JP4010251B2 - Image forming system and image processing confirmation method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image processing confirmation method, and particularly relates to an image forming system and an image processing confirmation method formed by connecting an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus and a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine has an image reading unit that reads an image from a document on which an image is recorded and outputs the image as image data, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet or the like based on the image data. well known.
[0003]
In such an image forming apparatus, for example, simple image processing such as trimming is performed on the image data read by the image reading unit, and the image forming unit forms an image based on the image data subjected to the image processing. be able to.
[0004]
Conventionally, an image forming system used in a network environment has been provided.
[0005]
This image forming system includes, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine and an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or a workstation that instructs the image forming apparatus to scan (read) or print (print) an image. It is configured to be connected to each other via a network. Also, a configuration in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected to the network may be employed.
[0006]
In such an image forming system, for example, an information processing apparatus is used as a scanner mode in which an image reading apparatus is instructed to read an image, and the image read by the image forming apparatus is transferred to the information processing apparatus. ing.
[0007]
In a conventional image forming system, for example, image data of an image read by the image forming apparatus in this scanner mode is transferred to an information processing apparatus. In the information processing apparatus that receives this image data, the image data is directly used as an image file, for example, on a hard disk. Or the image file can be transferred to an image forming apparatus as necessary to form an image.
[0008]
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-333237, when various image processing is performed on image data, the image processing is performed in the image forming apparatus, or the image data is transferred to the information processing apparatus via a network. However, an image forming system is disclosed in which a user can select whether to perform image processing in the information processing apparatus.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional image forming system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-333237 described above enables distributed processing of image processing, and does not disclose a user interface.
[0010]
Therefore, in the conventional image forming system, when many types of image processing are provided to the user, there is a problem that the operation when the user selects and instructs the target image processing is difficult to understand and difficult to use. there were.
[0011]
For example, when a lot of image processing is provided, it is not clear to the user which image processing is the desired image processing, and what kind of image will be obtained if that image processing is applied to the user's image data Cannot be obtained, and there is a problem that it is confusing when selecting image processing.
[0012]
Also, depending on the type of image processing, there are some that have different image processing effects depending on the parameters used when executing the image processing. For example, in the process of adjusting the density of image data, the output image data is completely different from what is expected depending on the density level at the time of adjustment, which is a parameter. Conventionally, even in such a case, if the image processing is not actually performed and the result is not seen, the result is not known, and it is unfriendly to the user and inconvenient.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points. In an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus connected to a network, a user who operates the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus or an information processing apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of easily knowing what the processing result of each image processing will be when using the image processing provided in the above.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data and an information processing apparatus that performs image processing on the image data are connected via a network. The image forming apparatus includes: a display unit that displays information for a user; a display control unit that displays an image processing instruction screen on the display unit based on information from the information processing; An image processing means for obtaining a sample image by performing image processing instructed by the input means on the original image received from the image forming apparatus; Network connection means for transmitting information including an image to the image forming apparatus via the network, and the display control means And displaying the sample image on the display means based on the information sent by the over-click connection means.
[0015]
The present invention also provides an image processing confirmation applied to an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data and an information processing apparatus that performs image processing on the image data are connected via a network. An image processing instruction screen is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus based on information from the information processing apparatus, and an image processing instruction is input from a user via the input unit of the image forming apparatus. The received image processing information is transmitted together with the original image to the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus performs image processing on the original image based on the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus to obtain a sample image. The information including the sample image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the network, and the support is based on the information in the image forming apparatus. And displaying the pull-image on the display means.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
Here, the configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention.
[0020]
In this embodiment, an electrophotographic digital copying machine will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus, and a PC server will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system of the present embodiment is configured by connecting digital copying machines 1 and 2 and a PC server 3 via a network 4.
[0022]
Each of the digital copying machines 1 and 2 is capable of reading (scanning) a document and forming an image (printing) by itself. In addition, the digital copying machine 1 and 2 are connected to the network 4 so as to be read by the digital copying machine 1, for example. The transferred image can be transferred to the digital copying machine 2 to form an image with the digital copying machine 2, or vice versa. That is, an image read by the digital copying machine 1 or 2 is transferred to another apparatus via the network 4, or an image received from another apparatus via the network 4 is formed by the digital copying machine 1 or 2. Is possible.
