JP3915574B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on recording paper or the like, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on recording paper by selecting one of a plurality of output devices.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some image forming apparatuses that form images on recording paper include a plurality of printers connected as output devices to a print server. In such an image forming apparatus, image data input from an image processing terminal such as a personal computer connected to a print server via a network or an image based on a drawing command is formed on a recording sheet by any printer and is output ( Hereinafter referred to as “printing process”).
[0003]
Also, when performing print processing using a print server to which a plurality of printers are connected, the client terminal side changes the printer operation status on the image forming apparatus (print server) side instead of selecting the printer. Thus, it is possible to omit a complicated operation of selecting a printer on the client terminal side when performing a printing process.
[0004]
By the way, even in the same type of printer, image quality, color reproduction accuracy, and the like may be different. That is, even if the functions are substantially the same, there are substantially individual differences in image quality, color reproducibility, and the like. Also, in order to maintain image quality and color reproducibility, it is necessary to perform calibration or the like every time a certain time or a certain number of sheets are processed. In order to maintain high image quality and color reproducibility, the printer The running cost will be increased.
[0005]
On the other hand, in design departments and the like, print output giving priority to image quality and color reproduction accuracy is often desired. At this time, if the distribution is simply made according to the operating status of the printer, image quality and color reproducibility are not given priority. May be printed out.
[0006]
In general office work, in order to print out a large amount of documents, it is often desirable to prioritize processing speed over image quality. On the other hand, there are cases where printing is output at a relatively low speed.
[0007]
For this purpose, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-91103, a printer having a function corresponding to the job content is selected and printed based on the content of the designated job and the function information of the copier as a printer. Propose to output.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, even if the function information of the printer is the same, the calibration is omitted to reduce costs.PaintingIndividual differences in quality and color reproducibilityCan produceYes,sameEven with a single printer, image quality and color reproducibility may vary depending on usage conditions.DifferentEven if it is desired to prioritize image quality and color reproducibility, a printer that meets the needs is not always selected.
[0009]
Further, when performing a printing process, it is impossible to determine which printer is appropriate when attempting to manually select a printer that seems to be optimal on the client terminal side.
[0010]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and using any of a plurality of output devices,Priority was given to image quality and color reproducibility.An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of selecting an appropriate output device when performing a printing process.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing unit that performs image processing based on image data or a drawing command of a print job input from an image processing terminal connected to a network,Of the image processorImage according to processing resultShapeAn image forming apparatus including a plurality of output devices that can be configured and output,Includes the amount of processing since the output device calibratedOperating informationas well as,Output deviceIncludes resolutions that can be outputFeature information,Specific information of the output deviceAsManagePipeAndWhen the print job is designated to output an image giving priority to image quality and color reproducibility, the image quality and color reproducibility are determined based on the unique information for each of the output devices managed by the management unit. Selection means for selecting an output device capable of outputting a priority image;It is characterized by including.
[0012]
  According to this invention, the output deviceIncludes the amount of processing since the calibrationFor each output deviceMovementInformation on the output deviceSuch as calibrationMaintenanceSu,The operation information is updated according to the printing process. In addition,Retention of operation informationEach output device or image processing unit can be provided.
[0013]
  Management meansThe output deviceProduction informationOutThe function information of the output device is added and managed as unique information of the output device.The
[0014]
  ThisFrom unique informationSince it is possible to grasp the status of individual output devices, image qualityAnd color reproducibilityThe output device can be specified so that priority can be given.
[0016]
  Select means for print jobs for which image output giving priority to image quality and color reproducibility is specifiedSelect an output device based on the unique information of the output deviceThe
[0018]
  This makes it possible to accurately select the output device with the highest color reproducibility from a plurality of output devices for print jobs that prioritize color reproducibility.The
[0019]
  In this invention,The selection means has a network protocol with the processing terminal. Apple Talk In the case of (registered trademark), an output device capable of outputting an image giving priority to the image quality and color reproducibility is selected from the plurality of output devices..
  That is, the selection means isNetwork protocol with image processing terminalIs widely used in image processing terminals that prioritize image quality and color reproducibility Apple Talk (Registered trademark)Based on the specific information of the output devicePrioritizing image quality and color reproducibilitySelect an output deviceThe
[0020]
  Furthermore, the present invention providesThe selection unit prioritizes image quality and color reproducibility from the plurality of output devices when the image processing terminal is set as an image processing terminal that requests output of an image that prioritizes the image quality and color reproducibility. An output device that can output the selected imagethingIt may be.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a network environment 10 applied to the present embodiment. In this network environment 10, a print server 12 provided as an image processing apparatus and a plurality of client terminals 14 provided as image processing terminals are network-connected via a communication line 16.
