JP5298829B2 - Image processing program, image processing apparatus, and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing program, an image processing device, and an image processing system which plan load reduction of volume of data at request origin without harming convenience of the request origin which requests image information. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing system 1 consists of a first to a fourth terminals 2A to 2D as the request origins of the resource, a resource server 3 which manages a resource and transmits desired resource to the request origin, and a first and a second printer 4A and 4B etc. The resource server 3 includes a resource registration part 33 which registers an original image, output condition which outputs the original image to the outside, and low resolution image processed to less volume of data, an obtained image distinction part 34 which determines whether output request from the request origin coincides with output condition or not, an original resource acquisition part 36 which outputs the original image or the low resolution image to the request origin responding to the determination result, and a low resolution image acquisition part 35. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing program, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a variable printing system that stores variable data for variable printing in both a print instruction apparatus and a printing apparatus is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

According to the variable printing system, the first storage unit that stores the variable data, the transfer unit that transfers the variable data stored by the first storage unit, and the transfer instruction that instructs the transfer unit to transfer the variable data And a printing apparatus including a second storage unit that stores the variable data transferred from the transfer unit.
JP 2008-33634 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing program, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing system that can reduce the load of the data amount at the request source without impairing the convenience of the request source that requested the image information. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, an aspect of the present invention provides the following image processing program, image processing apparatus, and image processing system.

[ 1 ] Storage means for storing image information used as a variable data resource, time information when a predetermined operation is performed on the image information, and processed image information obtained by processing the image information into a smaller data amount A registration step of registering in the storage means, and when an output request for the image information registered in the storage means is made, the output request determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed from the time information, and the predetermined period To output the image information to the requester of the output request when it is within, and to output the processed image information to the requester of the output request when not within a predetermined period Image processing program.
[2] A registration step of registering image information used as a variable data resource and processed image information obtained by processing the image information into a smaller data amount in a storage unit, and the image information registered in the storage unit When an output request is made, a record update time at which a record including a variable field to which the image information is applied is updated is acquired, and whether or not the output request has passed a predetermined period from the record update time. And outputting the image information to the requester of the output request when it is within a predetermined period, and outputting the processed image information to the requester of the output request when not within the predetermined period An image processing program for causing a computer to execute.
[3] The output step determines whether the request source is a person related to a person who registered the image information, and the request source is a person related to a person who registered the image information. The image information is output to the request source, and when the request source is not a person related to the person who registered the image information, the output request is transmitted for a predetermined period from the time information or the record update time. The image processing program according to [1] or [2], wherein the image information or the processed image information is output to the request source according to the determination result.

[ 4 ] Storage means for storing image information used as a variable data resource, time information when a predetermined operation is performed on the image information, and processed image information obtained by processing the image information into a smaller data amount A registration means for registering to the storage means, and when an output request for the image information registered in the storage means is made, the output request determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed from the time information; when it is internal outputs the image information to the request source of the output request, when not within the predetermined time period an image processing apparatus and an output means for outputting the processed image information to the requesting of the output request .

[ 5 ] Storage means for storing image information used as a variable data resource, time information when a predetermined operation is performed on the image information, and processed image information obtained by processing the image information into a smaller data amount When the output request for the image information registered in the storage unit is registered, the output request determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed from the time information, and the predetermined period when it is internal outputs the image information to the request source of the output request, the image processing apparatus having an output means for outputting the processed image information to the requesting of the output request when it is not within the predetermined time period, the image information, output of the said output means of said time information and registration of the processed image information, and requesting means for requesting an output of the image information to the image processing apparatus, and image processing apparatus Image processing system comprising a terminal device as the request source and a storage means for storing the image information.

According to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the load on the data amount at the request source without impairing the convenience of the request source that requested the image information.

  According to the image processing program of the sixth aspect, it is possible to replace the image information on which the printing process has been executed among the image information output to the request source with the processed image information.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system 1 includes variable data and first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D that perform editing and browsing of resources applied to the variable data, and manages the resources, and the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2A. A resource server 3 as an image processing apparatus that transmits a desired resource to 2D and the first and second printers 4A and 4B, and first and second printers 4A that execute print processing based on variable data and resources , 4B, the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D, the first and second printers 4A, 4B, and the resource server 3 are mutually connected.

  The network 10 is a communication network such as a LAN (local area network) that transmits and receives data by wired communication (electric cable, optical cable, etc.), wireless communication (radio waves, infrared rays, etc.), and the like.

