JP4377141B2 - Image forming apparatus and print data processing program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for filtering print data sent from a user terminal and outputting it to an apparatus such as a printer or a FAX.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a plurality of image processing apparatuses, PCs (personal computers), and the like are generally connected and used via a network. In addition, an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) in which functions of each apparatus such as a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner are housed in a single casing is generally known.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-154821 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Under such circumstances, print data sent from a PC that is a user terminal is output to a plurality of printers different from an apparatus (for example, a multifunction device) that has instructed printing, or via a multifunction device that has instructed printing. Thus, the convenience of the user can be enhanced if it can be transmitted by e-mail or FAX.
[0005]
However, in order to perform the above-described processing by the conventional technique, the processing program becomes complicated, and it has been difficult to realize in practice. That is, in the conventional multi-function peripheral technology, the memory area used for temporarily storing images by the printer application is a special area that is not managed by the multi-function peripheral operating system (OS). In order for other applications to process image data, complicated control such as acquisition of data addresses and exclusive control is required.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and print data sent from a PC is output to a plurality of printers different from the multi-function peripheral instructed to print, or via a multi-function peripheral instructed to print. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique that enables easy transmission by e-mail or FAX.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention comprises the following means.
[0008]
  The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus having a communication control unit for receiving print data via a network, wherein the communication control unit includes print queue information and print data corresponding to the print queue information. A setting unit configured to set identification information of the conversion program; and the print data conversion program; and when the communication control unit receives print data including the print queue information, the print queue information corresponding to the print queue information An image forming apparatus that performs a conversion process on the print data by a function realized by executing a print data conversion program in the image forming apparatusThe image forming apparatus further includes an image forming unit that forms an image of the print data, and the image forming unit has a function realized by executing the print data conversion program in the image forming apparatus. The conversion process is performed on the print data imaged in accordance with the above, and the conversion process performed on the imaged print data is performed on one or more printers different from the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the image is converted into a format suitable for the printer and transmitted.
[0009]
  According to the present invention, the print control program corresponding to the print queue information is executed by the image forming apparatus in response to the communication control unit receiving print data including the print queue information. Since the function is configured to perform a predetermined process on the print data, it is possible to easily process the print data only by appropriately determining the process in the print data conversion program.In addition, the print data can be printed on another printer via the image forming apparatus.
[0010]
  In addition,The conversion processTheTranslation processing for translating documents in the print dataageThe image forming apparatus prints the print data subjected to the translation processing.May be.This configurationThus, a translated document can be obtained simply by sending print data designating queue information from the PC.
[0011]
  Also,The conversion processTheProcessing for converting a printing language in the print dataageThe image forming apparatus prints the processed print data.May be.This configurationThus, it is possible to print by converting the print data into an appropriate format simply by sending the print data designating the queue information from the PC.
[0016]
  Also,The conversion process performed on the imaged print dataThe, Converting the imaged print data into a format that can be sent as an e-mail and sending it as an e-mailMay be.This configurationAccording to the above, it is possible to transmit the print data from the PC to the image forming apparatus as an electronic mail.
[0017]
  AlsoThe conversion process to be performed on the imaged print dataThe, Converting the imaged print data into a format that can be sent as a fax and sending it as a faxMay be.This configurationAccording to the above, it is possible to transmit as fax by simply sending print data from the PC to the image forming apparatus.
[0018]
  Claim2The invention described inAn image forming apparatus having communication control means for receiving print data via a network, wherein print queue information and identification information of a print data conversion program corresponding to the print queue information are set in the communication control means When the communication control unit receives print data including the print queue information, the print data conversion program corresponding to the print queue information is included in the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that performs conversion processing on the print data by a function realized by being executed inThe image forming apparatus further includes a scanning unit that scans a document to acquire image data, and the communication control unit receives the image data obtained by the scanning unit as print data including the print queue information.The conversion process is a process of converting the image data into a format suitable for the printer and transmitting it to one or more printers different from the image forming apparatus.. According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus simply performs the same operation as a normal copy operation.A copy of the original can be output to another printer.