[0023]
In the present embodiment, the PC server 3 is also connected to the network 4. The PC server 3 can perform predetermined image processing on the image data received from the digital copying machines 1 and 2 and return it to the transmission source. Further, for example, the image data received from the digital copying machine 1 may be subjected to predetermined image processing and transferred to the digital copying machine 2 different from the transmission source.
[0024]
In FIG. 1, the network 4 may be any network such as a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or token ring, or the Internet. Each device connected to the network 4 is preset with an address on the network, and each device is identified by this address and communicates with other devices connected to the network 4.
[0025]
In FIG. 1, the numerical relationship between the PC server, that is, the image processing server, and the digital copying machine, that is, the image forming apparatus is one-to-many, but this is one-to-one, many-to-one, and many-to-many. Needless to say, it doesn't matter.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital copying machine 1 shown in FIG.
[0027]
Since the digital copying machines 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 1 have the same basic configuration relating to the present embodiment, the digital copying machine 1 will be described as a representative here.
[0028]
The digital copying machine 1 includes a network connection unit 11 that is an interface with the network 4 shown in FIG. 1, a control unit 12 that controls the operation of the entire digital copying machine 1, an image reading unit 13 that reads an image from a document, For example, the image forming means 14 for forming an image on paper or the like, the storage means 15 for storing image data read by the image reading means 13 and other parameters necessary for the operation of the digital copying machine 1, and the user can use the digital copying machine 1. Input means 16 for inputting operations, instructions and the like, and display means 17 for displaying various information to the user. Note that the input unit 16 and the display unit 17 may be configured as an integrated operation screen such as a touch panel.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the PC server 3 shown in FIG.
[0030]
The PC server 3 performs network connection means 31 that is an interface with the network 4 shown in FIG. 1, control means 32 that controls the operation of the entire PC server 3, image data, and image processing to be performed on the image data. A storage means 33 for storing software program files to be realized and other parameters necessary for the operation of the PC server 3; an input means 34 for the user to input operations and instructions to the PC server 3; And display means 35 for displaying information. For example, a keyboard or a mouse is used as the input means 34, and a display device or the like is used as the display means 35.
[0031]
The control means 32 reads out and executes the software program file for realizing the image processing stored in the storage means 34, thereby realizing the image processing means.
[0032]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
[0033]
First, each of the digital copying machines 1 and 2 connected to the network 4 requests the PC server 3 for an image processing program list, that is, inquires about an image processing function. At this time, the digital copying machine transmits its model information together with a request for the image processing program list.
[0034]
The image processing program list is a list of image processes that can be processed by the PC server 3, that is, a list of image processing programs that the PC server 3 has.
[0035]
The model information is information required by the PC server 3 in order to specify image processing that can be supported by the digital copying machine. This model information includes, for example, information about whether it is a color machine or a monochrome machine, and the resolution and bit number that can be supported.
[0036]
The PC server 3 that has received the request for the image processing program list and the model information from the digital copying machine creates an image processing program list based on the received model information and information on the image processing program owned by the PC server 3 itself. .
[0037]
Further, the PC server 3 stores the frequency for each image processing program that the digital copying machine that has requested the image processing program list so far, and this frequency is high in the image processing program list, that is, the number of times of use. For example, an image processing program having a large number of images is placed at the top. Therefore, in the digital copying machine that has received this image processing program list, it is possible to know the image processing frequently used by the user who operates it, and the information can be used in the display order on the own operation screen. .
[0038]
The PC server 3 that created the image processing program list transmits the image processing program list to the requested digital copier. This is a notification of the image processing function.
[0039]
In the digital copying machine that has received the image processing program list, the name of the image processing that can be provided to the user is displayed based on the list.
[0040]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the digital copying machine 1 shown in FIG.
[0041]
The operation screen 20 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the input means 16 and the display means 17 shown in FIG. 2, and the user touches a place where an image processing name or the like is displayed on the digital copying machine 1. It is a touch panel input type operation screen to detect. FIG. 4 shows a screen in the PC server image processing mode in which the user selects image processing provided by the PC server 3 connected via the network 4.
[0042]
Based on the image processing program list received from the PC server 3, the digital copying machine 1 displays the names of the image processes on the list in the display means 17, that is, the image processing name display area 21 of the operation screen 20 shown in FIG. indicate.
