JP6950428B2 - Print server, printing system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing server, a printing system and a program.

Conventionally, there is known a printing system in which a print server analyzes an object included in document data such as a PDF (Portable Document Format 1) file and determines whether to convert the document data into raster data based on the analysis result. In this printing system, when the print server determines that the document data is to be converted, the print server converts the document data into raster data and transmits the obtained raster data to the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when the print server determines that the document data is not converted, the print server transmits the document data as it is to the image forming apparatus. As a result, according to this printing system, it is possible to print a document file having a large file size even when the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus is small.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional printing system, the printing server must analyze the entire document data in order to determine whether to convert the document data into raster data, so that the determination process takes time. As a result, there is a problem that it takes time from the user requesting the printing of the document data to the completion.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to shorten the time from a user requesting printing of document data to completion.

The print server according to the embodiment is a print server that constitutes a printing system together with an image forming apparatus connected via a network, and has a receiving unit that receives document data from a user terminal and the image forming of the document data. A transmission unit for transmitting to the device, a conversion unit for converting the document data into raster data in the reverse order of the image forming device, and a determination for determining whether to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit to the image forming device. When the determination unit determines that the raster data is to be transmitted, the transmission unit transmits the raster data to the image forming apparatus.

According to each embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time from the user requesting the printing of the document data to the completion.

The figure which shows an example of the structure of a printing system. The figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of a print server. The figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal. The figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the image forming apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the functional structure of a print server. The figure which shows the data structure of a PDF file. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the print server at the time of execution of push type printing. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the print server at the time of execution of pull type printing. The flowchart which shows the 1st determination method. The flowchart which shows the 2nd determination method. The flowchart which shows the 3rd determination method. The flowchart which shows the 4th determination method. The flowchart which shows the 5th determination method. The flowchart which shows the 6th determination method. The flowchart which shows the 7th determination method. The flowchart which shows the 8th determination method. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the print server at the time of execution of push type printing. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the print server at the time of execution of pull type printing. The flowchart which shows the 1st transmission determination method. The flowchart which shows the 2nd transmission determination method. The flowchart which shows the 3rd transmission determination method. The flowchart which shows the 4th transmission determination method. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the print server at the time of execution of push type printing. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the print server at the time of execution of pull type printing. The flowchart which shows the 5th transmission determination method.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regarding the description of the specification and the drawings according to each embodiment, the components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and the superimposed description will be omitted.

(First Embodiment)
The printing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. First, the configuration of the printing system according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. The printing system of FIG. 1 includes a printing server 1, a user terminal 2, image forming devices 3a and 3b, and a gateway 4. The image forming devices 3a and 3b and the gateway 4 constitute a LAN (Local Area Network) 5. Further, the print server 1, the user terminal 2, and the LAN 5 are connected via the Internet.

The print server 1 is a server computer that stores print data received from the user terminal 2 and transmits the stored print data to the image forming devices 3a and 3b. In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the print server 1 is a cloud server connected to the image forming devices 3a and 3b via the Internet, but it may be provided inside the LAN 5.

The user terminal 2 is a client computer used by a user of the printing system, and is a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The user terminal 2 transmits print data to the print server 1 via the Internet. In the following, it is assumed that the print data is document data such as a PDF file. In the example of FIG. 1, the user terminal 2 is connected to the print server 1 via the Internet, but may be provided inside the LAN 5. Further, two or more user terminals 2 may be included in the printing system.

The image forming devices 3a and 3b are arbitrary devices having a printing function, such as a multi-function peripheral (MFP) and a printing machine. The image forming devices 3a and 3b print an image corresponding to the document data received from the print server 1 on the print medium. Hereinafter, when the image forming apparatus 3a and 3b are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as an image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 may be included in one or three or more in the printing system.

The gateway 4 connects the LAN 5 to the Internet. When the print server 1, the user terminal 2, and the image forming apparatus 3 are included in the same LAN, the printing system does not have to include the gateway 4.

Next, the hardware configurations of the print server 1, the user terminal 2, and the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the print server 1. The print server 1 of FIG. 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, a communication interface 105, and a bus. 106 and.

By executing the program, the CPU 101 controls each configuration of the print server 1 and realizes the function of the print server 1. The ROM 102 stores various data including a program executed by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 provides the CPU 101 with a work area. The HDD 104 stores various data including a program executed by the CPU 101. The HDD 104 also stores the document data received from the user terminal 2. The communication interface 105 is an interface for connecting the print server 1 to a network such as the Internet. The bus 106 connects the CPU 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HDD 104, and the communication interface 105.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 of FIG. 3 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an HDD 204, a communication interface 205, an input device 206, a display device 207, and a bus 208.

The CPU 201 controls each configuration of the user terminal 2 by executing the program, and realizes the function of the user terminal 2. The ROM 202 stores various data including a program executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 provides the CPU 201 with a work area. The HDD 204 stores various data including a program executed by the CPU 201. The communication interface 205 is an interface for connecting the user terminal 2 to a network such as the Internet. The input device 206 receives an operation from the user and inputs information according to the received operation to the user terminal 2. The input device 206 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, hard keys, and the like. The display device 207 displays an image or a moving image. The display device 207 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a cathode ray tube display, or the like. The bus 208 connects the CPU 201, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the HDD 204, the communication interface 205, the input device 206, and the display device 207.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 of FIG. 4 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication interface 304, an operation panel 305, a printer engine 306, and a bus 307.

The CPU 301 controls each configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 by executing a program, and realizes a function (printing function, etc.) of the image forming apparatus 3. The ROM 302 stores various data including a program executed by the CPU 301. The RAM 303 provides the CPU 301 with a work area. The communication interface 304 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 3 to a network such as LAN 5. The operation panel 305 is an input / output device, and is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display and a touch panel (input device). The image forming apparatus 3 may include an input device such as a hard key and a display device such as a lamp in addition to the operation panel 305. The printer engine 306 controls a printing unit (not shown) such as a transfer device and a toner supply device to execute printing. The bus 307 connects the CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the communication interface 304, the operation panel 305, and the printer engine 306.

