JP4645535B2 - Image forming system, image processing apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes an image formation control device that performs screen processing on image data using a screen and controls image formation based on the image data, and an image processing device that performs rasterization processing on image data received from an external device. The present invention relates to a communicably connected image forming system, the image processing apparatus, and a program.

  When image data generated in a client terminal such as a personal computer or image data of a document is image-formed (hereinafter referred to as “print” as appropriate) by an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine, rasterization processing is applied to the image data. It is necessary to apply. The rasterization process is a process for converting image data such as a vector format into a bitmap format, and an image process called a print controller connected to a print engine that actually controls image formation of the image forming apparatus so as to be able to perform data communication. Performed in the apparatus.

  In addition, γ correction processing is performed to correct an image to be printed on a recording medium so as to have an appropriate gradation. The γ correction processing is performed on the image data after the rasterization processing using, for example, a LUT (Look Up Table; hereinafter referred to as “γ correction table”) indicating a γ correction curve.

  Further, screen processing for reproducing halftone colors is performed on the image data after the rasterization processing. For this screen processing, a line screen called a line screen was mainly used. However, with recent colorization and higher image quality, a pattern such as a dot shape, a lattice shape, a circle shape, and the like Various screens with varying accuracy such as the number of lines, the number of dots, and the angle are desired and implemented.

In this case, a plurality of screens are mounted in advance, and screen processing is performed using a screen designated by the user. However, depending on the characteristics of the screen, the image density may change. A gamma correction process is performed before the screen process using a gamma correction table created in advance in consideration of characteristics (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). That is, the print controller performs a pair of a gamma correction process corresponding to the designated screen and a screen process on the image data after the rasterization process (hereinafter, the gamma correction process to be performed on the pair is performed by the screen process). ("Screen processing").
JP 2004-181670 A JP 2004-266401 A

  By the way, the image density on the recording medium may fluctuate from time to time due to aging of the image forming apparatus, environmental changes in temperature and humidity, etc., so the output characteristics of the γ correction table stored in advance may vary. It is necessary to update sequentially according to the situation. The γ correction table is updated based on the image density obtained by measuring a patch image or the like actually formed on the recording medium or the transfer belt. Therefore, the γ correction table corresponding to a plurality of types of screens is used. It takes a lot of time to update.

  However, when screen processing is performed on the print controller side as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, specific communication processing must be performed between the print controller and the print engine each time the γ correction table is updated. On the other hand, when screen processing is performed by storing and managing the γ correction table on the print engine side, the γ correction table can be updated with simpler control.

  However, when multiple types of screens are installed, not all screens are used by the user, so updating the γ correction table for screens that are used infrequently is the processing efficiency of the print engine. Will be reduced. For this reason, the screen used by the user is set in advance in the print engine, and the γ correction table corresponding to the screen is updated, thereby preventing a reduction in processing efficiency.

  However, since the client terminal cannot always acquire the screen setting state in the print engine, there is a possibility that a screen set as non-use is specified in the client terminal. In this case, the image data is transmitted from the client terminal even though the screen processing corresponding to the designated screen cannot be performed.

  In general, a print controller that performs various types of image processing has a small and simple display unit because the operation frequency of the user is low, and a user after a print instruction goes to an image forming apparatus to pick up a product. It is practical to notify that the image cannot be processed on the image forming apparatus side.

  Therefore, in order to notify that the screen processing cannot be performed on the image forming apparatus side when the print controller receives the image data, it is necessary to perform specific communication processing with the print engine. In order to construct a simple interface, it is necessary to change the design of each interface, which is costly. On the other hand, if the print controller transmits image data and print setting information to the print engine, it is determined from the setting information that screen processing cannot be performed on the print engine side, and an error notification is performed.

