JP5929467B2 - Image forming system, print job transmission apparatus, print job transmission method, and print job transmission program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, a print job transmission apparatus, a print job transmission method, and a print job transmission program.

  In recent years, a POD (Print on Demand) type printing business in which manuscript data such as a desired document file and image file is submitted via the Internet and printed out has become widespread. In such a printing business, a customer sends original data as a print job together with a desired print setting to a printing system of a printing company via a Web from a PC (Personal Computer) connected to the Web or a form terminal. To do.

  The printing system includes a print server and a plurality of printers. The print server selects a printer capable of printing in accordance with the print settings designated by the customer, and assigns print processing to the printer. Here, the processing capacity of the print server is higher than that of the printer, and the rasterization process (Raster Image Processing: RIP process) is executed at a high speed in the print server. Productivity can be improved. The printed matter that has been printed out is sent to the customer by mail or the like.

  As a technique related to this, there is a technique in which document data submitted by a customer is converted into a plurality of intermediate data by a print server and prepared (for example, Patent Document 1). According to this technique, since a plurality of intermediate data is prepared for different printers for one document data, intermediate data suitable for the printer selected according to the use schedule is selected and assigned to the printer. .

JP 2006-155017 A

  However, although the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 can generate intermediate data in advance and immediately apply the intermediate data to a vacant printer, the RIP processing is uniformly executed by the print server. When the amount of raster data generated by the RIP process is large, the amount of data transmitted from the print server to the printer also increases, and transmission time is required. Therefore, even if intermediate data can be generated and the processing time can be shortened, if the capacity of raster data is large and the transmission time is long, the entire printing process from submission to printing cannot be accelerated, and productivity is not necessarily improved. I can't say that.

  The present invention has been made based on the above problems, and in the case where image forming processing is executed via a print server, the productivity of image forming processing is increased in consideration of RIP processing time and print job transmission time. An object is to provide an image forming system, a print job transmission apparatus, a print job transmission method, and a print job transmission program that can be improved.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

  (1) An image having a client terminal capable of transmitting a print job, an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image based on the print job, and a print job transmitting apparatus capable of transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus When the print job transmitting apparatus receives the print job from the client terminal, the print job transmitting apparatus performs rasterization processing on the basis of rasterization processing means for rasterizing document data included in the print job, and rasterization processing results. A first transmission time required for transmitting the processed print job to the image forming apparatus is predicted, and the first time is calculated by adding the first transmission time and the first processing time required for the rasterization process. A first calculation unit that performs the print job before the rasterization process based on the received print job; Predicting a second transmission time required for transmission to the forming apparatus; and predicting a second processing time required for rasterizing the print job in the image forming apparatus based on the result of the rasterizing process; When the first time is short by comparing the first time and the second time with second calculation means for calculating the second time by adding the second transmission time and the second processing time. A selection unit that selects transmission of the print job after the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus when the second time is short, and the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus An image forming system.

  (2) The transmission unit starts transmitting the print job before the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus prior to selection by the selection unit, and determines that the print job after the rasterization process is transmitted by the selection unit. If the transmission of the print job before the rasterization process is not completed, transmission of the print job before the rasterization process is stopped (1).

  (3) The print job transmission apparatus further includes a separation unit that separates predetermined print settings included in the print job, and the transmission unit prepares a user for processing related to the print settings in the image forming apparatus. In order to prompt, the image forming system according to (1) or (2), wherein the print setting separated by the separating unit is transmitted to the image forming apparatus before being selected by the selecting unit.

  (4) The print job transmission apparatus further includes a compressing unit that, in parallel with the rasterizing process, sequentially compresses data from a portion to which the rasterizing process is applied and generates a compressed print job after the rasterizing process. When the image forming apparatus receives a compressed print job after rasterization processing, the image forming system expands the print job.

  (5) The rasterization processing unit classifies the types of objects included in the document data, and the second calculation unit converts the print job to the image based on the result of the rasterization processing for each classified object. The image forming system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein a second processing time required for rasterizing processing in the forming apparatus is predicted.

  (6) The print job transmission apparatus further includes a monitoring unit that monitors a communication speed with the image forming apparatus, and the selection unit is configured to detect communication congestion based on the communication speed monitored by the monitoring unit. When the occurrence is determined and it is determined that communication congestion has occurred, the process of calculating the first time and the second time is performed again, and it is determined whether the recalculated first time or the second time is shorter. (1) to (5) image forming system.

  (7) The print job includes information regarding a delivery date for which image forming processing is to be completed by the image forming apparatus, and the selection unit determines whether the print job is urgent based on the information about the delivery date. If the print job is determined to be not urgent, the first time and the second time are not calculated and compared, and the print job before the rasterization process is sent to the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to (1) to (6), wherein transmission is selected.

  (8) A print job transmitting apparatus capable of transmitting a print job transmitted from a client terminal to an image forming apparatus, receiving means for receiving the print job from the client terminal, and document data included in the print job And rasterizing processing means for performing rasterizing processing, and predicting a first transmission time required for transmitting a print job after the rasterizing processing to the image forming apparatus based on the rasterization processing result, and the first transmission time and the rasterizing A first calculation unit that calculates a first time by adding a first processing time required for the processing, and a case where a print job before rasterization processing is transmitted to the image forming apparatus based on the received print job. Predicting the second transmission time required, and further, based on the result of the rasterizing process, Second calculation means for predicting a second processing time required for rasterizing in the forming apparatus, and adding the second transmission time and the second processing time to calculate a second time; and the first time Compared with the second time, if the first time is short, the print job after the rasterization process is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and if the second time is short, the print job before the rasterization process is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. A print job transmission apparatus comprising: selection means for selecting the transmission and transmission means for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus.

