JP4006123B2 - Information processing system, information processing apparatus, control method therefor, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing system including a composite apparatus having a FAX function and an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a computer-readable memory.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a composite apparatus having a FAX transmission function has a broadcast transmission function for transmitting one input document to a plurality of transmission destinations. There are a method of inputting a document to the composite apparatus from a reader (scanner) unit of the composite apparatus and a method of inputting from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer connected to the composite apparatus.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the above-described conventional multi-function apparatus, in both cases of the above input methods, when an input document is broadcasted, there is generally an upper limit on the number of destinations that can be specified. It was the target. Therefore, in order to send to a destination exceeding the upper limit that the composite device can broadcast, the same document is transferred from the reader unit or the information processing device to the composite device by a plurality of operations while changing the destination. It was necessary, unusable, and could not send documents efficiently.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and relates to an information processing system capable of efficiently transmitting a document, a control method thereof, an information processing device, a control method thereof, and a computer-readable memory.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
  An information processing system having a facsimile apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the facsimile apparatus,
  The information processing apparatus includes:
  A setting means for setting the destination of the document created by the application;
  Storage means for storing transmission destination information for specifying the transmission destination;
  An acquisition means for acquiring transmission destination information corresponding to the transmission destination set by the setting means from the storage means;
  When the number of destinations set by the setting means is equal to or less than a predetermined number that can be broadcast by the facsimile apparatus, the destination information is single transmission data based on the document and acquired by the acquisition means If the number of transmission destinations set by the setting means is larger than the predetermined number, the number of transmission destination information included in each transmission data is a plurality of transmission data based on the document Generating means for generating a plurality of transmission data that is equal to or less than the predetermined number;
  First transmission means for transmitting the transmission data generated by the generation means to the facsimile machine;
  The facsimile machine
  Receiving means for receiving the transmission data transmitted by the first transmitting means;
  Second transmission means for transmitting the transmission data to a transmission destination specified by the transmission destination information included in the transmission data;
  Have
[0006]
  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes holding means for holding information indicating the predetermined number,
  The generation means generates the transmission data based on information held by the holding means.
[0007]
  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes second acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the predetermined number from the facsimile apparatus,
  The generation unit generates the transmission data based on the information acquired by the second acquisition unit.
[0008]
  Preferably, the generation unit generates the transmission data including a cover page.
[0012]
  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
  An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a facsimile machine,
  A setting means for setting the destination of the document created by the application;
  Storage means for storing transmission destination information for specifying the transmission destination;
  An acquisition means for acquiring transmission destination information corresponding to the transmission destination set by the setting means from the storage means;
  When the number of destinations set by the setting means is equal to or less than a predetermined number that can be broadcast by the facsimile apparatus, the destination information is single transmission data based on the document and acquired by the acquisition means If the number of transmission destinations set by the setting means is larger than the predetermined number, the number of transmission destination information included in each transmission data is a plurality of transmission data based on the document Generating means for generating a plurality of transmission data that is equal to or less than the predetermined number;
  Transmitting means for transmitting the transmission data generated by the generating means to the facsimile apparatus;
  Have
[0013]
  Preferably, the apparatus further includes holding means for holding information indicating the predetermined number,
  The generation means generates the transmission data based on information held by the holding means.
[0014]
  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises second acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the predetermined number from the facsimile apparatus,
  The generation unit generates the transmission data based on the information acquired by the second acquisition unit.
[0015]
  Preferably, the generation unit generates the transmission data including a cover page.
[0019]
  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing method according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
  An information processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a facsimile machine,
  A setting process for setting the destination of the document created by the application;
  An acquisition step of acquiring transmission destination information for specifying the transmission destination set in the setting step from a storage unit in which a plurality of transmission destination information is stored;
  If the number of destinations set in the setting step is less than or equal to a predetermined number that can be broadcast by the facsimile device, it is a single transmission data based on the document and acquired in the acquisition step When transmission data including the transmission destination information is generated and the number of transmission destinations set in the setting step is larger than the predetermined number, a plurality of transmission data based on the document is included in each transmission data A generating step of generating a plurality of transmission data in which the number of the destination information is equal to or less than the predetermined number;
  A transmission step of transmitting the transmission data generated in the generation step to the facsimile device;
  Have
  In order to achieve the above object, a recording medium according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
  On the computer,
  A setting process for setting the destination of the document created by the application;
  An acquisition step of acquiring transmission destination information for specifying the transmission destination set in the setting step from a storage unit in which a plurality of transmission destination information is stored;
  If the number of destinations set in the setting step is less than or equal to a predetermined number that can be broadcast by the facsimile device, it is a single transmission data based on the document and acquired in the acquisition step When transmission data including the transmission destination information is generated and the number of transmission destinations set in the setting step is larger than the predetermined number, a plurality of transmission data based on the document is included in each transmission data A generating step of generating a plurality of transmission data in which the number of the destination information is equal to or less than the predetermined number;
  A transmission step of transmitting the transmission data generated in the generation step to the facsimile device;
  The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for performing this.
