JP4055289B2 - Image forming apparatus and printing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in a printing system including an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a transmission apparatus having a function of transmitting data of an image to be formed to the image forming apparatus, and the print system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a print system constructed from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a print server having a function of transmitting, storing, and managing image data to be imaged to the image forming apparatus is widely used. It has become like this. In such a print system, the print server and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) as a plurality of client devices via a network such as a local area network (hereinafter referred to as “LAN”). Etc.), for example, it is possible to cause the image forming apparatus to form an image in response to a request from the PC (the image forming apparatus may be connected via the LAN). It is also possible to connect directly to the print server).
[0003]
The print system constructed in this way is new to image forming apparatuses such as copiers, in combination with the rapid and flexible transmission of image data over a network and the increase in storage capacity of the print server. It has the potential to provide usage methods.
[0004]
Conventionally, for example, forms such as frequently used notification forms and application forms (in this specification, for example, a headline or the like is printed in advance, such as a FAX transmission form shown in FIG. 8, and the actual date, destination, In the case where it is necessary to create multiple forms from a single form, the user does not perform the operations described below. There was a need to do. That is, if the form to be copied is in color printing, first move to the location of a copying machine capable of color copying (hereinafter referred to as “color copying machine”), and the appropriate color copying machine should be used. Place the copy source form at the position. Thereafter, by operating the color copying machine to copy the form, a plurality of forms can be created.
[0005]
In addition, since it is normal for a color copying machine to copy a monochrome document, for example, even when a monochrome form exists in a color form, the user uses the color copying machine. Copy a monochrome form.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, by copying a form using a color copying machine, a plurality of forms can be created regardless of whether the form is color or monochrome. However, compared with the case where image data is directly transmitted and printed via a network such as a LAN from a client device such as a word processor or a PC that has created the form, there is a problem that the image quality is slightly deteriorated. This problem is particularly noticeable when, for example, the surface of the platen glass on which a document is placed in a copying machine is scratched or foreign matter such as ink or correction liquid adheres.
[0007]
In that case, it is possible to hold the idea that these forms may be always transmitted and printed from the PC or the like without being copied by a copying machine. However, when it becomes an organization such as a slightly larger company, all members are informed of which PC stores and manages each form, and how the form can be printed. However, there is a problem that it is often not easy to cause the problem to occur. Therefore, in the present situation, there is a reality that a copying operation using a copying machine is easily accepted by more members.
[0008]
Further, when the form to be copied is monochrome, it is not necessary to use a color copying machine. It is reasonable to form an image using a monochrome copying machine. This problem is particularly noticeable in color copiers that do not use black toner for development. If black is reproduced using normal cyan, magenta, and yellow reproduction toners, the toner of each reproduction color, which is more expensive than the black toner, is generally consumed wastefully. .
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and relates to a frequently used document such as the form (hereinafter referred to as a “standard document”), which is similar to a copy operation by a copying machine. It is a first object of the present invention to provide a print system and an image forming apparatus that can maintain the image quality of those standard documents while maintaining operability. Further, the second object of the present invention is that when a color image forming apparatus and a monochrome image forming apparatus coexist, when printing the standard document, it is possible to rationally use the plurality of image forming apparatuses. It is to provide a printing system.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and an image in a printing system including a transmitting apparatus having a function of transmitting data of an image to be formed to the image forming apparatus. In the forming device, the documentImage reading means for generating image data of the document by readingKey code acquisition means for acquiring a key code representing the style of a manuscriptWhen,For the format represented by the key code acquired by the key code acquisition unit, a format determination unit that determines whether the transmission device can request transmission of image data;When it is determined that it can be requested by the format determination means,Request the transmission device to transmit image data of the format represented by the key code acquired by the key code acquisition means.However, if it is determined by the format determination means that it cannot be requested, transmission of image data in the format is not requested.A requesting unit and an image reading control unit that causes the image reading unit to read the document when it is determined that the request cannot be requested by the format determining unit, or when the key code cannot be acquired by the key code acquiring unit. And the request meansFromofSend image data in this formatIn response to the request, image data is transmitted from the transmission device.EnemyIf the image data is used to form the image in the format and the format determining means determines that the request cannot be made, or the key code acquiring means cannot acquire the key code. Includes image forming control means for forming an image of the original using image data generated by the image reading means. Here, the “style” is a concept including various forms and standard documents.