  (9) Prior to selection by the selection unit, the transmission unit starts transmitting the print job before the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus, and determines that the selection unit transmits the print job after the rasterization process. If the transmission of the print job before the rasterization process is not completed, the transmission of the print job before the rasterization process is stopped (8).

  (10) Separation means for separating predetermined print settings included in the print job is further provided, and the transmission means prompts the user to prepare for processing related to the print settings in the image forming apparatus. (8) or (9), wherein the print settings separated in step (b) are transmitted to the image forming apparatus before selection by the selection unit.

  (11) In parallel with the rasterization process, the data processing apparatus further includes a compression unit that compresses data sequentially from a portion to which the rasterization process is applied, and generates a compressed print job after the rasterization process. Print job transmission device.

  (12) The rasterization processing unit classifies the types of objects included in the document data, and the second calculation unit determines that the print job is the image based on the result of the rasterization processing for each classified object. The print job transmission device according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein a second processing time required for rasterizing processing in the forming device is predicted.

  (13) The image processing apparatus further includes monitoring means for monitoring a communication speed with the image forming apparatus, and the selection means determines occurrence of communication congestion based on the communication speed monitored by the monitoring means, and the communication congestion When it is determined that the first time and the second time are calculated, the process of calculating the first time and the second time is performed again to determine which of the recalculated first time and second time is shorter (8) to (12). Print job transmission device.

  (14) The print job includes information related to a delivery date for which image forming processing is to be completed by the image forming apparatus, and the selection unit determines whether the print job is urgent based on the information related to the delivery date. If the print job is determined to be not urgent, the first time and the second time are not calculated and compared, and the print job before the rasterization process is sent to the image forming apparatus. (8) to (13) print job transmission apparatus for selecting transmission.

  (15) a step (a) of receiving a print job from a client terminal via a network, a step (b) of rasterizing original data included in the received print job, and rasterizing based on the result of the rasterization processing A first transmission time required for transmitting the processed print job to the image forming apparatus is predicted, and the first time is calculated by adding the first transmission time and the first processing time required for the rasterization process. Based on step (c) and the received print job, a second transmission time required for transmitting the print job before the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus is predicted, and further, based on the result of the rasterization process, Predicting a second processing time required for rasterizing the print job in the image forming apparatus; A step (d) of calculating a second time by adding two transmission times and the second processing time, and comparing the first time and the second time, and if the first time is short, A step (e) of selecting a print job after the rasterization process to transmit the print job before the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus when the second time is short; and the print job to the image forming apparatus A print job transmission method comprising: (f) a step of transmitting.

  (16) Prior to the step (e), it is determined that the print job before the rasterization process is started to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the print job after the rasterization process is determined to be transmitted by the selection unit. (15) A print job transmission method of canceling transmission of a print job before rasterization processing when transmission of the previous print job is not completed.

  (17) In order to prompt the user to prepare for processing related to the print settings in the image forming apparatus before the step (g) of separating the predetermined print settings included in the print job and the step (e) The method (15) or (16) further includes a step (h) of transmitting the print settings separated in the step (g) to the image forming apparatus.

  (18) In parallel with the rasterization process of step (b), further includes a step (i) of sequentially compressing data from a portion to which the rasterization process is applied and generating a compressed print job after the rasterization process. (15)-(17) Print job transmission method.

  (19) The step (b) includes a step (j) of classifying the types of objects included in the document data. In the step (d), the rasterization for each object classified in the step (j) is performed. The print job transmission method according to any one of (15) to (18), wherein a second processing time required when the print job is rasterized in the image forming apparatus based on a processing result is predicted.

  (20) A step (k) for monitoring a communication speed with the image forming apparatus is further included. In the step (e), occurrence of communication congestion is detected based on the communication speed monitored in the step (k). When it is determined that communication congestion has occurred, the process of calculating the first time and the second time is performed again to determine which of the recalculated first time and second time is shorter (15 ) To (19).

  (21) The print job includes information relating to a delivery date for which image forming processing is to be completed by the image forming apparatus, and whether or not the print job is urgent in step (e) based on the information relating to the delivery date. If it is determined that the print job is not urgent, the first time and the second time are not calculated and compared, and the print job before the rasterization process is performed in the image forming apparatus. (15) to (20), a print job transmission method.

  (22) A print job transmission program for causing a computer to execute the print job transmission method of (15) to (21).

  According to the present invention, the rasterization processing time in the print job transmission apparatus and the image forming apparatus and the transmission time of the print job before and after the rasterization processing between the print job transmission apparatus and the image forming apparatus are considered. Then, a combination that shortens the total time of the rasterization processing time and the transmission time of the print job is selected and the print job is transmitted, so that the entire processing including the rasterization processing and the transmission time can be selected, Productivity can be improved.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of PC shown by FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print server illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print server manager. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a braid | blade. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of a printer. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of POD printing roughly. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for performing RIP processing and transmission processing of a print job by the print server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing times of a print server and a printer. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing time of a print server and a printer 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for RIP processing and transmission processing of a received print job by a print server according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing times of a print server and a printer. 10 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of POD printing processing according to a third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for RIP processing and transmission processing of a received print job by a print server according to a fourth embodiment. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for RIP processing and transmission processing of a received print job by a print server according to a fifth embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail for each configuration with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Image forming system)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention.

  An image forming system of the present embodiment includes a client terminal capable of transmitting a print job, an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image based on the print job, a print job transmitting apparatus capable of transmitting a print job to the image forming apparatus, Have In the following embodiments, an image forming system including a PC 1 as an example of a client terminal, a print server 2 as an example of a print job transmission apparatus, and printers 3a to 3c as examples of image forming apparatuses will be described. Note that the image forming apparatus only needs to have a function of forming an image. For example, the image forming apparatus may be a multi-function peripheral (MFP).