[0022]
In order to achieve the above object, a computer readable memory according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A computer readable memory storing a program code for controlling an information processing apparatus connected to a composite apparatus having a FAX function,
A program code of a temporary storage step for temporarily storing output image data composed of a plurality of pages and its output setting information in a storage medium in an intermediate data format;
Program code of an acquisition step for acquiring output setting information of output image data in the intermediate data format temporarily stored in the temporary storage step;
Based on the output setting information acquired in the acquisition step, the program code of the generation step for generating a job,
Program code of a control process for controlling the output of the job generated in the generation process;
Is provided.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
Before describing an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a configuration of an information processing system including a composite apparatus having a FAX transmission function applicable to the present invention and the information processing apparatus will be described.
[0025]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system applicable to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0026]
In FIG. 1, the composite device 4000 includes a reader unit 4100, a printer unit 4200, and an external device 4300. A reader unit 4100 is an image input device that reads an image of a document and outputs image data. The printer unit 4200 is an image output device that has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes and outputs image data as a visible image on the recording paper in response to a print command. The external device 4300 is electrically connected to the reader unit 4100 and has various functions. The external device 4300 is connected to the information processing device 3000 and can transmit / receive data to / from the information processing device 3000. In addition, communication can be performed via a telephone line.
[0027]
Next, detailed configurations of the reader unit 4100 and the printer unit 4200 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit applicable to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0029]
First, in the reader unit 4100, the originals stacked on the original feeder 4101 are sequentially conveyed onto the original table glass surface 4102 one by one. When the original is conveyed to a predetermined position on the original table glass surface 4102, the lamp 4103 of the reader unit 4100 is turned on, and the scanner unit 4104 moves to scan the original. The reflected light of the document is input to a CCD image sensor unit 4109 (hereinafter referred to as CCD) via mirrors 4105, 4106, 4107 and a lens 4108.
[0030]
Next, the image signal input to the printer unit 4200 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 4201, and irradiates the photoconductor 4202. A latent image formed on the photoconductor 4202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 4203. Next, transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer stacking unit 4204 or 4205 in synchronization with the leading edge of the developed image, and the developed image is transferred by the transfer unit 4206. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 4207 and then discharged from the paper discharge unit 4208 to the outside of the apparatus.
[0031]
The transfer paper output from the paper discharge unit 4208 is discharged to each bin when the sorter 4220 is working, and to the top bin of the sorter when the sort function is not working. Discharged. In addition, when outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one transfer sheet, the transfer sheet fixed by the fixing unit 4207 is once transported to the sheet discharge unit 4208, and then the transfer sheet transport direction is reversed. The sheet is conveyed to a re-feeding transfer paper stacking unit 4210 via a conveyance direction switching member 4209. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as the above process, and the transfer paper is fed from the refeed transfer paper stacking section 4210. As a result, two original images are output on the front and back surfaces of the same transfer paper.
[0032]
Next, a detailed configuration of the external device 4300 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0033]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an external device applicable to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0034]
The external device 4300 is connected to the reader unit 4100 with a cable, and performs signal control and control of each function with a core unit 4307 in the external device 4300. In the external device 4300, a hard disk 4308 for storing various information, a FAX unit 4301 for performing FAX transmission / reception, and a file unit for converting various document information to electrical signals and storing them in a magneto-optical disk (external storage device 4303). 4302, a formatter unit 4305 that develops code information from the information processing device 3000 into image information, a computer interface unit 4304 that interfaces with the information processing device 3000, and information from the reader unit 4100, An image memory unit 4306 for temporarily storing information sent from the processing device 3000 and a core unit 4307 for controlling the various components are provided.
[0035]
Next, a detailed configuration of the information processing apparatus 3000 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0036]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention.
The information processing apparatus 3000 includes a CPU 3001, a RAM 3002, a ROM 3003, a keyboard controller (KBC) 3005, a CRT controller (CRTC) 3006, a disk controller (DKC) 3007, a printer controller (PRTC) 3008, a keyboard (KB) 3009, , A CRT display (CRT) 3010 and an external memory 3011.
