JP3344267B2 - Image processing system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing system, and more particularly to adjustment of functions and specifications between an image processing apparatus such as a print server and an image output apparatus such as a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a client-server type printing system which is one of image processing systems, a single printer is shared by a plurality of clients via a print server. When a document file described in, for example, a page description language (PDL) is sent from a client to a print server, image data of each page is generated, and after a predetermined data conversion process is performed as necessary, each page is converted. Is output to a printer as an image output device (IOT). Thereby, the image of each page is printed on the paper. Each of the client and the print server is composed of a computer machine or the like.

In the above-described conventional client-server type image processing system, as an image output device, in addition to the above-mentioned printer, a facsimile device, a copying machine, a multi-function device, and the like can be mentioned.

[0004]

In the above system, different image output devices usually have different functions and interface specifications. For example, even if the printers are the same, the functions and specifications may differ greatly if the manufacturers are different. For this reason, when constructing the system, it is basically necessary to prepare a dedicated server for each image output device, and there has been a problem that the development cost increases. Also, when trying to connect various image output devices to the server without taking such measures, it is natural that the image output devices that can be connected to the server are limited, and each function that the image output device originally has There was a problem that it was not possible to use effectively.

[0005] In recent years, there has been a movement to share the interface among manufacturers, and the above problem has been somewhat solved. However, even in this case, adjustment of individual functions of the image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus has not been performed. It is not considered, and even if images can be transferred between the two devices, it is difficult to sufficiently exhibit the functions of the devices.

Incidentally, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-87251 discloses a control for changing the content of output processing when resources of an image output device are insufficient. Specifically, when the capacity of a buffer or the like provided in the image output device becomes insufficient, for example, a method of compressing the image data and transferring the compressed image data to the image output means or reducing the resolution of the image data to reduce the resolution of the image data. A method of reducing the amount and transferring the image to an image output device is disclosed.

However, in this conventional example, no consideration is given to coordination between different kinds of resources, and an arrangement for enabling image output apparatuses having different functions and specifications to be freely connected to the same image processing apparatus. Is not disclosed at all.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus with various image output apparatuses without impairing various functions of the image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus. The purpose is to be able to connect freely.

It is another object of the present invention to adjust specifications and functions of an image processing apparatus and an image output apparatus so that the functions of the system are maximized.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing device that processes image data, and an image output device that is connected to the image processing device and outputs image data from the image processing device. A function information collection unit that collects function information indicating a function that can be realized by the image processing apparatus and function information that indicates a function that can be realized by the image output apparatus; and function information of the image processing apparatus. And operating condition determining means for comparing the function information of the image output device and determining actual operating conditions of the image processing device and the image output device based on the comparison result.

According to the above arrangement, the "functions" of the image processing apparatus (for example, a print server) and the image output apparatus (for example, a printer) are collectively collected by the function information collecting means.

Here, in the present specification, the concept of "function" includes various conditions relating to the operation of the apparatus, such as the function, specification, performance, and capability of the apparatus.

[0013] When the function information is collected, such function information is compared between the image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus, and based on the comparison result, the operating conditions of the image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus, respectively. Is determined. Therefore, since the processing content of the image processing device can be automatically adapted to the input interface of the image output device and its output specifications, even when various image output devices are connected to the same image processing device, The capability of the image output device can be fully exhibited.

Of course, it is desirable that the image processing apparatus is provided with various image processing modules, and with such a configuration, a versatile image processing apparatus can be provided.
For example, when there are a plurality of means for realizing the same function in the comparison of the function information, as described later, one of the most suitable means is considered in consideration of processing efficiency (processing speed, processing load, etc.). Can work.

As described above, according to the present invention, a problem caused by inconsistency of functions and specifications or duplication of functions can be arranged and eliminated, particularly between an image processing apparatus and an image output apparatus, and a rational system can be constructed.

(2) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus includes image data generating means for generating image data, and at least one image data converting means for converting the image data. The function information collection unit collects the function information for each of the image data generation unit and the image data conversion unit.

When the above-mentioned image processing apparatus is roughly composed of image generating means (for example, a PDL interpreter and an imager) and at least one image converting means (compressing / expanding means, format converting means, etc.), each means The above-described function information is obtained for each of the above, that is, all functions in the image processing apparatus are grasped.

(3) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the function information collecting means indicates presence / absence and contents of each function for each of the image data generating means, the image data converting means, and the image output device. It has a function management table.