  However, recent image data tends to have an enormous data size with colorization and higher image quality, and thus rasterization processing by a print controller may take a long time of several hours. On the print engine side, when image data is sent from the print controller, it is determined whether or not screen processing is possible, so an error notification is made after the long-time rasterization processing, which significantly reduces the workability of the user. Oops.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the purpose of the present invention is when a screen that cannot be used is designated without providing a special interface between the print controller and the print engine. It is to be able to promptly notify the error.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1
An image formation control device that performs screen processing using a screen on image data and controls image formation based on the image data, and an image processing device that performs rasterization processing on image data received from an external device are communicably connected. In the formed image forming system,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving screen designation information together with image data from the external device;
Determination means for determining whether or not screen processing using a screen designated based on the screen designation information is executable in the image formation control device;
When it is determined that the determination unit can execute, the image data received by the reception unit is subjected to the rasterization process and transmitted to the image formation control apparatus together with the screen designation information. A transmission control means for transmitting the image data and the screen designation information without performing the rasterization process when determined,
With
The image formation control device includes:
When screen processing using a screen designated based on screen designation information transmitted from the image processing apparatus can be executed, the screen processing is performed on the transmitted image data, and execution is impossible And screen processing control means for notifying the user that the execution is impossible.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The image formation control device includes:
A storage means for storing a plurality of screens;
The screen processing control means includes
When the screen processing is executable, the screen designated based on the screen designation information is read from the storage means, and the screen processing using the screen is performed on the transmitted image data. It is said.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The transmission control means includes
And a data replacement unit that replaces the image data received by the receiving unit with predetermined other image data and transmits the image data to the image forming control apparatus when the determination unit determines that the image cannot be executed. It is said.

An image processing apparatus according to claim 4 is provided.
Receiving means for receiving screen designation information together with image data from an external device;
Determination means for determining whether or not screen processing using a screen designated based on the screen designation information is executable in the image formation control device;
When the determination unit determines that the image can be executed, the image data received by the reception unit is rasterized and transmitted to the image formation control apparatus together with the screen designation information. A transmission control means for transmitting the image data and the screen designation information without performing the rasterization process,
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4,
The transmission control means includes
And a data replacement unit that replaces the image data received by the receiving unit with predetermined other image data and transmits the image data to the image forming control apparatus when the determination unit determines that the image cannot be executed. It is said.

The program according to claim 6 is a computer,
Receiving means for receiving screen designation information together with image data from an external device;
Determining means for determining whether or not screen processing using a screen designated based on the screen designation information is executable in the image forming control device;
When it is determined that the image can be executed by the determining unit, the image data received by the receiving unit is rasterized and transmitted to the image forming control apparatus together with the screen designation information. A transmission control means for transmitting the image data and the screen designation information without performing the rasterization process;
It is characterized by making it function as.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6,
The transmission control means, the computer,
Further functioning as a data replacement unit that replaces the image data received by the receiving unit with other predetermined image data and transmits it to the image forming control apparatus when the determination unit determines that the image cannot be executed. It is characterized by that.

  According to the first, fourth, and sixth aspects of the present invention, when it is determined that the screen processing using the screen designated based on the screen designation information is not executable in the image forming control device, the rasterizing process is performed. Instead, the image data and the screen designation information are transmitted to the image forming control apparatus. Accordingly, since the processing time for the rasterizing process is not required, the time until notification that the screen processing cannot be executed is shortened, and prompt error notification becomes possible.

  In addition, since image data and screen designation information are transmitted and received between the image processing apparatus and the image formation control apparatus, error notification can be speeded up without providing a special interface.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, an image forming system for performing screen processing corresponding to a designated screen among a plurality of screens on image data is realized, and screen processing corresponding to the designated screen is performed. It is possible to promptly notify an error when cannot be executed.

  According to the third, fifth, and seventh aspects of the present invention, when it is determined that the screen processing corresponding to the designated screen cannot be executed, the received image data is replaced with other predetermined image data. Since the image data is transmitted to the image formation control apparatus, the communication time between the image processing apparatus and the image formation control apparatus can be shortened according to the data size of the image data. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly notify an error that the screen processing cannot be executed.

