JP5315919B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming control method, and image forming control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which is capable of flexibly changing the processing operation of an application in accordance with the attribute of image data to be processed. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus has processing operation instructing part for instructing a prescribed input processing unit, a prescribed processing unit and a prescribed output processing unit for an application of the image forming apparatus. The prescribed input processing unit, the prescribed processing unit and the prescribed output processing unit have a control unit requesting means for requesting the processing operation instructing part for a control unit of processing. The processing operation instructing part has a control unit notifying means for sending the control unit of processing to the requests from the prescribed input processing unit, the prescribed processing unit and the prescribed output processing unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a plurality of input processing units, a plurality of processing processing units, and a plurality of output processing units, and image formation capable of elastically defining operation processing of each processing unit. The present invention relates to an apparatus, an image formation control method, and an image formation program.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, scanners, facsimiles, or multi-function machines that realize these functions with a single device are equipped with a CPU in the same way as a general-purpose computer, although memory and other restrictions are severe. Each function is realized by application control.

For example, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a function commonly used by each application as a platform, and an application can be implemented using an API (Application Programming Interface) of the platform. it can. According to such an image forming apparatus, since a function that is commonly used is provided as a platform, it is possible to avoid the duplication of functions for each application, and to improve the development efficiency of the entire application.
No. 3679349

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, since an application is constructed by combining devices having individual fixed functions, the processing operation of the application is fixed.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of elastically changing an operation process of an application according to an attribute of image data to be processed.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of inputs for performing input processing of data to be subjected to image processing in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of processing units for performing image processing. A processing unit, a plurality of processing units that perform processing of the data, and a plurality of output processing units that perform output processing of the result of the image processing,
Corresponding to one application of the image forming apparatus, a predetermined input processing unit from among the plurality of input processing units, a predetermined processing unit from among the plurality of processing processing units, and the plurality of output processes A predetermined output processing unit is selected from each of the units, and the one application is constructed by connecting the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit, An image forming apparatus having a processing operation instruction unit that instructs a processing operation to the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit,
The processing operation executing unit, and the predetermined input unit, the predetermined processing unit, with respect to said predetermined output processing unit, have a control unit notifying means for notifying the control unit of processing,
The predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit include a processing content requesting unit that requests the processing operation instruction unit to instruct processing content to be executed,
The predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit, together with each processing result, the input processing unit that uses the processing result and the processing result that uses the processing result The control unit embedded in the data to be subjected to the image processing that defines the operation processing of the processing unit and the output processing unit that uses the processing result is stored in the storage unit,
The processing content requesting unit requests the processing operation instruction unit to instruct the processing content to be executed corresponding to the control code .

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit may use a processing control unit as a processing operation instruction unit. Control unit requesting means for requesting, the control unit notifying means of the processing operation instruction unit responding to requests from the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit. The control unit of processing is notified.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the processing operation instruction unit should be executed for the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit. It has a processing content notification means for notifying the processing content.

Process content reporting unit of the pre-Symbol processing operation executing unit, and the predetermined input unit, the predetermined processing unit, in response to a request from said predetermined output processing unit, and sends the processing contents to be executed It is characterized by that.

  In one embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the combination relating to the connection of the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit corresponding to the application of the image forming apparatus. A connection relationship storage unit having a table storing information, wherein the connection relationship storage unit includes the predetermined input processing unit corresponding to the application designated by the user, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing. A connection relationship notifying unit for notifying the processing operation instruction unit of information related to any two connection relationships with the processing unit, and the processing operation instruction unit includes information related to the connection relationship notified by the connection relationship notification unit. Based on the information, information related to the connection between the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit corresponding to the application is obtained. It is characterized in.

  Such an image forming apparatus can change the operation process of the application flexibly according to the attribute of the image data to be processed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of elastically changing an application operation process in accordance with an attribute of image data to be processed.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Software Architecture of Image Forming Apparatus According to the Present Invention)
The concept called “pipe & filter” adopted by the software architecture of the multifunction machine as an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of “pipe & filter”. As shown in the figure, each filter is connected by a pipe. The filter converts the input data and outputs the result. The pipe transmits the data output from the filter to the next filter.