According to the above configuration, in the function management table, function information is entered for each of the image data generating means, the image data converting means, and the image output device, and for each performance item. Function inconsistencies and function duplications between the components are shown above. This function management table is configured on, for example, a RAM.

(4) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the function management table is updated at the time of system initialization and configuration change. To realize this, for example, an automatic start program that collects function information at the time of initialization, and an automatic start program that automatically detects a configuration change and then collects function information are mounted on the image processing apparatus. It is desirable to keep.

(5) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the operating condition determining means determines a plurality of means for realizing the same function in the system, and a plurality of means for realizing the same function. And selecting means for selecting any of the means to be actually operated from the following.

When there are a plurality of means having the same processing content, the duplication is determined as described above, and any one of the means is selected. In this case, the selection condition may be determined so as to be most efficient as a system.

(6) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the operating condition determining means includes a duplication determining means for determining a plurality of means for realizing the same function in the system, and a plurality of means for realizing the same function. And selecting means for selecting a means having a higher selection order as means for actually operating.

If the selection order is set based on a predetermined criterion, means can be selected step by step from higher-order means having the same function in consideration of other circumstances, and the selection can be performed efficiently. Can be done.

(7) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the selecting means includes a plurality of means for realizing the same function.
When a means having a higher selection order becomes inoperable, a means having a lower selection order is operated instead.

According to this configuration, for example, even if a unit having a higher selection order fails, its function can be realized by a lower unit.
The system's existing capabilities can be maximized.
It is desirable that the priority is set in consideration of one or a plurality of conditions such as a processing time, a processing load, a relation with another processing, and accuracy.

(8) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the operating condition determining means determines the operating condition in consideration of the output attribute of the target job in addition to the comparison result of the function information. I do.

(9) In order to achieve the above object, a method according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus comprising: an image output apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus and outputting image data from the image processing apparatus. An operation management method in a system, comprising: a function information collection step of collecting function information indicating a function achievable by the image processing apparatus and function information indicating a function achievable by the image output apparatus; Comparing the function information with the function information of the image output device, and determining an actual operation condition of the image processing device and the image output device based on the comparison result. I do.

(10) According to the present invention, there is provided a process for collecting function information indicating a function achievable by an image processing apparatus and function information indicating a function achievable by an image output apparatus; And comparing the function information of the image output device, based on the comparison result, determining the actual operating conditions of the image processing device and the image output device,
Is provided on a recording medium storing a program for executing the program on an image processing system.

The above-mentioned "recording medium" is a medium on which information is written by the action of electricity, magnetism, light, or the like, and includes, for example, ROM (read only memory), FD (floppy disk), and HD. (Hard disk) and various information recording media such as CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory). The "image processing system" is provided with a device for reading such a program from a medium or a device for inputting the program using a communication line.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a network print system including an image processing system according to the present invention. A plurality of clients 3 and a plurality of servers 2 as image processing apparatuses are connected to a network (LAN) 4. Each server 2 is connected to a printer 1 as an image output device.
Image output devices include, in addition to printers, copiers and FAs.
X, a multifunction device, etc., and the present invention is applicable to any device.

The server 2 is a so-called print server, and has a print control function for controlling the printer 1 connected thereto, and an image processing function for processing input print data. When a print instruction is issued by the client 3, in this example, print data described in a page description language (PDL) is output from the client 3 to, for example, the server 2. The server 2 expands the print data into image data of each page, and further performs necessary image conversion on the image data. When the image data is sent from the server 2 to the printer 1, the printer 1 prints a black-and-white or color image on paper.

The network 4 is also connected to a public line 5 in this example, and a server and an image output device are connected to the public line 5 as described above. The client and the server can be freely connected on the network.

The present invention can be applied to both direct printing in which printing is performed by a printer directly connected to the print server and redirect printing in which image data is sent from the print server to the printer via the network 4 for printing. Can be applied.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the hardware configuration of the server 2 connected to the network 4.

In FIG. 2, a network interface circuit (Ether I / F) 10 is connected to the network 4, and data communication is performed with the client via the network interface circuit 10. Incidentally, the network 4 is, for example, Ethernet.

Network interface circuit 10
Are connected to an internal bus 11, and various circuits are connected to the internal bus 11. The CPU 12 implements a server function according to a program. The CPU peripheral chip group (Peripheral) 14 includes a RAM, a ROM, a clock generator, and the like connected to the CPU 12, and various programs for realizing server processing are stored in the ROM and an external storage device 22 described later. And so on. Note that a function management table and a comparison result table described later are formed on a RAM or the like.