[0037]
A CPU 3001 is a central processing unit that comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 3004. Based on a program processing program 300300b (described later) in the ROM 3003 or a document processing program stored in the external memory 3011, graphics, images, etc. Document processing in which characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed is executed. Further, the CPU 3001 executes, for example, an outline font development (rasterization) process on the display information RAM set on the RAM 3002, and the WYSIWYG (What You See What You Get: CRT display screen on the CRT display 3010) The function that can print in the size and shape as it is visible.
[0038]
Further, the CPU 3001 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT display 3010 and executes various data processing. When printing using the multifunction device 4000, the user can open a window related to print settings and set the print processing method for the printer driver, including settings of the multifunction device 4000 and selection of a print mode. Yes.
[0039]
A RAM 3002 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 3001. The ROM 3003 includes a font ROM 3003a, a program ROM 3003b, and a data ROM 3003c. The font ROM 3003a or the external memory 3011 stores font data used for the document processing. The program ROM 3003b or the external memory 3011 stores an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program for the CPU 3001. The data ROM 3003c or the external memory 3011 stores various data used when performing the document processing or the like.
[0040]
A keyboard controller 3005 controls key input from a keyboard 3009 or a pointing device (not shown). A CRT controller 3006 controls display on the CRT display 3010. The disk controller 3007 controls access to the external memory 3011. The printer controller 3008 is connected to the multifunction device 4000 (external device 3) via the bidirectional interface 3012 and executes communication control processing with the multifunction device 4000. The keyboard 3009 includes various keys.
[0041]
A CRT display 3010 displays graphics, image characters, tables, and the like. The external memory 3011 includes a hard disk (HD), floppy disk (FD), and the like, and includes a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, and a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver). Memorize etc.
[0042]
The CPU 3001, RAM 3002, ROM 3003, keyboard controller 3005, CRT controller 3006, disk controller 3007, and printer controller 3008 are arranged on a computer control unit 3500.
[0043]
Next, in the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 3000, in particular, a typical print processing function for performing processing of a computer or the like that is directly connected to a printing apparatus such as the composite apparatus 4000 or connected via a network. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
[0044]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration in print processing of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention.
[0045]
In FIG. 5, an application 201, a graphic engine 202, a printer driver 203, and a system spooler 204 exist as files stored in the external memory 3011 in FIG. These are program modules that are loaded into the RAM 3002 and executed by the OS and modules that use the module when each is executed. The application 201 and the printer driver 203 can be added to the HD of the external disk 3011 via the FD, CD-ROM, or network (not shown) of the external memory 3011.
[0046]
A procedure for printing a document created by the user with the application 201 on the multifunction apparatus 4000 will be described. First, the user instructs the OS to start the application 201. The OS loads the application 201 stored in the external memory 3011 into the RAM 3002 and starts it. The user creates a document on the application 201 or opens an existing document, and selects an output destination in a printer selection window provided by the OS or the application.
[0047]
Next, the user instructs the application 201 to set printing for the document. The application 201 transmits this instruction to the graphic engine 202. The graphic engine 202 loads the printer driver 203 corresponding to the selected printer from the external memory 3011 to the RAM 3002, and instructs the printer driver 203 to display a print setting window. The printer driver 203 displays a setting window. The user makes various settings on the setting window, and the printer driver 203 returns the setting information designated there (hereinafter, this setting information is referred to as DEVMODE) to the application 201 via the graphic engine 202.
[0048]
Next, the user instructs the application 201 to print a document. The application 201 initializes the printer driver 203 using the previously acquired DEVMODE via the graphic engine 202 in order to instruct the printer driver 203 to set printing. Thereafter, a print command is issued to the graphic engine 202 via GDI (Graphic Device Interface), and the graphic engine 202 converts the received print command into DDI (Device Driver Interface) and issues a print command to the printer driver 203. .
[0049]
Based on the DDI received from the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 converts it into a control command that can be recognized by the printer or the multifunction device, for example, a PDL (Page Description Language). The converted control command is output as print data to the multifunction apparatus 4000 via the bidirectional interface 3012 via the system spooler 204 loaded into the RAM 3002 by the OS.
[0050]
Next, in addition to the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 3000 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, which is a characteristic functional configuration of the present invention, a configuration in which print data from an application is temporarily spooled with intermediate code data is added. A functional configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
[0051]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is an extension of the functional configuration shown in FIG. 5, and has a configuration that once generates a spool file 303 consisting of an intermediate code when a print command is sent from the graphic engine 202 to the printer driver 203. Yes. In FIG. 6, the contents of the spool file 303 are processed, and the actual printing is executed with the contents processed by the despooler 305, thereby adding a cover page to the print data from the application and a plurality of FAX. Applications such as repeated transmission to the destination, change of cover page size, enlargement / reduction of the text, or processing according to the output destination (printout, FAX transmission, storage to hard disk) from the multifunction device 4000 No function can be realized.