[0020]
  Claim3The invention described in claim1 or 2Each of the setting unit and the communication control unit is realized by a program executed in the image forming apparatus. Thus, if a program is appropriately created, the print data can be processed as desired. Claim4The invention described in claim 1 to claim 13In any one of the above, the print data conversion program is a program started by a print spool control program executed by the image forming apparatus based on an instruction from the communication control unit.
[0021]
  Claim5~7Is an invention of a print data conversion program in the image forming apparatus.
  Claims7The print data conversion program is started by a print spool control program executed by the image forming apparatus based on an instruction from the communication control unit. For example, a UNIX (registered trademark) LPD is used as the print spool control program. (Line printer daemon) can be used.
[0022]
  Claim8The invention described in 1 is a computer-readable recording medium on which the print data processing program is recorded. Claims9The recording medium further includes a setting program that causes the communication control unit to set the print queue information and identification information of a print data conversion program corresponding to the print queue information in the image forming apparatus. is there.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a multifunction machine 1, a PC (personal computer) 2 as a user terminal, and printers 3 and 4 are connected via a LAN 5. The LAN 5 is connected to the Internet 7 through a router 6, and the multifunction device 1 is connected to a PSTN (public switched telephone network) / ISDN network 8. Each device communicates with other devices using the TCP / IP protocol.
[0025]
In the embodiment of the present invention, a so-called print filter technique is used to perform processing on print data. Generally, a print filter is executed by a print server or the like, and reads print data from standard input, converts print data, and writes it to standard output. Hereinafter, the print filter in the present embodiment is referred to as a filter application. In the present embodiment, the MFP 1 executes the filter application.
[0026]
In the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, the filter application in the multifunction device 1 performs conversion processing on the print data transmitted from the PC 2, and printing is performed by the printer application of the multifunction device 1. In the second embodiment, the multifunction device 1 transfers print data transmitted from the PC 2 to the other printers 3 and 4, and the printers 3 and 4 perform printing. In the third embodiment, the multi-function device 1 converts the print data transmitted from the PC 2 into an image and transmits it as mail or FAX. In the fourth embodiment, image data obtained by scanning by the multifunction machine 1 is transmitted to another printer using a filter application, and the other printer performs printing.
[0027]
In describing each of the above embodiments, first, the multifunction device 1 in the system configuration of FIG. 1 will be described.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration when the multifunction device 1 is operating. As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function device 1 includes hardware resources such as a monochrome line printer (B & W LP) 31, a color line printer (Color LP) 32, a scanner, a facsimile, a hard disk (HD), a memory, and a network interface. And a software group 10 composed of a platform 20 and an application 30.
[0029]
The platform 20 interprets a processing request from the application 30 and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, and manages one or a plurality of hardware resources to arbitrate the acquisition request from the control service. A manager (SRM) 323 and a general-purpose OS 321 are provided.
[0030]
The control service is formed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (system control service) 22, an ECS (engine control service) 24, an MCS (memory control service) 25, an OCS (operation panel control service) 26, and an FCS. (Fax Control Service) 27 and NCS (Network Control Service) 28. The platform 20 has an application program interface (API) that can receive a processing request from the application 30 by a predefined function.
[0031]
The general-purpose OS 21 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 20 and the application 30 in parallel as processes.
[0032]
The process of the SRM 23 performs system control and resource management together with the SCS 22. The SRM23 process uses the hardware resources of the scanner, printer, and other engines, memory, HDD files, and host I / O (centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394 I / F, RS232C I / F, etc.). Arbitration is performed according to the request from the upper layer to be used, and execution control is performed. The process of the SCS 22 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, interrupt application control, and the like.
[0033]
The ECS 24 process controls the engine of the hardware resource 303, and the MCS 25 process acquires and releases an image memory, uses a hard disk device (HDD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like.
[0034]
The process of FCS27 includes APIs for performing facsimile transmission / reception using PSTN / ISDN network from application, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. provide.
[0035]
The process of the NCS 28 is a process for providing a service that can be commonly used for applications requiring network I / O. Data received from the network side by each protocol is distributed to each application, and data from the application Mediation when sending to the network side. Specifically, it has server daemons such as ftpd, httpd, lpd, snmpd, telnetd, and smtpd and client functions of the same protocol. In the present embodiment, a queue name and a filter application setting by a filter setting application, which will be described later, are held, and when print data including a queue name is received, the function of instructing the LPD to start the filter application is provided. Yes.