DMA controller (DMA Cont.) 16
Is a circuit for performing control when image data is transferred by DMA (Direct Memory Access). The page buffer (PageBuffer) 18 is a memory for temporarily storing image data. The external storage device (HD) 22 stores data before or after image development as necessary.
Also, various software modules required for image processing are stored. Disk controller (DISK Cont.)
20 is a unit for controlling the external storage device.

Each of the components denoted by reference numerals 30 to 38 in FIG. 2 is constituted by software in this embodiment.
Is shown by a dashed block. Of course, those configurations can be configured by hardware.

The decomposer 30 includes an image generation unit (PDL)
It functions as an interpreter and an imager, and interprets the input PDL data to generate image data (raster data) of each page.
The compressor (Compressor) 32 is means for compressing the generated image data as necessary to reduce the data amount. The decompressor 34 is a means for decompressing the compressed image data to restore the original data. The filters 36 and 38 are circuits for performing image conversion such as resolution conversion, margin addition, and bit array conversion for image data. Configurations 32-38
Constitutes an image conversion unit for converting the generated image data, and the contents of the configuration can be added and changed as needed.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when print data described in PDL is input from a client, it is first registered as a job, and then the print data is passed to the decomposer 30 to interpret the PDL. Thereby, image data of each page is generated. These image data are temporarily stored in the page buffer 18.
In this case, in order to reduce the data capacity, the image data may be stored in the page buffer after being compressed. The image data may be temporarily stored in the external storage device 22 in some cases.

When the output order of each image data comes, the transfer of the image data to the printer (IOT) 1 is performed under the control of the DMA controller. At this time, the compressed image data is expanded by the expander 34 as needed, and the expanded image data is output. Of course, if the printer 1 has a decompression function, the compressed image data itself may be transferred and decompressed inside the printer 1. In the printer 1, on / off control of the laser light is performed according to each pixel of the image data, whereby an image is printed on a sheet.
In the printer 1, the halftone image is represented by halftone dots.

In FIG. 2, only one printer 1 is connected to the server 2.
May be connected to and controlled by a plurality of printers. In that case, it is desirable to provide a function management table or the like described later for each printer.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing each module in the software processing of the server 2. The function realized by each module is actually realized by the CPU 12 in FIG. 2 based on a program.

3 and 2, the decomposing unit 50 corresponds to the decomposer 30, the compression / decompression unit 52 corresponds to the compressor 32 and the decompression unit 34, and the HD writing / reading unit 34. Is the disk controller 20
The buffer management unit 56 corresponds to buffer management by the CPU 12, the filter 1 processing unit corresponds to the filter 36, and the filter 2 processing unit corresponds to the filter 38.
Of course, these configurations are merely examples, and the number of image processing units can be increased or decreased.

In FIG. 3, when print data is input to the job receiving unit 40, it is received as a job, and the job is passed to the job content storage unit 42. The job content storage unit 42 performs job queuing.

The job scheduling unit 44 performs job scheduling. The job scheduling unit 44 checks the content of the job extracted from the job content storage unit 42, and if the job is a processable job, the output processing control unit 48 Request preparation for starting processing. At the same time, a processing request is issued to the image processing management unit 46.

Upon receiving the processing request, the image processing management unit 4
6 obtains a function management table showing a list of the functions of the server 2 and the printer 1 from the function information collection unit 64, and determines which image processing unit and which image processing unit based on the function management table. It is determined whether such image processing is performed. Specifically, the processing is performed by the comparison determining unit 65. Then, image processing including image generation and the like is actually executed. In this case, each image data after the image processing is returned to the job scheduling unit. Thereafter, the image data is transferred to the output processing control unit 48, and the output processing to the printer 1 is performed.

The IOT information acquisition unit 62 and the function information collection unit 64 in FIG. 3 are started at the time of system initialization (at the time of system startup) or at the time of a configuration change, separately from the above processing. At such a predetermined timing, the IOT information acquisition unit 62 acquires information indicating the function of the printer 1 via the output processing control unit 48. Here, the concept of the acquired function includes a function, a performance, a specification, and the like. Then, the obtained function information is sent to the function information collection unit 64. On the other hand, at the above-mentioned predetermined timing, the image processing management unit 46 instructs each of the processing units 50 to 60 to pass information on the function of the processing unit 50 to the function information collection unit 64. Then, the function information from each of the processing units 50 to 60 is acquired by the function information collection unit 64.

