JP3599393B2 - Image output device and image output method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image output apparatus and an image output method for forming an image to which a predetermined extended function can be added.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus of this type, particularly an image forming apparatus that analyzes a page description language sent from a computer and converts the image signal into an image signal, and then prints the image signal as a visible image on a sheet, an optional unit is provided in the main body of the apparatus. In addition to installing a duplex printing unit and a document sorting unit, a printer driver dedicated to the image forming device is installed in the computer used by the user, and the print editing function that can be executed by the optional unit is remotely set to realize various document output I have.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the user misidentifies the type of the optional unit provided in the image forming apparatus, inappropriate setting may be performed in the printer driver, and actual processing may not be performed in the apparatus.
[0004]
For example, it is conceivable that double-sided processing is set for an apparatus without a double-sided unit.
[0005]
In this case, there is a problem that the printing is normally performed as one-sided printing and a printing result desired by the user cannot be obtained.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and when an output condition using a predetermined extended function is specified, it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus is provided with the extended function. By rearranging the print page order input according to the determination result and controlling the output of data to be printed generated in the rearranged page order, the image output condition by the extended function that cannot be used in the image forming apparatus Is to provide an image output device and an image output method capable of performing output in accordance with the specified extended function even when is specified.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first invention according to the present invention is an image output that is communicably connected to a computer device, generates image data based on output information including image information transmitted from the computer device, and prints out the image data. An apparatus, wherein the image output apparatus is configured to be connectable to a double-sided unit for enabling double-sided printing to the image output apparatus, analyzes the output information, and stores the image data in the output information. First determining means for determining whether or not there is a designation for duplex printing, and when the first determining means determines that the image data is to be printed on both sides, the duplex unit outputs the image data. Second determining means for determining whether or not the duplex unit is connected to the image output device; and determining that the duplex unit is not connected to the image output device by the second determining means. Storage means for storing all image data expanded based on the image information, and from all image data stored in the storage means, for each even-page image data and each odd-page image data. The image processing apparatus further includes an instruction unit that instructs to perform print output, and an image output unit that prints out the image data based on an instruction from the instruction unit.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image output device has an operation unit capable of displaying a message and receiving an instruction from a user, and the designating unit stores the image stored in the storage unit. Of the data, print the image data of the even-numbered page, and display a message on the operation unit that the printout of the image data of the odd-numbered page is continuously performed after the printing of the image data is completed. It is characterized by.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation unit to which a duplex unit for enabling double-sided printing can be connected to an image output device, which is capable of displaying a message and receiving an instruction from a user. An image output method in an image output device that generates image data based on output information including image information transmitted from a computer device that is capable of being connected and prints out the image data, wherein the output information is analyzed. A first determining step of determining whether or not the output information specifies that the image data be printed on both sides; and the first determining step determines that the image data is image data to be printed on both sides. A second determining step of determining whether or not the duplex unit is connected to the image output apparatus; and a second determining step, wherein the duplex unit is connected to the image output apparatus. When it is determined that the image data is not connected to the image output device, a storage step of storing all image data expanded based on the image information in a storage unit, and all image data stored in the storage unit And an image output step of printing out the image data based on the instruction in the instruction step. It is characterized by.
[0010]
In a fourth aspect according to the present invention, in the specifying step, among the image data stored in the storage means, the image data of the even page is printed out, and after the printing of the image data is completed, the odd page is output. A message to the effect that the printout of the image data is continuously executed is displayed on the operation unit.
[0023]
【Example】
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input device for converting a document into image data (hereinafter, referred to as a reader unit), which reads a document image, converts the image into digital image data, and outputs the digital image data. Reference numeral 2 denotes an image output device (hereinafter, referred to as a printer unit) having a plurality of types of storage paper cassettes and a paper discharge tray, and outputting image data as a visible image on recording paper in accordance with a print command input from the reader unit 1. .