[0053]
Details of the configuration of FIG. 6 will be described below.
[0054]
When the user instructs printing (FAX transmission) to the application 201, the application 201 first issues a printing start command (GDI: StartDoc) to the dispatcher 301 via the graphic engine 202. The dispatcher 301 calls a setting window provided by the printer driver 203. The printer driver 203 has the windows shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 in the setting window.
[0055]
Hereinafter, each window in the setting window will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.
[0056]
7 to 9 are diagrams showing setting windows according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0057]
FIG. 7 shows a phonebook list editing window. Here, individuals and groups of FAX transmission destinations can be defined and registered in a telephone directory list database (described later).
[0058]
FIG. 8 shows a transmission setting window, in which a document is fax-transmitted to the destination specified here. Here, a new transmission destination or an individual or group already registered in the telephone directory list can be designated as the transmission destination, or a new transmission destination can be added to the telephone directory list.
[0059]
FIG. 9 shows a setting window related to a cover page attached at the time of FAX transmission. There are three ways to attach a cover page: “Do not attach”, “Attach a separate page for each sender”, and “Attach the same page to everyone”, and attach a cover page. In this case, the type of cover page and the contents to be described on the cover page can be set. When the user makes settings for these windows and closes the settings window by pressing the OK button, the printer driver 203 updates the contents of the telephone directory list database, and also sets the settings for the cover pages and the settings for transmission. The information file 306 is spooled for each job.
[0060]
Next, information spooled in the FAX information file 306 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0061]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information spooled in the FAX information file according to the embodiment of this invention.
[0062]
Personal information and group information are stored in the phone book list database section, and information can be displayed, added, edited, and deleted from the phone book list editing window shown in FIG. Also, new personal information can be added from the transmission setting window shown in FIG. In the setting section for each job, the transmission destination specified in the transmission setting window shown in FIG. 8 and the setting related to the cover page specified in the setting window related to the cover page shown in FIG. 9 are stored for each job. ing. For the setting relating to the cover page, the values shown in FIG. 11 are stored in the CoverType of the information of each job. Further, in order to store the setting for each job, JobID is set as the identifier of each job.
[0063]
Following the StartDoc, the application 201 sequentially issues a page start command (GDI: StartPage), a drawing command for objects included in the page, and a page end command (GDI: EndDoc) to the dispatcher 301 via the graphic engine 202 sequentially. To do. In the dispatcher 301, whether the DDI received from the graphic engine 202 is the GDI issued from the application 201 converted by the graphic engine 202, or the GDI issued from the despooler 305 is similarly converted. In the case of GDI issued from the application 201 to the graphic engine 202, the dispatcher 301 loads the spooler 302 stored in the external memory 301 into the RAM 3002 and issues a print command to the spooler 302.
[0064]
Next, information spooled in the spool file 303 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0065]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating information spooled in the spool file according to the embodiment of this invention.
[0066]
The job setting information section includes a Job ID for identifying a job and a Destination indicating an output destination. This is data indicating where to output from a plurality of output destinations (printout, FAX transmission, storage to hard disk, etc.) of the multifunction apparatus 4000.
[0067]
The page setting information section stores settings (paper size, etc.) for pages included in the job. If the same setting is made for all pages, the setting for one page is saved. If different settings are made during the job, the setting is saved for the number of the setting.
[0068]
The drawing object information section includes setting information (DevModeID) of each page, information of all drawing records included in each page (record type, output position, etc.), and objects (font, pen, etc.) used by the drawing record. , Brush, etc.) information is spooled. DevModeID specifies one of the page settings stored in the page setting information section.
[0069]
The spool file 303 is generated independently by the spooler 302 for each print job executed from the application 201. The spooler 302 converts the received print command into an intermediate code, and stores it in the drawing object information section of the spool file 303 in units of pages. Further, the spooler 302 stores setting information regarding print data set by the application for each job or page in the job setting information section and the page setting information section of the spool file 303. The spool file 303 is generated as a file on the external memory 3011, but may be generated on the RAM 3002.
[0070]
Further, the spooler 302 loads the spool file manager 304 stored in the external memory 3011 into the RAM 3002, and the spool file manager 304 generates the spool file 303 (job start / end, page start / end). To be notified.
[0071]
Next, processing executed by the spool file manager 304 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0072]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the spool file manager according to the embodiment of this invention.
[0073]
In step S801, CoverType indicating cover page attachment setting and JobCopyies indicating the total number of divided jobs are acquired from the printer driver 203. FIG. 14 shows data to be acquired and its meaning. Details of the process executed in step S81 will be described later.