Next, the functional configuration of the print server 1 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the print server 1. The print server 1 of FIG. 5 includes a reception unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a transmission unit 14, a determination unit 15, and a conversion unit 16.

The receiving unit 11 receives the document data from the user terminal 2. Further, the receiving unit 11 receives a registration request or a printing request together with the document data from the user terminal 2. Further, the receiving unit 11 receives a print request from the image forming apparatus 3. The registration request and print request will be described in detail later.

The control unit 12 stores the document data in the storage unit 13. Further, the control unit 12 controls the execution of the printing process. There are two types of printing process execution methods: pull-type printing and push-type printing.

The pull-type printing is a method of executing a printing process in which the image forming apparatus 3 actively acquires document data from the printing server 1 and executes printing. In the case of pull-type printing, the user terminal 2 transmits a registration request requesting registration of the document data to the print server 1 together with the document data. When the print server 1 receives the registration request, the print server 1 stores the registration request and the document data in the storage unit 13. After that, when the print server 1 receives a print request requesting printing of the document data from the image forming apparatus 3, the printing server 1 transmits the document data to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request (transmitting the print request). That is, in pull-type printing, the print server 1 transmits document data in accordance with a print request from the image forming apparatus 3.

The push-type printing is a method of executing a printing process in which the printing server 1 actively transmits document data to the image forming apparatus 3 to execute printing. In the case of push-type printing, the user terminal 2 transmits a print request for printing the document data to the print server 1 together with the document data. When the print server 1 receives the print request, the print request and the document data are stored in the storage unit 13, and the determination process described later is executed, and the document data or the raster data is image-formed specified by the print request. It is transmitted to the device 3. That is, in push-type printing, the print server 1 transmits document data or raster data in accordance with a print request from the user terminal 2. The raster data will be described in detail later.

The storage unit 13 stores the document data, the print request, the registration request, and the like stored by the control unit 12.

The transmission unit 14 transmits the document data or raster data stored in the storage unit 13 to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request.

The determination unit 15 determines whether to convert the document data into raster data based on the size S of the document data or the state of the printing system. The determination method will be described in detail later.

The conversion unit 16 analyzes and develops the document data according to the determination result by the determination unit 15, and converts (renders) the document data into raster data. Specifically, the conversion unit 16 converts the document data determined by the determination unit 15 to be converted into raster data into raster data. Any well-known method can be used as the conversion method from the document data to the raster data.

Next, a PDF file will be described as an example of document data. A PDF file is document data composed of a plurality of objects. When printing a PDF file, the PDF file is converted into raster data by the print server 1 or the image forming apparatus 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data structure of a PDF file. As shown in FIG. 6, the PDF file includes a header D1, a body D2, a cross-reference table D3, and a trailer D4.

The header D1 is located at the beginning of the PDF file. The PDF version is described in the header D1.

The body D2 is the content of the PDF file and is composed of a plurality of objects. The body D2 may include an integer object, a real number object, a string object, an array object, a name object, a stream object, a dictionary object, and the like. As shown in FIG. 6, each of these objects is cross-referenced in a tree structure rooted in the document catalog, and is structured in page units by a page tree.

In the cross-reference table D3, information indicating the position of each object included in the body D2 (how many bytes each object is described from the beginning of the PDF file) is described. By referring to the cross-reference table D3, the computer processing the PDF file can randomly access each object. Further, in the first row of the cross-reference table D3, the number of objects included in the body D2 is described.

Trailer D4 is located at the end of the PDF file. Information indicating the position of the cross-reference table D3 (how many bytes the cross-reference table D3 is described in the PDF file from the beginning) is described in the trailer D4.

When converting the PDF file into raster data, the print server 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 first refer to the trailer D4 and access the cross-reference table D3. After that, the print server 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 refer to the cross-reference table D3, access each object included in the body D2, analyze and expand each object, and generate raster data corresponding to each page. .. As a result, the PDF file is converted into raster data.

Next, the operation of the print server 1 will be described. In the following, the execution time of push type printing and pull type printing will be described respectively. In the following, it is assumed that the document data is a PDF file.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the print server 1 when the push-type printing is executed.

First, the user transmits the PDF file to be printed and the print request of the PDF file from the user terminal 2 to the print server 1. The print request includes information that specifies the image forming apparatus 3 that executes printing, and printing conditions. The receiving unit 11 of the print server 1 receives the PDF file and the print request via the Internet (step S11). The receiving unit 11 passes the received PDF file and the print request to the control unit 12.

When the control unit 12 receives the PDF file and the print request, the control unit 12 stores the received PDF file and the print request in the storage unit 13 in association with each other (step S12). Further, the control unit 12 passes the received PDF file and the print request to the determination unit 15.

Upon receiving the PDF file, the determination unit 15 determines whether to convert the received PDF file into raster data (step S13). The determination method will be described in detail later.

When the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (NO in step S14), the determination unit 15 notifies the control unit 12 of the determination result and passes the PDF file and the print request to the transmission unit 14.

When the control unit 12 is notified of the determination result, the control unit 12 instructs the transmission unit 14 to transmit the PDF file to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request. The transmission unit 14 transmits the PDF file and the print conditions received from the determination unit 15 to the image forming apparatus 3 via the Internet in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 12 (step S15). When the image forming apparatus 3 receives the PDF file, the image forming apparatus 3 converts the received PDF file into raster data and executes printing according to the printing conditions. As a result, push-type printing is executed.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is to be converted into raster data (YES in step S14), the determination unit 15 notifies the control unit 12 of the determination result and passes the PDF file to the conversion unit 16.

When the conversion unit 16 receives the PDF file, the conversion unit 16 converts the received PDF file into raster data (step S16). The conversion unit 16 passes the obtained raster data to the transmission unit 14.

On the other hand, when the control unit 12 is notified of the determination result, the control unit 12 instructs the transmission unit 14 to transmit the raster data to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request. The transmission unit 14 transmits the raster data received from the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 via the Internet in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 12 (step S17). Upon receiving this raster data, the image forming apparatus 3 executes printing of the received raster data. As a result, push-type printing is executed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the print server 1 when the pull-type printing is executed. In the following, it is assumed that the PDF file to be printed is stored in the storage unit 13 in advance.

