JP6728840B2 - Image processing server, distribution device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing server, a data transmission program, and a distribution device.

Conventionally, it has been disclosed that a layout work for designing a printed matter such as a leaflet or a catalog is performed using a layout design device (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-6-289588

In order to effectively use the image generating device such as the layout designing device, it may be possible to use the image generating device from a plurality of clients. In that case, it is desirable that each client can use the device as easily as if it were monopolizing the device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing server, a data transmission program, and a distribution device that can be efficiently used by each client.

The present invention solves the above problems by the following means. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, reference numerals corresponding to the embodiments of the present invention will be given and described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, the configurations described with reference numerals may be appropriately improved, or at least a part of them may be replaced with other components.

A first aspect of the present invention includes a data storage processing unit (20) that receives and stores request data relating to image generation from a plurality of clients (6), and a virtual instance (11a) that generates image data based on the request data. It controls a plurality of image data generation units (10), the data storage processing unit, and the image data generation unit, and responds to the fact that the virtual instance of the image data generation unit is ready to accept data. And an image generation control unit (30) for extracting request data stored in the data storage processing unit and outputting the request data to the virtual instance in a data receivable state.
A second invention is the image processing server (1) according to the first invention, wherein the data storage processing unit (20) stores the request data and identification data for identifying the client (6) in association with each other. The image generation control unit (30) associates the virtual instance (11a) with the identification data, and outputs the request data to the virtual instance in a data receivable state, The image processing server is characterized in that it is determined based on the identification data associated with the request data and extracted from the data storage processing unit.
A third aspect of the present invention is the image processing server (1) of the second aspect, wherein the data storage processing unit (20) stores the request data in such a manner that a reception/arrival sequence of the request data can be recognized. If the identification data is associated with the virtual instance (11a) in a data receivable state, the image generation control unit (30) associates the identification data with the reception arrival. Sequentially, the request data is extracted from the data storage processing unit, and if the identification data is not associated with the virtual instance in a data receivable state, the request data is processed in the reception arrival order. It is an image processing server characterized by extracting from a copy.
A fourth invention is the image processing server (1) according to any one of the first invention to the third invention, wherein the data storage processing unit (20) stores the request data and priority order data regarding processing order. Are stored in association with each other, and the image generation control unit (30) preferentially extracts the request data having a high processing order based on the priority order data. ..
A fifth aspect of the invention is the image processing server of the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the types of the request data include editing and printed matter, and the data storage processing unit performs the priority based on the content of the request data. The image processing server is characterized by creating and storing ranking data.
A sixth invention is the image processing server (1) according to any one of the first invention to the fifth invention, wherein the request data includes data in an XML format and is generated by the image data generation unit (10). A position of a storage area for storing the generated image data is designated, and the image data generation unit stores the generated image data in the storage area designated by the request data. It is a processing server.
A seventh invention is the image processing server (1) according to any one of the first invention to the sixth invention, wherein the image data generation unit (10) is based on the request data The image processing server is characterized by generating data in PDF format.
An eighth invention is a data transmission program (which is executed by a computer (60) which is a client (6) which is communicably connected to the image processing server (1) and transmits request data to the image processing server ( 62a), wherein the computer includes code adding means for adding identification data capable of identifying the computer to the created request data, and priority setting means for setting a priority corresponding to the request data. Functioning as the data transmitting means for transmitting the identification data added by the code adding means and the priority set by the priority setting means to the image processing server together with the request data. Is a data transmission program for.
In a ninth aspect based on the data transmission program (62a) according to the eighth aspect, the request data includes request data relating to image generation for editing and printed matter, and the priority setting means sets the content of the request data. The data transmission program is characterized by causing it to function so as to set the priority based on.
A tenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a data storage processing unit (20) that receives and stores request data relating to image generation from a plurality of clients (6), the data storage processing unit, and image data based on the plurality of request data. Controlling an image data generation device (10) having a plurality of virtual instances (11a) capable of performing generation in parallel, and the virtual instance of the image data generation device is in a data receivable state. An image generation control unit (30) that extracts request data stored in the data storage processing unit and outputs the request data to the virtual instance in a data receivable state, according to the distribution device (40). Is.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing server, a data transmission program, and a distribution device that can be efficiently used by each client.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the image processing system and the functional block of an image processing server which concern on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the computer which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows message transmission acceptance processing in the image processing system concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a request queue storage part of a data storage processing part concerning this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a distribution process in an image generation control unit according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of each table memorize|stored in the memory|storage part of the image generation control part which concerns on this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an image data generation process in an image data generation unit according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a result post-process in the image generation control unit according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this.
(Embodiment)
<Overall Configuration of Image Processing System 100>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment and a functional block of an image processing server 1.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the computer 60 according to the present embodiment.
The image processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 prints image data of a printed matter (for example, an advertisement printed matter such as a poster, a catalog, a leaflet, a brochure, or a printed matter used for business) printed by using a printing machine 8 for commercial printing. It is a system to generate. Further, the image processing system 100 is a system that generates image data to be output to an edit screen for designing a printed matter performed by the client 6. As described above, the image data includes edit data generated when designing a printed matter, print data generated for printing by the printing machine 8, and the like.