The function information collection unit 64 that receives these function information creates a function management table illustrated in FIG. The horizontal axis of the function management table represents each processing unit of the server 2 as an image processing device and the printer (IOT) 1 as an image output device, while the vertical axis represents items of each function. I have. Each function item will be described later in detail.

Such a function management table is referred to by the comparison / determination unit 65 of the image processing management unit 46 during job processing as described above, and in consideration of the output attribute of the job, the same function item As a result, a comparison result table 66 (see FIG. 5) indicating which processing unit or apparatus is to execute what function is created. When performing job processing, the image processing management unit 46 sets the comparison result table 66
, The necessary image processing is specified and sequentially executed.

As described above, the function management table is updated when the system is initialized and when the configuration is changed. That is, the latest function status is always managed as a table. For example, when the output device is replaced, it is automatically detected and a new function management table is created.

On the other hand, the comparison result table is created for each job at the processing stage of the target job. Of course, if the output attribute of the job is known, the comparison result table may be created prior to the job processing. . By doing so, the processing time can be reduced.

The comparison determination section 65 refers to the function management table and determines the processing section to be executed for each function item and the processing content thereof. The determination result is written to the comparison result table 66 as described above. That is, the comparison determination unit 65 is a key when connecting various printers to the server 2, and has a function of resolving inconsistencies of functions in the system, a function of adjusting duplication of functions, and the like. Note that the comparison determination unit 65 determines the image processing contents (operation conditions) of each job based on the comparison result as described above. In this case, the operation conditions of the server 2 which is the image processing apparatus are Of course, the operating conditions of the printer 1 as an image output device are also determined. Therefore, prior to actual printing by the printer 1, the printer 1
The print attribute setting information is passed to.

Next, with reference to FIG.
A specific example of the processing will be described. (1) Resolution conversion The resolution of the printer (IOT) 1 is 400 dpi (Dot Pe
r Inch) Fixed, no other selection is possible. On the other hand, the resolution of the decomposition processing unit 50 is 72 to 6
00 dpi, which can be changed to 400 dpi.
To be fixed. That is, there is no need to perform resolution conversion.

(2) Gradation Conversion The number of bits per image of the printer 1 is 1 bit / pel or 8 bit / pel, and the processing for satisfying the specification is performed by the decomposition processing unit 50 and the compression / decompression processing unit 52. You can do both. Here, the decompose processing unit 50
Is always activated for PDL data,
Since it is more efficient to execute the function in the decomposition processing unit 50, the function of the decomposition processing unit 50 is selected.

(3) Color Space Conversion Since the printer 1 can express only black and white (Gray), the setting of the decomposition processing unit 50 is also set to Gray, and color space conversion is not performed.

(4) Bit array conversion The printer 1 uses 16 Bit-BigEndian-MSB (arrangement of bits)
Has a specification that accepts only raster data. on the other hand,
The decompose processing unit 50 is a 32 Bit-LittleEndian-LSB
Only raster data can be generated. Therefore, image conversion is required to eliminate this mismatch, and the execution of the bit conversion processing is set in the filter 1 processing unit 58 that can execute the image conversion.

(5) Polarity Conversion The printer 1 accepts only raster data of additive color mixture among two polarities of additive color mixture or subtractive color mixture.
On the other hand, the decompose processing unit 50 can generate only raster data of a subtractive color mixture. For this reason, image conversion is required, and execution of polarity conversion is set in the filter 1 processing unit 58 that can perform the conversion.

(6) Band Division The printer 1 can use a band division system in which one page of image data is divided into a plurality of blocks and transferred.
On the other hand, the function can be realized by both the decompose processing unit 50 and the buffer management unit 56. Therefore, depending on the case, it is determined which function of the decompose processing unit 50 and the buffer management unit 56 is to be used. More specifically, the setting is made such that the transfer is normally performed in page units, and the transfer is automatically switched to the transfer by band division when the buffer capacity is insufficient.

(7) Image Storage The printer 1 has a function of storing image data, while the server 2 has a function of storing image data. Therefore, normally, the image data is immediately transferred to the printer 1 without being stored in the server 2, and if the image data cannot be transferred to the printer 1 due to some trouble, the image data is stored in the server 2. The mode to be switched as follows.