[0043]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the digital copying machine 1 gives the user an image processing name that can be processed based on the image processing program list created by the PC server 3 based on the model information of the digital copying machine 1. Therefore, the user can avoid operational confusion without selecting image processing that cannot be processed.
[0044]
By the way, there are cases where it is not possible to display all the image processing names on one screen due to a space problem in the image processing name display area 21 of the operation screen 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the next screen button 22 is provided, and the next screen is displayed when the user touches the next screen button 22, and the image processing name that cannot be displayed on one screen can be displayed. I am doing so.
[0045]
In addition, it is preferable to determine which image processing name is displayed at which position in the image processing name display area 21 based on the use frequency for each image processing that can be known from the image processing program list as described above. For example, the most used image processing is displayed on the upper left (density adjustment in the example of FIG. 4), the second used image processing is displayed on the upper right (mirror image processing in the example of FIG. 4), and the third used image. The processing is displayed at the lower left (halftone processing in the example of FIG. 4), the fourth image processing to be used is displayed at the lower right (compositing processing in the example of FIG. 4), and the subsequent processing is performed by operating the next screen button 22 Display on the hour screen.
[0046]
When the user selects one of the image processes on the operation screen 20 of the digital copying machine 1 (touches the button of the name of the image process), the control unit 12 detects it and sends the information to the network connection unit. 11 to the PC server 3 via the network 4.
[0047]
In the PC server 3 that has received this information by the network connection means 31, the control means 32 controls the network connection means 31 to send a signal requesting the control right of the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1, that is, the input means 16 and the display means 17. To the digital copying machine 1 via the network 4. This is control right request means.
[0048]
In response to this, the digital copying machine 1 transmits a signal to the PC server 3 via the network 4 by the network connection means 11 to permit the PC server 3 to control the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1. . This is control right permission means.
[0049]
In response to this, the PC server 3 controls the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1. This is the operation unit control means. More specifically, the contents displayed on the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1 are all transmitted from the PC server 3 to the digital copying machine 1 such as the layout, the framework, and the displayed text. The contents input by the user are sent to the PC server 3, and the PC server 3 executes processing based on the input contents.
[0050]
By the control of the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1 by the PC server 3, the adjustment parameter input area 23 necessary for executing the image processing selected by the user is displayed on the operation screen 20 of the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1. Is done. That is, the contents displayed on the operation screen 20 are stored in advance in the storage means 33 of the PC server 3, read by the control means 32 as necessary, and via the network 4 by the network connection means 31. Are transmitted to the digital copying machine 1 and displayed on the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1.
[0051]
FIG. 4 shows a case where the user selects density adjustment as the image processing. In this embodiment, when image processing “density adjustment”, which is a process for adjusting the density of an image, is selected, the density is selected. As an adjustment parameter in the adjustment, the user inputs the density level of the image after image processing.
[0052]
For example, the user operates a numeric keypad provided on the input unit 16 to input a desired value to the adjustment value input unit 24. When the user completes the operation, the user touches the OK button 25, thereby performing image processing “density adjustment”. Instructing execution using the density level (any number between 0 and 9 in the present embodiment) input to the adjustment value input unit 24 by the user as an adjustment parameter (transmits input content to the PC server 3) be able to.
[0053]
By the way, in the operation screen 20 shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that the adjustment value 0 has a lower density, and the density increases as the number increases, but it is not known how much the density actually increases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a preview button 26 is provided, a preview image is displayed when the user touches the preview button 26, and an image is displayed when image processing is executed with the current adjustment parameters. It is possible for the user to confirm whether this will happen. This is sample display means. This point will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
[0054]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the digital copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, and shows a display state when the user touches the preview button 26 in the state shown in FIG.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the user touches the preview button 26 in the state shown in FIG. 4, the information (the touch of the preview button 26, the image data at that time, the current selection to be applied to the image data is selected). The type of image processing (density adjustment in FIG. 4) and the currently input value (5 in FIG. 4) of the adjustment parameter used in the image processing are transmitted to the PC server 3 and received by the PC server 3. Image processing is executed based on the information to create a processed image, and information (including image data of the processed image) to be displayed on the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1 is transmitted to the digital copying machine 1. The digital copying machine 1 displays this information. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the parameter input area 27 and the sample image display area 28 are displayed on the operation screen 20.