[0011]
  In this way, with respect to the format associated with the key code, even if the same operation as the normal copy operation is performed, the actual image formation is performed based on the image data transmitted from the transmission device. It will be. That is, it is possible to maintain the image quality while maintaining the same operability as a normal copy operation.Further, even when the key code is not registered in the image forming apparatus or when the key code cannot be read such as when the original is very dirty, image formation is not delayed. The determination of “whether or not it is possible to request transmission of image data from the transmission apparatus” is specifically performed by, for example, acquiring the key code registered in a table for managing the location of the format and the like. It can be done depending on whether or not.
[0012]
The acquisition of the key code in the image forming apparatus can be performed by acquiring the key code described in the predetermined position by reading the predetermined position of the document, for example. In this case, however, it is necessary to place a key code at a predetermined position in the form.
[0014]
On the other hand, the key code acquisition means has a key code input reception means for receiving an input of a key code from an operator. When the key code is acquired by an input from the operator, the key code acquisition means is at a predetermined position in the form. Even if the key code is not arranged, it is possible to print the form by inputting the key code on the image forming apparatus side.
[0016]
The image forming apparatus further relates to whether the key code obtaining unit causes the key code to be obtained by reading the key code from the document or to obtain the key code by inputting the key code from the operator. It is also preferable to select the above two key code acquisition methods by having selection input receiving means for receiving a selection input from the operator. Specifically, it can be easily selected by a liquid crystal touch panel, operation buttons, or the like.
[0017]
Furthermore, a printing system according to the present invention includes any one of the above-described image forming apparatuses and a transmission apparatus that transmits image data in a format in response to a request from the request unit. Here, the transmission device can be a print server that manages the format, but is not limited to this, and any device that can transmit image data to the image forming device. It does n’t matter.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a printing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0022]
(1) Overall configuration of the printing system
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the printing system of the present embodiment includes a color copying machine 1, a monochrome copying machine 2, and at least one PC 3 (PC 3a and PC 3b are shown in the figure. If there is no need to distinguish between the two, it may be simply expressed as “PC3”.), The print server 4 is connected to the LAN 5 respectively. The configurations of the color copying machine 1 and the monochrome copying machine 2 will be described in detail later. The color copying machine 1 is roughly divided into a color image reading unit 11 and a color image forming unit 12, and the monochrome copying machine 2 is roughly divided. It consists of a monochrome image reading unit 21 and a monochrome image forming unit 22. As the image reading unit, an independent image reader may be provided on the network, and the independent image reader is IR9 shown in FIG. As IR9, either a color original or a monochrome original can be used, and both of them may be provided on the network.
[0023]
In the color copying machine 1 and the monochrome copying machine 2, the image reading units (including image reading means such as an image scanner) 11 and 21 provided in each of them are based on image data obtained by reading a document or the like. In addition to image formation, image formation is performed based on image data transmitted from the PC 3 via the print server 4 (hereinafter, image data used for image formation is referred to as “print data”). It can also be done.
[0024]
That is, the PC 3 uses the color copying machine 1 or the monochrome copying machine 2 by transmitting print data to the print server 4 together with a print request designating a destination image forming apparatus. Image formation can also be performed. On the other hand, print data obtained by reading a document or the like in the color copying machine 1 or the monochrome copying machine 2 can be transmitted to the print server 4 and stored.
[0025]
(2) Overall configuration of the color copying machine 1
Next, the configuration of the color copying machine 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the color copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the color copying machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a color image reading unit 11 that acquires print data by reading a document and the like, and print data acquired by the color image reading unit 11, or An image forming unit 12 that forms an image based on print data transmitted from the outside via the LAN 5 is provided.
[0026]
The color image reading unit 11 is a known unit that reads an image of a document or the like placed on a platen glass (not shown) by moving the scanner 111, and irradiates an exposure lamp 112 installed on the scanner 111. The image information obtained by the above is imaged on the full-color CCD sensor 117 via the folding mirrors 113 to 116 and the condenser lens (not shown). The full-color CCD sensor 117 AD converts the image information into three types of electrical signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), and thereby R, G, and B digital data representing a document or the like are converted. can get.