  The PC 1 as a network terminal, the print server 2, and the printers 3a to 3c are connected to each other via the network 4 so that they can communicate with each other. Hereinafter, an arbitrary printer will be described as the printer 3.

  The network 4 includes a LAN (LAN: Local Area Network) in which computers and network devices are connected according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI, and a WAN (Wide Area Network) in which LANs are connected by a dedicated line. And various networks such as the Internet and combinations thereof. Note that the types and number of devices connected to the network 4 are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

(PC)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the PC 1 shown in FIG. The PC 1 as a client computer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a memory 12, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13, a display 14, an input device 15, a graphic I / F (Interface) unit 16, and a communication I / F unit 17. These are connected to each other via a bus 18 for exchanging signals.

  The CPU 11 can execute control of each unit and various arithmetic processes (for example, creation of document data, conversion of document data into a page description language, generation of a print job, transmission of a print job, etc.) according to a program. Each function of the PC 1 is exhibited when the CPU 11 executes a corresponding program.

  The memory 12 includes a ROM for storing various programs and various data, a RAM for temporarily storing programs and data as a work area, and the like. The memory 12 can be constituted by, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

  The HDD 13 stores various programs including an operating system (OS) and various data. The HDD 13 stores various applications for creating, selecting, or reproducing document data that can include text and images.

  The HDD 13 is installed with a printer driver for setting print settings for the created document data. The user can select document data for image formation processing via the printer driver, and can specify print settings (including post-processing settings) for the document data. The selected document data is converted into PDL data described in a page description language (PDL) that can be interpreted by the print server 2 and the printers 3a to 3c together with print settings designated by the user. PDL data converted and generated for each print instruction is a print job. Examples of PDL include PS (PostScript (registered trademark)) and XPS (XML Paper Specification). In the present embodiment, the user can also set the desired delivery date of the printed matter and information indicating the degree of urgency when setting the print.

  The display 14 is an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and is used for displaying various types of information. As will be described later, the display 14 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as a printer driver screen.

  The input device 15 includes a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and is used for inputting various information.

  The graphic I / F unit 16 displays, via the display 14, a GUI that can accept a print instruction or the like via the input device 15 operated by the user.

  The communication I / F unit 17 is an interface for communicating with an external device on the network 4, and is a network interface based on standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface), USB, IEEE1394. Serial interfaces such as SCSI, parallel interfaces such as SCSI and IEEE1284, wireless communication interfaces such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), IEEE802.11, HomeRF, and IrDA can be used.

(Print server)
Next, the configuration of the print server according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the print server shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the print server manager, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the blade.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the print server 2 according to this embodiment includes a print server manager 22 and blades 24a to 24c. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the print server manager 22 includes a CPU 221, a memory 222, an HDD 223, and a communication I / F unit 224. These are connected via an internal bus 225 so that they can communicate with each other. In addition, below, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the component similar to PC1 mentioned above in order to avoid duplication.

  The CPU 221 performs control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program. For example, the CPU 331 executes RIP processing (rasterization processing) that converts document data included in a print job into raster data.

  Each function of the print server 2 is exhibited by the CPU 221 executing a corresponding program. The CPU 221 may be configured in a multi-core so that the CPU 221 itself can execute a plurality of processes simultaneously.

  The HDD 223 stores various programs including an operating system (OS) and various data. The HDD 223 stores various applications for managing the printers 3 a to 3 c connected via the network 4. The HDD 223 stores information such as the functions of the printers 3a to 3c.

  The communication I / F unit 224 has the same configuration as that of the communication I / F unit 17 and receives a print job from the PC 1 via the network 4 as a reception unit or transmits a print job to the printers 3a to 3c as a transmission unit. To do. Note that the communication I / F unit 224 can adjust the communication speed of data to be transmitted. For example, when the access is concentrated on the print server 2 and the operation rate of the CPU 221 exceeds a predetermined value, the communication I / F unit 224 can delay the communication speed. Further, the communication I / F unit 224 can measure the communication speed by transmitting dummy data to the printer on the data receiving side, and can monitor whether the network 4 is congested.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the blade 24 a includes a CPU 241, a memory 242, an HDD 243, and a communication I / F unit 244. The blades 24b and 24c have the same configuration as the blade 24a.

  The CPU 241 performs control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program. For example, the CPU 241 executes rasterizing processing (hereinafter referred to as RIP processing) for original data in a print job to generate raster data. Each function of the blade 24a is exhibited by the CPU 241 executing a corresponding program.

  The memory 242 is a ROM for storing various programs and various data, a RAM for temporarily storing programs and data as a work area, and the like. For example, when the CPU 241 performs RIP processing, the memory 242 stores an analysis result obtained by analyzing document data. For example, the type, number, resolution, data capacity, font type, etc. of the object for the document data are stored. Further, the time required for RIP processing of the document data is stored. Here, the type of document data is, for example, a color image, a monochrome image, or text data.

  Thus, the print server 2 can execute a plurality of processes in parallel by including the blades 24a to 24c. Since parallel processing is possible, the print server 2 can execute time-consuming image forming processing such as RIP processing at a higher speed than the printers 3a to 3c.

(printer)
Next, the configuration of the printer according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the printer. Since the printers 3a to 3c can have the same configuration, only the configuration of the printer 3a will be described below as a representative.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the printer 3 a as a printer includes a control unit 31, a communication I / F unit 32, an operation unit 33, a paper feed unit 34, an image forming unit 35, a post-processing unit 36, and a paper discharge unit 37. .

  The control unit 31 controls the above units. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 31 includes a CPU 311, a memory 312, an HDD 313, a communication I / F unit 314, and a video I / F unit 315.