  Hereinafter, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the image forming system according to the present invention is described as being applied to a multifunction peripheral. However, the image forming system may be applied to, for example, a printer, a copier, a facsimile receiver, or the like.

[Outline of image forming system]
First, an outline of the image forming system 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 is configured to be able to perform data communication with the client terminal 200 via the communication network N, and image data transmitted from the client terminal 200 or an image of a document read by the scanner unit 30. An image is formed on a recording medium based on the data.

  When the user inputs a print start instruction for the created document or image at the client terminal 200, a job file is generated based on the print start instruction and transmitted to the image forming system 100. Here, a job is a unit of a series of operations performed by the image forming system 100.

  FIG. 3A shows an example of the data structure of the job file F. As shown in FIG. 3A, the job file F includes job information D1 and image data D3. The job information D1 is setting information for forming an image based on the image data D3 such as the number of pages, the number of copies, and the paper size, and is set by the user on the client terminal 200 side. The job information D1 includes screen designation information D10. The screen designation information D10 is data indicating a screen used in screen processing, and is set by the user.

  The image data D3 is, for example, vector format or bitmap format data to be printed on a document or image created on the client terminal 200. The vector format image data D3 is converted into a bitmap format by rasterization processing of the print controller 60, and then subjected to image processing such as screen processing including γ correction processing.

  The screen processing is executed in either one of the print controller 60 and the print engine 10 shown in FIG. 2, and the user sets the execution destination on the client terminal 200 side. When the job information D1 includes the execution destination of the screen processing and the job file F is transmitted from the client terminal 200, it is determined whether the screen processing is performed by the print controller 60 or the print engine 10. This is performed based on the job information D1.

[Configuration of image forming system]
Next, the functional configuration of the image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance and internal configuration of the image forming system 100, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming system 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 100 includes a main body 1 provided with an operation display unit 20 and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) unit 40, and post-processing (FNS) that is optionally connected thereto. A finisher unit 70, a large capacity tray unit 3, and a print controller 60. The print controller 60 is connected to the main body 1 via the PCI bus BS so that data communication is possible.

  2, the image forming system 100 includes a print engine 10, an operation display unit 20, a scanner unit 30, a printer unit 50, a print controller 60, and a post-processing unit 70. In FIG. 2, the solid lines connecting the functional units indicate communication lines for image data, job files, and the like, and the broken lines indicate communication lines for control signals and the like.

  The print controller 60 includes a controller control unit 61, a screen processing unit 62, a LAN control unit 63, a DRAM control IC 64, and an image memory 65.

  The controller control unit 61 is a functional unit that controls instructions and data communication to each functional unit and performs various image processing on the image data D3, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM. (Random Access Memory). In addition, the controller control unit 61 performs rasterization processing on the image data D3 included in the job file F received from the client terminal 200. That is, data conversion is performed on the bitmap-format image data D3 based on a predetermined page description language.

  The screen processing unit 62 is a functional unit that performs screen processing on the image data D3 that has been rasterized by the controller control unit 61, and uses a predetermined screen. When the controller controller 61 determines that the screen processing is to be performed by the print controller 60 based on the job information D1, the controller controller 61 outputs the image data D3 to the screen processor 62. The screen processing unit 62 performs screen processing using the screen designated based on the screen designation information D10, and the processed image data D3 and job information D1 are output to the DRAM control IC 64.

  Further, when screen processing is performed in the print engine 10, when it is determined based on the job information D1, the screen processing unit 62 does not perform screen processing, and the job file F is output to the DRAM control IC 64 as it is. However, if screen processing using the screen specified based on the screen specification information D10 of the job information D1 cannot be executed on the print engine 10 side, the image data D3 is replaced with predetermined other image data (described later). The job file F is output to the DRAM control IC 64.

  The LAN control unit 63 includes a communication interface for connecting to a communication network N such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem, and performs data communication with an external device such as the client terminal 200.