[0022]
In addition, a plurality of IOTs 18 are connected to the print server 12 as output devices, thereby forming an image forming apparatus 20. When the print server 12 receives the print job output from the client terminal 14, the print server 12 performs predetermined image processing on the image data of the print job, selects any of the plurality of IOTs 18, and outputs the processing result. Thus, an image is formed on the recording paper. In the following description, two IOTs 18 </ b> A and 18 </ b> B will be described as an example (“IOT 18” unless otherwise distinguished). However, as the image forming apparatus 20, three or more IOTs 18 are connected to the print server 12. May be. The plurality of IOTs 18 may have different printing functions and processing capabilities, but may include the same model having the same printing functions and processing capabilities. In this embodiment, the IOTs 18A and 18B are assumed to be the same model. explain.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, the print server 12 and the client terminal 14 are provided with network interfaces (network I / F) 22 and 24, and these are connected to the communication line 16 via the network I / Fs 22 and 24. Connected.
[0024]
The network I / F 24 provided in the client terminal 14 uses a conventionally known communication protocol (network protocol) such as Apple Talk or TCP / IP. The network I / F of the print server 12 is the client terminal 14. It is possible to support any of the communication protocols used in. That is, the print server 12 can be connected by any conventionally known network protocol.
[0025]
The print server 12 includes a conventionally known bidirectional interface (bidirectional I / F) 26, and is connected to each of the IOTs 18A and 18B via the bidirectional I / F 26.
[0026]
Such a print server 12 can be configured by adding a PCI board having a predetermined function to a personal computer (PC). The print server 12 includes input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and display devices such as a CRT display and an LCD display, and has a WYSIWYG function for processing an image displayed on the display device and printing out the display image. It may be.
[0027]
The print server 12 is provided with an image processing unit 30 together with a print controller 28 that controls print processing using the IOT 18. For example, the image processing unit 30 performs RIP processing for generating raster data based on image data, drawing data, a drawing command, or the like input as a print job from the client terminal 14.
[0028]
The print server 12 stores the input print job in the processing queue, sequentially reads the print jobs stored in the processing queue, executes image processing (RIP processing), and performs image processing. Data (raster data) to be output to the IOT 18 is stored in the print queue, and the print queue is sequentially output to the IOT 18. The print server 12 is provided with various printing functions, and image processing using the printing functions set in the print job is possible. That is, the print server 12 has a conventionally known basic configuration, and detailed description of this point is omitted in the present embodiment.
[0029]
The client terminal 14 includes various applications 32, and uses the application 32 to perform image processing such as image creation, processing, and editing, document creation, and the like.
[0030]
The client terminal 14 is provided with a printer driver (driver software) 34, and transmits image data or drawing data and various processing instructions as print jobs to the print server 12 via the printer driver 34. .
[0031]
In the network environment 10, image data created on the client terminal 14, drawing data, document data, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image data”) and various processing instructions are transmitted as print jobs to the print server 12. As a result, the print server 12 performs the specified image processing on the print job and outputs it to the IOT 18. As a result, a printed matter corresponding to the print job is obtained.
[0032]
Incidentally, each IOT 18 is provided with a maintenance information holding unit 36. In the IOT 18, for example, adjustment of color reproducibility and the like is performed by executing calibration, thereby enabling high-quality image formation. In addition, the recording paper conveyance roller or the like is worn by the printing process, and may need to be replaced.
[0033]
The maintenance information holding unit 36 counts and holds whether or not the maintenance of the IOT 18 is performed, whether or not it is necessary, the number of printed sheets (processing amount) after the maintenance is performed, and the like.
[0034]
On the other hand, the print server 12 is provided with an IOT information management unit 38. In the IOT information management unit 38, function information possessed by each IOT 18 such as resolution is input in advance. The IOT information management unit 38 reads maintenance information and operation information for each IOT 18 from the maintenance information holding unit 36 provided in each of the IOTs 18 at a predetermined timing set in advance. Retained and managed as unique information of each IOT 18.
[0035]
The maintenance information and the operation information may be notified from the IOT 18 when there is a change, and the specific information of the corresponding IOT 18 may be updated by the IOT information management unit 38 based on this notification. Further, for the IOT 18 that does not include the maintenance information holding unit 36, maintenance information and operation information may be directly input to the IOT information management unit 38 of the print server 12 and held.