First, the user transmits a print request for the PDF file to be printed from the image forming apparatus 3 to the print server 1. The receiving unit 11 of the print server 1 receives the print request via the Internet (step S21). The receiving unit 11 passes the received print request to the control unit 12.

When the control unit 12 receives the print request, the control unit 12 reads the PDF file specified by the received print request from the storage unit 13 (step S22), and passes the read PDF file and the received print request to the determination unit 15.

Upon receiving the PDF file, the determination unit 15 determines whether to convert the received PDF file into raster data (step S23). The determination method will be described in detail later.

When the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (NO in step S24), the determination unit 15 notifies the control unit 12 of the determination result and passes the PDF file and the print request to the transmission unit 14.

When the control unit 12 is notified of the determination result, the control unit 12 instructs the transmission unit 14 to transmit the PDF file to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request. The transmission unit 14 transmits the PDF file and the print conditions received from the determination unit 15 to the image forming apparatus 3 via the Internet in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 12 (step S25). When the image forming apparatus 3 receives the PDF file, the image forming apparatus 3 converts the received PDF file into raster data and executes printing according to the printing conditions. As a result, pull-type printing is executed.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is to be converted into raster data (YES in step S24), the determination unit 15 notifies the control unit 12 of the determination result and passes the PDF file to the conversion unit 16.

When the conversion unit 16 receives the PDF file, the conversion unit 16 converts the received PDF file into raster data (step S26). The conversion unit 16 passes the obtained raster data to the transmission unit 14.

On the other hand, when the control unit 12 is notified of the determination result, the control unit 12 instructs the transmission unit 14 to transmit the raster data to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request. The transmission unit 14 transmits the raster data received from the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 via the Internet in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 12 (step S27). Upon receiving this raster data, the image forming apparatus 3 executes printing of the received raster data. As a result, pull-type printing is executed.

Next, a determination method for determining whether to convert the PDF file to raster data will be described. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 15 determines whether to convert the PDF file based on the size S of the PDF file.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the first determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 9 corresponds to the internal processing of step S13 of FIG. 7 and step S23 of FIG. In the first determination method, the number of pages P is used as the size S of the PDF file.

First, the determination unit 15 refers to the trailer D4 to access the cross-reference table D3, refers to the cross-reference table D3 to access the document catalog of the body D2, and refers to the document catalog to access the page tree. Then, the determination unit 15 acquires the number of pages P of the PDF file described in the page tree (step S101).

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the acquired number of pages P is equal to or greater than the preset threshold value Pth of the number of pages P (step S102). The threshold value Pth may be set based on the specifications of the image forming apparatus 3 (for example, the storage capacity of the RAM 303) and the printing record (for example, the success rate R and the processing times T1 and T2). The details of the printing results will be described later. Further, the threshold value Pth may be set for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be uniformly set for the image forming apparatus 3 constituting the printing system.

When the number of pages P is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth (YES in step S102), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is converted into raster data (step S103). This is because when the number of pages P is large, there is a high possibility that the PDF file cannot be converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3.

On the other hand, when the number of pages P is not equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth (NO in step S102), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (step S104). This is because when the number of pages P is small, there is a high possibility that the PDF file can be converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3.

As described above, according to the first determination method, the determination unit 15 can determine whether to convert the PDF file into raster data by acquiring the number of pages P of the PDF file.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 10 corresponds to the internal processing of step S13 of FIG. 7 and step S23 of FIG. In the second determination method, the number of objects O is used as the size S of the PDF file.

First, the determination unit 15 accesses the cross-reference table D3 with reference to the trailer D4, and acquires the number of objects O of the PDF file described in the cross-reference table D3 (step S201).

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the acquired number of objects O is equal to or greater than the preset threshold value Oth of the number of objects O (step S202). The threshold value Oth may be set based on the specifications of the image forming apparatus 3 (for example, the storage capacity of the RAM 303) and the printing record (for example, the success rate R and the processing times T1 and T2). The details of the printing results will be described later. Further, the threshold value Oth may be set for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be set uniformly for the image forming apparatus 3 constituting the printing system.

When the number of objects O is equal to or greater than the threshold value Oth (YES in step S202), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is converted into raster data (step S203). This is because when the number of objects O is large, there is a high possibility that the PDF file cannot be converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3.

On the other hand, when the number of objects O is not equal to or greater than the threshold value Oth (NO in step S202), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (step S204). This is because when the number of objects O is small, there is a high possibility that the PDF file can be converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3.

As described above, according to the second determination method, the determination unit 15 can determine whether to convert the PDF file into raster data by acquiring the number of objects O of the PDF file.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a third determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 11 corresponds to the internal processing of step S13 of FIG. 7 and step S23 of FIG. In the third determination method, the file size F is used as the PDF file size S.

First, the determination unit 15 acquires the file size F of the PDF file (step S301).

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the acquired file size F is equal to or greater than the threshold value Fth of the preset file size F (step S302). The threshold value Fth may be set based on the specifications of the image forming apparatus 3 (for example, the storage capacity of the RAM 303) and the printing record (for example, the success rate R and the processing times T1 and T2). The threshold value Fth is, for example, the storage capacity of the RAM 303, but is not limited to this. The details of the printing results will be described later. Further, the threshold value Fth may be set for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be uniformly set for the image forming apparatus 3 constituting the printing system.

When the file size F is equal to or greater than the threshold value Fth (YES in step S302), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is converted into raster data (step S303). This is because when the file size F is large, there is a high possibility that the PDF file cannot be converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3.

On the other hand, when the file size F is not equal to or greater than the threshold value Fth (NO in step S302), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (step S304). This is because when the file size F is small, there is a high possibility that the PDF file can be converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3.

As described above, according to the third determination method, the determination unit 15 can determine whether to convert the PDF file into raster data by acquiring the file size F of the PDF file.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a fourth determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 12 corresponds to the internal processing of step S13 of FIG. 7 and step S23 of FIG. In the fourth determination method, the success rate R according to the size S of the PDF file is used.