  The CPU 311 performs control of the above-described units and various arithmetic processes (for example, RIP processing, image formation processing, processing for decompressing compressed data, post-processing, etc.) according to a program. Each function of the printer 3a is exhibited by the CPU 311 executing a corresponding program.

  The HDD 313 stores various programs including the OS and various data. For example, when there is a preceding print job, the HDD 313 stores a program for predicting the completion time of the preceding job.

  The video I / F unit 315 is an interface for communicating with the image forming unit 35 and the like.

  The operation unit 33 includes a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and is used for inputting various settings by the user and displaying various information.

  The paper supply unit 34 stores paper or the like as a printing medium onto which an image is transferred, and sends out the stored paper one by one to the image forming unit 35. The paper feed unit 34 includes, for example, a plurality of trays, and can be configured to select a paper size, color, and paper quality for each printing application.

  The image forming unit 35 converts the document data received via the communication I / F unit 32 using a known image forming process such as an electrophotographic process including charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes. Print the based image on paper.

  The post-processing unit 36 performs post-processing on the paper printed by the image forming unit 35 based on the print settings included in the print job. The post-processing executed by the post-processing unit 36 includes, for example, a staple process for binding a bundle of sheets with staples, a punch punching process for forming filing holes at the end of the sheet, and bundling the sheets into a book shape. Examples include case binding processing, folding processing for folding paper, and trimmer processing for cutting the edge of the paper.

  The paper discharge unit 37 discharges the printed material conveyed from the image forming unit 35 or the post-processing unit 36.

  The number of blades 24a to 24c configured in the print server 2 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the number shown in FIG. The PC 1, the print server 2, the blades 24a to 24c, and the printers 3a to 3c may include components other than the components described above, or may include some of the components described above. It does not have to be.

(POD printing process)
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a procedure of POD printing processing in the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically showing the procedure of the POD printing process.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the PC 1 accepts input of original data to be subjected to POD print processing and print settings for the original data, and prepares a print job based on the received original data and print settings (step S1). S1). In this step, the user selects document data including text data and image data on the PC 1 as a client computer, and executes print settings on the printer driver screen. The PC 1 creates a print job based on document data and print settings input by the user. Here, the print setting includes setting of a printing form such as color / monochrome, assignment, and setting of post-processing such as bookbinding binding, wireless binding, or folding. In addition to the print settings, input of information related to the delivery date may be accepted.

  The PC 1 requests the print server 2 to create an estimate based on the created print job (step S2).

  Subsequently, the print server 2 selects a printer 3 that matches the print job request from the PC 1 (step S3), and transmits an inquiry as to whether the print job can be accepted to the selected printer 3 (step S3). Step S4). In this step, the print server 2 analyzes the print settings in the received print job, searches the network 4 for a printer 3 that can execute the print job transmitted from the PC 1, and inquires the corresponding printer 3. . For example, when “case binding” is designated in the print settings, the print server 2 searches for a printer 3 that can execute case binding processing and executes an inquiry as to whether the case binding processing can be executed. When a plurality of printers 3 are applicable, an inquiry may be transmitted to the plurality of printers 3. The print server 2 calculates an estimated amount when printing based on the print job is performed.

  Subsequently, the printer 3 that has received the inquiry determines whether it is ready for printing, that is, whether it can accept a print job (step S5). In the determination of print preparation, the printer 3 determines whether it can be accepted in consideration of the degree of congestion of print jobs to be processed. For example, the printer 3 compares the predicted processing time of a print job that has already been received and should be processed in the future with a predetermined time, and determines whether the print job can be received. If it is determined that it can be accepted, the printer 3 transmits a notification to the print server 2 that it can be accepted (step S6). If there are many print jobs, the printer 3 may make a notification that the print job cannot be accepted.

  Subsequently, the print server 2 transmits the estimated amount calculated in step S3 to the PC 1 (step S7).

  The PC 1 presents the received estimated amount to the user via the display 14 and accepts an input of an instruction from the user as to whether to request creation of a printed material with the estimated amount (step S8). The request for the creation of the printed matter is accepted, for example, when the user selects a “confirm” button displayed on the display 14. When a printed material creation instruction is input from the user, the PC 1 transmits a printed material creation request to the print server 2 (step S9).

  Subsequently, the print server 2 executes RIP processing and transmission processing (step S10). In this step, the print server 2 executes RIP processing and transmission processing for the print job received in step S2. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Subsequently, the printer 3 executes an image forming process (step S11). In this step, the printer 3 executes image forming processing based on the print job transmitted from the print server 2. Note that depending on the processing in step S10, the printer 3 may receive raster data from the print server 2 that is generated by performing RIP processing on document data included in a print job. In this case, the printer 3 forms an image using the received raster data. When raster data is not received from the print server 2, the printer 3 performs RIP processing by itself and performs image formation processing. If the print job includes post-processing such as bookbinding, stapling, and punching, the printer 3 also executes post-processing.

(RIP processing and transmission processing by the print server)
Next, RIP processing and transmission processing of a print job in the print server according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. The print server 2 functions as a first calculation unit, a second calculation unit, and a selection unit.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for performing RIP processing and transmission processing of a print job by the print server according to the present embodiment, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing time of the print server and the printer, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of processing time. The process shown in FIG. 9 is stored as a program in the memory 222 or the like and can be executed by the CPU 221. Further, the CPU 241 can execute processing by the blade including RIP processing of the divided print job.

  As shown in FIG. 9, first, the print server 2 receives a print job described in PDL from the PC 1 via the network 4 (step S21). At this time, the print server 2 grasps the data amount of the received print job.

  Subsequently, the print server 2 divides the print job (step S22). In this step, the print server 2 divides the print job received in step S21 into a plurality of portions and transmits the print job to each blade so that the blades 24a to 24c can perform RIP processing in parallel. The divided print job includes a header and original data to be subjected to RIP processing, and further includes information about the original print job.