[0036]
The OCS 26 controls an operation panel (operation panel) serving as information transmission means between the operator (user) and the main body control.
[0037]
The application 30 includes a printer application 11 that is a printer application that supports a page description language, a copy application 12 that is a copy application, a fax application 313 that is a facsimile application, and a scanner application 14 that is a scanner application. Have. In addition, a filter application 15 that performs processing in the present embodiment and a filter setting application 16 are provided. In addition, a filter setting application 16 for making settings necessary for performing processing in the present embodiment for the NCS 28 is provided. Each of these applications 30 is generated and operated as a process by an initialization unit (not shown) when the MFP 1 is activated.
[0038]
In addition, a print spooler program that is a program attached to the general-purpose OS 21 is activated. The print spooler program is, for example, the UNIX (registered trademark) printer daemon LPD (abbreviation of line printer daemon, also referred to as a spool handle daemon (also referred to as a print spool control program in this specification)) 17. In the following embodiment, it is assumed that the LPD 17 is used.
[0039]
Each process of the application 30 and each process of the control service realize user services for image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, facsimiles, etc. while performing inter-process communication by calling functions, sending their return values, and sending and receiving messages. is doing.
[0040]
As described above, the multifunction device 1 includes a plurality of applications and a plurality of control services, all of which operate as processes. In each of these processes, one or a plurality of threads are generated and parallel execution is performed in units of threads. The control service provides a common service to the application 30. For this reason, a large number of these processes perform parallel operation and parallel operation of threads to perform inter-process communication with each other, User services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles are provided. In the multifunction device 1, a third party such as a third vendor can develop and install a new application in the application layer above the control service layer. The filter application 15 and the filter setting application 16 are one of such applications.
[0041]
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction machine 1 includes a controller 40, an operation panel 60, a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as FCU) 65, an engine 70 for performing printing and the like, and a plotter 75. Yes.
[0042]
The controller 40 includes a CPU 61, a MEM-P 42, a north bridge (hereinafter referred to as NB) 43, a south bridge (hereinafter referred to as SB) 44, an ASIC 45, a MEM-C 46, and an HDD 47. In addition, NIC48, USB49, IEEE1394 (50), and Centronics 51 are provided as various interfaces.
[0043]
The operation panel 60 is directly connected to the ASIC 45 of the controller 40. The FCU 65, various interfaces and engines 70, and the plotter 75 are connected to the ASIC 45 of the controller 40 by a PCI bus.
[0044]
The CPU 41 performs overall control of the multifunction machine 1. The NB 43 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 41, the MEM-P 42, and the ASIC 45. The MEM-P 42 is a system memory used as a drawing memory or the like of the multifunction machine 1. The SB 44 is a bridge for connecting the NB 43 and peripheral devices. The MEM-C 46 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The ASIC 45 is an IC for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing. The HDD 47 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. The operation panel 60 accepts input operations from the operator and displays information for the operator. It is an operation unit to be performed.
[0045]
Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention using the multifunction machine 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.
[0046]
(First embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the filter application 15 in the multifunction device 1 performs conversion processing on the print data transmitted from the PC 2, and the multifunction device 1 prints the print data subjected to the conversion processing by the printer application 11. . Various conversions can be performed by using the filter application 11. For example, conversion from one page description language to another page description language is performed. In addition, higher level conversion is possible, for example, converting Japanese into a foreign language, converting standard language into local language, and the like.
[0047]
FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram in the present embodiment. As shown in this functional block diagram, the filter setting application 16 sets the queue name and the filter application in the NCS 28 (step S1), and when the print data is sent from the PC 2 to the NCS 28 together with the queue name, the filter application 15 is activated. The filter application 15 reads the print data (steps S2 and S3), the LPD 17 transmits the converted print data to the printer application (steps S4 and S5), and the MFP 1 performs printing by the printer application 11.