  “Variable data” refers to variable data in which item data that specifies character string information such as name and address, image information, etc. applied to variable fields (variable parts) defined in the template are separated by a delimiter such as a comma. This refers to print data, and includes template designation information for designating a template.

  “Resource” includes character string information, image information, and the like, and is item data applied to the variable field of the variable data in the present embodiment. The image information has a data size (data amount) larger than that of the character string information, reduces the number of pixels per unit width in the vertical and horizontal directions in the image size (reduction in image size), lossless compression or non- Data size can be reduced by processing such as lossless compression. Note that when the image information is processed, the original image information is referred to as an original image, and an image obtained by processing the original image into a smaller data size is referred to as a low resolution image (processed image information).

(Terminal)
The first and second terminals 2A and 2B are terminals used by the users A and B belonging to the X group, and the third and fourth terminals 2C and 2D are used by the users C and D belonging to the Y group. It is a terminal.

  Each of the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D controls each unit of the terminals 2A to 2D, for example, a control unit realized by a CPU or the like, data such as variable data and resources, and editing of variable data and resources. , Storing a program for browsing, for example, a resource storage unit 20 as a storage means realized by a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, etc., and a communication realized by, for example, a network interface card connected to the network 10 And an input unit that receives a data input operation, for example, realized by a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and a display unit that displays various screens, for example, realized by a liquid crystal display or the like.

  Such 1st thru | or 4th terminals 2A-2D can be comprised by a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone etc., for example.

(Printer)
Each of the first and second printers 4A and 4B controls each unit of the printer, for example, stores a control unit realized by a CPU and the like, and data such as resources sent from the resource server 3, for example, A resource storage unit 40 serving as a storage means realized by a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like, a printing unit that outputs a printed matter in which a visible image is formed on a recording medium such as paper based on the resource and variable data, and the network 10 The communication unit is connected to, for example, a communication unit realized by a network interface card.

  For the printing unit, for example, various image forming methods such as an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method, and a thermal transfer method can be used. Instead of the printers 4A and 4B, a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as copying (copying), printing, scanning, and faxing may be used.

(Resource server)
The resource server 3 includes a request determination unit 30, a resource selection unit 31, a low resolution image creation unit 32, a resource registration unit 33, an acquired image determination unit 34, a low resolution image acquisition unit 35, an original resource acquisition unit 36, and a printer information acquisition unit. 37, a printer transmission resource determination unit 38, a lock processing unit 39, a storage unit 300, and a communication unit 310.

  Such a resource server 3 can be configured by, for example, a computer, a server, a workstation, or the like. Note that the request determination unit 30, the resource selection unit 31, the low resolution image creation unit 32, the resource registration unit 33, the acquired image determination unit 34, the low resolution image acquisition unit 35, the original resource acquisition unit 36, and the printer information acquisition of the resource server 3 Each of the unit 37, the printer transmission resource determination unit 38, and the lock processing unit 39 is performed by a control unit (not shown) including a CPU or the like provided in the resource server 3, for example, image processing stored in the storage unit 300. It works by operating according to a program. In FIG. 1, data transmission / reception may be performed between the units not connected by the arrows, and the data transmission direction is not limited to the direction of the arrows connecting the units.

  The storage unit 300 is storage means realized by a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like, and each user is identified by a resource management table 301 that manages character string information, resources of original images and low-resolution images, and a user ID that identifies the user. The group management information 302 for managing the group to which the group belongs is stored. Details of the resource management table 301 will be described later.

  The communication unit 310 is connected to the network 10 and is realized by, for example, a network interface card.

  The request determination unit 30 determines the types of requests transmitted from the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D that are request sources. As a result of the determination, the request determination unit 30 sends an instruction to the resource selection unit 31 when the request is a registration request, and sends an instruction to the acquired image determination unit 34 when the request is an output request.

  The registration request is a request for registering the resources transmitted from the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D in the resource management table 301. The resource to be registered and the user who performed the registration request are specified. User ID to be displayed. The registration request includes new registration for newly registering a resource in the resource management table 301 and change registration for changing a resource already registered in the resource management table 301.

  The output request is a request to output (send) the resource managed by the resource management table 301, terminal resource list information indicating a list of resources stored in the resource storage unit 20 of the terminal, It consists of a user ID indicating the user who performed the output request operation.

  In response to an instruction from the request determination unit 30, the resource selection unit 31 selects whether or not the registration target resource in the registration request is image information.