[0074]
In step S802, the value of the variable K for counting the number of times of despooling is initialized to 1, and J is initialized to the value of JobCopies. In the processing from step S803 to step S806, the processing is repeated so that the despooling processing in step S804 is executed the total number of divided jobs (JobCopies) times, and the processing is terminated when the job copy is executed.
[0075]
That is, in step S803, it is determined whether J is 0 or more. If J is equal to or greater than 0 (NO in step S803), the process ends. On the other hand, if J is less than 0 (YES in step S803), the process advances to step S804 to instruct the despooler to perform the K-th despooling process. Details of the process executed in step S804 will be described later. In step S805, K is incremented by one. In step S806, J is decremented by one. Then, the process returns to step S803.
[0076]
Next, details of the processing executed in step S801, specifically, the processing in which the printer driver 201 calculates CoverType indicating the attachment setting of the cover page and JobCopyies indicating the total number of divided jobs will be described with reference to FIG. To do.
[0077]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of the process executed in step S801 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0078]
In step S1001, the printer driver 201 reads information on the corresponding job from the setting section for each job (see FIG. 10) of the FAX information file 306, and initializes CoverType and AddressCount. AddressCount is a numerical value indicating the total number of transmission destinations, and is the actual number of transmission destinations obtained by summing the number of individual destinations included in the transmission destination information and the number of individuals of each group included in the transmission destination information. In addition, the total number of divided jobs to be calculated JobCopies is initialized to zero.
[0079]
In step S1002, it is checked whether CoverType is set to 1 (a separate page is attached for each sender). In the case of 1 (YES in step S1002), the process proceeds to step S1003, and AddressCount is set in JobCopies. This means that as many jobs as the number of transmission destinations are generated in order to transmit jobs with different cover pages attached to the respective transmission destinations.
[0080]
On the other hand, if CoverType is not 1 in step S1002 (NO in step S1002), that is, if CoverType is 0 (not attached) or 2 (attach the same page to everyone), the same job is sent to all destinations. In step S1004, the maximum number of destinations (AddressMax) that can be transmitted in a single job is acquired. In step S1005, the minimum necessary number of jobs (AddressCount + AddressMax-1 / AddressMax) is calculated, and this value is set in JobCopies. The operator “/” here returns an integer value with the remainder cut off.
[0081]
The printer driver 203 holds the maximum number of destinations of the connected multifunction device 4000 as fixed value data in advance, or obtains it from the multifunction device 4000 via the bidirectional interface 3012. When acquiring from the multifunction device 4000, the maximum number of transmission destinations may be directly acquired, or data that affects the maximum number of transmission destinations such as the memory capacity and disk capacity of the multifunction device 4000 is acquired and the data is acquired. From this, the printer driver 203 may determine the maximum number of transmission destinations.
[0082]
Next, details of the processing executed in step S804 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0083]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the processing executed in step S804 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0084]
In step S804, the spool file manager 304 instructs the despooler 305 to execute the despooling process. At this time, the job identifier JobID, the value of the variable K indicating the number of despooling processes, and the cover page attachment setting are set. CoverType indicating the above is passed to the despooler 305. Here, the K-th despooling process instructed by the spool file manager 304 to the despooler 305 is shown.
[0085]
First, in step S <b> 1101, the despooler 305 issues a print start command (GDI: StartDoc) to the dispatcher 301 via the graphic engine 202. The dispatcher 301 determines whether the DDI received from the graphic engine 202 is the GDI issued from the application 201 converted by the graphic engine 202 or the GDI issued from the despooler 305 is similarly converted. . In the case of GDI issued from the despooler 305 to the graphic engine 202, the dispatcher 301 loads the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 3011 into the RAM 3002 and issues a print command to the printer driver 203.
[0086]
In steps S1102 to S1107, a transmission destination (transmission destination telephone number and the like) and cover page information (cover page size, cover page drawing content and the like) are acquired in accordance with the cover page setting (CoverType). When CoverType is 1 (a separate page is attached for each sender), the number of job divisions (JobCopies) is the number of destinations (AddressCount) as shown in step S1003 of FIG. 15, and the process of step S804 is a transmission. This is performed a number of times (AddressCount) times. That is, in the K-th despooling process, the cover page for the Kth transmission destination is attached to the Kth transmission destination and transmitted.