The success rate R is the rate at which the conversion from the PDF file to the raster data is successful by the image forming apparatus 3. In the fourth determination method, a success rate table in which the size S of the PDF file and the success rate R are associated with each other is prepared in advance and stored in the storage unit 13. In the fourth determination method, the size S may be any of the number of pages P, the number of objects O, and the file size F.

First, the determination unit 15 acquires the size S of the PDF file (step S401). The method for obtaining the size S is as described above. When the determination unit 15 acquires the size S, the determination unit 15 refers to the success rate table stored in the storage unit 13 and acquires the success rate R corresponding to the acquired size S (step S402).

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the acquired success rate R is equal to or greater than the preset success rate R threshold value Rth (step S403). The threshold value Rth can be set arbitrarily. The threshold Rth is, for example, 90%, but is not limited to this. Further, the threshold value Rth may be set for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be uniformly set for the image forming apparatus 3 constituting the printing system.

When the success rate R is not equal to or higher than the threshold value Rth (NO in step S403), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is converted into raster data (step S404). This is because when the success rate R is low, there is a high possibility that the PDF file cannot be converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3.

On the other hand, when the success rate R is equal to or greater than the threshold value Rth (YES in step S403), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (step S405). This is because when the success rate R is high, there is a high possibility that the PDF file can be converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3.

As described above, according to the fourth determination method, the determination unit 15 can determine whether to convert the PDF file into raster data by acquiring the success rate R corresponding to the size S of the PDF file. can.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a fifth determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 13 corresponds to the internal processing of step S13 of FIG. 7 and step S23 of FIG. In the fifth determination method, the processing times T1 and T2 according to the size S of the PDF file are used. The processing time T1 is an actual value of the processing time for converting the PDF file into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3. The processing time T2 is an actual value of the processing time for converting the PDF file into raster data by the print server 1. In the fifth determination method, a processing time table in which the size S of the PDF file and the processing times T1 and T2 are associated with each other is prepared and stored in the storage unit 13. In the fifth determination method, the size S may be any of the number of pages P, the number of objects O, and the file size F.

First, the determination unit 15 acquires the size S of the PDF file (step S501). The method for obtaining the size S is as described above. When the determination unit 15 acquires the size S, the determination unit 15 refers to the processing time table stored in the storage unit 13 and acquires the processing time T1 corresponding to the acquired size S (step S502).

When the image forming apparatus 3 has not converted the PDF file of size S and the processing time T1 corresponding to the size S does not exist in the processing time table (NO in step S503), the determination unit 15 selects the PDF file. It is determined not to convert to raster data (step S504). This is for confirming whether the image forming apparatus 3 can convert the PDF file of size S and updating the processing time table. When the image forming apparatus 3 can convert this PDF file, the processing time T1 required for the conversion is added to the processing time table. If the image forming apparatus 3 cannot convert the PDF file due to insufficient storage capacity, that fact is added to the processing time table.

On the other hand, when the processing time T1 corresponding to the size S exists in the processing time table (YES in step S503), the determination unit 15 refers to the processing time table and acquires the processing time T2 corresponding to the size S. (Step S505).

When the print server 1 has not converted the PDF file of size S and the processing time T2 corresponding to the size S does not exist in the processing time table (NO in step S506), the determination unit 15 rasterizes the PDF file. It is determined that the data is converted (step S507). This is to confirm whether the print server 1 can convert the PDF file of size S and update the processing time table. If the print server 1 can convert this PDF file, the processing time T2 required for the conversion is added to the processing time table.

On the other hand, when the processing time T2 corresponding to the size S exists in the processing time table (YES in step S506), the determination unit 15 determines whether the processing time T1 is equal to or longer than the processing time T2 (step S508).

When the processing time T1 is equal to or longer than the processing time T2 (YES in step S508), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is converted into raster data (step S507). This is because when the processing time T1 is longer than the processing time T2, the processing time required for converting the PDF file can be shortened when the print server 1 converts the PDF file rather than when the image forming apparatus 3 converts the PDF file. be.

On the other hand, when the processing time T1 is not equal to or longer than the processing time T2 (NO in step S508), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (step S504). This is because when the processing time T1 is shorter than the processing time T2, the processing time required for converting the PDF file can be shortened when the image forming apparatus 3 converts the PDF file rather than when the print server 1 converts the PDF file. be.

As described above, according to the fifth determination method, the determination unit 15 determines whether to convert the PDF file into raster data by acquiring the processing times T1 and T2 according to the size S of the PDF file. be able to. Further, according to the fifth determination method, the PDF file can be converted by which of the print server 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 has a shorter processing time required for determination.

The determination method according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above determination method. The print server 1 according to the present embodiment can use an arbitrary determination method based on the size S of the PDF file. Further, in the present embodiment, two or more of the first to fifth determination methods may be used in combination.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether to convert the PDF file based on the size S of the PDF file, the success rate R according to the size S, and the processing times T1 and T2. .. The process of acquiring the size S, the success rate R, and the processing times T1 and T2 can be executed in a short time because the amount of calculation and the number of steps are smaller than the process of analyzing the entire PDF file. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the time required for the determination process for determining whether to convert the PDF file can be shortened as compared with the conventional printing system. As a result, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time from the user requesting the printing of the PDF file (document data) to the completion.

(Second Embodiment)
The printing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. The configuration of the printing system, the printing server 1, the user terminal 2, and the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Further, the operation of the print server 1 at the time of executing the push type print and the pull type print is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, a determination method for determining whether to convert the PDF file to raster data will be described. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 15 determines whether to convert the PDF file based on the state of the printing system.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a sixth determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 14 corresponds to the internal processing of step S13 of FIG. 7 and step S23 of FIG. In the sixth determination method, the operating state of the image forming apparatus 3 is used as the state of the printing system.

First, the determination unit 15 confirms the operating state of the image forming apparatus 3 (step S601). The determination unit 15 can confirm the operating state of the image forming apparatus 3 by transmitting an operation state acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 3 and receiving a response to the acquisition request.

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the image forming apparatus 3 is in operation (step S602). The term “during operation” as used herein means that the image forming apparatus 3 is executing some kind of processing such as printing processing.