[0056]
At this time, in the sample image display area 28, an image that the user is going to perform image processing (for example, as a thumbnail) is displayed as the original image, and further, the processed image is displayed on the preview button 26 shown in FIG. An image when the image processing is executed with the adjustment value input to the adjustment value input unit 24 when the user touches is displayed (for example, as a thumbnail).
[0057]
This allows the user to see what the image will look like when the image processing is actually performed with the adjustment value currently selected, and how to set the adjustment value to obtain the desired image. It has the effect of knowing what to do and improving usability.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 5, the parameter input area 27 is provided with an adjustment value input unit 29 and a sample display button 30, and the user adjusts the adjustment value while referring to the processed image displayed in the sample image display area 28. That is, the density level can be changed. That is, the user inputs a desired adjustment value to the adjustment value input unit 29 and touches the sample display button 30. Then, the information (the touch of the sample display button 30, the image data at that time, the type of image processing currently selected to be applied to the image data (density adjustment in FIG. 5), and the adjustment used in the image processing) A currently input value (6 in FIG. 5) of the parameter is transmitted to the PC server 3, and the PC server 3 executes image processing based on the received information to create a processed image, and the digital copying machine Information to be displayed on the operation unit 1 (including image data of the processed image) is transmitted to the digital copying machine 1. In the digital copying machine 1, the processed image displayed in the sample image display area 28 of the operation screen 20 is changed to the processed image received this time.
[0059]
As the original image and the processed image displayed in the sample image display area 28, for example, the entire user image may be displayed by reducing the user image to be subjected to image processing. A part may be displayed in the sample image display area 28. In this case, the digital copying machine 1 may be provided with a part designating means for designating a part to be displayed by the user.
[0060]
The user adjusts the adjustment value while referring to the processed image displayed in the sample image display area 28. When the adjustment value for obtaining a satisfactory image is determined, the user touches the OK button 25, thereby performing image processing “ It is possible to instruct execution of “density adjustment” using the density level input by the user to the adjustment value input unit 29 as an adjustment parameter (transmit the input content to the PC server 3). In response to this, the PC server 3 executes image processing by the software in the control means 12 with the instructed contents (image processing means). When the image processing is completed, the image data of the processed image is transferred to the digital copying machine 1. In the digital copying machine 1 that has transmitted and received the image data of the processed image, image formation is executed by the image forming means 14 as necessary.
[0061]
Further, the operation of the OK button 25 is an operation input that finally means exiting from the image processing screen (in addition, the canceling button may be used to exit from the image processing screen). When the PC server 3 is notified of an operation input that means exiting from the PC, the PC server 3 sends a signal for releasing the control right of the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1, that is, the input unit 16 and the display unit 17, by the network connection unit 31. The data is transmitted to the digital copying machine 1 via the network 4. In response to this, the digital copying machine 1 returns the control right of the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1, that is, the input means 16 and the display means 17 to itself.
[0062]
Next, another example of the operation screen in the digital copying machine 1 will be described.
[0063]
6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the digital copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, which is a screen for displaying a sample image and showing an example different from FIG.
[0064]
That is, as an example different from FIG. 5, when the user touches the preview button 26 in the state shown in FIG. 4, the operation screen 40 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the operation unit of the digital copying machine 1. Also good.
[0065]
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the processed image when the image processing is executed using the adjustment value input to the adjustment value input unit 24 or 29 is displayed in the sample image display area 28. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the sample image display area 41 displays an original image and an image after image processing when density adjustment image processing is performed on the original image at a plurality of different density levels. Yes. That is, in FIG. 6, an image when the density is adjusted with the adjustment value 1, an image when the density is adjusted with the adjustment value 3, an image when the density is adjusted with the adjustment value 5, an image when the density is adjusted with the adjustment value 7, and An image when the density is adjusted with the adjustment value 9 is displayed. Which adjustment value to display the processed image is arbitrary.
[0066]
The user refers to these processed images, selects an adjustment value for density adjustment that he / she wants to execute, inputs it to the adjustment value input unit 42, touches the OK button 43, and thereby performs image processing “density adjustment”. The user can instruct execution using the density level input to the adjustment value input unit 42 as an adjustment parameter (transmit the input content to the PC server 3).