[0025]
Reference numeral 3 denotes an operation unit that issues a print instruction to the reader unit 1 and a process to an external device 4 that is electrically connected to the reader unit 1. The external device 4 includes a computer interface unit 5 for connecting to a computer device 8, a formatter unit 6 for converting a page description language into image information, and a core unit 7 for controlling the above functions. I have. The core unit 7 controls the state of the computer interface unit 5 and the formatter unit 6, which are the components of the external device 4, controls the input and output of commands, and controls the input and output of image data.
[0026]
A duplex unit 11 functions as a transport unit for forming images on both sides of a fed recording medium. The duplex unit 11 is configured so that a user can optionally connect to the printer unit 2. ing. Therefore, the duplex unit 11 may not be connected.
[0027]
A sorter unit 12 functions as a sorting unit that sorts and outputs the recording medium on which an image is formed, and the sorting unit 12 is configured so that a user can optionally connect to the printer unit 2. Therefore, the sorting unit 12 may not be connected.
[0028]
Also, the computer device 8 functioning as a data source is provided with a print driver corresponding to the printer unit 2 so that the functions (including sorting and double-sided functions) of the printer unit 2 can be covered in full specifications. The print driver itself is provided with a printer resource information acquisition function for grasping in advance the use status of the extension means of the printer unit 2. Shall not be.
[0029]
Further, a portion shown by a broken line in FIG. 1 indicates a device connected as a user option.
[0030]
The core unit 7 and the formatter unit 6 include a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. Further, the formatter unit 6 includes a memory 6a for developing the received output information into a bitmap for a predetermined number of pages.
[0031]
Now, when the image forming apparatus is not equipped with a unit for realizing the double-sided function, and when receiving an instruction for double-sided printing of an output document from an external computer, by storing all of the received page description language and rearranging the print page order, A description will be given with reference to FIGS.
[First Image Output Processing]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the first image output method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (11) indicate each step.
[0032]
First, the core unit 7 which has received the page description language from the external computer device 8 connected to the computer interface unit 5 (1) determines whether or not the page description language includes a designation command for double-sided printing (2). .
[0033]
When the core unit 7 determines that the double-sided printing command is described in this determination, the core unit 7 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is now capable of performing double-sided printing (3).
[0034]
Actually, it is determined whether or not the optional unit for double-sided printing is provided in the printer unit 2. If it is determined that there is no duplex printing function, the formatter unit 6 is instructed to develop and store all the page description languages received from the external computer device 8 (4).
[0035]
Next, when the core unit 7 confirms that all the image development of the received page description language has been completed (5), the core unit 7 instructs the formatter unit 6 to print only data corresponding to an even-numbered page of the image data of which the image development has been completed (6). ).
[0036]
As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, only the even-numbered pages are printed on the fed recording paper and are discharged onto the discharge tray in the order of, for example, the second page, the fourth page, the sixth page, and the eighth page. It becomes. When the printing of the even-numbered pages is completed, the core unit 7 places the original on which the single-sided printing has been completed on the paper feed tray of the printer unit 2 again, and displays a message on the operation unit 3 so as to give a continuation instruction. The user is prompted to execute the continuation process (7). In response, the user instructs a continuation process according to the contents of the message. At this time, the user replaces the original on the paper feed tray of the printer unit 2 in accordance with the above message display so that the pages are arranged in the order shown in FIG.
[0037]
Next, when the core unit 7 receives the continuation instruction from the operation unit 3 (8), the core unit 7 instructs the formatter unit 6 to execute the printing of the odd-numbered pages using the paper on the paper output tray (9). As a result, the formatter unit 6 prints the odd pages in the page order shown in FIG. 5, and as shown in FIG. Is done.
[0038]
On the other hand, when the core unit 7 does not analyze the double-sided printing in step (2), it instructs the formatter unit 6 to perform single-sided printing (10).
[0039]
Similarly, when the core unit 7 recognizes that the duplex printing unit is provided in step (3), the printing using the duplex unit is instructed (11).
[Second image output process]
Next, a multi-page document was received from an external computer to sort and output a plurality of copies. However, since the image forming apparatus is not equipped with a unit for performing the sorting process, all the received page description languages are stored and the print page is stored. The process until the sorting output is finally performed by rearranging the order will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0040]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the second image output method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. (1) to (8) indicate each step.