  The image memory 65 is a data area that is configured by, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and temporarily stores the job file F transmitted from the client terminal 200. The DRAM control IC 64 is a functional unit that controls reading / writing of image data from / to the image memory 65 and data communication with the print engine 10 via the PCI bus BS.

  In FIG. 2, the print engine 10 includes an image control unit 11, a reading processing unit 12, a writing processing unit 13, a nonvolatile memory 14, an image memory 15, a screen processing unit 16, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 17. .

  The image control unit 11 is a functional unit that performs overall control of various functional units such as the operation display unit 20, the scanner unit 30, the printer unit 50, and the post-processing unit 70 and performs various types of image processing. Etc. Specifically, the image control unit 11 controls each functional unit by performing processing according to various programs stored in the ROM or the HDD 17 based on the operation signal output from the operation display unit 20.

  The image control unit 11 includes a serial or parallel communication interface (not shown), and performs data communication with the print controller 60 via the PCI bus BS. When receiving the job file F from the print controller 60, the image control unit 11 stores the image data D3 included in the job file F in the image memory 15 and the job information D1 in the nonvolatile memory 14.

  The read processing unit 12 converts the analog image signal read by the scanner unit 30 into digital image data and outputs the digital image data to the image control unit 11. The image control unit 11 compresses the digital image data and temporarily stores it in the image memory 15.

  The writing processing unit 13 generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the decompressed image data, and outputs it to the printer unit 50. The image control unit 11 decompresses the image data stored in the image memory 15 and temporarily stores it in the image memory 15. Then, uncompressed image data is read from the image memory 15 in units of pages and output to the write processing unit 13.

  The nonvolatile memory 14 includes a semiconductor memory that can read and write data, and stores various setting data related to image formation. The image memory 15 is composed of, for example, a DRAM and includes a compression memory that temporarily stores compressed image data and a page memory that temporarily stores uncompressed image data before printing. The

  The screen processing unit 16 is a functional unit that performs screen processing including γ correction processing on the image data D3 that has been rasterized by the print controller 60, and performs screen processing using various screens 170 stored in the HDD 17. For convenience of explanation, the screen processing unit 16 and the image control unit 11 are individually described and illustrated. However, the image control unit 11 and the screen processing unit 16 are integrally configured so that the image control unit 11 is a screen. Processing may be performed.

  The HDD 17 stores various data related to the screen processing of the screen processing unit 16 and the job file F. According to FIG. 2, the HDD 17 stores various screens 170 and a γ correction table group 172 corresponding to the characteristics of each screen 170.

  As an example of the type of the screen 170, a screen having a different pattern such as a linear line screen or a dot-like dot screen, a screen giving priority to resolution by changing the number of lines or dots, and a screen giving priority to gradation are reproduced. There are screens with different accuracy. By combining these, a plurality of types of screens 170 such as a resolution priority line screen, a gradation priority line screen, a resolution priority dot screen, and a gradation priority dot screen are stored and mounted.

  A gamma correction table 172 considering the screen characteristics of each of the various screens 170 is created in advance for each color material such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) and stored in the HDD 17. The screen processing unit 16 reads the gamma correction table 172 corresponding to the screen 170 based on the screen designation information D10 included in the job information D1, that is, the screen 170 designated by the user from the HDD 17, and uses the gamma correction table 172. Γ correction processing is performed as part of the screen processing.

  Further, the HDD 17 stores a screen setting table 174 shown in FIG. The screen setting table 174 associates a screen number (No.), screen information indicating the type of the screen 170, correction table information indicating the γ correction table 172 associated with each screen 170, and an availability flag. Is a data table to be stored.

  The usability flag is a flag (ON or OFF) indicating whether or not to perform screen processing using the screen 170 indicated by the screen information, and is set by a user's operation on the operation display unit 20. For example, in FIG. 3B, a resolution-priority line screen with the screen number “1” is set to execute screen processing using the screen, and at the time of execution, LUT1Y, LUT1M, LUT1C, and LUT1K are set. The γ correction table 172 for each color material is used for the γ correction processing.