[0048]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing in more detail from the setting by the filter setting application 16 to the activation of the filter application 15. As shown in FIG. 5, the filter setting application 16 first sets the queue name 281 and the corresponding filter application (identification information (for example, file name) 282) for the NCS 28, and then prints including the queue name 281. By receiving data from the PC 2, the NCS 28 instructs the LPD 17 to activate the filter application 15, and the LPD 17 activates the filter application.
[0049]
Next, the entire process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0050]
First, the MFP 1 is turned on (step S11 in FIG. 6), and various control services and various applications including the NCS 28, the printer application 11, the filter setting application 16, and the filter application 15 shown in FIG. 4 are activated (step S11). S12).
[0051]
Subsequently, the filter setting application 16 shown in FIG. 4 sets the queue name and the filter application 15 corresponding to the queue name in the NCS 28 (step S13). This operation need only be performed once at startup. In the case of using UNIX (registered trademark) as a general-purpose OS, the queue name is specified in advance in the item rp in / etc / printcap, which is a file for storing printer setting information. The print data (print job) is transferred to the queue having the name specified by rp. This setting in / etc / printcap is the same in the second to fourth embodiments.
[0052]
The PC 2 designates the queue name and instructs the multifunction device 1 to print. When there is a print instruction from the PC 2, the NCS 28 receives print data from the PC 2 via TCP / IP (step S14). Here, the print data is data described in a page description language such as postscript, ESC / Page, RPCS, or the like.
[0053]
The NCS 28 checks whether or not the queue name set by the filter setting application 16 is specified in the print data (step S15). If specified, the NCS 28 instructs the LPD 17 to start the filter application 15 corresponding to the queue name, and starts the LPD 17 (step S16).
[0054]
The activated LPD 17 activates the filter application 15 in accordance with the above instruction (step S17). Then, the NCS 28 inputs print data from the standard input to the filter application 15 via the LPD 17 (step S18). The amount of data to be input is the buffer size prepared by the filter application 15.
[0055]
The filter application 15 performs a conversion process on the input data (step S19). This processing includes, for example, conversion of a page description language, translation from Japanese to a foreign language in a document in print data, conversion from a standard language to a local language, and the like.
[0056]
Then, the LPD 17 reads out the print data converted by the filter application 15 from the standard output (step S20), and the LPD 17 sends the print data to the printer application 11 (step S21). The printer application 11 prints print data in the multifunction machine (step S22).
[0057]
With the above processing, the multifunction device 1 can perform printing by converting the print data received from the PC 2. In this embodiment, print data is not imaged, and input, conversion, and output to the multifunction peripheral are performed in the page description language format, so that high-speed processing can be performed.
[0058]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the multifunction device 1 transfers print data transmitted from the PC 2 to another printer (such as the printers 3 and 4 in FIG. 1), and the printer performs printing.
[0059]
FIG. 7 shows a functional block diagram in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the filter setting application 16 sets the queue name and filter application in the NCS 28 (step S31), and the filter application 15 reads the print data sent from the PC 2 to the NCS 28 together with the queue name (steps S32 to S34). The filter application 15 transmits the converted print data to another printer (step S35), and the other printer performs printing.
[0060]
This process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0061]
First, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, when the MFP is turned on (step S41), various control services and various applications including the NCS 28, the filter setting application 16, and the filter application 15 shown in FIG. (Step S42). Subsequently, the filter setting application 16 shown in FIG. 7 sets a queue name and a filter application corresponding to the queue name in the NCS 28 (step S43).
When print data described in the page description language is transmitted from the PC 2 via TCP / IP, the NCS 28 receives the print data via TCP / IP (step S44). In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the NCS 28 instructs the LPD 17 to start the filter application 15 corresponding to the queue name, and starts the LPD 17 (steps S45 and S46).
[0062]
The activated LPD 17 activates the filter application 15 (step S47), and the NCS 28 inputs print data from the standard input to the filter application 15 via the LPD 17 (step S48). For example, the filter application 15 converts a page description language (for example, converts print data described in RPCS into ESC / Page) (step S49), and transmits the converted print data to another printer (step S49). S50). Another printer prints the print data (step S51).
[0063]
The print data can be transmitted using the TCP / IP protocol. That is, the filter application 15 calls a TCP protocol socket function to establish a connection with another printer and transmit print data.