  In other words, in the MFP according to the present embodiment, each function is regarded as a series of “conversions” for documents (data). Each function of the multi-function peripheral can be generalized as being configured by document input, processing, and output. Therefore, “input”, “processing”, and “output” are regarded as conversions, and a software component that realizes one “conversion” is configured as a filter. A filter for realizing input is particularly referred to as an “input filter”. Further, a filter for realizing processing is particularly referred to as a “processing filter”. Further, a filter that realizes output is particularly referred to as an “output filter”. Each filter is independent, and basically there is no dependency relationship (call relationship) between the filters. Therefore, addition (installation) or deletion (uninstallation) can be performed in units of filters.

  The filter will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the components of the filter. As shown in FIG. 2, each filter includes a filter setting UI (User Interface) 21, a filter logic 22, a filter-specific lower service 23, and permanent storage area information 24.

  The filter setting UI 21 is a program for displaying a screen for setting filter execution conditions on the operation panel. For example, in the case of a reading filter that is one of input filters, a screen for setting resolution, density, and image type corresponds. In view of the fact that the operation panel can be displayed based on HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data or a script, the filter setting UI may be HTML data or a script.

  The filter logic 22 is a program in which logic for realizing a filter function is mounted. For example, in the case of a reading filter, the logic for document reading control by the scanner corresponds.

  The filter-specific lower service 23 is a lower function (library) necessary for realizing the filter logic. For example, a reading filter corresponds to a function for controlling the scanner.

  The permanent storage area information 24 corresponds to a schema definition of data that needs to be stored in a nonvolatile memory, such as setting information (for example, default values of execution conditions) for a filter.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input filter, a processing filter, and an output filter of the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment.

  As input filters, there are a read filter 31, a stored document read filter 32, a mail reception filter 33, a FAX transmission filter 34, and a PC document reception filter 35. The reading filter 31 controls reading of image data by the scanner and outputs the read image data. The stored document read filter 32 reads document data (image data) stored in the storage device of the multifunction peripheral, and outputs the read data. The mail reception filter 33 receives an e-mail and outputs data included in the e-mail. The FAX reception filter 34 controls FAX reception and outputs received data. The PC document reception filter 35 receives print data from a client PC (not shown) and outputs the received print data.

  As the processing filters, there are a document processing filter 36 and a document conversion filter 37. The document processing filter 36 performs predetermined image conversion processing (aggregation, enlargement, reduction, etc.) on the input data and outputs it. The document conversion filter 37 executes a rendering process. That is, the input PostScript data is converted into bitmap data and output.

  The output filters include a print filter 38, a stored document registration filter 39, a mail transmission filter 40, and a FAX transmission filter 41. The print filter 38 causes the plotter to output (print) the input data. The stored document registration filter 39 stores the input data in the hard disk in the multifunction peripheral. The mail transmission filter 40 transmits the input data attached to the electronic mail. The FAX transmission filter 41 transmits the input data by FAX.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of filters for realizing each function (application) in the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment.

  For example, the copy function is realized by connecting the reading filter 31 and the print filter 38. This is because the image data read from the document by the reading filter 31 may be printed by the print filter 38. When processing such as aggregation, enlargement, or reduction associated with the copy function is requested, a document processing filter 36 that implements these processing is inserted between the reading filter 31 and the print filter 38.

  The printer function (printing function from the client PC) is realized by connecting a PC document reception filter 35, a document conversion filter 37, and a printing filter 38. A scan-to-mail function (a function of transferring scanned image data by electronic mail) is realized by connecting the reading filter 31 and the mail transmission filter 40. The FAX transmission function is realized by connecting the reading filter 31 and the FAX transmission filter 34. The FAX reception function is realized by connecting the FAX reception filter 34 and the print filter 38. The document box storage function (function of storing scanned image data in the multifunction peripheral) is realized by connecting the reading filter 31 and the stored document registration filter 39. The document box printing function (function of printing document data stored in the multifunction peripheral) is realized by connecting the stored document reading filter 32 and the print filter 38.