[0036]
Thereby, in the print server 12, for example, it is possible to select the IOT 18 having the highest accuracy and high color reproducibility after the calibration is performed, the IOT 18 having a high processing speed, and the like. In the following, the color reproducibility will be mainly described in the unique information as an example.
[0037]
The print server 12 includes an output request setting unit 40, an output determination unit 42, and an output switching unit 44.
[0038]
In the output request setting unit 40, whether or not an IOT 18 for print output is specified on a print job input from the client terminal 14 and whether or not the selection of the IOT 18 is automatically selected to the print server 12 is set. Read whether or not.
[0039]
The output request setting unit 40 outputs management information (unique information) held in the IOT information management unit 38 to the client terminal 14 in response to a request from the client terminal 14. In the environment 10, the IOT 18 that performs print output can be accurately set on the client terminal 14 in accordance with the contents of the print job.
[0040]
When the IOT 18 is specified on the client terminal 14 side, the output determination unit 42 controls the output switching unit 44 so that raster data generated based on the corresponding print job is output to the specified IOT 18.
[0041]
When the automatic selection of the IOT 18 is set, the output determination unit 42 specifies the information in the print job, the network protocol used with the client terminal 14 that transmitted the print job, and the client terminal 14. The IOT 18 for executing the printing process is selected based on the user information and the like and the management information of the IOT 18 held in the IOT information management unit 38, and the output switching unit 44 is controlled.
[0042]
  For example, in the network protocol, the client terminal 14 using TCP / IP has a lot of office occupations that print out documents and the like.systemThe network protocol of the client terminal 14 used in each department is Apple Talk(Registered trademark)There are many. From this point, when the output determination unit 42 selects the IOT 18 based on the network protocol, a high-quality print output is possible for the print job transmitted from the client terminal 14 whose network protocol is Apple Talk. IOT 18 is selected.
[0043]
In addition, since the client terminal 14 that performs print output with high image quality is set, an IOT 18 that can perform high-quality print output at that time is selected for a print job transmitted from the client terminal 14. I am doing so.
[0044]
Further, the output determination unit 42 is set with a file name, an extension, an attribute, and the like in the print job so as to select an IOT 18 capable of high-quality print output at that time. When the corresponding file name, extension, and attribute are detected, the IOT 18 capable of high-quality print output at that time is selected. Note that the IOT selection based on the file information may be performed by the printer driver 34 provided in the client terminal 14.
[0045]
Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 20, the print processing for the print job input to the print server 12 is executed by the appropriate IOT 18.
[0046]
Here, a printing process using the image forming apparatus 20 will be described.
[0047]
The IOT 18 that forms the image forming apparatus 20 has a calibration function in order to maintain color reproducibility, and calibration is executed at a predetermined timing.
[0048]
FIG. 3 shows a flow of general calibration processing.
[0049]
In the calibration, first, printing processing is performed using the standard patch data (step 100). At this time, the standard patch data is output to the IOT 18 that performs calibration, and the color patch image is printed out by performing color correction with the standard parameters.
[0050]
Next, the color patch image on the print output is measured by the colorimeter (step 102), and the correction parameter is calculated based on the measurement result (step 104).
[0051]
Thereafter, the calculated correction parameter is set as a parameter (step 106), standard patch data is printed (step 108), and the color patch image printed out is measured by a colorimeter (step 110). ) To obtain an error (step 112).
[0052]
That is, the standard patch data is subjected to color correction using a standard profile and printed, and a profile for performing color correction is created from correction parameters obtained by measuring the color of the print output.
[0053]
The IOT 18 performs a printing process based on this profile created by calibration, whereby appropriate color reproducibility can be obtained and a high-quality image can be formed on the recording paper.
[0054]
The maintenance information holding unit 36 provided in each of the IOTs 18 counts the number of printed output sheets after the calibration is completed, along with whether or not the calibration is performed. Stored as operation information.
[0055]
As described above, when a change in maintenance information or a change in operation information occurs, the change information is output to the IOT information management unit 38 of the print server 12 and held in the IOT information management unit 38. Information (unique information) may be directly updated. The calibration is not limited to this, and may be performed using an appropriate method set in each of the IOTs 18. Further, in the maintenance information holding unit 36, when maintenance such as replacement of a conveyance roller provided in the IOT 18 is performed, the IOT 18 is configured to count and hold the number of print output sheets after the maintenance is completed. It may hold various information that changes in accordance with each of the operating conditions, and is more preferable.
[0056]
On the other hand, the IOT information management unit 38 provided in the print server 12 provides maintenance information and operation information to the maintenance information holding unit 36 provided in each of the IOTs 18 at a preset timing such as a predetermined time interval. The maintenance information and the operation information input by this request are added to the function information of each IOT 18 to manage as unique information including individual differences between the IOTs 18. It is possible to grasp the IOT 18 that can print out.