[0087]
Therefore, if it is determined in step S1102 that CoverType is 1 (a separate page is attached for each sender) (YES in step S1102), the Kth transmission destination is acquired in step S1103. In step S1104, cover page information of the Kth transmission destination is acquired. The despooler 305 acquires the transmission destination and cover page information from the printer driver 203. The printer driver 203 searches for the Kth destination from the destination information included in the job information of the setting section for each job in the FAX information file 306, and returns it to the despooler 305. Similarly, the printer driver 203 returns cover page drawing data of the job to the despooler 305.
[0088]
Here, the contents of the cover page information will be described with reference to FIG.
[0089]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the contents of cover page information according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0090]
The cover page setting section includes settings related to the paper size of the cover page. In Template, a template used for the cover page is specified. This shows a template designated as the page type when setting the cover page shown in FIG. In the template, the drawing data of the portion that is not changed depending on the transmission destination in the data to be drawn on the cover page is defined, and the contents are stored in the same intermediate code format as that of the spool file 303. Of course, the storage format may be a general metafile format that the despooler 305 can draw.
[0091]
The drawing object section includes information such as a sender, a transmission destination, a target label, and a comment. This means information on the drawing object designated from the dialog shown in FIG. The information other than the destination is the same for all divided jobs. Therefore, necessary information is read from the cover page drawing data of the job in the setting section for each job in the FAX information file 306, and the drawing object section is read. Write to. As for the transmission destination, the name, fax number, company name, and department name of the divided job are read from the telephone directory list database section of the FAX information file 306 and written in the drawing object section. In this way, the printer driver 203 generates cover page information and returns it to the despooler 305.
[0092]
Returning again to the description of FIG.
[0093]
If CoverType is not 1 in step S1102 (NO in step S1102), that is, if it is determined to be 0 or 2, a plurality of designated transmission destinations are acquired in step S1105. Since the number of transmission destinations that can be transmitted in one despooling process is AddressMax, the transmission destinations transmitted in the Kth despooling process are ((AddressMax × (K−1)) + 1) from the (AddressMax × K). The second destination. The despooler 305 acquires the transmission destination from the printer driver 203. The printer driver 203 transmits ((AddressMax × (K−1)) + 1) to (AddressMax × K) from the destination information included in the job information of the setting section for each job in the FAX information file 306. The destination is searched and returned to the despooler 305. However, in the last job, the search is performed from (AddressMax × (K−1)) + 1) to the last transmission destination and returned to the despooler 305.
[0094]
Next, if it is determined in step S1106 that CoverType is 2 (the same page is attached to all members) (YES in step S1106), the same cover page is transmitted to all destinations. Get the cover page information of the destination. The cover page information is acquired from the printer driver 203 by the despooler 305. The printer driver 203 includes cover page drawing data included in the job information of the setting section for each job in the FAX information file 306, cover page drawing data related to the transmission destination included in the phone book list database section of the FAX information file 306, and Is returned to the despooler 305. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1106 that CoverType is not 2 (NO in step S1106), CoverType is 0 (not attached), so cover page information is not acquired.
[0095]
In step S <b> 1108, the despooler 305 designates a transmission destination for the printer driver 203. In response to this, the printer driver 203 starts creating transmission data to the multifunction apparatus 4000.
[0096]
Here, the contents of the transmission data will be described with reference to FIG.
[0097]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the contents of transmission data according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0098]
The printer driver 203 acquires a telephone number from the FAX information file 306 based on the transmission destination information specified by the despooler 305, and generates data of the job control unit shown in FIG. The generated data is transmitted to the composite device 4000 via the system spooler 204.
[0099]
Returning again to the description of FIG.
[0100]
In step S1109, it is determined whether or not there is a cover page, that is, whether CoverType = 0. In particular, when there is a cover page, the cover page is output to the printer driver 203 via the graphic engine 202 based on the cover page information acquired in step S1104 or step S1107.
[0101]
  If there is no cover page in step S1109 (CoverPageOption is 0 (paper size of the first page)) (in step S1109).YES)The process proceeds to step S1111.
[0102]
  On the other hand, if there is a cover page (CoverPageOption is 1 (paper size specified in CoverPageSize)) in step S1109 (in step S1109).NO), The paper size indicated by the paper ID specified in CoverPageSize in the cover page setting section is set as the paper size of the cover page.
[0103]
The despooler 305 executes drawing by enlarging or reducing drawing data included in the template according to the paper size of the cover page. At that time, the drawing data included in the drawing object section of the cover page information is similarly enlarged or reduced for drawing.
[0104]
Here, a drawing method at the time of enlargement or reduction in the despooler 305 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0105]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a drawing method at the time of enlargement or reduction in the despooler according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0106]
When the despooler 305 determines the size of the cover page, the despooler 305 acquires the size of the effective recording area on the sheet from the printer driver 203. In FIG. 19, X0 and Y0 indicate the size of Template, and X1, Y1 and X2, Y2 indicate the effective recording area of the actually output paper. The despooler 305 obtains the enlargement / reduction ratio by the following calculation.