(Operational principle of the present invention)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation principle of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 50 according to the present invention includes a processing operation instruction unit 51, an application processing unit 55, a storage unit 56, and a connection relationship storage unit 57.

  The processing operation instruction unit 51 has a function of instructing each processing unit to perform the processing operation based on the policy table. Here, the policy table refers to a table that defines the operation for each output means according to the control code. The control code is embedded in the original when the original is scanned, and is one piece of information necessary for defining the operation processing of each processing unit.

  The processing operation instruction unit 51 includes a control unit notification unit 511, a processing content notification unit 512, and a filter control table 513. The control unit notifying unit 511 responds to control unit requesting units 521, 531, and 541 of the input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54, which will be described later, and determines the unit of image processing to be performed by each of these processing units. Notice. For example, the input processing unit 52 is notified to perform image processing in both page units and document units, while the processing unit 53 is notified to perform image processing only in page units. I do.

  Further, in one form of the processing operation instruction unit 51, the control unit notification unit 511 is provided even when there is no request from the control unit requesting units 521, 531, 541 of the input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54. A configuration may be adopted in which a unit of image processing to be performed by each of these processing units is notified.

  In addition, the processing content notifying unit 512 responds to processing content requesting units 522, 532, and 542 of the input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54, which will be described later, of image processing to be performed by these processing units. Notify the contents. For example, the input processing unit 52 is notified to leave a job log in document units, while the output processing unit 54 is notified to cancel printing in page units.

  In one form of the processing operation instruction unit 51, the processing content notification unit 512 is not requested by the processing content requesting units 522, 532, and 542 of the input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54 described later. However, it may be configured to notify the contents of image processing to be performed by each of these processing units.

  Next, the filter control table 513 is a table that defines processing to be executed by each filter based on the control code. FIG. 6 is an example of the filter control table 513, which describes the processing that the input filter, processing filter, and output filter should execute according to the control code when the multifunction peripheral implements the copy function. As for the input filter, a process to be executed separately for each page and each document is specified.

  The storage unit 56 performs processing corresponding to the pipe in the “pipe & filter” architecture described above. That is, the storage unit 56 is a memory that temporarily stores the processing results of the input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54 described later. In the present embodiment, the input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54 cause the storage unit 56 to store a control code as bibliographic information together with each processing result.

  The application processing unit 55 includes an input processing unit 52, a processing processing unit 53, and an output processing unit 54. The input processing unit 52 performs processing corresponding to the input filter in the “pipe & filter” architecture described above, and specifically performs image data reading processing using a scanner, mail reception processing, FAX reception processing, and the like. The input processing unit 52 includes a control unit request unit 521 and a processing content request unit 522. The control unit request unit 521 inquires of the processing operation instruction unit 51 whether the processing in the input processing unit 52 is performed in units of pages or in units of documents. Then, according to the control unit notified by the control unit notification unit 511 of the processing operation instruction unit 51, the input processing unit 52 performs an operation process. Further, the processing content requesting unit 522 requests the processing operation instruction unit for processing content to be executed by the input processing unit 52 in accordance with the control unit notified by the previous control unit notification unit 511. Further, the processing content requesting unit 522 requests the processing operation instruction unit 51 for the processing content to be executed corresponding to the control code read from the storage unit 56. Then, the input processing unit 52 executes the processing content to be executed by the input processing unit 52 according to the control code notified by the processing content notification unit 512 of the processing operation instruction unit 51.