[0027]
The digital data for each color component obtained by the color image reading unit 11 is subjected to various data processing in the control unit 100, and further, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Converted into image data of each reproduction color (hereinafter, each reproduction color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is represented as C, M, Y, K, respectively, and the number of the component part related to each reproduction color is represented by this C , M, Y, and K are added as subscripts).
[0028]
The control unit 100 sends the image data of each of these reproduction colors to the print head unit 221 and drives a laser diode built in the print head unit 221 to reproduce one of C, M, Y, and K reproduction colors. The surface of the photosensitive drum 222 is exposed.
The photosensitive drum 222 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 25 after the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive member is removed by the cleaner 23 before the exposure, and the charge is removed by the eraser lamp 24. When the exposure is performed in a uniformly charged state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222.
[0029]
The toner developing units 26C to 26K for the respective colors C, M, Y, and K drive only the toner developing units 26C to 26K for the colors to be developed in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 222, so that the photosensitive drum 222 is driven. Develop the electrostatic latent image on the surface.
On the other hand, on the transfer drum 27, the control unit 100 controls the paper cassette 41, 421, 431 based on detection signals from the paper size detection sensors 411, 421, 431 provided in the paper cassettes 41, 42, 43. Either 42 or 43 is selected and a recording sheet (not shown) is supplied. For example, it is possible to store recording sheets of various sizes such as A4 size in the paper cassette 41, A3 size in the paper cassette 42, and B4 size in the paper cassette 43.
[0030]
When the leading edge of the recording paper passes through the timing roller 28 and reaches the suction roller 29, it is gripped by the chucking mechanism on the transfer drum 27 and electrostatically attracted by the suction charger 30, so that the positional deviation occurs. The toner image that has been wound up without being generated and developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 is transferred onto the recording paper wound on the transfer drum 27 by the transfer charger 31.
[0031]
The above-described printing process is repeated for each of C, M, Y, and K reproduction colors at the time of full-color copying, and when the transfer of the toner image is completed for all colors, the separation claw 32 and the charge removal chargers 33 and 34 are changed. The recording paper is separated from the surface of the transfer drum 27 by operating. In addition, the color copying machine 1 can perform monochrome monochrome copying, and at the time of the monochrome copying, the printing process is performed only for the black (K) color.
[0032]
Since the toner image transferred to the recording paper is in an unstable state where it is peeled off as it is, the toner is fixed on the surface of the recording paper by being pressed by the fixing device 35 while being heated, and then the paper discharge tray 36. Drain up.
When copying on the back side of the recording paper (in the case of so-called “double-sided copying”), the switching claw 51 is operated to feed the recording paper discharged from the fixing device 35 to the conveyance path 52 of the lower paper reversing unit 50. Then, the paper is once pushed in the direction of the reversing tray 54 by the reversing roller 53, and then reversed by reversing the reversing roller 53, so that the front and back of the recording paper are reversed and sent to the conveyance path 55, and an image is formed on the back surface. ing.
[0033]
An operation panel OP1 is provided at a position on the color copying machine 1 where it can be easily operated, as indicated by a dotted line. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the operation panel OP1. The operation panel OP1 of the present embodiment includes switches for specifying density, specifying enlargement / reduction ratio, and selecting paper cassettes 41 to 43, a liquid crystal touch panel 91 for displaying selected settings, messages, and the like, a copy Numeric keypad 92 for inputting the number of sheets, clear key 93 for clearing the numerical value designated by the numeric keypad 92, reset key 94 for returning all settings to the initial setting, stop key 95 for stopping the operation, start key for instructing the start of copying In addition to 96, when printing a standard document such as the above-described format, a key code key 97 that is designated when performing processing using a key code described later, one of monochrome printing mode and full-color printing mode (hereinafter, referred to as a mode). A color mode switching key 98 for switching between “color modes” is provided. In the color copying machine 1 of the present embodiment, regardless of the designation by the color mode switching key 98, it is automatically determined whether the print data is color or monochrome, and the color mode is changed. It is also possible to perform switching.
[0034]
The color copying machine 1 can be connected to a network such as the LAN 5 through a connector 61 (see FIG. 2). The connector 61 is connected to the control unit 100 and can form an image using print data transmitted via the print server 4 from a client device such as the PC 3 connected to the LAN 5. In addition, the print data read and generated by the color image reading unit 11 can be transmitted to the print server 4 or the like.