The image processing system 100 includes an image processing server 1, a file server 5, and a plurality of clients 6 (6A to 6C).
The image processing server 1, the file server 5, and the clients 6 (6A to 6C) can communicate with each other via the communication network N. The communication network N is, for example, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), and is a network that cannot be accessed from the outside. In the following description, when the clients 6A to 6C are not identified, they are simply described as the client 6 and the descriptions of A to C are omitted.

<Image processing server 1>
The image processing server 1 receives a message from each client 6, generates image data based on the request data included in the message, and stores the generated image data in the storage area of the file server 5 designated by the request data. Perform processing to
The image processing server 1 includes an image data generation unit 10 (image data generation device) and a distribution unit 40 (distribution device).

<Image data generation unit 10>
The image data generation unit 10 receives the request data from the distribution unit 40 and generates the image data. The image data generation unit 10 includes a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12.
The control unit 11 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire image data generation unit 10. The control unit 11 cooperates with the above-described hardware and executes various functions by appropriately reading and executing the operating system (OS) and application programs stored in the storage unit 12.
The control unit 11 has a plurality of instances 11a (virtual instances). Each instance 11a generates image data based on the request data. Therefore, the control unit 11 can generate image data in parallel for the number of instances 11a. The performance (processing speed, etc.) of each instance 11a is the same. Further, the number of instances 11a depends on the high performance (spec) of the image data generation unit 10. As will be described later, in this example, the number of instances 11a is 33. That is, the image data generation unit 10 can simultaneously generate image data for 33 request data.
The storage unit 12 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory device for storing programs, data, and the like necessary for the control unit 11 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 12 stores an image data generation program (not shown) that generates image data based on the content of the request data.

<Distribution unit 40>
The distribution unit 40 distributes the request data included in the message received from each client 6 to the instance 11a of the image data generation unit 10 which is ready to be accepted.
The distribution unit 40 includes a data storage processing unit 20, an image generation control unit 30, a display unit 41, and an input unit 42.

<Data storage processing unit 20>
The data storage processing unit 20 receives a message from each client 6 and stores the message in the request queue storage unit 22a (see FIG. 4 described later). The data storage processing unit 20 includes a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22.
The control unit 21 is a CPU that controls the entire data storage processing unit 20. The control unit 21 cooperates with the above-described hardware to execute various functions by appropriately reading and executing the OS and application programs stored in the storage unit 22.
The storage unit 22 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory device for storing programs, data, and the like required by the control unit 21 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 22 includes a request queue storage unit 22a. The request queue storage unit 22a is a table that stores the message received from the client 6. Details of the request queue storage unit 22a will be described later.