  Subsequently, the print server 2 executes RIP processing (step S23). In this step, each of the blades 24a to 24c that has received the print job divided in step S22 performs RIP processing on the document data in the print job. Raster data generated by RIP processing in each of the blades 24 a to 24 c is appropriately stored in the memory 242 and transmitted to the print server manager 22. The print server manager 22 collects the raster data that has been distributed and RIP processed, and detects the capacity of the entire raster data.

  In parallel with steps S22 and S23, the print server 2 confirms the communication speed (step S24). In this step, the CPU 221 measures the communication speed per unit data amount in the network 4 from the communication I / F unit 224 to the printer 3a. The communication speed can be measured by transmitting dummy data.

  Subsequently, the print server 2 transmits the RIP processing time by the print server 2 and the time for transmitting the print job including the raster data after the RIP processing, that is, the print job after the RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as data after the RIP processing). The first time is calculated (step S25). The RIP processing time by the print server 2 can be calculated as, for example, the longest time among the processing times by the blades 24a to 24c or the average of these. The raster data transmission time can be calculated by dividing the data amount of the entire raster data by the communication speed measured in step S24. Alternatively, the average communication speed may be stored in advance, and the raster data transmission time may be calculated by dividing the data amount of the entire raster data by the average communication speed. In this case, measurement of the communication speed in step S24 can be omitted.

  Subsequently, the print server 2 adds the transmission time of the print job including the original data not subjected to the RIP processing, that is, the print job before the RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as data before the RIP processing) and the RIP processing time by the printer. Then, the second time is calculated (step S26). Regarding the transmission time of the data before RIP processing, the print server 2 predicts the transmission time required when transmitting the print job received in step S21 to the printer 3a without performing the RIP processing. The transmission time can be calculated by dividing the data amount of the print job by the communication speed measured in step S24. The RIP processing time in the printer 3 can be calculated based on the RIP processing time in step S23 and the ratio of the RIP processing performance of the print server 2 itself and the processing performance of each printer. Here, the HDD 223 stores the ratio of the processing speed of the RIP processing between the print server 2 (blades 24a to 24c) and the printer 3 in advance. For example, the processing time in the printer 3 can be calculated by dividing the RIP processing time by the print server 2 by the ratio of the RIP processing speed of the printer 3 to the print server 2.

  Subsequently, the print server 2 compares the first and second times calculated in steps S25 and S26 to determine whether or not the first time is longer than the second time (step S27).

  When the first time is longer than the second time (step S27: YES), the print server 2 transmits the pre-RIP processing data to the printer 3 (step S28). This is because it is faster to send the print job before the RIP process to the printer 3 to perform the RIP process than the print server 2 itself performs the RIP process and transmits the raster data. Accordingly, although the print server 2 itself has performed the RIP process in step S23 once for the print job received in step S21, the print server 2 discards the raster data and transmits the print job before the RIP process to the printer 3a. To execute the RIP process.

  An example in which the first time is longer than the second time is as shown in FIG. As shown in (A), the first time that is the sum of the time for RIP processing by the print server 2 (less than 1 second) and the time for transmitting post-RIP data to the printer 3a (14 seconds) is 1 second. Rounded down to the next 14 seconds. On the other hand, as shown in (B), the estimated time for transmitting the pre-RIP processing data to the printer 3 (4 seconds) and the estimated time for the printer 3 to perform RIP processing (6 seconds) is the sum. 2 hours is 10 seconds. Since the first time is longer than the second time, in order to finish the RIP process and the transmission process in a shorter second time, the print server 2 transmits the pre-RIP process data to the printer 3a as shown in (B). RIP processing is executed. The data transmission time after RIP processing, the data transmission time before RIP processing, and the RIP processing time that can be set in the printer 3 can be calculated immediately after the RIP processing is completed in the print server 2.

  On the other hand, returning to FIG. 9, if the first time is equal to or shorter than the second time (step S27: NO), the print server 2 transmits the post-RIP processing data to the printer 3a (step S29). This is because it is faster for the print server 2 itself to perform RIP processing and send raster data than to send a print job before RIP processing to the printer 3a for RIP processing.

  An example in the case where the first time is equal to or shorter than the second time is as shown in FIG. In the example shown in (A), the first time that is the sum of the time (10 seconds) for RIP processing by the print server 2 and the time (100 seconds) for transmitting post-RIP data to the printer 3a is 110 seconds. is there. On the other hand, in the example shown in (B), the second time, which is the sum of the time for transmitting pre-RIP processing data to the printer 3a (50 seconds) and the time for the printer 3a to perform RIP processing (200 seconds), is the print server. 260 seconds including the RIP processing time (10 seconds) by 2. Since the first time is equal to or shorter than the second time, in order to complete the RIP process and the transmission process in a shorter first time, the print server 2 performs the RIP process after the RIP process performed by itself as shown in FIG. The data is transmitted to cause the printer 3a to execute a subsequent printing process (image forming process) based on the raster data.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the print server 2 can determine a combination that shortens the total time of the rasterization processing time and the print job transmission time by calculating and comparing the first and second times. Since the print server 2 selects whether to transmit the post-RIP processing data or cause the printer 3a to execute the RIP processing based on the determination, the processing time is set as the entire processing including the RIP processing and the print job transmission time. Can select a short one and improve productivity.

  In the above embodiment, it has been described that the print server 2 stores the ratio between the RIP processing speed by the print server 2 and the RIP processing speed by the printer 3 in the HDD 223. Here, the ratio of the RIP processing speed may be stored in a database for each type of object included in the document data in more detail. For example, the print server 2 classifies object types into document object font types, switching numbers, drawing object numbers and types, image object numbers, resolutions, sizes, types, etc. The RIP processing speeds of the print server 2 and printer 3 are stored in a database.