[0057]
Further, when the management information of the IOT 18 is requested from the client terminal 14, the print server 12 outputs the unique information held in the IOT information management unit 38 to the client terminal 14.
[0058]
That is, as shown in FIG. 4, in the network environment 10, maintenance information and operation information are requested from each of the IOTs 18A and 18B at a timing when the print server 12 is set in advance. As a result, each of the IOTs 18A and 18B outputs maintenance information and operation information, whereby the maintenance information and operation information are totaled and held in the IOT information management unit 38.
[0059]
Further, the client terminal 14 requests specific information of the IOT 18 managed by the print server 12 prior to transmitting the print job. As a result, the print server 12 outputs the unique information for each IOT 18 held in the IOT information management unit 38 to the client terminal 14.
[0060]
Thereby, the client terminal 14 can select the IOT 18 to be printed out based on the current capability of the IOT 18.
[0061]
In the client terminal 14, when a sentence, an image, or the like is created using the application 32, printing can be designated from the monitor display.
[0062]
For example, a print button 48 is provided on the display window 46 on the monitor shown in FIG. 5A, and print settings can be performed by operating the print button 48.
[0063]
For print setting, for example, a printer setting dialog 50 shown in FIG. 5B can be used. In the printer setting dialog 50, the individual information of the IOT 18 is displayed based on the unique information of the IOT 18 received from the print server 12. In the printer setting dialog 50, as an example, the presence / absence of a calibration function for each IOT 18 connected to the print server 12 and the operation status after performing the calibration when the calibration function is provided are clear. Is displayed.
[0064]
Thus, for example, when high-quality print output is desired, which IOT 18 is capable of print output with the highest image quality at that time is appropriately determined based on the unique information of the IOT 18 displayed on the client terminal 14. can do.
[0065]
From here, for example, when it is desired to perform printing processing with high color reproducibility and high image quality, the setting button 54 is operated after the selection box 52 corresponding to the IOT 18B is checked. Thereby, the IOT 18B is set as the IOT 18 when performing print output. Note that when only two IOTs 18A and 18B are connected as in the present embodiment, individual information of only the IOTs 18A and 18B is displayed based on the respective unique information.
[0066]
The request for the unique information of the IOT 18 from the client terminal 14 may be made at a preset timing such as a fixed time interval, or the unique information of the IOT 18 when the print button 48 is operated. May be requested from the print server 12, and after the unique information of the IOT 18 is input from the print server 12 based on this request, the printer setting dialog 50 may be displayed.
[0067]
By selecting the IOT 18 and transmitting a print job in this way, the print server 12 executes print processing using the IOT 18 corresponding to this setting.
[0068]
On the other hand, when the print server 12 receives the print job transmitted from the client terminal 14, the print server 12 selects the IOT 18 based on the settings on the print job and executes print processing.
[0069]
FIG. 6 shows an outline of IOT setting processing in the print server 12. In this flowchart, in the first step 120, it is confirmed whether or not the IOT 18 is specified in the print job, that is, whether or not the IOT 18 is selected on the client terminal 14.
[0070]
At this time, if the IOT 18 is selected on the client terminal 14, an affirmative determination is made in step 120, the process proceeds to step 122, the designated IOT 18 (for example, IOT 18B) is set to the IOT 18 that prints out, and step 124 is performed. , The output process is performed so that the set IOT 18 prints out.
[0071]
On the other hand, if the IOT 18 is not designated or automatic selection is set, a negative determination is made at step 120 and the routine proceeds to step 126. The automatic selection of the IOT 18 can be set on the client terminal 14 using a conventionally known method.
[0072]
In step 126, the IOT 18 is selected based on the information on the print job and the unique information of the IOT 18 held in the IOT management unit 38.
[0073]
FIG. 7 shows an outline of selection processing of the IOT 18 in the print server 12.
[0074]
In this flowchart, in the first step 140, it is determined whether or not the IOT 18 can be selected from the transmission source. In step 142, it is determined whether or not the image quality is registered in advance so as to select the IOT 18 for high image quality.
[0075]
That is, when the client terminal 14 is registered in advance as to whether or not to select the IOT 18 for high image quality, an affirmative determination is made in step 140 and the process proceeds to step 142, which is further the transmission source. When the client terminal 14 is registered in advance to select the IOT 18 for high image quality, an affirmative determination is made in step 142 and the process proceeds to step 144, and the image with the highest image quality is determined based on the unique information of the IOT 18. Is selected.