[0107]
Min (X / X0, Y / Y0)
Min is an operator that returns the smaller numerical value of the data in parentheses. In this case, the operator “/” returns a real value. By this calculation, the drawing contents of Template are enlarged or reduced to the hatched rectangular size shown in FIG. This rectangular size means the maximum size that can be drawn without changing the aspect ratio for the effective recording area of the output destination. Here, the enlarged or reduced output rectangle is arranged so as to be in contact with the upper left position of the effective recording area, but it may be arranged so as to be centered in the vertical and horizontal directions. In this way, all objects are drawn in the determined output rectangular area by applying the enlargement / reduction ratio obtained in the above calculation to the position and size of each object included in the template. To do. For example, in the case of FIG. 19, if the upper left is the origin of both the Template and the effective recording area, the coordinates and size of the output destination object are obtained by multiplying the coordinates and size of each object by the scaling ratio obtained above. be able to.
[0108]
Then, the printer driver 203 receives these cover page drawing commands, generates cover page drawing data in the drawing data portion of FIG. 18, and transmits the cover page drawing data to the multifunction apparatus 4000.
[0109]
Returning again to the description of FIG.
[0110]
In step S1111, the despooler 305 instructs the printer driver 203 via the graphic engine 202 and the dispatcher 301 to draw the drawing objects of all pages included in the drawing object information section of the spool file 303. At this time, if the PaperSizeOption in the job setting section of the spool file 303 is 0 (paper size for each page), the DevModeID of each page in the drawing object information section is output for the paper size indirectly specified. When PaperSizeOption is 1 (paper size of the first page), output is performed while enlarging or reducing each page with respect to the paper size specified by DevModeID of the first page of the drawing object information section. When PaperSizeOption is 2 (paper size specified in PaperSize), output is performed while enlarging or reducing each page for the paper size indicated by the paper ID specified in PaperSize in the job setting information section. . Regarding the enlargement / reduction, the drawing object of each page is enlarged or reduced and outputted in the same manner as when the cover page is enlarged or reduced and outputted.
[0111]
The printer driver 203 receives these drawing commands, generates drawing data for each page of the drawing data portion in FIG. 18, and transmits the drawing data to the multifunction device 4000.
[0112]
The external device 4300 having received the transmission data shown in FIG. 18 from the printer driver 203 via the system spooler 204 develops the image information in the formatter unit 4305 according to the contents of the drawing data unit, and FAX is output as the output destination information of the job control unit. If specified, the image information developed together with the telephone number of the job control unit is transferred to the FAX unit 4301. The FAX unit 4301 transmits the designated image information to the designated transmission destination. If the output destination is other than FAX, the expanded data is transferred to the designated output destination (printer unit 4200 for printout, hard disk 4308 for hard disk).
[0113]
In step S1112, the despooler 305 issues a print end command (GDI: EndDoc) to the dispatcher 301 via the graphic engine 202, and ends the processing.
[0114]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transmission document and its transmission setting information are managed as a spool file as intermediate data, the contents of the transmission document are changed while referring to the intermediate data, and then the transmission destination Can be sent to. Therefore, for example, even when a plurality of paper sizes of a transmission document are mixed, the user does not need to recreate a document to make the paper sizes uniform, and can automatically make the paper sizes uniform. Also, in order to make the cover page size the same as each transmitted document, the user does not need to prepare a cover page with a different size depending on the transmitted document, and automatically covers the same paper size as the transmitted document. A page can be attached.
[0115]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.) consisting of a single device even if it is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.) You may apply.
[0116]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for implementing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the.