  The processing unit 53 performs processing corresponding to the processing filter in the above-described “pipe & filter” architecture. Specifically, the processing unit 53 performs predetermined image processing (aggregation, enlargement, reduction, etc.) and rendering processing on the input data. Do. The processing unit 53 includes a control unit request unit 531 and a processing content request unit 532. The control unit request unit 531 inquires of the processing operation instruction unit 51 whether the processing in the processing processing unit 53 is performed in units of pages or in units of documents. Then, in accordance with the control unit notified by the control unit notification unit 511 of the processing operation instruction unit 51, the processing unit 53 performs an operation process. Further, the processing content request unit 532 requests the processing operation instruction unit 51 for the processing content to be executed by the processing unit 53 in accordance with the control unit notified by the previous control unit notification unit 531. The processing content requesting unit 532 requests the processing operation instruction unit 51 for processing content to be executed corresponding to the control code read from the storage unit 56. And the process part 53 performs the process content which the process part 53 should perform according to the control code notified by the process content notification means 512 of the process operation instruction part 51.

  The output processing unit 54 performs processing corresponding to the output filter in the above-described “pipe & filter” architecture, and specifically performs print processing, e-mail transmission processing, FAX transmission processing, and the like. The output processing unit 54 includes a control unit request unit 541 and a processing content request unit 542. The control unit request unit 541 inquires of the processing operation instruction unit 51 whether the processing in the output processing unit 54 is performed in units of pages or in units of documents. Then, according to the control unit notified by the control unit notification unit 511 of the processing operation instruction unit, the output processing unit 54 performs an operation process. Further, the processing content request unit 542 requests the processing operation instruction unit 51 for the processing content to be executed by the output processing unit 54 in accordance with the control unit notified by the previous control unit notification unit 541. Further, the processing content request unit 542 requests the processing operation instruction unit 51 for processing content to be executed corresponding to the control code read from the storage unit 56. Then, the output processing unit 54 executes the processing content to be executed by the output processing unit 54 according to the control code notified by the processing content notification unit 512 of the processing operation instruction unit 51.

  Further, even if the control unit notification unit 511 and the processing content notification unit 512 do not request from the input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54, the unit and content of the image processing to be performed by each processing unit are displayed. In the case of notification, each of the input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54 does not have the control unit requesting means 521, 531, 541, and the processing content requesting means 522, 532, 542. good.

  The connection relationship storage unit 57 includes a plurality of input processing units 52 that are fixedly defined in advance (defined corresponding to the application operated by the user) and selected from the plurality of input processing units 52 corresponding to the application. Software that realizes one “function (application)” by a combination of the processing processing unit 53 selected from the processing processing units 53 and the output processing unit 54 selected from the plurality of output processing units 54. . The connection relationship notifying unit 571 included in the connection relationship storage unit 57 notifies the processing operation instruction unit 51 of the information related to the combination that the connection relationship storage unit 57 has. As a result, the processing operation instruction unit 51 can obtain information related to the combination of the predetermined input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54 that the connection relationship storage unit 57 has.

  Here, an example of an algorithm for notifying the processing operation instruction unit 51 of the information from the connection relationship storage unit 57 by the connection relationship notification unit 571 will be described. The connection relationship storage unit 57 continuously notifies the processing operation instruction unit 51 of the connection relationship between the two filters, while the processing operation instruction unit 51 includes an input filter, a processing filter, and an output filter corresponding to the application. Get information related to connection.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an algorithm for notifying the processing operation instruction unit 51 of information related to a combination of the predetermined input processing unit 52, the processing processing unit 53, and the output processing unit 54 that the connection relation storage unit 57 has. First, in step 1, information indicating that “processing 1 filter and processing 2 filter” are connected is notified from the connection relationship storage unit 57 to the processing operation instruction unit 51.

  Next, in step 2, the information notified in step 1 is accumulated as a list in the processing operation instruction unit 51, and “processing 1 filter and processing 3 filter” are connected from the connection relationship storage unit 57. Information is sent.

  In step 3, the information notified in step 2 is accumulated as a list in the processing operation instruction unit 51, and information indicating that the “input filter and processing 1 filter” is newly connected from the connection relationship storage unit 57. Be notified.