<Image generation control unit 30>
The image generation control unit 30 controls the data storage processing unit 20 and the image data generation unit 10. The image generation control unit 30 includes a control unit 31 and a storage unit 32.
The control unit 31 is a CPU that controls the entire image generation control unit 30. The control unit 31 performs various functions in cooperation with the above-described hardware by appropriately reading and executing the OS and application programs stored in the storage unit 32.
The storage unit 32 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory device for storing programs, data, and the like required by the control unit 31 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 32 includes a setting table 32a and a process grasping table 32b (see FIG. 6 described later). The setting table 32a is a table related to the setting of each instance 11a of the image data generation unit 10. The processing grasping table 32b is a table for grasping the processing situation of the image data generating unit 10. Details of the setting table 32a and the process grasping table 32b will be described later.
The computer refers to an information processing device including a control unit, a storage device, and the like. The image data generation unit 10, the data storage processing unit 20, and the image generation control unit 30 are information including the control unit, the storage unit, and the like. A processing device, which is included in the concept of a computer.

The display unit 41 is a display including a liquid crystal panel or the like. The display unit 41 displays, for example, the data of the data storage processing unit 20 or the image generation control unit 30.
The input unit 42 is a device including a mouse, a keyboard, and the like. The input unit 42 is used, for example, to input a command for instructing the data storage processing unit 20 or the image generation control unit 30.

<File server 5>
The file server 5 is a server that stores the image data generated by the image processing server 1. In the file server 5, for example, a directory is divided for each client 6. A storage area designated by the request data is set in each directory. The file server 5 stores the image data in the storage area in the directory associated with each client 6.

<Client 6>
The client 6 is a device that transmits a message for editing or printing instructions regarding a printed matter to the image processing server 1. The client 6 may be, for example, a system including a computer 60A that is a plurality of Web servers and a plurality of editing terminals connected to the computer 60A, like the client 6A. Further, the client 6 may be a single editing terminal or a computer 60B such as a batch system like the client 6B. Further, the client 6 may be a system including a computer 60C, which is one server, and a terminal connected to the computer 60C, like the client 6C.
Each client 6 generates image data in terms of processing for designing a printed matter and instructing generation of editing data, generation of print (for printed matter) data and printing of a printed matter. The processing to do is common. The client 6 is prepared for each client, for example. Here, the client refers to a company that uses the image processing system 100 to create printed matter.

Of the client 6, the computer 60 (60A to 60C) that is a device that directly communicates with the image processing server 1 includes a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication interface unit 69, as shown in FIG. Prepare
The control unit 61 is a CPU that controls the entire computer 60. The control unit 61 executes various functions in cooperation with the above-described hardware by appropriately reading and executing the OS and application programs stored in the storage unit 62.
The control unit 61 includes a request data generation unit 61a, a code addition unit 61b, a priority setting unit 61c, and a message transmission unit 61d.

The request data generator 61a generates request data. Details of the request data will be described later.
The code adding unit 61b adds a client ID (identifier) (identification data) that identifies the computer 60 to the request data.
The priority setting unit 61c sets the priority of the request data. The priority setting unit 61c sets the priority based on the content of the request data.
The message transmission unit 61d generates a message as instruction data including request data, a client ID, and priority data (priority data), and transmits the message to the image processing server 1 (data storage processing unit 20). ..

The storage unit 62 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory device for storing programs, data, and the like necessary for the control unit 61 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 62 stores a message transmission program 62a (data transmission program) and a client ID 62b.
The message transmission program 62a is a program for executing the functions of the code addition unit 61b, the priority setting unit 61c, and the message transmission unit 61d. The message sending program 62a sends the message to the image processing server 1 in a common format necessary for smooth processing in the image processing server 1. The message transmission program 62a is, for example, a JAR (Java (registered trademark) Archive) file. The message transmission program 62a may be acquired by a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be stored in the file server 5 or the like and acquired by the client 6 accessing the file server 5. .. Then, the computer 60 stores the message transmission program 62a in the storage unit 62.
The client ID 62b is identification information for identifying the computer 60.
In addition, the storage unit 62 also stores, for example, a program or the like (not shown) for generating request data.
The communication interface unit 69 is an interface for communicating with the image processing server 1 and the file server 5.