(8) Encoding / Decoding The printer 1 generates raster data (raw data) after image generation.
It accepts two types of data formats as it is or data encoded by MMR encoding. Therefore, the MMR encoded data is transferred using the filter 2 processing unit 60 without using the compression / decompression processing unit 52. However, when the encoding amount is larger than the raw data, the setting is made so that the raw data is transferred.

(9) Margin Generation The printer 1 does not have a margin generation function. Therefore, the decomposition processing unit 50 or the filter 1 processing unit 58
The processing is performed as needed in any of the above.
Here, since the processing speed of the decomposition processing unit 50 is faster, margin generation is normally performed using the decomposition processing unit 50, and processing that exceeds the range (margin amount) that can be processed by the decomposition processing unit 50 is performed. The filter 1 processing unit 58 is used only when requested.

(10) Origin Offset Since the printer 1 does not have the origin offset function, either the decompose processing unit 50 or the filter 1 processing unit 58 performs the processing as necessary. Causes the early decomposition processing unit 50 to perform the processing, and uses a filter 1 processing unit 58 when a processing exceeding the processable range (offset amount) of the decomposition processing unit 50 is requested.

(11) Image Rotation The printer 1 has an image rotation function. Therefore, usually, the decompose processing unit 50 or the function of the printer 1 is used, and both of them have a problem.
Filter 1 processing unit 5 only when only degree rotation is requested
Make 8 work. (12) Enlargement / reduction Since this function can be realized only by the decomposition processing unit 50, the function of the decomposition processing unit 50 is made effective.

(13) N-UP This function is to paste a plurality of image data on one page (one plate). As described above, since this function can be realized only by the decomposition processing unit 50, the function of the decomposition processing unit 50 is enabled.

As described above, the comparison determination unit 65 first specifies an available processing unit / device for each function item (duplication determination processing), and selects the most suitable one among them (selection processing). . Conditions to be considered in this case include processing speed, processing load, relationship with other processing, processing capacity, processing accuracy, and the like.

The above-described comparison result is entered in the comparison result table (shown by 66 in FIG. 3) shown in FIG. 5, and each job is processed according to the contents of the comparison result table. Of course, the contents of the table may be changed for each job.

For example, if the output attribute of the target job has the contents shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, since high-speed output is specified in this job, the image rotation is set to be performed only by the printer 1. Since a plurality of copies (10 copies) are set, image storage is set to avoid duplicate decompose processing. In addition, a compression / decompression processing unit may be operated to speed up the writing / reading processing.

As shown in the above embodiment, when two or more processing units or devices have the function for the same function item, the priority number is separately written in the function management table. , May be controlled so as to be selected from those having higher priority. With this configuration, when a failure occurs in a function having a higher priority, it can be automatically determined and switched to the next sequential function,
The maximum current capacity of the entire system can always be demonstrated.

Next, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 6. FIG. 6 shows a process for collecting information on the functions of the respective processing units of the printer 1 and the server 2. FIG. 7 shows an actual job process using the collected information. The process when performing is shown.

In FIG. 6, this routine is automatically started when the system is initialized or the configuration is changed. First, in S10, a request for collecting function information is issued from the job scheduling unit 44 to the image processing management unit 46 and the output processing control unit 48. In step S12, the image processing management unit 46 that has received this request
Are checked and what their total numbers are. Then, in S14, an instruction is issued to each processing unit to notify the function information collection unit 64 of the function information, and it is determined in S16 that such an instruction has been issued to all the processing units. Until S14 is performed for each processing unit. Therefore, by repeating such processing, the function information collection unit 64 collects information on the functions of each processing unit in the server 2.

On the other hand, the output processing control unit 48 that has received the collection request from the job scheduling unit 44 notifies the function information collection unit 64 of the function information in step S18.
It instructs the OT information acquisition unit 62. IO receiving this instruction
The T information acquisition unit 62 acquires information on the functions of the currently connected printer 1 via the output processing control unit 48 and outputs the information to the function information collection unit 64.
Therefore, if it is determined in S20 that the collection of all the function information is completed, the function information collection unit 64 collects all the information of each function of the printer 1 and the server 2, and such function information indicates The function management table shown in FIG. 4 is created.

FIG. 7 shows the steps of job processing using the function management table. In S22, the job preparation unit 44 sends an output preparation request to the output processing control unit 48 in response to the input of a job. Is issued, and an image processing start request is issued from the job scheduling unit 44 to the image processing management unit 46.