[0064]
In the present embodiment, it is possible not only to convert the page description language, but also to translate into a foreign language, as in the first embodiment. Further, the number of other printers is not limited to one, and print data can be output to a plurality of printers by TCP connection to the plurality of printers.
[0065]
Further, the filter application 15 performs different conversion for each printer, so that print data suitable for each of the plurality of printers can be transmitted. For example, print data described in Postscript can be transmitted to the printer 3, and print data described in ESC / Page can be transmitted to the printer 4.
[0066]
Also in this embodiment, since the print data is not imaged, the input, conversion, and output to the multi-function device 1 are performed in the page description language format, so that the processing can be performed at high speed. Also, since print data can be sent to a plurality of printers in a page description language suitable for the printer, printer resources can be used effectively.
[0067]
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, print data transmitted from the PC 2 is imaged (rasterized) by the multifunction device 1 and transmitted to another printer, attached to a mail, or transmitted as a FAX. .
[0068]
FIG. 9 shows a functional block diagram in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the filter setting application 16 sets the queue name and filter application in the NCS 28 (step S61), and the filter application 15 reads the print data sent from the PC 2 to the NCS 28 together with the queue name (steps S62 to S64). ). The filter application 15 outputs the print data to the LPD 17 (step S65), and the printer application 11 converts the print data into an image and stores it in the print data storage area 19 (steps S66 and S67). The filter application 15 acquires the imaged image data (step S68), converts the image data into a form suitable for the means to be output, prints to another printer, transmits by e-mail, transmits by FAX, etc. Is performed (step S69).
[0069]
Next, the above processing will be described in more detail using the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0070]
First, similarly to the first embodiment, various control services including the NCS 28, the printer application 11, the filter setting application 16, and the filter application 15 shown in FIG. And various applications are activated (step S72). Subsequently, the filter setting application 16 shown in FIG. 9 sets a queue name and a filter application corresponding to the queue name for the NCS 28 (step S73).
When print data described in the page description language is transmitted from the PC 2 via TCP / IP, the NCS 28 receives the print data via TCP / IP (step S74). Then, as in the first embodiment, the NCS 28 instructs the LPD 17 to start the filter application 15 corresponding to the queue name, and starts the LPD 17 (steps S75 and S76).
[0071]
The activated LPD 17 activates the filter application 15 (step S77), and the NCS 28 inputs print data from the standard input to the filter application 15 via the LPD 17 (step S78).
[0072]
The LPD 17 reads the print data of the filter application 15 from the standard output and transmits it to the printer application 11 (step S79). In this embodiment, the filter application 15 simply outputs the print data read from the standard input to the standard output as it is.
[0073]
Upon receiving the print data, the printer application 11 rasterizes (images) the print data, and stores the rasterized image data in the print data storage area 19 in the HDD 47 (step S80). The storage of the image data in the print data storage area 19 can be instructed from the PC 2 when transmitting the print data, for example.
[0074]
When the filter application 15 detects the end of the print job while inputting the print data from the standard input and outputting the print data from the standard output, the filter application 15 stores the rasterized image data stored in the print data storage area 19. Obtain (step S81).
[0075]
Thereafter, the filter application 15 converts the image data acquired from the print data storage area 19 into a page description language format (for example, ESC / Page) to another printer using the TCP / IP protocol, and the other printer transmits the data. Printing is performed (step S82).
[0076]
In addition to printing on another printer as described above, or alternatively, the filter application 15 may attach the image data acquired from the print data storage area 19 to an email and send it to the PC 9 via the Internet. Yes (step S83). In this case, for example, the filter application 15 adds a Tiff header to the image data, performs MIME processing to convert the image data into text data, and transmits the image data by attaching it to an email.
[0077]
Further, in addition to or in addition to the above processing, the filter application 15 can also transmit the image data acquired from the print data storage area 19 as a FAX (step S83). In this case, for example, the filter application 15 performs MMR compression on the image data acquired from the print data storage area 19 for FAX, and transmits the FAX using the FAX interface in the MFP 1.