  The operation display unit 20 includes an operation display control unit 21, an LCD (Liquid Crystal display) 22, and an operation panel 23. The operation display control unit 21 performs display control of the LCD 22 based on an instruction from the image control unit 11 and outputs an operation signal input from the operation panel 23 to the image control unit 11.

  The LCD 22 displays various setting screens, image status display, operation status of each function, and the like on the screen in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the operation display control unit 21. The operation panel 23 includes operation keys and a touch panel, and the touch panel is formed integrally with the LCD 22. The operation panel 23 outputs an operation signal according to a user's operation key pressing operation or touch panel contact operation to the operation display control unit 21.

  The scanner unit 30 includes a scanner control unit 31 and a scanner 32. The scanner control unit 31 drives and controls a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like based on an instruction from the image control unit 11. The scanner 32 includes a platen glass, a CCD, and a light source. The reflected light of the light scanned from the light source to the original is imaged by the CCD, an image of the original is read by photoelectric conversion, and an analog image signal of the image is obtained. The data is output to the reading processing unit 12.

  The ADF unit 40 shown in FIG. 1 automatically feeds the documents placed on the document tray T1 one by one onto the platen glass of the scanner unit 30 based on an instruction from the image control unit 11.

  The printer unit 50 includes a printer control unit 51, an LD (Laser Diode) 81, a photosensitive drum 82, a charger 83, a developing unit 84, a transfer unit 85, a fixing unit 86, and a paper feed tray that supplies transfer paper (recording medium). 87a to 87d are configured to include a paper feed roller for transporting the transfer paper along the transport path (indicated by a thick line in FIG. 1) for transporting the transfer paper, a transport path switching plate 90, a reversing unit 91, and the like. .

  The printer control unit 51 controls the operation of each unit in the printer unit 50 based on an instruction from the image control unit 11 and relays data communication between the image control unit 11 and the FNS control unit 71.

  Specifically, for example, the printer control unit 51 feeds transfer paper from a paper feed tray having a paper size set in the job information D1, and transports the transfer paper onto the transport path. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 82 is charged by the charger 83, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 82 is irradiated with the laser light from the LD 81 based on the PWM signal input from the writing processing unit 13. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 82, and the developing device 84 attaches toner to a region including the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 82.

  Next, the transfer unit 85 transfers toner to the conveyed transfer paper to form an image, and the image is fixed by the fixing device 86 and then discharged to the post-processing unit 2. When performing duplex printing, the transfer sheet on which one side is printed is conveyed to the reversing unit 91 via the conveyance path switching plate 90 and the reversing path, and the reversing unit 91 reverses the front and back, and then the photosensitive drum 82. Then, the image is formed on the reverse surface and fixed, and then discharged to the post-processing section 2.

  The post-processing unit 2 includes an FNS control unit 71, a stapler 72, and a punch unit 73. The stapler 72 temporarily stores the transfer paper conveyed from the main body unit 1 in a stacker, and then staples the transfer paper. The punch unit 73 temporarily stops the transfer paper transported from the main body 1 in the unit and opens a punch hole.

  The FNS control unit 71 controls the stapler 72 and the punch unit 73 based on an instruction from the image control unit 11 input via the printer control unit 51, and performs post-processing of stapling and punching on the transferred transfer paper. Do. Then, the transfer paper is discharged to either the main tray Ta1 or the sub-tray Ta2.

[Specific operation example of image forming system]
Next, a specific operation of the image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an operation example of the print controller 60 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the controller control unit 61 of the print controller 60 receives the job file F from the client terminal 200, it waits until the start timing of the rasterizing process is reached (step S1), and determines that the rasterizing process can be started (step S1). Yes), whether or not the various screens 170 on the print engine 10 side can be used is confirmed (step S5).