  In step S23, when the RIP processing is performed by the blades 24a to 24c, the types of objects included in the document data are also classified, and the time required for the RIP processing is measured for each object type and stored in the memory 242. To do. Based on the time required for the RIP processing for each object type and the ratio of the RIP processing speed of the print server 2 and the printer 3 for each object type, the estimated time required for the RIP processing in the printer 3 can be calculated. Thus, by considering the ratio of the RIP processing speed for each type of object, the RIP processing time in the printer 3 can be predicted more accurately.

  In the above embodiment, the print server 2 transmits the raster data as it is to the printer 3 in step S29. However, the raster data generated by the RIP process may be compressed and transmitted to the printer 3. In this case, in step S23, in parallel with the RIP process, data can be sequentially compressed from the portion that has become raster data by the RIP process, and the compressed post-RIP process data can be generated. By compressing the post-RIP processing data, the transmission time in step S29 can be shortened. In this case, the time for transmitting the compressed RIP-processed data can be used as the first time in step S25 described above. Further, the printer 3 that has received the compressed post-RIP data can sequentially decompress the compressed data from the received portion on the fly.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and processes as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for RIP processing and transmission processing of a received print job by the print server according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing time of the print server and the printer. The process shown in FIG. 12 is stored as a program in the memory 222 or the like and can be executed by the CPU 221. Further, the RIP processing of the divided print job can be executed by the CPU 241.

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, the print server 2 receives a print job (step S21).

  Subsequently, the print server 2 transmits the print job to the printer 3a before RIP processing the document data in the received print job (step S30). At this time, the transmitted print job is duplicated so that the print server 2 executes RIP processing and the like.

  Subsequently, steps S22 to S27 are executed.

  When the first time is equal to or shorter than the second time (step S27: NO), the print server 2 transmits the post-RIP processing data to the PC 1 (step S29). In this step, when the transmission process of the pre-RIP data started in step S30 is continued, the print server 2 stops the transmission process.

  Subsequently, when the first time is longer than the second time (step S27: YES), the print server 2 ends the process without transmitting the post-RIP data. This is because it is faster to send the pre-RIP processing data to the printer 3 for RIP processing than the print server 2 itself performs RIP processing to send raster data. Therefore, the print job transmitted in step S30 is used in the printer 3 as it is.

  Note that when calculating the second time in step S26, the transmission speed measured when the print job is transmitted in step S30 is used to predict the time required to transmit the print job to the printer 3.

  An example in which the first time is longer than the second time is as shown in FIG. The example of FIG. 13A shows a first time that is the sum of the time for RIP processing by the print server 2 and the time for transmitting raster data to the printer 3.

  The example of FIG. 13B shows a second time that is the sum of the time required to transmit the print job before the RIP process to the printer 3 and the estimated time for the printer 3a to perform the RIP process. In FIG. 13B, the transmission of the print job starts simultaneously with the start of the RIP process by the print server 2. Here, the time required for transmitting the print job can be calculated by the print server 2 based on the amount of data after RIP if the RIP processing by the print server 2 is completed. Alternatively, the printer 3 may actually measure the reception time and return the completion time to the print server 2.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, from the comparison between (A) and (B), the second time is shorter than the first time. Therefore, the method (B), that is, the method of transmitting the print job before the RIP process to the printer 3 and executing the RIP process in the printer 3 is adopted.

  According to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, by comparing the first time and the second time, the one that can complete the RIP processing time and the transmission time in a shorter time is selected, and the image forming process is produced. Can be improved.

  In addition, as can be seen by comparing (B) according to the method of the second embodiment and (C) according to the method of the first embodiment, the second time according to the present embodiment is the first time for the print job. As soon as transmission starts, it ends at an earlier point. Therefore, when the second time is shorter than the first time, the productivity of the image forming process can be further improved since the transmission of the print job is started first.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and processes as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of POD printing processing according to the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the print server 2 determines whether or not a special print setting is included in the print job before the RIP process and the transmission process (step S10) (step S40). The special print setting is a setting that requires preparation in the printer 3 in order to execute a print job. For example, the special print setting is for a sheet that is not prepared in the paper feed unit 34 of the printer 3 (usually not frequently used). Settings relating to use and settings relating to post-processing of bookbinding.

  When print settings such as these are included in the print job, the print server 2 separates these settings from the print job, and transmits them to the printer 3 as soon as the printer 3 that transmits the print job is determined ( Step S42).

  The printer 3 that has received a specific print setting first in the print job can display an instruction for prompting preparation on the operation unit 33, for example. In this way, before the printer 3 receives a print job before or after the RIP process, appropriate paper is prepared in the paper feed unit 34, or heating of the hot melt used for the product is started. And you can start preparations ahead of schedule. Hot melt heating may be performed automatically without prompting the user for preparation.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to prevent a delay in the printing process due to preparations such as paper replacement and post-processing, and to improve production efficiency.

  In FIG. 14, the print settings are separated and transmitted to the printer 3 before the RIP process and the transmission process (step S10). However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the printer 3 that transmits the print job is determined (step S6 or step S9), it is determined whether the print job includes special print settings, and the print settings are separated and transmitted to the printer 3 first. .

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and processes as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of RIP processing and transmission of a received print job by the print server according to the fourth embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 15 is stored as a program in the memory 222 or the like and can be executed by the CPU 221. Further, the RIP processing of the divided print job can be executed by the CPU 241.

  In the fourth embodiment, after transmission of data after RIP processing has started (step S29), the print server 2 determines whether communication congestion has occurred (step S50). Whether or not communication congestion has occurred can be monitored by measuring the communication speed in step S24 at a predetermined cycle time. The print server 2 determines that communication congestion has occurred when the communication speed falls below a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is, for example, a communication speed of 1 MB / second.