[0117]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0118]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0119]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0120]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0121]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, even when the number of transmission destinations to which the facsimile apparatus can be broadcast is limited, the information processing apparatus appropriately generates transmission data and transmits the transmission data to the facsimile apparatus. Then, the facsimile apparatus can execute broadcast transmission.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system applicable to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit applicable to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an external device applicable to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration in print processing of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a setting window according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a setting window according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a setting window according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating information spooled in a FAX information file according to the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating setting parameters for a cover page according to the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating information spooled in the spool file according to the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the spool file manager according to the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating data contents acquired from the printer driver by the spool file manager according to the embodiment of this invention;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of processing executed in step S801 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of processing executed in step S804 according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the contents of cover page information according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the contents of transmission data according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a drawing method at the time of enlargement or reduction in the despooler according to the embodiment of this invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
201 Application
202 graphic engine
203 Printer driver
204 System spooler
301 Dispatcher
302 Spooler
303 Spool file
304 Spool file manager
305 Despooler
306 FAX information file

Claims (16)

An information processing system having a facsimile apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the facsimile apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A setting means for setting the destination of the document created by the application;
Storage means for storing transmission destination information for specifying the transmission destination;
An acquisition means for acquiring transmission destination information corresponding to the transmission destination set by the setting means from the storage means;
When the number of destinations set by the setting means is equal to or less than a predetermined number that can be broadcast by the facsimile apparatus, the destination information is single transmission data based on the document and acquired by the acquisition means If the number of transmission destinations set by the setting means is larger than the predetermined number, the number of transmission destination information included in each transmission data is a plurality of transmission data based on the document Generating means for generating a plurality of transmission data that is equal to or less than the predetermined number;
First transmission means for transmitting the transmission data generated by the generation means to the facsimile machine;
The facsimile apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives the transmission data transmitted by the first transmitting unit;
An information processing system comprising: a second transmission unit configured to transmit the transmission data to a transmission destination specified by the transmission destination information included in the transmission data. The information processing apparatus further includes holding means for holding information indicating the predetermined number,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the transmission data based on information held by the holding unit. The information processing apparatus further includes second acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the predetermined number from the facsimile apparatus,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the transmission data based on the information acquired by the second acquisition unit. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the generation unit generates the transmission data including a cover page. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a facsimile machine,
A setting means for setting the destination of the document created by the application;
Storage means for storing transmission destination information for specifying the transmission destination;
An acquisition means for acquiring transmission destination information corresponding to the transmission destination set by the setting means from the storage means;
When the number of destinations set by the setting means is equal to or less than a predetermined number that can be broadcast by the facsimile apparatus, the destination information is single transmission data based on the document and acquired by the acquisition means If the number of transmission destinations set by the setting means is larger than the predetermined number, the number of transmission destination information included in each transmission data is a plurality of transmission data based on the document Generating means for generating a plurality of transmission data that is equal to or less than the predetermined number;
Transmitting means for transmitting the transmission data generated by the generating means to the facsimile apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A holding means for holding information indicating the predetermined number;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the generation unit generates the transmission data based on information held by the holding unit. A second acquisition unit configured to acquire information indicating the predetermined number from the facsimile apparatus;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the generation unit generates the transmission data based on the information acquired by the second acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the generation unit generates the transmission data including a cover page. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a facsimile machine,
A setting process for setting the destination of the document created by the application;
An acquisition step of acquiring transmission destination information for specifying the transmission destination set in the setting step from a storage unit in which a plurality of transmission destination information is stored;
If the number of destinations set in the setting step is less than or equal to a predetermined number that can be broadcast by the facsimile device, it is a single transmission data based on the document and acquired in the acquisition step When transmission data including the transmission destination information is generated and the number of transmission destinations set in the setting step is larger than the predetermined number, a plurality of transmission data based on the document is included in each transmission data A generating step of generating a plurality of transmission data in which the number of the destination information is equal to or less than the predetermined number;
A transmission step of transmitting the transmission data generated in the generation step to the facsimile device;
An information processing method characterized by comprising: The information processing apparatus includes a holding unit that holds information indicating the predetermined number;
The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein the generation step generates the transmission data based on information held by the holding unit. A second acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the predetermined number from the facsimile apparatus;
The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein the generation step generates the transmission data based on the information acquired by the second acquisition step. The information processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the generating step generates the transmission data including a cover page. On the computer,
A setting process for setting the destination of the document created by the application;
An acquisition step of acquiring transmission destination information for specifying the transmission destination set in the setting step from a storage unit in which a plurality of transmission destination information is stored;
If the number of destinations set in the setting step is less than or equal to a predetermined number that can be broadcast by the facsimile device, it is a single transmission data based on the document and acquired in the acquisition step When transmission data including the transmission destination information is generated and the number of transmission destinations set in the setting step is larger than the predetermined number, a plurality of transmission data based on the document is included in each transmission data A generating step of generating a plurality of transmission data in which the number of the destination information is equal to or less than the predetermined number;
A transmission step of transmitting the transmission data generated in the generation step to the facsimile device;
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for performing this. The information processing apparatus includes a holding unit that holds information indicating the predetermined number;
The recording medium according to claim 13, wherein the generation step generates the transmission data based on information held by the holding unit. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to further execute a second acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the predetermined number from the facsimile apparatus,
The recording medium according to claim 13, wherein the generation step generates the transmission data based on the information acquired by the second acquisition step. The recording medium according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the generating step generates the transmission data including a cover page.

Images