  For example, the controller control unit 61 obtains the screen setting table 174 by communicating with the print engine 10 in advance, and checks the availability of the various screens 170 based on the availability flag of the screen setting table 174. Then, based on the job information D1 included in the received job file F, it is determined whether or not screen processing is to be executed on the print engine 10 side (step S7).

  When it is determined that the screen processing is not executed on the print engine 10 side (step S7; No), the controller control unit 61 shifts the processing to step S11 and performs rasterization processing on the image data D3 of the job file F (step S7). S11).

  When screen processing is performed on the print controller 60 side (step S13; Yes), screen processing is performed on the image data D3 after rasterization processing using the screen specified based on the screen information D10 (step S13). In step S15, the job file F including the screen-processed image data D3 is transmitted to the print engine 10 (step S17).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the screen processing is to be executed on the print engine 10 side (step S7; Yes), the controller control unit 61 designates the screen 170 designated based on the screen designation information D10 (hereinafter, this designated screen is referred to as “ It is determined whether or not screen processing using “designated screen” is executable on the print engine 10 side (step S9).

  Specifically, when the availability flag for each screen 170 confirmed in step S5 is set to “ON”, it is determined that the screen processing using the screen 170 can be executed (step S7; Yes), rasterization processing is performed on the image data D3 (step S11).

  Then, in order to perform the screen process on the print engine 10 side, the process shifts to step S17 without performing the screen process in step S15 (step S13; No → S17), and the job file F including the image data D3 after the rasterization process Is transmitted to the print engine 10 (step S17).

  In step S9, when the availability flag associated with the designated screen is set to “OFF” and it is determined that the screen processing using the screen 170 cannot be executed (step S9; No). Then, an empty job is created (step S19) and transmitted to the print engine 10 (step S17).

  Here, the empty job refers to a job file in which the image data D3 included in the received job file F is replaced with other predetermined image data having a smaller page number and data size than the image data D3. It is configured with the same data formation as the job file F shown in FIG. As the replacement image data, for example, binary image data for one page of the minimum paper size (for example, A5 size) is set in advance. By replacing the image data D3 with such other replacement image data, the communication time of the job file F with the print engine 10 can be shortened.

  Next, an operation example of the print engine 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the image control unit 11 of the print engine 10 stands by until a document is read from the ADF unit 40 or a job file F is received from the print controller 60.

  When the document is read from the ADF unit 40 (step S21; Yes), the image data input from the reading processing unit 12 and the print setting content set in the operation display unit 20 are shown in FIG. A job file F having the same data format as (a) is created (step S23).

  The image control unit 11 performs a shading correction process for correcting luminance unevenness that occurs when the scanner unit 30 reads, and a luminance density that converts the luminance characteristic peculiar to the CCD of the scanner unit 30 into an optimal luminance characteristic according to human visual characteristics. The conversion process is performed on the image data D3 of the job file F (step S25).

  Next, an image area is determined based on the image data D3 (step S27), the image area is sharpened using an MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) filter, and then the image data D3 is scaled based on the job information D1. The image is enlarged or reduced to change the magnification (step S29).

  Then, the density γ conversion process for converting the image data D3 is performed using the LUT in which the density linear output value is determined with respect to the luminance linear input value (step S31), and the inclination correction process and the error diffusion process are further performed. (Step S33).

  The image control unit 11 compresses the image data D3 of the job file F, temporarily stores it in the image memory 15, and decompresses and reads it in units of pages (step S35), for each of the Y, M, C, and K color materials. After the printer γ conversion process for converting the image data into the image data (step S37), the process proceeds to step S51.

  On the other hand, when the job file F is received from the print controller 60 (step S41; Yes), similarly to steps S35 and S37, compression and expansion of the image data D3 included in the job file F and printer γ conversion are performed. Processing is performed (steps S43 and S45).

  The image control unit 11 analyzes the job information D1 included in the job file F (step S47), and determines whether or not screen processing is to be executed on the print engine 10 side (step S49). If it is determined that the screen processing has already been performed on the print controller 60 side and the screen processing is not to be performed on the print engine 10 side (step S49; No), the process proceeds to step S55 and printing is performed ( Step S55).