<Processing of Computer 60 and Data Storage Processing Unit 20>
Next, the processing in the image processing system 100 will be described.
First, a process in which the computer 60 sends a message to the image processing server 1 and the image processing server 1 receives the message will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a message transmission acceptance process in the image processing system 100 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the request queue storage unit 22a of the data storage processing unit 20 according to the present embodiment.

In step S (hereinafter, simply referred to as “S”) 10 in FIG. 3, the control unit 61 (request data generation unit 61a) of the computer 60 generates request data. The request data is data that is interpreted by the image data generation unit 10 to generate image data. The request data is data that describes, for example, the format of the image data to be generated, the content of the image data to be created (detailed content such as document size and image), the storage location of the generated image data, and the like. The request data is, for example, XML (Extensible Markup Language) format data. By making the request data in XML format, it is possible to create a markup language with a unique meaning and structure while using a uniform notation, and the request data used for communication between software can be general-purpose. Data can be obtained.

In S11, the control unit 61 (code adding unit 61b) acquires the client ID from the storage unit 62 and adds it to the request data.
In S12, the control unit 61 (priority setting unit 61c) sets the priority based on the content of the request data and adds the priority data to the request data.
There are at least two types of request data depending on the content.

One is data relating to generation of editing data used in the editing process. The client 6 transmits the request data to the image processing server 1 by operating the edit screen. The request data in this case is a request for generating image data to be placed on the editing screen that occurs during editing work, and the client 6 places the generated image data on the editing screen and outputs it. The processing in the image processing server 1 needs to be performed quickly. Further, in the editing work, the arrangement and the change of the image data occur every time, so that the request data is frequently transmitted from the client 6 to the image processing server 1. Further, since the image data generation request generated in the editing work is related to one part image on the editing screen, the data amount of the request data is relatively small. Since it is necessary to satisfy the requirement for generation of such image data, when the request data is for generation of edit data, the control unit 61 sets the priority data whose priority is set to “high”. To generate.

The other is data related to generation of print data. The client 6 transmits the request data to the image processing server 1 by performing an operation for generating print data after creating the design of the printed matter on the edit screen. The request data in this case is a request for generation of image data used by the printing machine 8 (FIG. 1), and the printing machine 8 prints using the generated printing data. Therefore, unlike the editing process, a slight time lag is allowed for the response to the client 6. Further, since the print data is performed after the editing work is completed, the frequency of transmitting the request data from the client 6 to the image processing server 1 is lower than that in the editing process. That is, a plurality of edit data are created while one print data is created. Further, since the print data is the image data of the entire design of the printed matter, the data amount of the request data is relatively large. Since it is necessary to satisfy the requirement for generation of such image data, when the request data is generation of print data, the control unit 61 generates priority data with the priority set to “low”. ..

In S13, the control unit 61 creates a method. The method indicates the processing content of the request data (generation of edit data, generation of print data, etc.). Therefore, the distribution unit 40 of the image processing server 1 can determine the processing content of the request data without analyzing the request data by determining only the method.
In S14, the control unit 61 creates a message in which the request data created in S10 is associated with the various data created in S11 to S13, and sends the message to the image processing server 1. Then, the control unit 61 ends this process.
The processing from S11 to S13 is in no particular order.

In S15, the data storage processing unit 20 (control unit 21) of the image processing server 1 receives the message.
In S16, the data storage processing unit 20 (control unit 21) stores the received message in the request queue storage unit 22a. After that, the data storage processing unit 20 (control unit 21) ends this processing.