[0035]
(3) Configuration of monochrome copying machine 2
Next, the configuration of the monochrome copying machine 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the monochrome copying machine 2 in the present embodiment.
The monochrome copying machine 2 includes a monochrome image reading unit 21 that acquires print data by reading a document image and the like, print data acquired by the monochrome image reading unit 21, or print data transmitted from the outside via the LAN 5. And a monochrome image forming unit 22 for forming an image based on the above.
[0036]
The monochrome image reading unit 21 conveys a document and reverses the front and back as necessary, a scanning system 210 that reads the document and converts it into an image signal, and an image that processes an image signal sent from the scanning system 210 A memory unit 230 that prints data input from the signal processing unit 220 and the image signal processing unit 220 and print data transmitted from the print server 4 or the like via the LAN 5 is directly formed into an image or stored in a memory. The external interface unit 250 converts the network signal transmitted through the LAN 5 and exchanges data with the memory unit 230. The monochrome copying machine 2 according to the present embodiment not only performs image formation based on print data obtained by reading a document or the like by the monochrome image reading unit 21 or print data transmitted from the outside, but also the monochrome image. It is also possible to send the print data acquired in the reading unit 21 to the print server 4 or the like via the LAN 5.
[0037]
On the other hand, the monochrome image forming unit 22 prints the semiconductor laser 262 based on the print data input from the memory unit unit 230, and the laser beam from the semiconductor laser 262 is placed on the photosensitive drum 71 at the exposure position. The optical system 260 is configured to include an image forming system 70 that develops an electrostatic latent image formed by exposure, transfers the image to a recording sheet, and fixes the image to form an image. The print processing unit 240 constitutes the control unit 200 of the monochrome copying machine 2 together with the image signal processing unit 220, the memory unit unit 230, the external interface unit 250, and the like.
[0038]
Although not shown in FIG. 4, an operation panel OP <b> 2 is provided on the upper surface of the main body of the monochrome copying machine 2. Various forms of the operation panel OP2 are used depending on the copying machine. In this embodiment, the form of the operation panel OP2 is substantially the same as the form of the operation panel OP1 shown in FIG. That is, the operation panel OP2 of the present embodiment is different from the operation panel OP1 in that the color mode switching key 98 is not provided, but there is no particular difference with respect to the other parts, and hence it is necessary to particularly distinguish the two thereafter. If there is not, it may be simply referred to as “operation panel OP”.
[0039]
The print data transmitted from the print server 4 to the monochrome copying machine 2 is received by the external interface unit 250 and sent to the memory unit unit 230. The external interface unit 250 also controls the control signal and print data exchange with the printer server 4. The print data is sent from the memory unit 230 to the print processing unit 240, and the semiconductor laser 262 is driven according to the print data. Laser light generated from the semiconductor laser 262 is deflected by the optical system 260 and guided to the image forming system 70.
[0040]
In the image forming system 70, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 71 by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 71 uniformly charged by the charging charger 72 with the laser beam. The electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by receiving toner supplied from the developing unit 73, and then the toner image is transferred to the recording paper conveyed from the paper feed trays 80a and 80b by the transfer charger 74. Transcribed. The recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the position of the fixing roller 84, and the fixing roller 84 fixes the toner image on the recording paper to finally form an image.
[0041]
(4) Creation of electronic data for standard documents
Next, creation of electronic data of a standard document (hereinafter referred to as “standard document data”) suitable for the print system of the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the standard document data can be created on the PC 3 connected to the LAN 5 by using word processor software or the like. It is necessary to associate data with a key code.
[0042]
Here, the “key code” refers to a code representing the attribute of each standard document data. The key code in the present embodiment may be set to color information indicating whether the standard document is color or monochrome (for example, 1 for color and 0 for monochrome). ), Location information indicating the location of the file storing the standard document data (hereinafter referred to as “standard document file”), and identification information of the standard document file at the location. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the key code in the present embodiment.
[0043]
In the example of FIG. 5, when a host name, an IP address, or the like is used as the location information, it is complicated to input the host name itself from the operation panel or the like. And the like are separately managed, and the location information includes only the predetermined number. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the correspondence between the location information and the location host name. In the example of the figure, the location information is associated with the host name of the storage destination PC or the like, but the IP address may be associated with the host name instead of the host name. The conversion from the host name to the IP address may be performed by making an inquiry to the name server, but the image forming apparatus may hold a table for storing the correspondence between the host name and the IP address. .