  The low-resolution image creation unit 32 performs processing on the original image that is the image information to be registered, and creates a low-resolution image obtained by processing the original image into a smaller data size. In addition to reducing the image size of the original image, the processing may be performed, for example, by changing the color mode, converting the image format, or the like, or combining these.

  The resource registration unit 33 registers the registration target resource in the resource management table 301. In particular, when a resource to be registered is selected as image information by the resource selection unit 31, the resource registration unit 33 includes an original image, a low-resolution image created from the original image, an original image, or a low-resolution image. An output condition for determining whether any of the image information is output to the outside is registered in the resource management table 301.

  In the present embodiment, as an output condition, a registration group (related person information) to which a user who has requested registration of image information belongs, and a last update date and time (time information) indicating the date and time when the image information was last updated are included. Use.

  The related person information may be information indicating a person associated with the image information. For example, the related person information may indicate a person who has performed operations such as creation, update, and browsing of the image information, and manages the image information. It may indicate a person who performs, but is not limited thereto. The time information may be information indicating a time when a predetermined operation is performed on the image information. For example, the time information may be a time when an operation such as creation, registration, and browsing of image information is performed, Record update date and time when a record including a variable field to which image information is applied in data may be used. In addition to the related person information and time information described above, the output condition may use a printing frequency at which a resource is printed, a change frequency at which change registration is performed, or the like.

  When the image information registered in the resource management table 301 is requested from the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D, the acquired image determination unit 34 determines whether the output condition in the image information to be output matches. If they match, the original resource acquisition unit 36 is instructed to transmit the original image, and if they do not match, the low resolution image acquisition unit 35 is instructed to transmit the low resolution image.

  Further, the low resolution image acquisition unit 35 receives an instruction from the acquired image determination unit 34 and the printer information acquisition unit 37, acquires a low resolution image from the resource management table 301, and receives the low resolution image via the communication unit 310. Is transmitted to the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D.

  The original resource acquisition unit 36 acquires an original image to be output from the resource management table 301, and transmits the original image to the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D via the communication unit 310. Further, the original resource acquisition unit 36 receives an instruction from the printer transmission resource determination unit 38 and transmits the original image to the first and second printers 4A and 4B.

  The printer information acquisition unit 37 acquires printer resource list information indicating a list of resources stored in the resource storage unit 40 of the first and second printers 4A and 4B. In addition, when the printing process based on the image information registered in the resource management table 301 is executed, the printer information acquisition unit 37 displays low-resolution images corresponding to the image information to be printed in the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2A. The low resolution image acquisition unit 35 is instructed to transmit to 2D.

  Based on the printer resource list information acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 37 and the resource management table 301, the printer transmission resource determination unit 38 determines resources that are insufficient in the first and second printers 4A and 4B. . Then, the printer transmission resource determination unit 38 instructs the original resource acquisition unit 36 to transmit the resources determined to be insufficient to the first and second printers 4A and 4B.

  The lock processing unit 39 locks (prohibits) changes to the image information to be printed while the print processing based on the image information registered in the resource management table 301 is being executed by the first and second printers 4A and 4B. To do.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of variable data. The variable data 11 has a plurality of records 110A to 110D, and each record 110A to 110D has a date and time when one of the plurality of item data 111A to 111C and any of the item data 111A to 111C was edited and last updated. And the record update date and time 112 indicating each.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a template that is format definition data. This template 12 defines variable fields 120A to 120C to which item data 111A to 111C of variable data 11 are applied, and definitions of fixed data 121A to 121C such as documents, photos, charts, and illustrations that do not change for each template 12. Are included.

  FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed material. The printed matter 100 applies the character string information 101 and the image information 102A and 102B to the variable fields 120A to 120C of the template 12 based on the records 110A to 110D included in the variable data 11, respectively. Second printer 4A, 4B. When the template 12 extends over a plurality of pages, a printed matter of a plurality of pages is printed per record.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the resource management table 301. In this resource management table 301, a resource ID for identifying a resource is used as a key, a registration group to which a user who has registered the resource belongs, an original image when the resource is image information, and processing based on the original information The low-resolution image created by the processing, the last update date and time when the resource was last updated, and the lock information indicating whether the change to the resource is locked by “locking” and “unlocked” It is recorded. In FIG. 3, the character string information is not shown, but the character string information is recorded instead of the original image and the low resolution image, and the rest is the same as the case of the image information.