  If it is determined that the screen process is to be executed (step S49; Yes), the screen setting table 174 determines whether the screen process corresponding to the screen specified based on the screen specification information D10 is executable. To determine (step S51). Note that after the processing in step S37, it is determined whether or not the screen processing corresponding to the screen specified by the setting of the operation display unit 20 is in an executable state.

  When the availability flag associated with the designated screen is “ON”, the image control unit 11 determines that the screen processing corresponding to the screen can be executed (step S51; Yes), and the screen. Processing is executed (step S53), and then printing is executed (step S53).

  Further, when the availability flag is “OFF”, it is determined that the execution is impossible (step S51; No), and for example, a warning display “Screen is not ready” is displayed on the LCD 22. (Step S57). Then, a job deletion request message such as “I will delete this job” is displayed on the LCD 22 (step S59), and it waits until the request is approved by the user.

  For example, when the image control unit 11 detects the pressing operation of the OK key on the operation panel 23 and determines that the deletion is OK (step S61; Yes), the image data D3 stored in the image memory 15 and the nonvolatile data are stored. The job information D1 stored in the memory 14 is deleted (step S63), and the warning display is canceled (step S65).

  FIG. 6 shows the operation of the conventional image forming system when the job file F is transmitted from the client terminal 200 when the screen 170 with the availability flag set to “OFF” is designated, and the image in the present embodiment. 2 is a diagram for comparison with the operation of the forming system 100. FIG.

  First, in the conventional image forming system, a warning that screen processing cannot be executed after the job file F is transmitted to the print engine 10 after the rasterization processing is performed in the print controller 60 as shown in FIG. Display is made.

  On the other hand, in the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the screen processing corresponding to the designated screen cannot be executed, the rasterizing process is not performed and the empty job is printed. Is sent to and a warning is displayed.

  That is, the processing time required for the rasterization processing in the print controller 60 is conventionally included in the time from the transmission of the job file F of the client terminal 200 to the display of the warning, but in this embodiment, the rasterization is performed. Processing time of processing is not included. Further, since a blank job having a data size smaller than that of the job file F is transmitted from the print controller 60, the communication time between the print controller 60 and the print engine 10 is shortened.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print controller 60 determines whether or not the screen process corresponding to the designated screen can be executed before the rasterization process is performed on the image data D3. In this case, an empty job in which the image data D3 is replaced with replacement image data is transmitted to the print engine 10. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the time from the input of the user's print start instruction at the client terminal 200 to the warning display, and it is possible to promptly notify an error when an unusable screen is designated.

  In addition, since an empty job having the same data format as the job file F is transmitted and received between the print controller 60 and the print engine 10, error notification can be speeded up without changing the design of each interface.

  Further, since the print engine 10 performs a general processing flow of performing screen processing or warning display based on whether or not the screen processing can be executed, it is not necessary to make a significant software design change of the print engine 10. In addition, by displaying a warning on the LCD 22 on the main body 1 side, a reliable error notification to the user is possible.

  In addition, embodiment mentioned above is an example to which this invention is applied, The applicable range is not restricted to the said example, It can change suitably.

  For example, when the print controller 60 determines that the screen process corresponding to the designated screen cannot be executed, the client terminal 200 is notified by communicating with the client terminal 200 via the communication network N, and the warning display is displayed. It may be performed on the client terminal 200. As a result, a warning is displayed on the LCD 22 of the main unit 1 and the client terminal 200, so that an error can be notified to the user without fail.

  Further, although it has been described that the determination as to whether or not the screen process can be executed is based on the availability flag in the screen setting table 174, the determination may be based on the update date and time of the γ correction table 172, for example. . Specifically, the date and time when the γ correction table 172 corresponding to each screen is updated is stored in the screen setting table 174, and when the updated date and time has passed a predetermined period (for example, one week), the screen It is determined that the screen processing corresponding to can not be executed.