[0067]
In the operation screen 40 shown in FIG. 6, a sample print button 44 is provided, and the user inputs an adjustment value to the adjustment value input unit 42 and then inputs the adjustment value input unit 42 by touching the sample print button 44. An image whose density has been adjusted using the adjusted value can be actually formed by the image forming means 14.
[0068]
Further, the image to be formed when the user touches the sample print button 44 is not limited to an image whose density is adjusted using the adjustment value input to the adjustment value input unit 42, but a plurality of different original images. A plurality of processed images that have been subjected to density adjustment image processing at the density level may be formed.
[0069]
In the above description, the case where the density level is the adjustment parameter has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various adjustment parameters exist for each type of image processing, and the adjustment is performed. A post-processing image is displayed.
[0070]
In addition, since it is expected that the process of displaying the sample image on the operation screen will take some time, it is desirable to provide a means for the user to select whether or not to perform the sample display. This is sample display selection means. This means can also be realized when the PC server side obtains the control right of the operation unit on the digital copying machine side (control of display on the display means, acquisition of contents input by the input means).
[0071]
Further, as a countermeasure against an abnormality, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a line abnormality or the like by monitoring no response time (timeout) or inquiring at regular intervals in both the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus. As a result, the processing can be aborted without hang-up with respect to either device failure or communication path abnormality.
[0072]
Further, by providing a forced end button on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, the user can arbitrarily abort the image processing and restore the image forming apparatus to the normal state.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus connected to a network, a user operating the image forming apparatus provides the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming system that can easily know what the processing result of each image processing will be when using the processed image processing.
[0074]
That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to confirm what kind of image is obtained by which image processing by looking at the actual image, so that the usability of the user can be improved.
[0075]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the image processing result for each adjustment value can be confirmed even when there are a plurality of adjustment values for each image processing, so that the user-friendliness can be improved.
[0076]
Further, according to the present invention, whether or not to display a sample image can be changed according to a user's selection, and the information processing apparatus including this control obtains the control right of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus and executes and controls Therefore, a user interface that is easy to understand and convenient for the user can be provided.
[0077]
Further, as a countermeasure against an abnormality, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a line abnormality or the like by monitoring no response time (timeout) or inquiring at regular intervals in both the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus. As a result, the processing can be aborted without hang-up with respect to either device failure or communication path abnormality.
[0078]
Further, by providing a forced end button on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, the user can arbitrarily abort the image processing and restore the image forming apparatus to the normal state.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a PC server shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen in the digital copying machine illustrated in FIG. 1, and is a diagram illustrating a display state when a user touches a preview button in the state illustrated in FIG.
6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 1, which is a screen for displaying a sample image and showing an example different from FIG. 5. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Digital copying machine 3 PC server 4 Network 5 Universal apparatus 6 Universal display part 7 Universal operation part 11 Network connection means 12 Control means 13 Image reading means 14 Image forming means 15 Storage means 16 Input means 17 Display means 20 Operation screen 21 Image processing name display area 22 Next screen button 23 Adjustment parameter input area 24 Adjustment value input section 25 OK button 26 Preview button 27 Parameter input area 28 Sample image display area 29 Adjustment value input section 30 Sample display button 31 Network connection means 32 Control means 33 Storage means 34 Input means 35 Display means 40 Operation screen 41 Sample image display area 42 Adjustment value input section 43 OK button 44 Sample print button

Claims (2)

In an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper based on image data and an information processing apparatus that performs image processing on the image data are connected via a network.
The image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays information for a user , a display control unit that displays an image processing instruction screen on the display unit based on the information from the information processing, and an image processing instruction from the user. Receiving input means,
An image processing unit that obtains a sample image by performing image processing instructed by the input unit on the original image received from the image forming apparatus, and information including the sample image via the network Network connection means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming system , wherein the display control means displays the sample image on the display means based on information transmitted by the network connection means. An image processing confirmation method applied to an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data and an information processing apparatus that performs image processing on the image data are connected via a network.
An image processing instruction screen is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus based on information from the information processing apparatus,
Accepting an image processing instruction from a user via the input unit of the image forming apparatus,
Send the received image processing information together with the original image to the information processing device,
In the information processing apparatus, to obtain a sample image by performing image processing on the original image on the basis of the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus,
Transmitting information including the sample image to the image forming apparatus via the network;
In the image forming apparatus, an image processing method for confirming and displaying the sample image based on the information on the display unit.

Images