data is suspended. Control device. By acquiring the print job, the reception means receives the instruction associated with the print job, and receives the instruction.
The control means controls a process related to image formation based on the print data associated with the acquired print job.
The control device according to claim 1 or 2. 3. The control means suspends execution of a process related to image formation based on the print data associated with the print job according to the format when the print job is based on a predetermined protocol. The control device described in. The control device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control means suspends execution of a process related to image formation based on the print data associated with the print job by accumulating the print job. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means suspends execution of a process related to image formation based on the print data when the amount of print data exceeds a threshold value. .. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the threshold value is determined according to the amount of print data that can be received. The control means converts the format of the print data corresponding to the held process according to the instruction received after the hold, and then the image is based on the print data after the format is converted. The control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the formation is controlled so as to be performed. The control means controls so that the format of the print data is converted into a format in which the amount of data is equal to or less than the threshold value, and then the image formation is performed based on the print data after the format is converted. The control device according to claim 8. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying an output unit of notification information when the execution of the process related to image formation is suspended. The tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the control means controls so that the image formation is performed based on the print data corresponding to the reserved processing according to the instruction received after the notification information is notified. Control device. The control device is an image forming device including an image forming means for forming the image based on the print data.
The receiving means receives the instruction transmitted from another device.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The control means
By transmitting the received instruction and the print data corresponding to the instruction to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is made to execute the process related to the image forming based on the print data.
Depending on the format of the print data, the transmission of the instruction corresponding to the print data to the image forming apparatus is suspended.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. It is a control method executed by the control device.
A reception step that accepts instructions related to image formation based on print data,
A control step that controls a process related to image formation based on the print data corresponding to the instruction, and
Including
The control step suspends execution of a process related to image formation based on the print data according to the format of the print data corresponding to the received instruction.
Control method. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images