[0044]
Further, as the identification information in the present embodiment, a file identification number in the PC at the location is used. Here, when it is possible to specify and input characters from the operation panel OP, a file name may be used as identification information. However, as with a host name or the like, inputting a file name is complicated. In view of this, in this embodiment, an identification number is used. FIG. 7 shows an example of the contents of the correspondence between the identification information and the file name.
[0045]
For the correspondence between the key code and each fixed document data as described above, the following method can be considered. First, there is a method of including a key code in a fixed form document as one method. FIG. 8 shows an example of a fixed form document (in this example, a FAX transmission form) including a key code. As shown in the figure, when this method is used, for example, a key code ("0-001-000001" in the example in the figure) is assigned to a predetermined area 900 surrounded by a dotted line for all the standard documents. It should be noted. If all the standard documents are written with the key code in the same area, when the color copier 1 or the like is to make a copy, the area is read by pre-scanning the original to read the area. The described key code can be acquired.
[0046]
As described above, by describing the key code in the standard document, for example, the following processing can be performed. That is, when a user attempts to copy a standard document using the color copying machine 1 or the monochrome copying machine 2, the key code printed on the standard document is recognized when the document is pre-scanned by the copying machine. When the standard document data corresponding to the recognized key code is registered in a predetermined table (when the electronic data of the standard document exists in any device connected to the LAN 5), it was provided for copying. Instead of copying the original, the standard document data is acquired from the location indicated by the key code, and printing is performed using the standard document data. As a result, the image quality of the standard document printed by the copying machine as a result can always be kept high.
[0047]
In addition, the method of recognizing the key code printed on the standard document at the time of pre-scanning is to perform the pattern matching process only on the part where the key code is described. There is an advantage that a standard document can be identified with less overhead compared to a method of identifying a standard document by performing a process such as pattern matching using. More specifically, by holding a table as shown in FIG. 9 in a memory in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to easily acquire a standard document file.
[0048]
However, if the key code is input using the operation panel OP instead of reading the original and identifying the standard document, the key code is not necessarily described in the standard document. However, even in this case, it is necessary to manage the location of the standard document file by the table shown in FIG. The table can be added, deleted, updated, and the like. For example, when a standard document is created on the PC 3 or the like, the table is transmitted by transmitting data from the PC 3 to the image forming apparatus side. The contents can be maintained. Specifically, the table maintenance process can be performed at the beginning of a key code process to be described later.
[0049]
In the printing system of the present embodiment, the color copying machine 1 and the monochrome copying machine 2 can be automatically used properly based on the color information of the standard document data to be printed. Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.
[0050]
(5) Embodiment 1
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the key code of a standard document is read at the time of pre-scanning a document, the standard document file is acquired according to the read result, and the standard document is printed using the acquired standard document file. The processing contents of the control unit provided on the copier side will be described.
[0051]
As described above, the color copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes the control unit 100, and the monochrome copying machine 2 includes the control unit 200. In the present embodiment, it can be said that the processing contents of the control units provided in the respective copying machines are substantially the same, so the processing contents of the control unit 100 of the color copying machine 1 will be described as an example. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the control unit 100 when printing a standard document using a key code.
[0052]
As shown in the figure, the control unit 100 of the present embodiment monitors whether or not the key code use key 97 is pressed (S101), and when the key code use key 97 is pressed (S101). : Yes), the process proceeds to key code processing (S102).
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing detailed processing contents of the key code processing in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, first, a standard document set as a document is pre-scanned (S201), and the key code image data is obtained by reading the area where the key code is described. In addition, the key code is acquired as ASCII data.
[0053]
Next, for example, a table as shown in FIG. 9 is searched using the acquired ASCII data of the key code (S202), and it is determined whether or not the acquired key code is registered in the table (S203). ). If the acquired key code is not registered in the table (S203: No), the normal copy process is set to be performed using the set standard document original (S204), and the key is set. End code processing. On the other hand, if the acquired key code is registered in the table (S203: Yes), the fixed document data is acquired from the location of the fixed document file stored in the table (S205), and the acquired fixed document is acquired. Printing is set using data (S206), and the key code processing is terminated.