(Operation of the first embodiment)
Next, an example of the operation of the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the overall operation in the image processing system 1. Here, the image processing system 1 when the user A operates the first terminal 2A to create a new resource and performs a registration operation for registering the original image 13 that is the created resource in the resource server 3. Will be described.

  First, when the first terminal 2A receives an operation for registering a new resource by the user A, the first terminal 2A transmits the original image 13 to the resource server 3 via the network 10 (S1).

  Next, the resource server 3 creates a low resolution image 14 from the original image 13 (S2), and registers the original image 13 and the low resolution image 14 in the resource management table 301.

  Then, the resource server 3 transmits the original image 13 to the first and second printers 4A and 4B (S10), respectively, and the first and second printers 4A and 4B store the original image 13 as a resource. Store in the unit 40.

  When the resource server 3 receives an output request from the second terminal 2B operated by the user B belonging to the same X group as the user A, the resource server 3 transmits the original image 13 (S20), and the second terminal 2B stores the original image 13 in the resource storage unit 20.

  On the other hand, when the resource server 3 receives an output request from the third and fourth terminals 2C and 2D operated by the users C and D belonging to the Y group different from the user A, the resource server 3 transmits the low resolution image 14. (S30), the third and fourth terminals 2C and 2D store the low-resolution image 14 in the resource storage unit 20.

(Operation of the first embodiment)
The detailed operation of the image processing system 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

(1) Registration Process FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration process of the resource server 3. When the first terminal 2A receives a resource registration operation by the user A, the first terminal 2A transmits a registration request including the resource and a user ID indicating the user A to the resource server 3.

  When the request determination unit 30 of the resource server 3 receives the registration request transmitted from the first terminal 2A via the network 10 by the communication unit 310 (S101), the resource included in the registration request and the user ID Are sent to the resource selection unit 31.

  Next, the resource selection unit 31 refers to the resource management table 301 to search whether or not the resource ID corresponding to the received resource is registered, and the resource ID is registered, and the lock information Is “locked”, it is determined that the resource is locked (S102). In this step S102, if the registration request is new registration, it is not determined to be locked because it is not registered in the resource management table 301. However, if the registration request is change registration, Determines whether or not it is locked according to the lock information.

  If the resource selection unit 31 determines that the resource is not locked (S102: No), whether or not the resource is image information is determined based on, for example, the file extension of the resource. Determine (S110). On the other hand, if it is determined that the resource is locked (S102: Yes), the registration process is stopped (S103).

  Next, when the resource selection unit 31 determines that the resource is not image information, that is, character string information (S110: No), the resource registration unit 33 registers the resource in the resource management table 301 ( S111).

  When the resource selection unit 31 determines that the resource is image information (S110: Yes), the resource selection unit 31 sends an instruction to the low-resolution image creation unit 32, and the low-resolution image creation unit 32 that has received the instruction Then, the original image as the resource is processed to create a low resolution image (S112).

  Next, the resource registration unit 33 refers to the group management information 302 to acquire a registered group that is a group to which the user ID included in the registration request belongs (S113).

  Then, the resource registration unit 33 registers the original image to be registered, the low resolution image created by the low resolution image creation unit 32, and the registration group in the resource management table 301 (S114), and ends the registration process. . If the registration request is new registration, a new resource ID is issued and registered in the resource management table 301. If the registration request is change registration, registration is performed based on the already registered resource ID. Overwrite existing resources.

(2) Resource Output Processing to Printer FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of resource output processing to the printer in the resource server 3. The printer information acquisition unit 37 of the resource server 3 sends an acquisition request for requesting the first and second printers 4A and 4B to transmit the printer resource list information via the communication unit 310 at regular intervals. Transmit (S201).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the first and second printers 4A and 4B create printer resource list information based on the resource IDs of the resources stored in the resource storage unit 40 of the first and second printers 4A and 4B. The list information is transmitted to the resource server 3.

  Next, when the printer information acquisition unit 37 receives the printer resource list information (S202), the printer transmission resource determination unit 38 uses the resource ID to identify the printer resource list information and the resources registered in the resource management table 301. By comparing, it is determined whether or not the first and second printers 4A and 4B have output target resources (S203).

  If the printer transmission resource determination unit 38 determines that there is a resource to be output (S203: Yes), the original resource acquisition unit 36 acquires an original image from the resource management table 301 as the resource to be output. Then, the data is transmitted to the first and second printers 4A and 4B (S204).

  Then, the first and second printers 4A and 4B store the received original images in their resource storage unit 40.