[0076]
If the transmission source is the client terminal 14 registered so as not to select the high-quality IOT 18, a negative determination is made in step 142, the process proceeds to step 146, and other IOTs 18 are selected.
[0077]
On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 140, the process proceeds to step 148 to check whether or not the IOT 18 can be selected from the network protocol with the transmission source client terminal 14.
[0078]
Here, for example, when the network protocol is TCP / IP or Apple Talk, an affirmative determination is made in step 148 and the process proceeds to step 150 to check whether or not the network protocol is TCP / IP.
[0079]
As a result, if the network protocol is Apple Talk, a negative determination is made in step 150, and the process proceeds to step 144. If the network protocol is TCP / IP, an affirmative determination is made at step 150 and the routine proceeds to step 146.
[0080]
Further, when the network protocol cannot be selected, a negative determination is made in step 148, the process proceeds to step 152, and the file name and the like are confirmed. At this time, if any of the file name, extension, and attribute has been set and registered in advance so as to use the high-quality IOT 18, an affirmative determination is made at step 152 and the routine proceeds to step 144.
[0081]
If none of the file name, extension, or attribute is applicable, a negative determination is made in step 152 and the process proceeds to step 146 to set other than the IOT 18 that can output a high-quality image.
[0082]
In this way, the print server 12 selects the IOT 18 that can form the highest quality image only when the conditions set to select the IOT 18 that can print out the highest quality image in advance are satisfied. Therefore, for example, it is possible to reliably prevent a large amount of documents from being printed using the IOT 18 that can print out the highest quality image. In addition, by preventing printing of a large amount of text using the IOT 18 capable of printing out the highest quality image, it is possible to reliably reduce the color reproducibility of the IOT 18 unnecessarily. Can be prevented, the period until recalibration can be lengthened, and maintenance costs can be reduced.
[0083]
In the above description, the IOT 18 is selected based on whether it is registered in advance, the network protocol, the file name, and the like. However, the selection of the IOT 18 is not limited to this, and is selected based on at least one of the conditions. If it is good.
[0084]
In the present embodiment, the color reproducibility has been mainly described from the unique information of the IOT 18, but other capabilities such as processing speed may be selected with priority from the unique information of the IOT 18, and the color may be selected. Other capabilities such as reproducibility and processing speed may be selected together.
[0085]
The present embodiment described above shows an example of the present invention and does not limit the configuration of the present invention.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, the image processing terminalWhen the print job input from the printer is designated so that image quality and color reproducibility have priority, the output device based on the operation information including the processing amount after the calibration and the function information including the resolution Select.
[0087]
  As a result, an appropriate output device is selected when printing processing with high image quality is performed.An excellent effect is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network applied to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a client terminal and a print server.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of a calibration process.
FIG. 4 is a procedure diagram illustrating an outline when input / output of unique information is performed among a client terminal, a print server, and an IOT.
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display window displayed on a monitor when a document or image is created on the client terminal, and FIG. 5B is a user interface displayed on the monitor of the client terminal. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printer setting window.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of setting an IOT in the print server.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of selection of an IOT in the print server.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Network environment
12 Print server (image forming apparatus, image processing unit)
14 Client terminal (image processing terminal)
18 (18A, 18B) IOT (output device)
30 Image processing section
34 Printer driver (output setting means)
36 Maintenance information holding unit
38 IOT management unit (management means)
40 Output request setting section (setting means)
42 Output determination unit (switching means)
44 Output switching section (switching means)

Claims (3)

An image processing unit that performs image processing based on the network the connected image processing terminal image data of the print job input from or drawing command, the image processing section of the processing result to the image shape form with possible output in accordance An image forming apparatus including a plurality of output devices,
Operation Information said output device comprises a processing amount from performing the calibration and the function information output apparatus comprises an output possible resolutions, and management means to manage the unique information of the output device,
When the print job is designated to output an image giving priority to image quality and color reproducibility, the image quality and color reproducibility are determined based on the unique information for each of the output devices managed by the management unit. Selection means for selecting an output device capable of outputting a priority image;
An image forming apparatus comprising: In the selection means, the network protocol between the processing terminals is Apple 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein in the case of Talk (registered trademark), an output device capable of outputting an image giving priority to the image quality and color reproducibility is selected from the plurality of output devices. . The selection unit prioritizes image quality and color reproducibility from the plurality of output devices when the image processing terminal is set as an image processing terminal that requests output of an image that prioritizes the image quality and color reproducibility. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein an output device capable of outputting the processed image is selected .

Images