  If the γ correction table 172 is not updated for a predetermined period, the output characteristics may have changed. For this reason, when the output characteristic of the γ correction table 172 is not updated, a warning display indicating that screen processing cannot be performed can be performed.

  In addition, the notification that the screen processing cannot be performed is performed by displaying on the LCD 22. However, for example, a sound output unit such as a speaker may be provided in the main body unit 1 and notified through the sound output unit.

  In addition, the print controller 60 and the main body 1 are described as being configured as separate devices. However, the print controller 60 may be configured integrally with the main body 1, and an example of the configuration is illustrated in FIG. Not limited.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance and a cross section of an image forming system. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming system. (A) The figure which shows the example of a data structure of a job file, (b) The figure which shows an example of the data structure of a screen setting table. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a specific operation of the print controller. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a specific operation of the print engine. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of a conventional image forming system, and FIG. 5B is an example of an operation of the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming system 1 Main body part 10 Print engine 11 Image control part 14 Non-volatile memory 15 Image memory 16 Screen processing part 17 HDD
20 Operation Display Unit 60 Print Controller 61 Controller Control Unit 62 Screen Processing Unit 63 LAN Control Unit 64 DRAM Control IC
65 Image memory 70 Post-processing unit 170 Various screens 172 γ correction table group 174 Screen setting table 200 Client terminal F Job file D1 Job information D10 Screen designation information D3 Image data

Claims (7)

An image formation control device that performs screen processing using a screen on image data and controls image formation based on the image data, and an image processing device that performs rasterization processing on image data received from an external device are communicably connected. In the formed image forming system,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving screen designation information together with image data from the external device;
Determination means for determining whether or not screen processing using a screen designated based on the screen designation information is executable in the image formation control device;
When it is determined that the determination unit can execute, the image data received by the reception unit is subjected to the rasterization process and transmitted to the image formation control apparatus together with the screen designation information. A transmission control means for transmitting the image data and the screen designation information without performing the rasterization process when determined,
With
The image formation control device includes:
When screen processing using a screen designated based on screen designation information transmitted from the image processing apparatus can be executed, the screen processing is performed on the transmitted image data, and execution is impossible And an image forming system comprising screen processing control means for notifying the user that the execution is impossible. The image formation control device includes:
A storage means for storing a plurality of screens;
The screen processing control means includes
When the screen processing is executable, the screen designated based on the screen designation information is read from the storage means, and the screen processing using the screen is performed on the transmitted image data. The image forming system according to claim 1. The transmission control means includes
And a data replacement unit that replaces the image data received by the receiving unit with predetermined other image data and transmits the image data to the image forming control apparatus when the determination unit determines that the image cannot be executed. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. Receiving means for receiving screen designation information together with image data from an external device;
Determination means for determining whether or not screen processing using a screen designated based on the screen designation information is executable in the image formation control device;
When the determination unit determines that the image can be executed, the image data received by the reception unit is rasterized and transmitted to the image formation control apparatus together with the screen designation information. A transmission control means for transmitting the image data and the screen designation information without performing the rasterization process,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The transmission control means includes
And a data replacement unit that replaces the image data received by the receiving unit with predetermined other image data and transmits the image data to the image forming control apparatus when the determination unit determines that the image cannot be executed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4. Computer
Receiving means for receiving screen designation information together with image data from an external device;
Determining means for determining whether or not screen processing using a screen designated based on the screen designation information is executable in the image forming control device;
When it is determined that the image can be executed by the determining unit, the image data received by the receiving unit is rasterized and transmitted to the image forming control apparatus together with the screen designation information. A transmission control means for transmitting the image data and the screen designation information without performing the rasterization process;
Program to function as. The transmission control means, the computer,
Further functioning as a data replacement unit that replaces the image data received by the receiving unit with other predetermined image data and transmits it to the image forming control apparatus when the determination unit determines that the image cannot be executed. The program according to claim 6.

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