  In step 4, the information related to the connection relationship notified in step 3 includes the information related to the connection relationship of “processing 1 filter and processing 2 filter” already stored in the processing operation instruction unit, and “processing 1 filter”. And connection information of "input filter, processing 1 filter and processing 2 filter" and connection of "input filter, processing 1 filter and processing 3 filter" Information relating to the relationship is accumulated as a list in the processing operation instruction unit 51. Further, in step 4, the connection relationship of “processing 2 filter and output 2 filter” is newly notified from the connection relationship storage unit 57 to the processing operation instruction unit 51.

  In the next step 5, the information related to the connection relationship of “input filter, processing 1 filter and processing 2 filter” that has already existed, and the information related to the connection relationship of “processing 2 filter and output 2 filter” notified in step 4 And the processing operation instruction unit 51 obtains information related to the connection relationship from the input filter to the output filter, which is “input filter, processing 1 filter, processing 2 filter, and output 2 filter”. By this series of algorithms, information related to the connection relationship from the input filter to the output filter included in the connection relationship storage unit 57 is notified to the processing operation instruction unit 51, and the processing operation instruction unit 51 recognizes the information, thereby The operation instructing unit 51 can instruct the operation processing of the filters constituting each application.

(Hardware configuration of MFP according to this embodiment)
An example of the hardware configuration of a multifunction machine that is the image forming apparatus of the present invention is shown below. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As hardware of the multifunction machine, there are a controller 70, an operation panel 84, a facsimile control unit (FCU) 85, an imaging unit 86, and a printing unit 87.

  The controller 70 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 71, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 78, a north bridge (NB) 73, a south bridge (SB) 74, a MEM-P 72, a MEM-C 77, an HDD (hard disk drive) 80, It comprises a memory card slot 75, a network interface controller (NIC) 79, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device 81, an IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 1394 device 82, and a Centronics device 83. .

  The CPU 71 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for various information processing. The ASIC 78 is an IC for various image processing. NB73 is a north bridge of the controller. SB74 is a south bridge of the controller. A MEM-P 72 is a system memory of the multifunction machine. The MEM-C77 is a local memory of the multifunction machine. The HDD 80 is a storage of the multifunction machine. The memory card slot 75 is a slot for setting a memory card 76. The NIC 79 is a controller for network communication using a MAC address. The USB device 81 is a device for providing USB standard connection detection. The Centronics device 83 is a device for providing a Centronics specification connection terminal. The operation panel 84 is hardware (operation unit) for an operator to input to the multifunction device, and hardware (display unit) for the operator to obtain an output from the multifunction device.

  Note that the software of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention is stored in, for example, the MEM-C 77 and processed by the CPU 71 to cause the multifunction peripheral to execute the function.

(Embodiment of the present invention)
The processing procedure of the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart relating to the processing operation of the connection relationship storage unit 57 and the processing operation instruction unit 51 in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart relating to the processing operation of the input filter, the processing filter, and the output filter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, an example of the operation process of the copy function in the multifunction peripheral will be described.

  When the user performs a copy operation from the operation panel 84 of the multifunction peripheral in S80, the connection relationship storage unit 57 corresponding to the copy function is selected in S81. As shown in FIG. 4, the connection relationship storage unit 57 has information regarding the connection relationship between the two in the reading filter 31, the document processing filter 36, and the print filter 38. In S <b> 82, the connection relationship storage unit 57 notifies the processing operation instruction unit 51 of information regarding the connection relationship of these filters using the algorithm described above. In step S <b> 83, the processing operation instruction unit 51 acquires all connection information among the reading filter 31, the document processing filter 36, and the printing filter 38 related to the copy function based on this notification.

  In step S84, the processing operation instruction unit 51 notifies the reading filter 31, the document processing filter 36, and the print filter 38 related to the copy function that processing is to be started.

  Hereinafter, each processing operation of the reading filter 31, the document processing filter 36, and the printing filter 38 will be described.