  If communication congestion has occurred (step S50: YES), the print server 2 repeats the determination in step S27 again. Accordingly, the first time and the second time are calculated again in consideration of the communication speed at which communication congestion has occurred, and it is determined which is shorter between the first time and the second time, and the processing can be switched to the shorter one.

  When communication congestion has not occurred (step S50: NO), the print server 2 determines whether transmission of data after RIP processing is completed (step S51). If the transmission has not been completed (step S51: NO), the print server 2 returns to the process of step S50 and determines again whether communication congestion has occurred. When the transmission is completed (step S51: YES), the print server 2 ends the RIP process and the transmission process.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the RIP process and the transmission process are switched earlier according to the communication status.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and processes as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of RIP processing and transmission processing of a received print job by the print server according to the fifth embodiment. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 16 is stored as a program in the memory 222 or the like and can be executed by the CPU 221. Further, the RIP processing of the divided print job can be executed by the CPU 241.

  As shown in FIG. 16, first, the print server 2 receives a print job (step S21).

  Subsequently, the print server 2 determines whether or not the print job is urgent (step S60). In this step, the print server 2 determines whether or not the print job is urgent by referring to the information regarding the delivery date in the print settings included in the print job received in step S21. Note that the information related to the delivery date includes, for example, information related to the due date of delivery date and information indicating that it is urgent. Information regarding the delivery date can be appropriately set by the user through the print setting screen in the PC 1. Then, for example, the print server 2 compares the time until the delivery date with a preset threshold, and can determine that the print job is urgent when the time falls below the threshold. Here, the threshold value is stored in advance in the HDD 223. Alternatively, the print server 2 determines that the print job is urgent when information indicating that it is urgent is included in the print job.

  When it is determined that the print job is urgent (step S60: YES), the print server 2 executes the processes of steps S22 to S29.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the print job is not urgent (step S60: NO), the print server 2 determines whether or not the print processing start time has been reached (step S61). The print processing start time is set, for example, at a time when the operation rate of the printer 3 is low, at night, or the like.

  If the print process start time has not been reached (step S61: NO), the print server 2 stands by until the print process start time has been reached.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the print processing start time has been reached (step S61: YES), the print server 2 transmits the pre-RIP processing data to the printer 3 (step S28).

  As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, by determining whether or not a print job is urgent, a print job that is not urgent can be printed at a preset print processing start time. For example, by setting the print processing start time at night and causing the printer 3 to execute RIP processing at night, the processing of the print server 2 and the printer 3 can be distributed, and the load can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  In the above embodiment, the PC 1 is exemplified as a transmission source for transmitting a print job, but the present invention is not limited to this. The terminal that transmits the print job may be a smartphone or the like.

  The means and method for performing various processes in image formation according to the present embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flash memory or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transmitted and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated in the software of the apparatus as a function of image formation.

1 PC (client computer),
11 CPU,
12 memory,
13 HDD,
14 display,
15 input devices,
16 Graphic I / F part,
17 Communication I / F part,
2 print server,
22 Print Manager,
221 CPU (processing time prediction means, transmission time prediction means, separation means, control means, compression means),
222 memory,
223 HDD (storage means),
224 communication I / F unit (reception means, communication means),
225 bus,
24a, 24b, 24c blades,
241 CPU (classification means),
242 memory,
243 HDD,
244 Communication I / F part,
245 bus,
3a, 3b, 3c printer 31 control unit,
311 CPU (extension means),
312 memory,
313 HDD,
314 Communication I / F part,
315 Video I / F part,
316 bus,
32 Communication I / F part,
33 Operation part,
34 Paper feed unit,
35 Image forming section,
36 Post-processing section,
37 Paper output section,
38 bus,
4 Network.

Claims (22)