(3) Resource Output Processing to Terminal FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of resource output processing to the terminal in the resource server 3. Here, a case where the user B belonging to the X group operates the second terminal 2B to perform a resource update operation will be described. The second terminal 2B is stored in its own resource storage unit 20. An output request composed of terminal resource list information based on the resource ID of the resource and the user ID indicating the user B is transmitted to the resource server 3.

  When receiving the output request transmitted from the second terminal 2B (S301), the request determination unit 30 of the resource server 3 sends the terminal resource list information and the user ID included in the output request to the acquired image determination unit 34. send.

  Next, the acquired image determination unit 34 refers to the group management information 302 and acquires a request group as requester information from the user ID included in the received output request (S302).

  Then, the acquired image determination unit 34 searches the resource to be output to the second terminal 2A by comparing the terminal resource list information included in the output request with the resource management table 301 by the resource ID. (S303), it is determined whether there is a resource to be output (S304).

  Next, when the acquired image determination unit 34 determines that there is a resource to be output (S304), the registration group to which the user who has requested registration of the resource determined to be the output target belongs is acquired in step S302. It is determined whether or not the request group is identical (S305).

  If the acquired image determination unit 34 determines that the two groups are the same (S305: Yes), the instruction is sent to the original resource acquisition unit 36, and the original resource acquisition unit 36 that received the instruction An original image is acquired from the management table 301 and transmitted to the second terminal 2B (S310). Here, since the request group is the X group, the original image is transmitted for the resource in which the registered group is registered as the X group.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the two groups are not the same (S305: No), the acquired image determination unit 34 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the last update date and time of the resource (S306).

  When variable data is received at the time of an output request, the record update time when the record including the variable field to which the resource is applied is referred to, and a predetermined period has elapsed from the record update date and time. The determination in step S305 may be performed depending on whether or not there is a combination of the last update date and time and the record update date and time.

If the acquired image determination unit 34 determines that the predetermined period has not elapsed (S306: No), the acquired image determination unit 34 sends an instruction to the original resource acquisition unit 36, and the original resource acquisition unit 36 that has received the instruction The original image is transmitted to the second terminal 2B (S310).
Here, since the request group is the X group, even if the registered group is a resource registered with a Y group other than the X group, if the predetermined period has not passed since the last update date and time, the original image Is sent.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed (S306: Yes), the acquired image determination unit 34 sends an instruction to the low resolution image acquisition unit 35 and receives the instruction, the low resolution image acquisition unit 35 acquires a low resolution image from the resource management table 301 and transmits it to the second terminal 2B (S311).

  As described above, the second terminal 2B stores in the resource storage unit 20 either the original image or the low-resolution image transmitted according to the registered group and the last update date / time.

(4) Lock process and output process during printing FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the lock process and output process during printing in the resource server 3. For example, when the user C performs a print instruction operation to instruct the first printer 4A to print variable data using the third terminal 2C, the third terminal 2C The print instruction is transmitted to the first printer 4A together with the variable data.

  Next, when receiving the variable data and the print instruction, the first printer 4A extracts a resource applied to the variable field in the variable data, and print instruction resource list information based on the resource ID indicating the extracted resource. To the resource server 3 as a print start notification.

  Next, when receiving the print start notification (S401), the printer information acquisition unit 37 of the resource server 3 sends the print start notification to the lock processing unit 39.

  When receiving the print start notification, the lock processing unit 39 changes the lock information of the resource ID corresponding to the print instruction resource list information included in the print start notification to “locking” in the resource management table 301. (S402).

  Next, the first printer 4A reads out the resource specified by each record of the variable data from the resource storage unit 40 and applies it to the template to create print data, and outputs a printed matter based on the print data.

  Then, when the output of the printed matter is completed, the first printer 4A transmits a print end notification including the print instruction resource list information similar to the print start notification to the resource server 3.

  Next, when receiving the print end notification (S403), the printer information acquisition unit 37 sends the print end notification to the lock processing unit 39 and the low resolution image acquisition unit 35.

  Then, the lock processing unit 39 changes the lock information of the resource ID recorded in the print instruction resource list information of the print end notification to “unlock” (S404). That is, since the lock information is “locked” while the printing process is being executed, the registration process for the resource to be printed is canceled in step S102 of FIG.

  Next, the low resolution image acquisition unit 35 acquires a low resolution image corresponding to the resource ID recorded in the print instruction resource list information from the resource management table 301, and sends the low resolution image to the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D. Each is transmitted (S405).