Here, the request queue storage unit 22a will be described with reference to FIG.
The request queue storage unit 22a stores request data, a client ID, and priority data in the message received from the client 6. The request queue storage unit 22a includes items of arrival order, request data, client ID, and priority.
The arrival order is the order in which the data storage processing unit 20 receives (receives) the message. In this example, ascending order numbers are given to indicate the arrival order, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be, for example, a time stamp when a message is received.
The request data includes the request data included in the message.
The client ID stores the client ID included in the message. In this example, the client ID "A" indicates that the message is from the client 6A. Further, client IDs "B" and "C" indicate messages from the clients 6B and 6C, respectively.
The priority stores the priority data included in the message.
In this way, the message received from the client 6 can be stored in the request queue storage unit 22a as a request.

<Sorting processing>
Next, processing in the image generation control unit 30 of the image processing server 1 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the distribution process in the image generation control unit 30 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of each table stored in the storage unit 32 of the image generation control unit 30 according to the present embodiment.
In S20 of FIG. 5, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) of the image processing server 1 determines whether or not there is a free instance 11a by referring to the process grasping table 32b.
Here, the process grasping table 32b will be described with reference to FIG.
The process grasping table 32b is a table that stores the port ID and the process data in association with each other.
The port ID is the ID of the port corresponding to each instance 11a of the image data generation unit 10. This example shows that there are 33 instances 11a of the image data generation unit 10 from "9000" to "9032".
The processing data is request data that is being processed by the port ID. When the processing data is empty (#1), it indicates that the instance 11a corresponding to the port ID is not performing the processing and is in the data receivable state.

Returning to FIG. 5, in S21, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) extracts request data that matches the condition of the empty instance 11a from the request queue storage unit 22a of the data storage processing unit 20. The condition of each instance 11a is stored in the setting table 32a.
Here, the setting table 32a will be described with reference to FIG.
The setting table 32a includes items such as a port ID, a client ID, and a processing priority.
The port ID is the ID of the port corresponding to the port of each instance 11a of the image data generation unit 10.
The client ID designates the client 6 to be exclusively processed. For example, when the client ID is "A", it indicates that the process from the client 6A is to be performed. Further, when the client ID is “(shared)”, it indicates that the process from any client 6 can be performed.
The processing priority indicates the processing priority. For example, when the processing priority is “high>middle>low”, it indicates that the priority “high” is given priority over the priority “medium” or “low”. .. Further, for example, when the processing priority is “C: no priority, other than C: only high”, it indicates that processing of all priorities is performed in the case of the client 6C, and the clients 6 other than the client 6C are indicated. Indicates that only those with a priority of "high" are performed.

For example, the port ID “9001” shown in (#1) of the process grasping table 32b shown in FIG. 6A will be described. Referring to the setting table 32a shown in FIG. 6B, the client ID is “A” and the processing priority is “high>middle>low”. Therefore, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) refers to the request queue storage unit 22a (FIG. 4) and searches for the request data having the client ID “A” except the request data being processed. The image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) can grasp whether or not the request data is being processed by referring to the process grasping table 32b. Then, it is understood that the two request data whose arrival order is “0002” and “0005” are request data waiting to be processed. In that case, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) sends a message having the arrival order “0005” having the priority “high” to a message having the arrival order “0002” having the priority “low”. Will also be processed first. Therefore, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) extracts the request data whose arrival order is “0005” from the request queue storage unit 22a.
If the client IDs of the plurality of request data have the same priority, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) extracts the request data in the order of arrival.

Returning to FIG. 5, in S22, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) outputs the extracted request data to the empty instance 11a.
In S23, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) updates the process grasping table 32b. In the case of the above example, the process grasping table 32b is updated as shown in (A) (#2) of FIG. After that, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) returns the process to S20 and thereafter repeats this distribution process.

<Image data generation processing>
Next, the processing of the image data generation unit 10 of the image processing server 1 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the image data generation processing in the image data generation unit 10 according to this embodiment.
Since the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) outputs the request data to the empty instance 11a in S22 of FIG. 5, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) outputs the request data in S30. Accept.
In S31, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) performs an image generation process. Specifically, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) generates image data based on the content of the received request data. The image data may be edit data or print data. In the image generation process, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) generates JPEG format data as edit data and PDF format data as print data. Since the JPEG format data generated as the editing data is used when creating the design using the client 6, the image resolution may be slightly low. On the other hand, since the PDF format data generated as the print data is used for creating the printed matter, it is desirable that the image resolution is high.