[0054]
By performing the processing as described above, as long as the location of the standard document file is registered in the table, for example, image quality degradation due to a large number of copying processes, and the location of the document placement of the image reading unit Regardless of stains or the like, it is possible to always print a high-quality standard document.
[0055]
(6) Embodiment 2
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, processing contents of the control unit provided on the copier side when a key code is input using the operation panel on the copier side will be described.
[0056]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing detailed processing contents of the key code processing in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the key code processing of the present embodiment, first, a message for prompting key code input is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 91 of the operation panel OP (S301). An example when the message is displayed is shown in FIG. Since the user inputs the key code using the numeric keypad 92 or the like of the operation panel OP, the control unit 100 waits for the input of the key code (S302), specifically, an OK button on the liquid crystal touch panel. After the key is pressed, key code matching processing is performed (S303). This matching process can be performed by referring to the table as in the first embodiment.
[0057]
If the input key code is not registered in the table (S304: No), in this embodiment, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 91 (S305), and the key code processing is terminated. FIG. 13B shows an example when an error message is displayed. This processing is performed because a normal copy process cannot be performed because no original is set in the present embodiment. On the other hand, when the input key code is registered in the table (S304: Yes), the standard document data is acquired in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S306), and the acquired standard document data is used. Is set to perform printing processing (S307), and the key code processing is terminated.
[0058]
By performing the processing described above, it is possible to print a high-quality standard document with a simple operation.
[0059]
(7) Embodiment 3
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the color information included in the key code is referred to identify whether the standard document is color or monochrome, and based on the identification result, the color copying machine 1 and the monochrome copying machine The content of the process when outputting to the appropriate one of 2 will be described.
[0060]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the output destination setting process in the present embodiment. This output destination setting process is a process that is performed in a device that transmits a standard document file to the image forming apparatus, such as the print server 4 (or the PC 3 or the like) that has received a request for the standard document file. As shown in the figure, when the print server 4 receives a transmission request for standard document data (S401: Yes), the print server 4 performs matching processing of color information included in the key code (S402). Specifically, for example, a table (see FIG. 15A) showing the correspondence between the color information and the IP address of the output destination image forming apparatus is held on the print server 4 side and included in the transmission request. The standard document data is transmitted to the output destination image forming apparatus corresponding to the color information included in the key code (S403). By performing such processing, a standard document with color information 1 (color standard document) is subjected to image formation by the color copying machine 1, and a standard document with monochrome color information 0 (monochrome standard document). ) Can cause the monochrome copying machine 1 to form an image.
[0061]
Various processing methods are conceivable here. For example, the color information can be increased in number as well as two types of color (1) and monochrome (0). In this case, for example, if the color information is 0, the copying machine 1; if the color information is 1, the copying machine 2; if the color information is 2, the copying machine 3; The image forming apparatus of the output destination can be specified by the information).
[0062]
Further, for example, a table storing the correspondence relationship between the key code and the output destination image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 14B is held on the print server 4 side, and not only the color information is viewed, The output destination corresponding to the key code may be specified.
[0063]
By performing the processing as described above, an appropriate output destination can be selected depending on whether the standard document is color printing or monochrome printing. This is considered effective for managing consumables such as toner on the image forming apparatus side, and is particularly effective when the color image forming apparatus is not equipped with a developing unit using black toner. This is because, in order to reproduce a black image with such a color image forming apparatus, all the toners of the three reproduced colors are normally consumed.
[0064]
<Modification>
Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is needless to say that the content of the present invention is not limited to the specific examples described in detail in the above embodiments. For example, the following modifications are possible. An example can be considered.
[0065]
(1) That is, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the image data of the standard document is stored and managed in the PC 3, the print server 4, and the like has been described. However, the image data of the standard document is stored in the storage device in the image forming apparatus. You may make it store. In this case, it is possible to use a method in which a fixed document registered at the time of factory shipment is used only in the image forming apparatus without being connected to the network. Of course, when the fixed document is corrected, for example, by the PC 3 or the like connected to the network, the fixed document stored in the image forming apparatus is maintained by transmitting it to the image forming apparatus together with the key code. It can also be done.