  Then, the first to fourth terminals 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> D overwrite the transmitted low resolution image on the original image corresponding to the low resolution image and store it in its resource storage unit 20.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system 1 performs resource revision management, restricts lock targets to newly registered resources when print processing is executed, and sets specific information for identifying resources used for print processing for each print processing. And the resource server 3, the first to fourth terminals 2A to 2D, the resource server 3, the first and second printers 4A and 4B, and the network 10 similar to those of the first embodiment. Yes.

  Compared to the first embodiment, the resource server 3 includes a print job management unit 312, an attribute update unit 311, a resource registration unit 33 having an attribute assignment unit 330, and a lock process having a lock target determination unit 390. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a unit 39 and a storage unit 300 that stores the print job management information 303.

  When registering image information in the resource management table 301, the attribute adding unit 330 of the resource registration unit 33 determines whether the image information is newly registered image information or registered image information registered in the resource management table 301. Is registered in the resource management table 301 to indicate whether the image information is to be registered for change. The resource registration unit 33 registers the image information to be registered in association with other image information registered in the resource management table 301 based on the attribute information by the attribute assigning unit 330.

  The lock target determination unit 390 associates the image information with the image information to be printed, and when the other image information is not registered in the resource management table 301, that is, is newly registered image information, The image information is determined. While the printing process is being executed by the first and second printers 4A and 4B, the lock processing unit 39 changes the image information determined to be locked by the lock target determining unit 390 among the image information to be printed. Lock.

  The attribute update unit 311 updates the attribute information in the resource management table 301 with respect to the image information on which the printing process has been executed.

  For each print process, the print job recording unit 312 records the revision number of the image information in the print job management information 303 as specific information for specifying the image information used for the print process.

  FIG. 10A shows an example of a resource management table. In the resource management table 301, image information is newly registered as attribute information in addition to the registration group, original image, low resolution image, last update date and time, and lock information similar to those in FIG. 3, using the resource ID as a key. A new registration flag indicating whether or not the image information has been registered, a change registration flag indicating whether or not the registered image information has been updated with the changed image information, and a revision number indicating the registration order of the image information are recorded. .

  The new registration flag, revision number, and change registration flag in the resource management table 301 are information recorded by the attribute assigning unit 33 when registering image information. For example, when the image information registration request is new registration, the attribute assigning unit 330 records “1” in the new registration flag, “0” in the revision number, and “0” in the change registration flag. If the registration request is change registration, the attribute assigning unit 330 records “0” in the new registration flag, “1” in the change registration flag, and image information having the same resource ID as the revision number. Record the largest resource number among the revision numbers assigned to.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource management table. In the resource management table 301, attribute information is updated by the attribute update unit 311 with respect to FIG. That is, when the printing process is executed, the attribute update unit 311 updates the new registration flag from “1” to “0” for the resource recorded with “1” in the new registration flag, and the revision. The number is updated from “0” to “1”. Further, the attribute update unit 311 updates the change registration flag from “1” to “0” and adds “1” to the revision number (increment) for the resource recorded as “1” in the change registration flag. )

  FIG. 11 is information indicating an example of print job management information. In the print job management information 303, image information used for the print processing and the revision number 302d of the image information are recorded for each print job which is a management unit of the print processing. The print job is assigned a print job ID 302c for identifying the print job. In the print job management information 303, the image information related to the print job ID “1” is the start tag 302a “<Job ID =“ 1 ”. > ”And the end tag 302b“ <Job ID> ”. The print job management information 303 includes variable data designation information and the like.

(Operation of Second Embodiment)
The detailed operation of the image processing system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

(1) Registration Process FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the registration process of the resource server 3. First, when the request determination unit 30 of the resource server 3 receives a registration request from, for example, the first terminal 2A operated by the user A (S101), as in the first embodiment, the resource selection unit 31 performs resource allocation. It is determined whether or not the resource is locked (S102), whether or not the resource is image information (S110), and when it is determined that the resource is not locked and is image information (S102). : No, S110: Yes), a low resolution image is created by the low resolution image creation unit 32 (S112).

  Next, the resource registration unit 33 acquires a registration group related to the registration request (S113), and registers the original image to be registered, the low-resolution image created by the low-resolution image creation unit 32, and the registration group as resources. Register in the management table 301 (S114).