In S32, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) determines whether or not the image generation process has ended normally. The normal end means that the image data can be generated, and the normal end means that the image data cannot be generated. The case where the image data cannot be generated means, for example, a case where the data format of the request data is not a data format allowed by the image data generating unit 10, a case where the request data has an error, or the like. If the processing has ended normally (S32: YES), the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) moves the process to S33. On the other hand, when the process has not ended normally (S32: NO), the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) moves the process to S34.
In S33, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) stores the generated image data in the storage area of the file server 5 designated by the request data.

In S34, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) outputs the processing result data to the image generation control unit 30. The processing result is data indicating whether or not the processing is normally completed.
In S35, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) ends the session with the image generation control unit 30.
In S36, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) starts a session with the image generation control unit 30.
As described above, the image data generation unit 10 terminates and starts the session with the image generation control unit 30 in order to prevent the response from being deteriorated by continuing to use the session with the session established. The effect of making the response between the image data generation unit 10 and the distribution unit 40 uniform is obtained.
After that, the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) ends this processing.

<Result post-processing>
Next, the processing of the image generation control unit 30 of the image processing server 1 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the result post-processing in the image generation control unit 30 according to this embodiment.
Since the image data generation unit 10 (control unit 11) outputs the processing result data to the image generation control unit 30 in S34 of FIG. 7 described above, in S40, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) Receive processing result data.
In S41, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) transmits the processing result data to the computer 60. Thereby, the computer 60 can use the generated image data.
That is, when the editing data is generated, the client 6 can acquire the editing data from the file server 5 and output it to the editing screen. Further, when the print data is generated, the printing machine 8 can obtain the print data stored in the file server 5 and print it.
In S42, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) determines whether the processing result data is OK (normal end). When the processing result data is OK, that is, when the image data can be generated (S42: YES), the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) moves the process to S43. On the other hand, when the processing result data is not OK (S42: NO), the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) moves the process to S44.

In S43, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) instructs the data storage processing unit 20 to delete the record including the corresponding request data from the request queue storage unit 22a. As a result, the data storage processing unit 20 (control unit 21) receives the record deletion instruction and deletes the corresponding record from the request queue storage unit 22a. Therefore, only the record waiting or being processed is stored in the request queue storage unit 22a.
In S44, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) updates the process grasping table 32b. The image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) updates the processing data of the port ID for which the processing has ended to “empty”. After that, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) ends this processing.

When the generation of the image data ends normally, as described above, the record including the processed request data is deleted in the request queue storage unit 22a. On the other hand, when the generation of the image data is not normally completed, the record including the processed request data remains in the request queue storage unit 22a without being deleted. Therefore, the image generation control unit 30 (control unit 31) sorts again the request data for which the generation of the image data did not end normally in the sorting processing (see FIG. 5), and the image data generation unit 10 performs data sorting. Generation processing can be performed.

Next, processing by the administrator of the image processing server 1 will be described.
The administrator of the image processing server 1 causes the display unit 41 to display various data by inputting a command from the input unit 42 of the distribution unit 40. The various data are, for example, the status of the request queue storage unit 22a, the process grasping table 32b, and the setting contents of the setting table 32a. Then, the administrator can change the settings of the setting table 32a by checking the statuses of the request queue storage unit 22a and the process grasping table 32b. By changing the setting of the setting table 32a, for example, it is possible to reduce the number of instances 11a waiting to be processed in the executable state, or to reduce the number of data stored in the request queue storage unit 22a. The server 1 as a whole can perform efficient processing.
The administrator changes the condition (client ID, processing priority) of each record of the setting table 32a by inputting a command from the input unit 42 of the distribution unit 40. Then, when the administrator restarts the image processing server 1, the image generation control unit 30 changes the setting content of the setting table 32a.