[0041]
The core unit 7 that has received the page description language from the external computer device 8 connected to the computer interface unit 5 (1) determines whether there is a sorting output designation command in the page description language (2).
[0042]
At this time, if it is confirmed that there is a sorting instruction, the core unit 7 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus has the ability to perform the sorting printing now (3).
[0043]
In practice, it is determined whether an optional unit for the sorting device is provided. If it is determined that there is no sort printing function, the formatter unit 6 is instructed to develop and store all the page description languages received from the external computer device 8 (4).
[0044]
Next, the core unit 7 confirming that all the image development of the received page description language has been completed (5) instructs the formatter unit 6 to print the specified number of print copies (6). Thus, for example, if the user is instructed to output two copies of a three-page document, the third page, the second page, the first page, and the third page, the second page, and the first page are output. Eyes, and print.
FIG. 7 shows a print result state by this processing.
[0045]
On the other hand, if the core unit 7 does not analyze the sorted printing in step (2), the core unit 7 instructs the formatter unit 6 to perform normal printing (7).
[0046]
Similarly, when the core unit 7 recognizes that the sorting unit is provided in the step (3), the printing using the sorting unit is instructed (8).
[0047]
Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to fifth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 to 5, and the like.
[0048]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a formatter unit (formatter unit 6) for analyzing output information received from a computer device to generate an output bitmap, and a storage unit (memory) for storing the output bitmap generated by the formatter unit 6a) and an image output unit (printer unit 2) for outputting an image to a recording medium based on the output bitmap stored in the storage unit. First determining means (by the CPU of the core unit 7) for determining whether an image output process using any connectable expansion means is specified, and determining an extended function state usable by the image output means Based on the determination results of the second determination unit (by the CPU of the core unit 7) and the first determination unit and the second determination unit. A control unit (CPU of the formatter unit 6) for controlling the output order of the output bitmap of each page generated by the formatter unit, wherein each of the pages generated by the formatter unit 6 based on the determination result of the core unit 7 Control of the output order of the output bitmaps, so that the image output function specified in the received output information can be output even when the image output function corresponding to any of the extension means cannot be used. .
[0049]
The second invention enables image output according to the double-sided image output function specified in the received output information even in a state where the double-sided image output function corresponding to the double-sided unit 11 cannot be used.
[0050]
The third invention enables an image output according to the sorting image output function specified in the received output information even in a state where the sorting image output function corresponding to the sorter unit 12 cannot be used.
[0051]
According to a fourth aspect, an image can be output according to an image output function specified in data based on a received page description language.
[0052]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the formatter means (formatter unit 6) stores the output bitmaps for all the received output information in the storage means, and can continuously execute image output using the designated expansion means. I do.
[0053]
Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the sixth to eighth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0054]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a formatter unit (formatter unit 6) for analyzing output information received from a computer device to generate an output bitmap, and storing the output bitmap generated by the formatter unit. An image output method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a storage unit (memory 6a); and an image output unit (printer unit 2) for outputting an image to a recording medium based on an output bitmap stored in the storage unit. A first determination step (step (2) in FIG. 2, step (2) in FIG. 6) for determining whether an image output process using a predetermined expansion unit connectable to the image output unit is designated from the information. ), And a second determination step (step (3) in FIG. 2, step (3) in FIG. 6) for determining an extended function state usable by the image output means. An adjusting step of adjusting the output order of the output bitmap of each page generated by the formatter based on the determination results of the first determining step and the second determining step (steps (4) to (4) in FIG. 2) 9), the steps (4) to (6) in FIG. 6 are executed, and even if the image output function corresponding to any of the extension means cannot be used, the image output function specified in the received output information can be used. It is possible to programmatically execute a process of outputting an image according to.
[0055]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, even in a state where the two-sided image output function corresponding to the two-sided unit 11 cannot be used, a process of performing image output according to the two-sided image output function specified in the received output information can be programmably executed. .
[0056]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, even in a state where the sorting image output function corresponding to the sorter unit 12 cannot be used, a process of outputting an image according to the sorting image output function specified in the received output information can be programmably executed. .
[0057]
The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or to an apparatus including one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.