  First, an operation process of the reading filter 31 which is one of the input filters will be described. In S <b> 90, the reading filter 31 uses the control unit requesting unit 521 to inquire the control unit to be processed by the processing operation instruction unit 51. On the other hand, in S91, the processing operation instruction unit 51 notifies the control unit of the reading filter 31 by the control unit notification unit 511. For example, it is notified that the control unit of processing of the reading filter 31 is both a page unit and a document unit.

  In step S <b> 92, the reading filter 31 reads the image data read by the imaging unit 86 and recorded in the storage device 56 from the storage device 56 according to a user operation. Since the control unit of processing of the read filter 31 is a page unit in S93 (in the case of YES in S93), the read filter 31 further reads a control code in page units from the read data in S94. Next, in S95, the reading filter 31 requests the processing operation instruction unit 51 to notify the processing content corresponding to the control code by the processing content requesting unit 522. In S96, the processing operation instruction unit 51 performs processing corresponding thereto. The content notification means 512 notifies the processing content to be executed by the reading filter 31 corresponding to the control code. Accordingly, in S97, the reading filter 31 executes the notified processing content. From FIG. 6, when the control code is “No” or 4, 5, 6, there is no processing to be executed by the read filter 31. When the control code is 1, 2, or 3, the read filter 31 executes “leave image log”, which is a page unit job.

  Next, since the processing of the reading filter 31 is executed in document units in S98 (in the case of YES in S98), the reading filter 31 further reads out the control code in document units from the data previously read from the storage unit 56 in S100. . In S101, the reading filter 31 requests the processing operation instruction unit 51 to notify the processing content corresponding to the control code by the processing content requesting unit 522. In S102, the processing operation instruction unit 51 notifies the processing content notification corresponding thereto. The means 512 notifies the processing contents to be executed by the reading filter 31 corresponding to the control code.

  Therefore, the reading filter 31 executes the notified processing content in S103. As shown in FIG. 6, “leave job log” which is a job in document units is executed in all control codes. In step S <b> 104, the reading filter 31 stores the control code in the storage device 56 together with the image data read by the imaging unit 86.

  Next, an operation process of the document processing filter 36 which is one of the processing filters will be described. First, in S90, the document processing filter 36 inquires of the processing operation instruction unit 51 about the control unit to be processed by the control unit requesting unit 531. On the other hand, in S91, the processing operation instruction unit 51 notifies the control unit of the document processing filter 36 by the control unit notification unit 511. For example, it is notified that the process control unit of the document processing filter 36 is only a page unit.

  In step S <b> 92, the document processing filter 36 reads the data previously stored in the storage device 56 by the reading filter. Therefore, since the control unit of processing of the document processing filter 36 is a page unit in S93 (in the case of YES in S93), the document processing filter 36 receives a control code in page units from the data read from the storage device 56 in S94. read out. Next, the document processing filter 36 requests the processing operation instruction unit 51 to notify the processing content corresponding to the control code by the processing content requesting unit 532 in S95, and the processing operation instruction unit 51 responds to it in S96. The processing content notification means 512 notifies the processing content to be executed by the document processing filter 36 corresponding to the control code.

  In step S97, the document processing filter 36 executes the notified processing content. From FIG. 6, the document processing filter 36 performs “normal processing operation” that is a page-unit job when the control code is “None” or 4, 5, 6, and when the control code is 1, 2, 3 Execute “do nothing”, which is a job in page units. “Normal operation processing” is, for example, image processing for enlarging or reducing image data.

  In S98, the document processing filter 36 has no processing to be executed in document units (in the case of NO in S98), and in S99, the document processing filter, after the processing in page units is completed, The code is stored in the storage device 56.

  Next, an operation process of the print filter 38 which is one of the output filters will be described. First, in step S90, the print filter 38 inquires of the processing operation instruction unit 51 about the control unit to be processed by the control unit request unit 531. On the other hand, in S91, the processing operation instruction unit 51 notifies the control unit of the document processing filter 36 by the control unit notification unit 511. For example, it is notified that the control unit of processing of the print filter 38 is only a page unit.