As described above, the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) Since the image data generation unit 10 of the image processing server 1 is configured to have a plurality of instances 11a, it is possible to perform simultaneous parallel processing regarding generation of a plurality of image data. Therefore, since a plurality of request data received from a plurality of clients 6 can be processed at the same time, the processing waiting time can be suppressed and the generation time of the image data can be shortened as a whole.
(2) The image generation control unit 30 of the image processing server 1 can set the instance 11a for each client 6. Therefore, a response similar to that of the device dedicated to each client can be realized.

(3) The image generation control unit 30 of the image processing server 1 is the arrival order when the client ID is associated with the instance 11a in the data receivable state, and The request data having the client ID associated with the instance 11a can be extracted and processed. On the other hand, the image generation control unit 30 of the image processing server 1 can process the instance 11a in the data receivable state in the order of arrival when the client ID is not associated with the instance 11a.
Therefore, the image processing server 1 can preferentially perform the processing of a certain client 6 instead of performing all the processing in the order of arrival.

(4) The image generation control unit 30 of the image processing server 1 preferentially extracts a high priority one from the data storage processing unit 20, and the instance 11a of the image data generation unit 10 prioritizes a high priority one. And process. Therefore, by setting the priority in accordance with the processing priority in the client 6, it is possible to avoid giving the user of the client 6 stress such as a slow response.
(5) Since the request data includes XML format data, the image data generating unit 10 can describe the information in a readable manner. Then, since the position of the storage area of the generated image data is specified in the request data, the image data generation unit 10 can store the generated image data in the storage area of the specified position of the file server 5. it can. Thereby, the image data can be smoothly acquired from the client 6.
(6) The image data generation unit 10 can generate by determining whether the image data is JPEG or PDF according to the content of the request data. Therefore, the image data generation unit 10 can generate edit data and print data.

(7) By incorporating the message transmission program 62a, the computer 60 can generate image data in the image processing server 1 and store the generated image data in a position accessible from the computer 60. Therefore, it suffices to install the message transmission program 62a in the existing computer 60, and image data can be generally used by using the image processing server 1.

Although the embodiment of the invention has been described above, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments are merely enumeration of the most suitable effects generated by the present invention, and the effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. It should be noted that the above-described embodiment and the modification described later can be appropriately combined and used, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Variation)
(1) In the present embodiment, the request data has been described as being XML format data, but the present invention is not limited to this. The request data may be data in a format in which the image data can be generated by the image data generation unit, for example, CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format data or JSON (Javascript (registered trademark) Object Notation) format data. May be Further, in the present embodiment, each client is described as creating the request data as data in the XML format, but the data format of the request data may be different for each client.
(2) In the present embodiment, the image data for editing and the image data for printing are generated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Although the generated image data is described as being in the PDF format or the JPEG format, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be data in PNG format, InDesign format, or the like. However, the data needs to be in a format that can be used by the client 6 and the printing machine 8.

(3) In the present embodiment, the distribution unit includes the display unit and the input unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. A display unit and an input unit may be provided for the data storage processing unit and the image generation control unit, respectively, to display and set the request queue storage unit, the setting table, and the process grasping table.
(4) In this embodiment, the client ID for identifying the computer of the client is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. It only needs to be identifiable by the client.

(5) In the present embodiment, the client computer is described as adding a client ID, setting a priority, and adding a method to request data as a message, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the priority may not be set. In that case, the data storage processing unit may set the priority based on the method and store the priority in the request queue storage unit.
(6) In the present embodiment, the setting table has been described as having the client ID and the processing priority, but the setting table is not limited to this. There may be other items that preferentially perform processing, or there may be no items. Further, for example, the output format may be designated such as dedicated to PDF data generation.