[0066]
(2) In the above embodiment, the key code is acquired as ASCII data when the key code is read during document pre-scanning. However, pattern matching may be performed by acquiring the key code as image data. .
[0067]
(3) Furthermore, in the present embodiment, three types of information, ie, color information, location information, and identification information, are stored as key codes. However, the types of information to be stored are not limited to these, and various types of information are stored. Things can be considered. On the other hand, if the correspondence between the key code and the location of the standard document file, the output destination, etc. is collectively managed using the table shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. It can also be a serial number.
[0068]
(4) In the above embodiment, the two methods of the first embodiment and the second embodiment have been described as the method for the image forming apparatus to acquire the key code. However, the user selects two methods. You may be able to do it. Specifically, when the key code key 97 is pressed once, the method of the first embodiment is used, and when the key code key 97 is pressed twice, the method of the second embodiment is used. Accordingly, a message as shown in FIG. Further, when the key code key 97 is pressed three times, the key code acquisition method can be selected by returning to the normal copy mode. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to this, and various methods such as selection using the liquid crystal touch panel 91 can be considered.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the key code representing the format of the document is acquired, and the transmission apparatus is requested to transmit the image data in the format represented by the key code. Since the image data of the above-mentioned style is formed using the image data transmitted from the transmission device, high-quality forms can be printed while maintaining the same operability as a normal copy operation regardless of the quality of the original. There is an effect that can be done.
[0070]
Further, according to the printing system of the present invention, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are included, the image forming apparatus that should actually perform image formation is specified from the information included in the key code that represents the format in which the image should be formed. Since the image data is transmitted to the specified image forming apparatus, an output destination image forming apparatus can be specified for each format. For example, a color image forming apparatus and a monochrome image forming apparatus When there is a mixture of these, there is an effect that it is possible to rationally manage the printing of the style using them.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overall configuration of a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the color copying machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a configuration of an operation panel OP1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of a monochrome copying machine 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the contents of a key code.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of correspondence between location information and host names.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of a correspondence relationship between identification information and a file name.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a standard document including a key code.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a table held in a memory in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the control unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing detailed contents of key code processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing detailed contents of key code processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a diagram showing an example when a message is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 91 in the second embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of output destination setting processing in the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a table for specifying an output destination image forming apparatus from color information and a key code.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Color copier
2 Monochrome copier
11 Color image reader
12 Color image forming section
21 Monochrome image reader
22 Monochrome image forming unit
3a, 3b PC
4 Print server
5 LAN
9 IR
91 LCD touch panel
92 numeric keypad
96 Start key
97 key code key
100 Control unit
900 Key code placement area
OP Operation panel

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus in a print system including an image forming apparatus and a transmission apparatus having a function of transmitting data of an image to be formed to the image forming apparatus.
Image reading means for generating image data of the original by reading the original ;
A key code obtaining means for obtaining a key code representing the mode of the document,
For the format represented by the key code acquired by the key code acquisition unit, a format determination unit that determines whether the transmission device can request transmission of image data;
When it is determined that the request can be requested by the format determination unit, the transmission of the image data in the format represented by the key code acquired by the key code acquisition unit is requested to the transmission device, and the format determination unit When it is determined that it cannot be requested, transmission of image data of the format is not requested,
An image reading control unit that causes the image reading unit to read the document when it is determined that the format determination unit cannot request or when the key code acquisition unit cannot acquire a key code;
When the image data from the transmitting apparatus to the request of the image data transmission of the modes from the requesting unit was specifically be transmitted, by using the image data, to perform the image formation of the style, the style determination When it is determined that the request cannot be obtained by the means, or when the key code cannot be obtained by the key code obtaining means, image formation of the original is performed using the image data generated by the image reading means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming control unit. The key code acquisition means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the key code described in the predetermined position is acquired by reading the predetermined position of the document. The key code acquisition means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a key code input receiving unit configured to receive an input of a key code from an operator, and acquiring the key code by an input from the operator. The image forming apparatus further includes:
Selection for accepting selection input from the operator regarding whether to obtain the key code by reading the key code from the manuscript or to obtain the key code by inputting the key code from the operator. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input receiving unit. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A printing system comprising: a transmission device that transmits image data in a format in response to a request from the requesting unit. The transmitter is
The print system according to claim 5, wherein the print system manages the format.

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