  In step S92, the print filter 38 reads data previously stored in the storage device 56 by the document processing filter. Therefore, since the control unit of processing of the print filter 38 is a page unit in S93 (in the case of YES in S93), the print filter 38 reads a control code in page units from the data previously read from the storage device 56 in S94. .

  In step S95, the print filter 38 requests the processing operation instruction unit 51 to notify the processing content corresponding to the control code by the processing content requesting unit 542. In step S96, the processing operation instruction unit 51 processes the corresponding processing content. The notification means 512 notifies the processing contents to be executed by the print filter 38 corresponding to the control code.

  In step S97, the print filter 38 executes the notified processing content. As shown in FIG. 6, when the control code is “None” or 4, 5, or 6, the print filter 38 performs “normal processing operation” that is a job in units of pages and performs a predetermined print process. On the other hand, when the control code is 1, 2, or 3, “cancel” and “sound beep” of the print job, which is a page unit job, are executed.

  In S98, the print filter 38 has no processing to be executed in document units (in the case of NO in S98). Therefore, in S99, the print filter 38, after completing the processing in page units, Is stored in the storage device 56. Since a series of copy processing in the multifunction device ends with the print filter 38, the operation processing of the multifunction device corresponding to the copy operation performed by the user is completed.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Deformation / change is possible.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of “pipe & filter”. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the components of the filter. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input filter, a processing filter, and an output filter in the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of combinations of filters for realizing each function in the multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation principle of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an example of a filter control table when copying is performed by the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an algorithm for notifying the processing operation instruction unit of information regarding a combination of a predetermined input processing unit, a processing processing unit, and an output processing unit included in the connection relationship storage unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart relating to processing operations of the connection relationship storage unit and the processing operation instruction unit. FIG. 10 shows a flowchart relating to the processing operation of each filter.

Explanation of symbols

50 Image forming apparatus 51 Processing operation instruction unit 511 Control unit notification unit 512 Processing content notification unit 513 Filter control table 52 Input processing unit 521 Control unit request unit 522 Processing content request unit 53 Processing processing unit 531 Control unit request unit 532 Processing content request Means 54 Output processing unit 541 Control unit request unit 542 Processing content request unit 55 Application 56 Storage unit 57 Connection relationship storage unit 571 Connection relationship notification unit

Claims (11)