1 image processing 5 file server 6, 6A to 6C client 10 image data generation unit 11, 21, 31 control unit 11a instance 12, 22, 32 storage unit 20 data storage processing unit 22a request queue storage unit 30 image generation control unit 32a setting Table 32b Processing grasping table 40 Sorting section 41 Display section 42 Input section 60, 60A to 60C Computer 100 Image processing system N Communication network

Claims (9)

A data storage processing unit that receives request data relating to image generation from a plurality of clients , associates identification data for identifying the clients, and stores the request data .
An image data generation unit having a plurality of virtual instances for generating image data based on the request data,
A request stored in the data storage processing unit when the data storage processing unit and the image data generation unit are controlled and the virtual instance of the image data generation unit is ready to accept data. An image generation control unit that extracts data and outputs the data to the virtual instance in a data receivable state,
Equipped with
The image generation control unit,
The virtual instance is associated with the identification data,
The request data to be output to the virtual instance once data receivable state, extracted from the data storage processing unit determined based on the identification data associated with the request data, the image processing server .. The image processing server according to claim 1 ,
The data storage processing unit stores the request data in such a manner that the order of reception and arrival of the request data can be recognized,
The image generation control unit,
When the identification data is associated with the virtual instance in a data receivable state, the identification data is associated, and in the order of reception and arrival, the request data is extracted from the data storage processing unit,
An image processing server , which extracts the request data from the data storage processing unit in the order of reception and arrival when the identification data is not associated with the virtual instance in a data receivable state. In the image processing server according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The data storage processing unit stores the request data and priority data regarding processing order in association with each other,
An image processing server , wherein the image generation control unit preferentially extracts the request data having a high processing order based on the priority order data. The image processing server according to claim 3 ,
The content of the request data, for editing and for printed matter,
The image storage server , wherein the data storage processing unit creates and stores the priority data based on the content of the request data. The image processing server according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The request data includes XML format data, and the position of a storage area for storing the image data generated by the image data generation unit is designated.
The image data generating section, the generated image data, is stored in the storage area designated in the request data, the image processing server. The image processing server according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
An image processing server , wherein the image data generation unit generates JPEG format data or PDF format data based on the request data. A data storage processing unit that receives request data relating to image generation from a plurality of clients , associates identification data for identifying the clients, and stores the request data .
The data storage processing unit and the image data generation device having a plurality of virtual instances capable of generating image data based on the plurality of request data in parallel are controlled, and the virtual of the image data generation device is controlled. Refer to the correspondence between the virtual instance and the identification data for the request data to be output to the virtual instance in the data receivable state in response to the instance in the data receivable state . and determine based on the identification data associated with the request data, it extracts the requested data determined from the data storage processing unit, the request extracted to the virtual instance of the data receivable state An image generation control unit that outputs data ,
A sorting device equipped with. A program executed by a computer communicably connected to an image data generation device having a plurality of virtual instances for generating image data based on request data relating to image generation,
The computer,
Means for receiving the requested data from a plurality of clients;
Means for associating identification data for identifying the client with storing the request data in a storage unit;
Controlling the image data generation device, and outputting to the virtual instance in the data receivable state in response to the virtual instance of the image data generation device in the data receivable state Means for determining request data based on the identification data associated with the request data by referring to the association between the virtual instance and the identification data;
Means for extracting the determined request data from the storage unit,
Means for outputting the extracted request data to the virtual instance in the data receivable state;
A program that works by doing. A data storage processing device that receives request data relating to image generation from a plurality of clients, associates identification data for identifying the clients, and stores the request data;
An image data generation device having a plurality of virtual instances for generating image data based on the request data,
A program executed by a computer communicatively connected to
The computer,
The data storage processing device and the image data generation device are controlled, and in response to the virtual instance of the image data generation device being in a data acceptance state, the data acceptance state is set. Means for determining the request data to be output to the virtual instance based on the identification data associated with the request data by referring to the correspondence between the virtual instance and the identification data;
Means for extracting the determined request data from the data storage processing device;
Means for outputting the extracted request data to the virtual instance in the data receivable state;
A program that works by doing.

Images