[0078]
In this embodiment as well, the filter application 15 may perform print data conversion processing and output it to the standard output. According to the present embodiment, print data can be transmitted by various media such as e-mail and FAX using the multi-function device 1, and user convenience is improved.
[0079]
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, image data obtained by scanning by the multifunction machine 1 is transmitted to another printer using the filter application 15, and the other printer performs printing. As a result, it is possible to perform a copy operation of the document document with the multi-function device 1 and output the copy to a remote printer.
[0080]
FIG. 11 shows a functional block diagram in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the filter setting application 16 sets the queue name and the filter application in the NCS 28 (step S91), and the image data passed from the scan to print application 18 to the NCS 28 together with the queue name by scanning the document. Is read by the filter application 15 (steps S92 to S94), the filter application 15 converts the image data into print data and transmits it to another printer (step S95), and the other printer performs printing.
[0081]
The above processing will be described in more detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0082]
First, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, by turning on the power of the multifunction device 1 (step S101), various types including the NCS 28, the filter setting application 16, the filter application 15, and the scan to print application 18 shown in FIG. The control service and various applications are activated (step S102). Subsequently, the filter setting application 16 shown in FIG. 12 sets a queue name and a filter application corresponding to the queue name in the NCS 28 (step S103). Note that the scan-to-print application 18 shown in FIG. 11 may be a program included in the filter application 15 or another program. In any case, the scan-to-print application 18 is installed as one of the applications 30 in the configuration of FIG.
[0083]
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user selects a print function from scan (scan to print) in the present embodiment on the operation panel 60, and a menu screen for the function is displayed on the operation panel 60. The menu screen in this case is the same as the menu screen for copying in the multifunction machine 1. It is also possible to configure so that a printer for printing can be selected. In other words, when the functions in the present embodiment are executed, it is possible to select paper, magnification, density, and the like for each printer, and output a copy of an original to a plurality of printers.
[0084]
When the user sets a document and presses the copy start button in the multifunction device 1 while the menu screen is displayed, the multifunction device 1 starts scanning the document by the function of the scan to print application 18 (step S104). .
[0085]
Next, the scan-to-print application 18 instructs the printer application 11 of the MFP 1 to print the binary image data obtained by scanning using the TCP / IP port (step S105). At this time, the queue name is also specified.
[0086]
By instructing using the TCP / IP port, the image data obtained by scanning is transmitted to the NCS 28 by the TCP / IP protocol. When the NCS 28 receives the image data (step S106), the NCS 28 instructs the LPD 17 to start the filter application 15 corresponding to the queue name set in the image data, as in the first embodiment. Then, the LPD 17 is activated (steps S106 to S108).
[0087]
The activated LPD 17 activates the filter application 15 (step S109), and the NCS 28 inputs image data from the standard input to the filter application 15 via the LPD 17 (step S110). Then, the filter application 15 converts the image data into a page description language format (for example, ESC / Page) (step S111), and transmits it to another printer using the TCP / IP protocol (step S112). The data is printed (step S113).
[0088]
In this embodiment as well, as in the third embodiment, a Tiff header can be added to image data, MIME processed, converted into text data, and attached to a mail for transmission. Furthermore, the image data can be MMR compressed for FAX and transmitted as FAX using the FAX interface in the multifunction machine 1.
[0089]
According to the present embodiment, the user can output a copy to another remote printer simply by performing the same operation as copying, and the convenience for the user is improved.
[0090]
The filter application program and the filter setting application program according to the present invention can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash card, and can be installed in the multi-function device 1 from the recording medium. You can also launch the app. In addition, the filter application program and the filter setting application program can be acquired and installed from a remote server or the like via a network, or the program can be started on the multifunction device 1 from a remote server. It is.
[0091]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can be made within the scope of the claims.