  Then, the attribute assigning unit 330 determines whether or not the registration request is new registration (S120), and when it is determined that the registration request is new registration (S120: Yes), the new attribute of the registered record is determined. “1” is recorded in the registration flag, and “0” is recorded in the change registration flag and the revision number (S121).

  On the other hand, when the attribute assignment unit 330 determines that the registration request is not new registration but change registration (S120: No), the attribute assignment unit 330 records “1” in the change registration flag and “0” in the new registration flag. As the revision number, the largest revision number among the revision numbers assigned to the resource information having the same resource ID is recorded (S122).

  Note that (2) resource output processing to the printer and (3) resource output processing to the terminal are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

(4) Lock process and output process during printing FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the lock process and output process during printing in the resource server 3. First, when the first printer 4A receives, for example, variable data to be printed and a print instruction from the third terminal 2C operated by the user C, the print instruction resource list information based on the variable data is printed on the resource server 3. Send as start notification.

  Next, when receiving the print start notification (S401), the printer information acquisition unit 37 of the resource server 3 sends the print start notification to the lock processing unit 39.

  When the lock target determination unit 390 of the lock processing unit 39 receives the print start notification, the lock target determination unit 390 of the resource management table 301 includes the print target resources recorded in the print instruction resource list information included in the print start notification. Then, the lock information of the resource in which “1” is recorded in the new registration flag is changed to “locking” (S410).

  Next, the first printer 4A outputs a printed material based on the variable data. When the output of the printed material is completed, the first printer 4A transmits a print end notification to the resource server 3.

  Next, when receiving the print end notification (S403), the printer information acquisition unit 37 sends the print end notification to the low-resolution image acquisition unit 35, the lock processing unit 39, the attribute update unit 311 and the print job management unit 312. . The lock processing unit 39 changes the lock information of the print target resource recorded in the print end notification to “unlock” (S404), and the low resolution image acquisition unit 35 converts the low resolution image of the resource to the first. To the fourth terminals 2A to 2D (S405).

  Then, the attribute update unit 311 updates the revision number of the resource management table 301 for the print target resource related to the print end notification (S411). Specifically, the attribute update unit 311 updates the new registration flag from “1” to “0” for the resource recorded as “1” in the new registration flag among the resources to be printed. The revision number is updated from “0” to “1”. Also, the attribute update unit 311 updates the change registration flag from “1” to “0” and increments the revision number for the resource recorded with “1” in the change registration flag.

  Then, the print job management unit 312 records the revision number of the print target resource related to the print end notification in the print job management information 303 (S412).

(5) Print processing at the time of reprinting For example, when the user B designates a print job ID to the second printer 4B and performs a reprinting instruction operation using the second terminal 2B, The terminal 2B transmits a reprint instruction to the second printer 4B together with the print job ID to be reprinted.

  Next, when the second printer 4B receives the print job ID and the reprint instruction, the printer resource indicating the print job ID and the resources stored in its own resource storage unit 40 by the resource ID and the revision number. The list information is transmitted to the resource server 3 as a print start notification.

  Next, when the printer information acquisition unit 37 of the resource server 3 receives the print start notification, the printer transmission resource determination unit 38 refers to the print job management information 303 and uses the print job ID included in the print start notification. Get used resource list information indicating a list of used resources.

  Then, the printer information acquisition unit 37 compares the acquired used resource list information with the printer resource list information included in the print start notification by the resource ID and the revision number, thereby causing the second printer 4B to print. It is determined whether or not other resources are stored.

  When the printer transmission resource determination unit 38 determines that there is no resource to be printed, the original resource acquisition unit 36 acquires an original image as the print target resource from the resource management table 301 and stores the second image. To the printer 4B.

  Then, the second printer 4B executes the printing process designated by the print job ID using the received original image.

  Note that print processing based on one print job ID may be executed in a distributed manner by two printers. In this case, for example, the variable data is divided into two in record units, reprint instructions are transmitted to the first and second printers 4A and 4B, respectively, and each of the first and second printers 4A and 4B is transmitted. However, the printing process may be executed as described above.

[Other embodiments]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, You may change variously within the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, part or all of the functions of each unit included in the resource server may be realized by hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

  The image processing program used in the above embodiment may be read from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM into a storage unit in the apparatus, or from a server or the like connected to a network such as the Internet. You may download it.

  The low-resolution image creation unit 32 creates a low-resolution image when a registration request is accepted, but may create a low-resolution image when a registration request is accepted.

  The lock processing unit 39 returns the lock information to the “unlocked” state when receiving the print end notification, but may maintain the “locked” state.