When the image forming apparatus 3 is in operation (YES in step S602), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is converted into raster data (step S603). This is because it is highly possible that the time required for the printing process can be shortened when the print server 1 converts the PDF file during the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 as compared with converting the PDF file after the image forming apparatus 3 completes the operation. Because.

On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 3 is not operating (NO in step S602), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (step S604). Instead of determining that the PDF file is not converted into raster data, the determination unit 15 may execute the above-mentioned determination process based on the size S of the PDF file.

As described above, according to the sixth determination method, the determination unit 15 can determine whether to convert the PDF file into raster data by checking the operating state of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a seventh determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 15 corresponds to the internal processing of step S13 of FIG. 7 and step S23 of FIG. In the seventh determination method, the execution state of other processing by the print server 1 is used as the state of the printing system.

First, the determination unit 15 confirms the execution state of other processing by the own device (print server 1) (step S701). The other process is a process of printing another PDF file or a process other than the print process.

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the own device is executing another process (step S702).

When the own device is executing another process (YES in step S702), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (step S703). This is because there is a high possibility that the time required for the printing process can be shortened when the image forming apparatus 3 converts the PDF file than when the printing server 1 converts the PDF file after the execution of the other processing is completed.

On the other hand, when the own device is not executing other processing (NO in step S702), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is converted into raster data (step S704). The determination unit 15 may execute the above-mentioned determination process based on the size S of the PDF file instead of determining that the PDF file is converted into raster data.

As described above, according to the seventh determination method, the determination unit 15 can determine whether to convert the PDF file into raster data by checking the execution state of other processing by the own device.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an eighth determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 16 corresponds to the internal processing of step S13 of FIG. 7 and step S23 of FIG. In the eighth determination method, the network band B between the print server 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 is used as the state of the printing system.

First, the determination unit 15 measures the network band B between the own device (print server 1) and the image forming device 3 (step S801). The network band B may be measured by any well-known method.

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the measured network band B is equal to or higher than the preset threshold value Bth of the network band B (step S802). The threshold value Bth may be set based on the specifications of the image forming apparatus 3 (for example, the storage capacity of the RAM 303) and the printing record (for example, the success rate R and the processing times T1 and T2). The threshold value Bth is, for example, a network band in which the transmission speed per page of raster data is faster than the printing speed per page of the image forming apparatus 3, but is not limited to this. Further, the threshold value Bth may be set for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be uniformly set for the image forming apparatus 3 constituting the printing system.

When the network band B is equal to or greater than the threshold value Bth (YES in step S802), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is converted into raster data (step S803). The determination unit 15 may execute the above-mentioned determination process based on the size S of the PDF file instead of determining that the PDF file is converted into raster data.

On the other hand, when the network band B is not equal to or higher than the threshold value Bth (NO in step S802), the determination unit 15 determines that the PDF file is not converted into raster data (step S804). This is because when the network band B is narrow, the time required for the printing process is shorter when the PDF file having a small data size is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 than when the raster data having a large data size is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. This is because there is a high possibility that it can be done.

As described above, according to the eighth determination method, the determination unit 15 can determine whether to convert the PDF file into raster data by measuring the network band B.

The determination method according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above determination method. The print server 1 according to the present embodiment can use an arbitrary determination method based on the state of the printing system. Further, in the present embodiment, two or more of the sixth to eighth determination methods may be used in combination.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether to convert the PDF file based on the state of the printing system. The process of checking and measuring the state of the printing system can be executed in a short time because the amount of calculation and the number of steps are smaller than the process of analyzing the entire PDF file. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the time required for the determination process for determining whether to convert the PDF file can be shortened as compared with the conventional printing system. As a result, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time from the user requesting the printing of the PDF file (document data) to the completion.

(Third Embodiment)
The printing system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 22. In each of the above embodiments, the print server 1 determines whether the entire document data is converted into raster data by the print server 1, and transmits the document data or raster data to the image forming apparatus 3 according to the determination result. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the print server 1 transmits the document data to the image forming apparatus 3, converts a part of the document data into raster data, and transmits the raster data to the image forming apparatus 3. The determination is made, and raster data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 according to the determination result. The configuration of the printing system, the printing server 1, the user terminal 2, and the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the print server 1 will be described below. In the following, the execution time of push type printing and pull type printing will be described respectively. Further, it is assumed that the document data is a PDF file.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the print server 1 when the push-type printing is executed.

First, the user transmits the PDF file to be printed and the print request of the PDF file from the user terminal 2 to the print server 1. The receiving unit 11 of the print server 1 receives the PDF file and the print request via the Internet (step S31). The receiving unit 11 passes the received PDF file and the print request to the control unit 12.

When the control unit 12 receives the PDF file and the print request, the control unit 12 stores the received PDF file and the print request in the storage unit 13 in association with each other (step S32). Further, the control unit 12 passes the received PDF file and the print request to the transmission unit 14.

Next, the control unit 12 instructs the transmission unit 14 to transmit the PDF file to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request. The transmission unit 14 transmits the PDF file and the print conditions received from the control unit 12 to the image forming apparatus 3 via the Internet in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 12 (step S33). When the image forming apparatus 3 receives the PDF file, the image forming apparatus 3 converts the received PDF file into raster data according to the printing conditions, and starts printing the raster data. As a result, push-type printing is executed.

After transmitting the PDF file, the control unit 12 confirms whether the print server 1 executes the conversion process of converting the PDF file into raster data (step S34). This assumes a case where it is possible to set for each image forming apparatus 3 whether or not to execute the conversion process by the print server 1. The setting of whether or not to execute the conversion process by the print server 1 may be registered in advance in the print server 1 for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be included in the setting information of each image forming apparatus 3. .. In the latter case, the control unit 12 may acquire the setting information from the image forming apparatus 3 and confirm whether or not the conversion process is executed by the print server 1.

When the conversion process by the print server 1 is not executed (NO in step S34), the control unit 12 ends the process. In this case, the image forming apparatus 3 converts the entire PDF file into raster data and prints the raster data.

On the other hand, when the conversion process by the print server 1 is executed (YES in step S34), the control unit 12 inquires of the image forming apparatus 3 and acquires the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3 (step S35). The conversion order is the order of the pages on which the conversion process is executed, and is in ascending or descending order. Since the conversion order is determined according to the print conditions, the image forming apparatus 3 analyzes the print conditions received from the print server 1 and responds to the print server 1 with the obtained conversion order.