In S24, the function management table formed in the function information collection unit 64 is read by the image processing management unit 46. In S26, the function content of each processing unit is compared for each function item from the first function item, and it is determined which processing unit to use. This is performed by the comparison determination unit 65 shown in FIG. In S28, the comparison result is stored in the comparison result table 66. And
S26 and S2 until the function comparison is completed for all items
8 is repeatedly executed, and when such a comparison is made for all items, the steps after S32 are executed.

At S32, 1 is set according to a predetermined execution order.
The processing unit is specified one by one. In S34, regarding the processing unit, the processing content to be executed by the processing unit is specified with reference to the comparison result table. Here, if no processing is designated for the processing unit, the processing from S36 to S3
The processing shifts to 2. On the other hand, if any processing is specified for the processing unit, the image processing is actually executed in S38. Such steps are sequentially performed based on a predetermined order, and after the processing for the last processing unit is completed, this routine ends. At that time, the processed image data is passed to the job scheduling unit 44.

Of course, when the printer 1 performs some processing, information indicating the processing is output to the printer 1 via the output processing control unit 48.

In an actual apparatus, other than the above, there are an error canceling process, a communication process, and the like, but these processes are not shown. In the above embodiment, a printer is taken as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to a system having any image output device such as a copier, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction peripheral.

[0080]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Various image output devices can be freely connected to the image processing device without impairing various functions of the image processing device and the image output device. Further, according to the present invention, there is an advantage that the functions of the image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus can be adjusted to maximize the functions of the system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a network print system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a print server (image processing apparatus) according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of a print server according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of a function management table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a comparison result table.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific process for creating a function management table.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing specific processing of a job based on a function management table.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Printer, 2 Print Server, 40 Job Receiving Unit, 42 Job Contents Storage Unit, 44 Job Scheduling Unit, 46 Image Processing Management Unit, 48 Output Processing Control Unit, 50 Decompose Control Unit, 52 Compression / Decompression Processing Unit, 54 HD Loading / reading unit, 56 buffer management unit, 58 filter 1 processing unit, 60 filter 2 processing unit, 62 IOT information acquisition unit, 64 function information collection unit,
65 Comparison determination unit, 66 Comparison result table.

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image processing system comprising: an image processing device that processes image data; and an image output device that is connected to the image processing device and outputs image data from the image processing device. A function information collection unit that collects function information indicating a function that can be realized and function information that indicates a function that can be realized by the image output apparatus; and compares function information of the image processing apparatus with function information of the image output apparatus. And an operating condition determining means for determining actual operating conditions of the image processing device and the image output device based on the comparison result. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus includes: an image data generating unit that generates image data; and at least one image data converting unit that converts the image data. An image processing system, wherein the information collecting unit collects the function information for each of the image data generating unit and the image data converting unit. 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the function information collecting unit includes: an image data generating unit, an image data converting unit, and the image output device;
An image processing system having a function management table indicating presence / absence and contents of each function. 4. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the function management table is updated when the system is initialized and the configuration is changed. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said operating condition determining means determines a plurality of means for realizing the same function in the system, and a plurality of means for realizing the same function. Selecting means for selecting any of the means to be actually operated from among the following. 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operating condition determining unit determines a plurality of units that realize the same function in the system, and a plurality of units that realizes the same function. An image processing system comprising: selecting means for selecting a means having a higher selection order from among the means for actually operating. 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said selecting means is configured to select a higher-ranking means among the plurality of means for realizing the same function when the higher-ranking means becomes inoperable. An image processing system characterized by operating means having a lower selection order instead. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operating condition determining unit determines the operating condition in consideration of an output attribute of a target job in addition to a comparison result of the function information. Image processing system. 9. An operation management method in an image processing system, comprising: an image processing device that processes image data; and an image output device that is connected to the image processing device and outputs image data from the image processing device. A function information collection step of collecting function information indicating functions that can be realized by the image processing apparatus and function information indicating functions that can be realized by the image output apparatus; function information of the image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus An operation condition determining step of comparing actual function conditions of the image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus based on the comparison result. 10. A step of collecting function information indicating functions that can be realized by the image processing apparatus and function information indicating functions that can be realized by the image output apparatus; and function information of the image processing apparatus and functions of the image output apparatus. A step of comparing information and determining actual operating conditions of the image processing apparatus and the image output apparatus based on the comparison result; and a storage medium storing a program for executing on an image processing system.