[0058]
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, based on the determination results of the first determination unit and the second determination unit, the control unit controls the output bit of each page generated by the formatter unit. Since the output order of the maps is controlled, the image output according to the image output function specified in the received output information can be performed even when the image output function corresponding to any of the extension units cannot be used.
[0059]
According to the second aspect, even when the duplex image output function corresponding to the duplex unit cannot be used, an image can be output according to the duplex image output function specified in the received output information.
[0060]
According to the third aspect, even when the sort image output function corresponding to the sorter unit cannot be used, an image can be output according to the sort image output function specified in the received output information.
[0061]
According to the fourth aspect, an image can be output according to the image output function specified in the data based on the received page description language.
[0062]
According to the fifth aspect, the formatter means causes the storage means to store the output bitmaps for all the received output information, so that the image output using the designated expanding means can be continuously executed. .
[0063]
According to the sixth aspect, it is determined whether or not an image output process using any of the extension units connectable to the image output unit is specified from the output information, and an extension that can be used by the image output unit. Since the function state is determined and the output order of the output bitmap of each page generated by the formatter unit is adjusted based on the determination result, even in a state where the image output function corresponding to any of the expansion units cannot be used, A process of performing image output according to the image output function specified in the received output information can be programmably executed.
[0064]
According to the seventh aspect, even when the double-sided image output function corresponding to the double-sided unit cannot be used, a process of performing image output according to the double-sided image output function specified in the received output information is programmatically executed. Can be.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, even when an image output condition by an extended function that cannot be used in the image forming apparatus is specified, an output according to the specified extended function can be performed. Play.
[0066]
Therefore, even when an image output condition that exceeds the currently available additional function is specified on the output information source side, an effect such that an image according to the specified extended function can be continuously output can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of a first image output method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first image output processing state of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first image output processing state of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first image output processing state of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a second image output method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second image output processing state of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 3 Operation part 4 External device 5 Computer interface part 6 Formatter part 7 Core part 8 Computer equipment

Claims (4)

An image output device that is communicably connected to a computer device, generates image data based on output information including image information transmitted from the computer device, and prints out the image data.
The image output device is configured to be connectable to a duplex unit for enabling duplex printing to the image output device,
A first determination unit that analyzes the output information and determines whether or not the output information includes a designation to perform double-sided printing of the image data;
A second determining unit that determines whether the duplex unit is connected to the image output device when the first determining unit determines that the image data is image data to be printed on both sides;
When the second determination unit determines that the duplex unit is not connected to the image output device, a storage unit that stores all image data expanded based on the image information;
Instructing means for instructing to print out every even-page image data and every odd-page image data from all the image data stored in the storage means,
Image output means for printing out the image data based on an instruction from the instruction means,
  An image output device comprising: The image output device has an operation unit capable of displaying a message and receiving an instruction from a user,
  The designation unit prints out the image data of the even-numbered page of the image data stored in the storage unit, and after the printing of the image data is completed, continuously prints out the image data of the odd-numbered page. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a message to the effect is displayed on the operation unit. The image output device is provided with an operation unit capable of connecting a duplex unit for enabling duplex printing, displaying a message and receiving an instruction from a user, and is transmitted from a computer device communicably connected. An image output method in an image output device that generates image data based on output information including the image information, and prints out the image data,
  A first determination step of analyzing the output information and determining whether or not the output information includes a designation to print the image data on both sides;
  A second determination step of determining whether or not the duplex unit is connected to the image output device when the first determination step determines that the image data is image data to be printed on both sides;
  A storage step of storing, in a storage unit, all image data expanded based on the image information when the second determination step determines that the duplex unit is not connected to the image output device;
  From all image data stored in the storage means, an instruction step of instructing to perform print output for each even-page image data and each odd-page image data;
  An image output step of printing out the image data based on an instruction by the instruction step;
An image output method comprising: In the specifying step, among the image data stored in the storage unit, the image data of the even page is printed out, and after the printing of the image data is completed, the print output of the image data of the odd page is continuously performed. 4. The image output method according to claim 3, wherein a message indicating execution is displayed on the operation unit.

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