When the control unit 12 acquires the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 12 instructs the conversion unit 16 to start the conversion process of the PDF file in the reverse order of the conversion order. The conversion unit 16 reads the PDF file from the storage unit 13 in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 12, and starts the conversion process in the reverse order of the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3 (step S36). That is, the conversion unit 16 executes the conversion process in descending order when the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3 is in ascending order, and executes the conversion processing in ascending order when the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3 is in descending order.

After the start of the conversion process, the conversion unit 16 confirms whether all the pages of the PDF file have been converted into raster data by the print server 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 periodically or at a predetermined timing (step S37). The predetermined timing is, for example, the timing at which the conversion process for one page is completed, but is not limited to this. Specifically, the conversion unit 16 inquires of the image forming apparatus 3 and acquires the number of pages P1 for which the image forming apparatus 3 has completed the conversion process. Then, the conversion unit 16 confirms whether the total of the number of pages P1 and the number of pages P2 for which the conversion unit 16 has completed the conversion process is equal to or greater than the number of pages P of the PDF file.

When the total number of pages P1 and P2 (P1 + P2) is less than the number of pages P, that is, when some pages of the PDF file are not converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3 and the conversion unit 16 (step S37). NO), the conversion unit 16 continues the conversion process.

On the other hand, when the total number of pages P1 and P2 (P1 + P2) is equal to or greater than the number of pages P, that is, when all the pages of the PDF file are converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3 and the conversion unit 16 (YES in step S37). ), The conversion unit 16 ends the conversion process. Then, the conversion unit 16 passes the obtained raster data to the transmission unit 14, and notifies the determination unit 15 that all the pages of the PDF file have been converted into raster data.

When the determination unit 15 is notified that all the pages of the PDF file have been converted into raster data, the determination unit 15 determines whether to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S38). The determination method will be described in detail later.

When the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (NO in step S39), the determination unit 15 notifies the control unit 12 of the determination result. When the control unit 12 is notified of this determination result, the control unit 12 ends the process. In this case, the image forming apparatus 3 converts the entire PDF file into raster data and prints the raster data.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (YES in step S39), the determination unit 15 notifies the control unit 12 of the determination result. When the control unit 12 is notified of the determination result, the control unit 12 instructs the transmission unit 14 to transmit the raster data to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request in the normal order. The transmission unit 14 transmits the raster data received from the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 in the normal order via the Internet according to the instruction from the control unit 12 (step S40). Upon receiving this raster data, the image forming apparatus 3 executes printing of the received raster data. In this case, the image forming apparatus 3 converts a part (first half or the second half) of the PDF file into raster data, prints the raster data, and prints the raster data of the other part (second half or the first half) of the PDF file. Received from server 1 and prints the raster data. As a result, push-type printing is executed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the print server 1 when the pull-type printing is executed. In the following, it is assumed that the PDF file to be printed is stored in the storage unit 13 in advance.

First, the user transmits a print request for the PDF file to be printed from the image forming apparatus 3 to the print server 1. The receiving unit 11 of the print server 1 receives the print request via the Internet (step S51). The receiving unit 11 passes the received print request to the control unit 12.

When the control unit 12 receives the print request, the control unit 12 reads the PDF file specified by the received print request from the storage unit 13 (step S52), and passes the received print request and the read PDF file to the transmission unit 14.

Next, the control unit 12 instructs the transmission unit 14 to transmit the PDF file to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request. The transmission unit 14 transmits the PDF file and the print conditions received from the control unit 12 to the image forming apparatus 3 via the Internet in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 12 (step S53). When the image forming apparatus 3 receives the PDF file, the image forming apparatus 3 converts the received PDF file into raster data according to the printing conditions, and starts printing the raster data. As a result, pull-type printing is executed.

After transmitting the PDF file, the control unit 12 confirms whether the print server 1 executes the conversion process of converting the PDF file into raster data (step S54). This assumes a case where it is possible to set for each image forming apparatus 3 whether or not to execute the conversion process by the print server 1. The setting of whether or not to execute the conversion process by the print server 1 may be registered in advance in the print server 1 for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be included in the setting information of each image forming apparatus 3. .. In the latter case, the control unit 12 may acquire the setting information from the image forming apparatus 3 and confirm whether or not the conversion process is executed by the print server 1.

When the conversion process by the print server 1 is not executed (NO in step S54), the control unit 12 ends the process. In this case, the image forming apparatus 3 converts the entire PDF file into raster data and prints the raster data.

On the other hand, when the conversion process by the print server 1 is executed (YES in step S54), the control unit 12 inquires of the image forming apparatus 3 and acquires the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3 (step S55). The conversion order is the order of the pages on which the conversion process is executed, and is in ascending or descending order. Since the conversion order is determined according to the print conditions, the image forming apparatus 3 analyzes the print conditions received from the print server 1 and responds to the print server 1 with the obtained conversion order.

When the control unit 12 acquires the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 12 instructs the conversion unit 16 to start the conversion process of the PDF file in the reverse order of the conversion order. The conversion unit 16 reads the PDF file from the storage unit 13 in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 12, and starts the conversion process in the reverse order of the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3 (step S56). That is, the conversion unit 16 executes the conversion process in descending order when the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3 is in ascending order, and executes the conversion processing in ascending order when the conversion order of the image forming apparatus 3 is in descending order.

After the start of the conversion process, the conversion unit 16 confirms whether all the pages of the PDF file have been converted into raster data by the print server 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 periodically or at a predetermined timing (step S57). The predetermined timing is, for example, the timing at which the conversion process for one page is completed, but is not limited to this. Specifically, the conversion unit 16 inquires of the image forming apparatus 3 and acquires the number of pages P1 for which the image forming apparatus 3 has completed the conversion process. Then, the conversion unit 16 confirms whether the total of the number of pages P1 and the number of pages P2 for which the conversion unit 16 has completed the conversion process is equal to or greater than the number of pages P of the PDF file.