In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of processing units for performing image processing, a plurality of input processing units for performing input processing of data to be subjected to the image processing, and a plurality of processing processing units for performing processing of the data A plurality of output processing units for performing output processing of the result of the image processing,
Corresponding to one application of the image forming apparatus, a predetermined input processing unit from among the plurality of input processing units, a predetermined processing unit from among the plurality of processing processing units, and the plurality of output processes A predetermined output processing unit is selected from each of the units, and the one application is constructed by connecting the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit, An image forming apparatus having a processing operation instruction unit that instructs a processing operation to the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit,
The processing operation executing unit, and the predetermined input unit, the predetermined processing unit, with respect to said predetermined output processing unit, have a control unit notifying means for notifying the control unit of processing,
The predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit include a processing content requesting unit that requests the processing operation instruction unit to instruct processing content to be executed,
The predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit, together with each processing result, the input processing unit that uses the processing result and the processing result that uses the processing result The control unit embedded in the data to be subjected to the image processing that defines the operation processing of the processing unit and the output processing unit that uses the processing result is stored in the storage unit,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the processing content requesting unit requests the processing operation instruction unit to instruct the processing content to be executed corresponding to the control code . The predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit have a control unit requesting unit that requests a control unit of processing from the processing operation instruction unit,
The control unit notifying unit of the processing operation instruction unit notifies a control unit of processing in response to a request from the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The processing operation instruction unit includes processing content notification means for notifying the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit of processing content to be executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The processing content notification means of the processing operation instruction unit notifies the processing content to be executed in response to a request from the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. Corresponding to the application of the image forming apparatus, a connection relation storage unit having a table storing a combination related to the connection of the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit,
The connection relationship storage unit processes information regarding any two connection relationships of the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit corresponding to an application specified by a user. A connection relation notifying means for notifying the operation instruction unit;
The processing operation instructing unit, based on the information related to the connection relationship notified by the connection relationship notifying unit, corresponds to the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined processing unit corresponding to the application. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information relating to connection with the output processing unit is obtained. In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of processing units for performing image processing, a plurality of input processing units for performing input processing of data to be subjected to the image processing, and a plurality of processing processing units for performing processing of the data A plurality of output processing units for performing output processing of the result of the image processing,
Corresponding to one application of the image forming apparatus, a predetermined input processing unit from among the plurality of input processing units, a predetermined processing unit from among the plurality of processing processing units, and the plurality of output processes Image forming in which the one application is constructed by selecting a predetermined output processing unit from each of the units and connecting the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit An image processing method for an apparatus,
A step of instructing a processing operation to the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit;
A step of notifying a control unit of the processing operation instruction unit to the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit;
A step of requesting processing contents to be executed by the processing content requesting means included in each of the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit is requested to the processing operation instruction unit. When,
The predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit together with each processing result, the input processing unit that uses the processing result, and the processing result that uses the processing result A processing unit, and a step of storing in a storage unit a control code embedded in the data to be subjected to the image processing that defines the operation processing of the output processing unit that uses the processing result,
The image forming control method, wherein the processing content requesting unit requests the processing operation instruction unit to instruct the processing content to be executed corresponding to the control code . The control unit requesting unit included in each of the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit includes a step of requesting a processing control unit from the processing operation instruction unit. ,
The control unit notifying unit of the processing operation instruction unit notifies a control unit of processing in response to a request from the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit. The image formation control method according to claim 6, wherein: The processing content notifying means of the processing operation instruction unit has a step of notifying the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit of the processing content to be executed. The image formation control method according to claim 6 . The processing content notification means of the processing operation instruction unit notifies the processing content to be executed in response to a request from the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit. The image formation control method according to claim 8 . Furthermore, the connection relationship storage unit has a step of holding a table storing a combination related to the connection of the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit and the predetermined output processing unit,
The connection relationship notifying means of the connection relationship storage unit is any two connection relationships of the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit corresponding to the application specified by the user. Notifying the processing operation instruction unit of information regarding
The processing operation instructing unit, based on the information related to the connection relationship notified by the connection relationship notifying unit, corresponds to the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined processing unit corresponding to the application. 7. The image formation control method according to claim 6, wherein information relating to connection with the output processing unit is obtained. In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of processing units for performing image processing, a plurality of input processing units for performing input processing of data to be subjected to the image processing, and a plurality of processing processing units for performing processing of the data A plurality of output processing units for performing output processing of the result of the image processing,
Corresponding to one application of the image forming apparatus, a predetermined input processing unit from among the plurality of input processing units, a predetermined processing unit from among the plurality of processing processing units, and the plurality of output processes Image forming in which the one application is constructed by selecting a predetermined output processing unit from each of the units and connecting the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit An image formation control program for an apparatus,
On the computer,
A step of instructing a processing operation to the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit;
A step of notifying a control unit of the processing operation instruction unit to the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit;
A step of requesting processing contents to be executed by the processing content requesting means included in each of the predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit is requested to the processing operation instruction unit. When,
The predetermined input processing unit, the predetermined processing processing unit, and the predetermined output processing unit together with each processing result, the input processing unit that uses the processing result, and the processing result that uses the processing result Executing a processing unit and a step of storing a control code embedded in data to be subjected to the image processing that defines an operation process of the output processing unit that uses the processing result in a storage unit ;
The processing content requesting unit is an image forming control program for requesting a processing operation instruction unit to instruct the processing content to be executed corresponding to the control code .

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