An image forming system comprising: a client terminal capable of transmitting a print job; an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image based on the print job; and a print job transmitting apparatus capable of transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus. There,
The print job transmission device includes:
When the print job is received from the client terminal, rasterization processing means for rasterizing document data included in the print job;
Based on the result of the rasterization process, a first transmission time required for transmitting the print job after the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus is predicted, the first transmission time and the first processing time required for the rasterization process, First calculating means for calculating the first time by adding together,
Based on the received print job, a second transmission time required for transmitting the print job before the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus is predicted, and further, based on the result of the rasterization process, the print job is determined as the image. Second calculation means for predicting a second processing time required for rasterizing in the forming apparatus, and calculating the second time by adding the second transmission time and the second processing time;
The first time and the second time are compared, and when the first time is short, the print job after the rasterization process is performed, and when the second time is short, the print job before the rasterization process is displayed as the image. Selection means for selecting transmission to the forming apparatus;
Transmitting means for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus;
Including an image forming system. The transmission means includes
Prior to selection by the selection unit, the print job before the rasterization process is started to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
The transmission of the print job before the rasterization process is stopped when the selection unit determines that the print job after the rasterization process is to be transmitted and the transmission of the print job before the rasterization process is not completed. The image forming system described. The print job transmission device includes:
Further comprising separation means for separating predetermined print settings included in the print job;
The transmission means transmits the print settings separated by the separation means to the image forming apparatus before selection by the selection means, in order to prompt the user to prepare for processing related to the print settings in the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. The print job transmission apparatus further includes a compression unit that compresses data sequentially from a portion to which the rasterization process is applied in parallel with the rasterization process, and generates a compressed print job after the rasterization process,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus expands the print job when receiving the compressed rasterized print job. The rasterization processing unit classifies the types of objects included in the document data,
5. The second calculation unit predicts a second processing time required for rasterizing the print job in the image forming apparatus based on a result of the rasterizing process for each classified object. The image forming system according to any one of the above. The print job transmission apparatus further includes a monitoring unit that monitors a communication speed with the image forming apparatus,
The selection means determines the occurrence of communication congestion based on the communication speed monitored by the monitoring means, and performs the process of calculating the first time and the second time again when it is determined that communication congestion has occurred. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the recalculated first time or second time is determined to be shorter. The print job includes information related to a delivery date when the image forming process should be completed by the image forming apparatus,
The selection means includes
Based on the information on the delivery date, it is determined whether or not the print job is urgent, and when it is determined that the print job is not urgent, the calculation of the first time and the second time and 7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus selects transmission of the print job before the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus without performing comparison. A print job transmission apparatus capable of transmitting a print job transmitted from a client terminal to an image forming apparatus,
Receiving means for receiving the print job from the client terminal;
Rasterizing processing means for rasterizing document data included in the print job;
Based on the result of the rasterization process, a first transmission time required for transmitting the print job after the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus is predicted, the first transmission time and the first processing time required for the rasterization process, First calculating means for calculating the first time by adding together,
Based on the received print job, a second transmission time required for transmitting the print job before the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus is predicted, and further, based on the result of the rasterization process, the print job is determined as the image. Second calculation means for predicting a second processing time required for rasterizing in the forming apparatus, and calculating the second time by adding the second transmission time and the second processing time;
The first time and the second time are compared, and when the first time is short, the print job after the rasterization process is performed, and when the second time is short, the print job before the rasterization process is displayed as the image. Selection means for selecting transmission to the forming apparatus;
Transmitting means for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus;
A print job transmission apparatus. The transmission means includes
Prior to selection by the selection unit, the print job before the rasterization process is started to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
9. The transmission of the print job before the rasterization process is stopped when the selection unit determines that the print job after the rasterization process is to be transmitted and the transmission of the print job before the rasterization process is not completed. The print job transmitting apparatus described. Further comprising separation means for separating predetermined print settings included in the print job;
The transmission means transmits the print settings separated by the separation means to the image forming apparatus before selection by the selection means, in order to prompt the user to prepare for processing related to the print settings in the image forming apparatus. The print job transmission apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.   11. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a compression unit that compresses data sequentially from a portion to which the rasterization process is applied in parallel with the rasterization process, and generates a compressed print job after the rasterization process. The print job transmitting apparatus described. The rasterization processing unit classifies the types of objects included in the document data,
12. The second calculation unit predicts a second processing time required for rasterizing the print job in the image forming apparatus based on a result of the rasterizing process for each classified object. 12. The print job transmission apparatus according to any one of the above. A monitoring unit that monitors a communication speed with the image forming apparatus;
The selection means determines the occurrence of communication congestion based on the communication speed monitored by the monitoring means, and performs the process of calculating the first time and the second time again when it is determined that communication congestion has occurred. The print job transmission apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the recalculated first time or the second time is determined to be shorter. The print job includes information related to a delivery date when the image forming process should be completed by the image forming apparatus,
The selection means includes
Based on the information on the delivery date, it is determined whether or not the print job is urgent, and when it is determined that the print job is not urgent, the calculation of the first time and the second time and The print job transmission apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13, which selects transmission of the print job before the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus without performing comparison. Receiving a print job from a client terminal via a network;
A step (b) of rasterizing document data included in the received print job;
Based on the result of the rasterization process, a first transmission time required for transmitting the print job after the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus is predicted, and the first transmission time and the first processing time required for the rasterization process are determined. (C) calculating the first time by adding together;
Based on the received print job, a second transmission time required for transmitting the print job before the rasterization process to the image forming apparatus is predicted, and further, based on the result of the rasterization process, the print job is determined as the image. A step (d) of calculating a second time by predicting a second processing time required for rasterizing in the forming apparatus, and adding the second transmission time and the second processing time;
The first time and the second time are compared, and when the first time is short, the print job after the rasterization process is performed, and when the second time is short, the print job before the rasterization process is displayed as the image. Selecting to transmit to the forming device (e);
Transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus (f);
A print job transmission method.   Prior to the step (e), the print job before the rasterization process is started to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the print job after the rasterization process is transmitted by the selection unit. The print job transmission method according to claim 15, wherein transmission of a print job before the rasterization process is stopped when job transmission is not completed. Separating a predetermined print setting included in the print job (g);
Before the step (e), in order to prompt the user to prepare for the processing related to the print settings in the image forming apparatus, the step of transmitting the print settings separated in the step (g) to the image forming apparatus ( h) and
The print job transmission method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising:   16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: a step (i) of compressing data sequentially from a portion to which the rasterizing process is applied in parallel with the rasterizing process of the step (b) to generate a compressed rasterized print job. 18. The print job transmission method according to any one of -17. The step (b) includes a step (j) of classifying types of objects included in the document data,
In the step (d), a second processing time required for rasterizing the print job in the image forming apparatus is predicted based on the result of the rasterizing process for each object classified in the step (j). The print job transmission method according to claim 15. And (k) further monitoring the communication speed with the image forming apparatus,
In the step (e), the occurrence of communication congestion is determined based on the communication speed monitored in the step (k), and when it is determined that the communication congestion has occurred, the first time and the second time are calculated. The print job transmission method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the process is performed again to determine which of the recalculated first time and second time is shorter. The print job includes information related to a delivery date when the image forming process should be completed by the image forming apparatus,
In step (e), based on the information regarding the delivery date, it is determined whether the print job is urgent. If it is determined that the print job is not urgent, the first time and the The print job transmission method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the second time is not calculated and compared, and the transmission of the print job before the rasterization process is selected to the image forming apparatus.   A print job transmission program for causing a computer to execute the print job transmission method according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

Images