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, print data from a PC can be converted by an image forming apparatus such as the multifunction machine 1 and printed from another printer. In addition, print data can be transmitted from the image forming apparatus as mail or FAX. Further, by performing an operation similar to the operation of copying an original in the image forming apparatus, it becomes possible to output a copy of the original to another printer. Thus, the convenience of the user can be improved by the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Furthermore, the hardware resources of the printer can be used effectively.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration when the multifunction machine 1 is operating.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction machine 1;
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining from setting by the filter setting application 16 to activation of the filter application 15;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the first embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram in the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the second embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the third embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the fourth embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 MFP
2,9 PC (personal computer)
3, 4 printer
5 LAN
6 routers
7 Internet
8 PSTN (public switched telephone network) / ISDN network
10 Software group
20 platform
30 applications
31 Monochrome line printer
32 color line printer
11 Printer app
12 Copy application
13 Fax application
14 Scanner application
15 Filter app
16 Filter setting application
17 LPD
21 General-purpose OS
22 SCS
23 SRM
24 ECS
25 MCS
26 OCS
27 FCS
28 NCS
40 controller
45 ASIC
60 Operation Panel
65 FCU
70 engine
75 plotter

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus having communication control means for receiving print data via a network,
Setting means for setting print queue information and print data conversion program identification information corresponding to the print queue information in the communication control means, and the print data conversion program;
When the communication control unit receives print data including the print queue information, the print data conversion program corresponding to the print queue information is executed by the image forming apparatus, so that the printing is performed. An image forming apparatus that performs conversion processing on data ,
The image forming apparatus further includes an image forming unit that forms an image of the print data, and the image forming unit forms an image with a function realized by executing the print data conversion program in the image forming apparatus. The conversion process is applied to the print data
The conversion process performed on the imaged print data is a process of converting the imaged print data into a format suitable for the printer and transmitting it to one or more printers different from the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus, comprising: An image forming apparatus having communication control means for receiving print data via a network,
Setting means for setting print queue information and print data conversion program identification information corresponding to the print queue information in the communication control means, and the print data conversion program;
When the communication control unit receives print data including the print queue information, the print data conversion program corresponding to the print queue information is executed by the image forming apparatus, so that the printing is performed. An image forming apparatus that performs conversion processing on data ,
The image forming apparatus further includes scanning means for acquiring image data by scanning a document,
The communication control means receives the image data obtained by the scanning means as print data including the print queue information,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the conversion process is a process of converting the image data into a format suitable for the printer and transmitting it to one or more printers different from the image forming apparatus . The setting means, and each of said communication control means, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 which is a means implemented by a program executed in the image forming apparatus. The print data conversion program, based on an instruction from the communication control means, an image as claimed in any one of the to the image forming apparatus claims 1, which is a program activated by the print spool control program executed 3 Forming equipment. A print data conversion program for causing an image forming apparatus having a communication control means for receiving print data via a network to execute conversion processing for print data,
This is executed when the communication control means in which the print queue information and the identification information of the print data conversion program corresponding to the print queue information are set receives the print data including the print queue information, and is sent to the image forming apparatus. A print data conversion program for executing the conversion process on the print data ;
The image forming apparatus further includes an imaging unit configured to image the print data, and the conversion process on the print data is a process performed on the print data imaged by the imaging unit. The processing applied to the print data is processing for converting the imaged print data into a format suitable for the printer and transmitting it to one or more printers different from the image forming apparatus. Print data conversion program . A print data conversion program for causing an image forming apparatus having a communication control means for receiving print data via a network to execute conversion processing for print data,
This is executed when the communication control means in which the print queue information and the identification information of the print data conversion program corresponding to the print queue information are set receives the print data including the print queue information, and is sent to the image forming apparatus. A print data conversion program for executing the conversion process on the print data ;
The image forming apparatus further includes scanning means for acquiring image data by scanning a document,
When the communication control unit receives the image data obtained by the scanning unit as print data including the print queue information, the print data conversion program causes the image forming apparatus to execute a conversion process on the print data,
The conversion process for the print data is a process for converting the image data into a format suitable for the printer and transmitting it to one or more printers different from the image forming apparatus. Program . The print data conversion program according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the print data conversion program is a program started by a print spool control program executed by the image forming apparatus based on an instruction from the communication control unit. A computer-readable recording medium on which the print data conversion program according to any one of claims 5 to 7 is recorded. 9. The computer-readable computer program product according to claim 8 , further comprising a setting program that causes the image forming apparatus to set the communication control unit with the print queue information and identification information of a print data conversion program corresponding to the print queue information. Recording medium.

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