When the total number of pages P1 and P2 (P1 + P2) is less than the number of pages P, that is, when some pages of the PDF file are not converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3 and the conversion unit 16 (step S57). NO), the conversion unit 16 continues the conversion process.

On the other hand, when the total number of pages P1 and P2 (P1 + P2) is equal to or greater than the number of pages P, that is, when all the pages of the PDF file are converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3 and the conversion unit 16 (YES in step S57). ), The conversion unit 16 ends the conversion process. Then, the conversion unit 16 passes the obtained raster data to the transmission unit 14, and notifies the determination unit 15 that all the pages of the PDF file have been converted into raster data.

When the determination unit 15 is notified that all the pages of the PDF file have been converted into raster data, the determination unit 15 determines whether to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S58). The determination method will be described in detail later.

When the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (NO in step S59), the determination unit 15 notifies the control unit 12 of the determination result. When the control unit 12 is notified of this determination result, the control unit 12 ends the process. In this case, the image forming apparatus 3 converts the entire PDF file into raster data and prints the raster data.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (YES in step S59), the determination unit 15 notifies the control unit 12 of the determination result. When the control unit 12 is notified of the determination result, the control unit 12 instructs the transmission unit 14 to transmit the raster data to the image forming apparatus 3 designated by the print request in the normal order. The transmission unit 14 transmits the raster data received from the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 in the normal order via the Internet according to the instruction from the control unit 12 (step S60). Upon receiving this raster data, the image forming apparatus 3 executes printing of the received raster data. In this case, the image forming apparatus 3 converts a part (first half or the second half) of the PDF file into raster data, prints the raster data, and prints the raster data of the other part (second half or the first half) of the PDF file. Received from server 1 and prints the raster data. As a result, pull-type printing is executed.

Next, a determination method for determining whether to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 (hereinafter referred to as “transmission determination method”) will be described.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a first transmission determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 19 corresponds to the internal processing of step S38 of FIG. 17 and step S58 of FIG.

First, the determination unit 15 accesses the cross-reference table D3 with reference to the trailer D4, accesses the document catalog of the body D2 with reference to the cross-reference table D3, and displays the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16. Acquire the information of the included object (step S901). Object information includes the type and size of the object.

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 includes a high-cost object based on the acquired object information (step S902). The high-cost object is an object that has a high processing cost for the conversion process to raster data, and is set in advance.

The high-cost object is, for example, a transparent object or a shading object having a high processing cost for color blending processing, or an image object having a high processing cost for color processing such as color conversion, but is not limited to this. When the high-cost object is at least one of a transparent object, a shading object, and an image object, the determination unit 15 can determine whether the high-cost object is included based on the type of the object. Further, the high-cost object may be at least one of a transparent object, a shading object, and an image object whose data size is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. Any object with a high processing cost can be set as a high-cost object.

When the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 contains a high-cost object (YES in step S902), the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. (Step S903). This is because the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming device 3 from the time required to convert the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3. This is because it is highly likely that the time required is shorter.

On the other hand, when the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 does not include a high-cost object (NO in step S902), the determination unit 15 transmits the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3. It is determined not to do so (step S904). This is because the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 is converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3 from the time required to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3. This is because it is highly likely that the time required is shorter.

As described above, according to the first transmission determination method, the determination unit 15 uses the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 as an image forming apparatus based on the information of the object converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16. It can be determined whether to transmit to 3.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a second transmission determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 20 corresponds to the internal processing of step S38 of FIG. 17 and step S58 of FIG.

First, the determination unit 15 calculates the number of pages p that the image forming apparatus 3 has not converted into raster data (step S1001). Specifically, the determination unit 15 refers to the trailer D4 to access the cross-reference table D3, refers to the cross-reference table D3 to access the document catalog of the body D2, and refers to the document catalog to the page tree. to access. Then, the determination unit 15 acquires the number of pages P of the PDF file described in the page tree. The determination unit 15 is on this page P.
The number of pages p is calculated by subtracting the number of pages P1 (the number of pages for which the image forming apparatus 3 has completed the conversion process) acquired in step S37 or S57.

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the calculated number of pages p is equal to or greater than the preset threshold value pth of the number of pages p (step S1002). The threshold value th is the number of pages set as the lower limit of the number of pages in which the time required to transmit the raster data to the image forming apparatus 3 is shorter than the time required to convert the raster data into the raster data by the image forming apparatus 3. Is. The threshold value pth may be set based on the specifications of the image forming apparatus 3 (for example, the storage capacity of the RAM 303) and the printing record (for example, the success rate R and the processing times T1 and T2). Further, the threshold value pth may be set for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be set uniformly for the image forming apparatus 3 constituting the printing system.

When the number of pages p is equal to or greater than the threshold value pth (YES in step S1002), the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1003). This is because the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming device 3 from the time required to convert the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3. This is because it is highly likely that the time required is shorter.

On the other hand, when the number of pages p is less than the threshold value pth (NO in step S1002), the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1004). This is because the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 is converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3 from the time required to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3. This is because it is highly likely that the time required is shorter.

As described above, according to the second transmission determination method, the determination unit 15 forms an image of the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 based on the number of pages p that has not been converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3. It can be determined whether to transmit to the device 3.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a third transmission determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 21 corresponds to the internal processing of step S38 of FIG. 17 and step S58 of FIG.

First, the determination unit 15 measures the network band B between the own device (print server 1) and the image forming device 3 (step S1101). The network band B may be measured by any well-known method.

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the measured network band B is equal to or higher than the preset threshold value Bth2 of the network band B (step S1102). The threshold value Bth2 may be set based on the specifications of the image forming apparatus 3 (for example, the storage capacity of the RAM 303) and the printing record (for example, the success rate R and the processing times T1 and T2). The threshold Bth2 is, for example, a network band in which the transmission speed of raster data from the print server 1 to the image forming device 3 per page is faster than the conversion speed of the PDF file to raster data by the image forming device 3 per page. However, it is not limited to this. Further, the threshold value Bth2 may be set for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be uniformly set for the image forming apparatus 3 constituting the printing system.

When the network band B is equal to or higher than the threshold value Bth2 (YES in step S1102), the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1103). This is because the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming device 3 from the time required to convert the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3. This is because it is highly likely that the time required is shorter.