  In the above embodiment, the storage unit 300 realized by hardware is used as the storage unit. However, control by software may be added to the storage unit, for example, using a database, a file server, or the like. Also good.

  In addition, each unit included in the image processing system according to the above-described embodiment may be provided as a whole system. For example, the printer includes a lock processing unit, an attribute update unit, a print job management unit, and the like included in the resource server. However, it is not limited to this.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2A illustrates an example of variable data, FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a template, and FIG. 2C illustrates an example of a printed material. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource management table. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the overall operation of the image processing system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a resource server registration process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of resource output processing to the printer in the resource server. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of resource output processing to a terminal in the resource server. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of lock processing and output processing during printing in the resource server. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A shows an example of a resource management table. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource management table in which attribute information is updated by the attribute update unit in FIG. FIG. 11 is information indicating an example of print job management information. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a resource server registration process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of lock processing and output processing at the time of printing in the resource server.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image processing system, 2A-2D ... Terminal, 3 ... Resource server, 4A, 4B ... Printer, 10 ... Network, 11 ... Variable data, 12 ... Template, 13 ... Original image, 14 ... Low resolution image, 20 ... Resource Storage unit 30 ... Request discrimination unit 31 ... Resource selection unit 32 ... Low resolution image creation unit 33 ... Resource registration unit 34 ... Acquired image discrimination unit 35 ... Low resolution image acquisition unit 36 ... Original resource acquisition unit 37 ... Printer information acquisition unit, 38 ... Printer transmission resource determination unit, 39 ... Lock processing unit, 40 ... Resource storage unit, 100 ... Printed matter, 101 ... Character string information, 102A, 102B ... Image information, 110A to 110D ... Record , 111A to 111C ... item data, 112 ... record update date and time, 120A to 120C ... variable field 121A to 121C ... fixed data, 300 ... storage unit, 301 ... resource management table, 302 ... group management information, 303 ... job management information, 303 ... print job management information, 310 ... communication unit, 311 ... attribute update unit, 312 ... Print job management unit, 312 ... Print job recording unit, 330 ... Attribute assignment unit, 390 ... Lock target determination unit

Claims (5)

Register in the storage means image information used as a variable data resource, time information when a predetermined operation is performed on the image information, and processed image information obtained by processing the image information into a smaller amount of data. Registration step;
When an output request for the image information registered in the storage unit is made, the output request determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed from the time information, and if the output request is within the predetermined period, the image An image processing program for causing a computer to output information to a request source of the output request and outputting the processed image information to the request source of the output request when the information is not within a predetermined period. A registration step of registering image information used as a variable data resource, and processed image information obtained by processing the image information into a smaller amount of data in a storage unit;
When an output request for the image information registered in the storage unit is made, a record update time when a record including a variable field to which the image information is applied is updated, and the output request is obtained from the record update time. It is determined whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed, and when it is within the predetermined period, the image information is output to the request source of the output request, and when not within the predetermined period, the processed image information is An image processing program for causing a computer to execute an output step of outputting to an output request source. The output step determines whether or not the request source is a person related to a person who registered the image information, and when the request source is a person related to a person who registered the image information, When the image information is output to the request source and the request source is not a person related to the person who registered the image information, the output request has passed a predetermined period from the time information or the record update time. The image processing program according to claim 1, wherein the image information or the processed image information is output to the request source in accordance with the determination result. Register in the storage means image information used as a variable data resource, time information when a predetermined operation is performed on the image information, and processed image information obtained by processing the image information into a smaller amount of data. Registration means;
When an output request for the image information registered in the storage unit is made, the output request determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed from the time information, and if the output request is within the predetermined period, the image An image processing apparatus comprising: output means for outputting information to the request source of the output request and outputting the processed image information to the request source of the output request when the information is not within a predetermined period . Register in the storage means image information used as a variable data resource, time information when a predetermined operation is performed on the image information, and processed image information obtained by processing the image information into a smaller amount of data. When an output request for the image information registered in the registration means and the storage means is made, the output request determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed from the time information, and is within the predetermined period an image processing apparatus having an output unit the image information is output to the requesting said output request, when not within the predetermined time period for outputting the processed image information to the requesting of the output request when,
The image information , the time information and the processed image information are registered , and the image information output by the output means of the image processing apparatus is stored, and request means for requesting the image processing apparatus to output the image information is stored. An image processing system comprising: a terminal device as a request source having storage means.

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