On the other hand, when the network band B is not equal to or higher than the threshold value Bth (NO in step S1102), the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1104). This is because the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 is converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3 from the time required to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3. This is because it is highly likely that the time required is shorter.

As described above, according to the third transmission determination method, the determination unit 15 images the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 based on the network band B between the print server 1 and the image forming apparatus 3. It can be determined whether to transmit to the forming device 3.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a fourth transmission determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 22 corresponds to the internal processing of step S38 of FIG. 17 and step S58 of FIG.

First, the determination unit 15 acquires the printing speed and the conversion speed of the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1201). The determination unit 15 can acquire the printing speed and the conversion speed of the image forming apparatus 3 by transmitting the printing speed and the conversion speed acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 3 and receiving the response to the acquisition request.

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 3 is equal to or higher than the conversion speed of the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1202).

When the printing speed is equal to or higher than the conversion speed (YES in step S1202), the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1203). This is because when the printing speed is higher than the conversion speed, the image forming apparatus 3 cannot execute the printing process at the maximum speed when the conversion process is executed by its own device, whereas the image forming apparatus 3 receives the raster data from the print server 1. This is because there is a possibility that the printing process can be executed at the maximum speed. That is, it takes more time to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 than the time required to convert the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3. This is because it is thought that the time may be shorter.

On the other hand, when the printing speed is not equal to or higher than the conversion speed (NO in step S1202), the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1204). This is because when the printing speed is not higher than the conversion speed, the image forming apparatus 3 can execute the printing processing at the maximum speed by executing the conversion processing on its own device, whereas the image forming apparatus 3 receives the raster data from the print server 1. If this happens, the print process may not be executed at the maximum speed. That is, it takes more time for the image forming apparatus 3 to convert the page converted into raster data by the converting unit 16 than the time required for transmitting the raster data converted by the converting unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3. This is because it is thought that the time may be shorter.

As described above, according to the fourth transmission determination method, the determination unit 15 transmits the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 based on the printing speed and the conversion speed of the image forming apparatus 3. It can be determined whether or not to do so.

The transmission determination method according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above example. In the present embodiment, two or more of the first to fourth transmission determination methods may be used in combination.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 waits for the determination process of the print server 1 and the reception of raster data from the print server 1. The printing process can be started quickly without any problem. Further, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 has the shortest time required for the printing process after all the pages of the PDF file (document data) are converted into raster data by the printing server 1 and the image forming apparatus 3. The printing process can be executed in the following manner. That is, when the time required for the image forming apparatus 3 to convert the PDF file into raster data is shorter than the time required for receiving the raster data from the print server 1, the image forming apparatus 3 uses the own device to convert the PDF file. Convert to raster data and print the raster data. Further, when the time required for the image forming apparatus 3 to receive the raster data from the print server 1 is shorter than the time required for the image forming apparatus 3 to convert the PDF file into raster data, the raster data from the print server 1 Is received and the raster data is printed. As a result, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time from the user requesting the printing of the PDF file (document data) to the completion.

(Fourth Embodiment)
The printing system according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25. In the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 3 fails in the conversion process due to memory full (insufficient work memory), the print server 1 starts the raster data conversion process from the portion where the conversion process fails, and the raster data. Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. The configuration of the printing system, the printing server 1, the user terminal 2, and the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Further, the other processing is the same as that of the third embodiment.

The operation of the print server 1 will be described below. In the following, the execution time of push type printing and pull type printing will be described respectively. Further, it is assumed that the document data is a PDF file.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the print server 1 when the push-type printing is executed. FIG. 23 corresponds to a flowchart in which steps S41 and S42 are added to FIG. Hereinafter, steps S41 and S42 will be described.

When some pages of the PDF file are not converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3 and the converting unit 16 (NO in step S37), the converting unit 16 inquires of the image forming apparatus 3 and stores the memory in the image forming apparatus 3. It is confirmed whether the full has occurred (step S41). If memory full has not occurred (NO in step S41), the process returns to step S37.

On the other hand, when memory full occurs (YES in step S41), the conversion unit 16 saves the converted raster data and performs conversion processing in the normal order from the page where the image forming apparatus 3 fails to convert due to memory full. Is started (step S42). After that, the process proceeds to step S40.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the print server 1 when the pull-type printing is executed. FIG. 24 corresponds to a flowchart in which steps S61 and S62 are added to FIG. Hereinafter, steps S61 and S62 will be described.

When some pages of the PDF file are not converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3 and the converting unit 16 (NO in step S57), the converting unit 16 inquires of the image forming apparatus 3 and stores the memory in the image forming apparatus 3. It is confirmed whether the full has occurred (step S61). If memory full has not occurred (NO in step S61), the process returns to step S57.

On the other hand, when memory full occurs (YES in step S61), the conversion unit 16 saves the converted raster data and performs conversion processing in the normal order from the page where the image forming apparatus 3 fails to convert due to memory full. Is started (step S62). After that, the process proceeds to step S60.

According to the present embodiment, even if the image forming apparatus 3 becomes memory full and the image forming apparatus 3 fails in the conversion process by the above processing, the print server 1 converts the document data into raster data. Then, the printing of the document data can be continued. Further, since a part of the document data has been converted in advance by the print server 1 in the reverse order, the time required for the print server 1 to convert the unconverted document data in the forward order can be shortened.

In the present embodiment, the determination unit 15 can use the fifth transmission determination method together with at least one of the first to fourth transmission determination methods. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a fifth transmission determination method. The flowchart of FIG. 25 corresponds to the internal processing of step S38 of FIG. 23 and step S58 of FIG. 24.

First, the determination unit 15 confirms the maximum work memory size (step S1301). The maximum work memory size is the maximum value of the size of the work memory used by the conversion unit 16 in the conversion process. If the conversion unit 16 executes the conversion process while storing the peak value of the used work memory size, and the determination unit 15 acquires the maximum value of the work memory size stored by the conversion unit 16 as the maximum work memory size. good.

Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the available work memory size of the image forming apparatus 3 is equal to or larger than the maximum work memory size (step S1302). The available work memory size is the size of the work memory that the image forming apparatus 3 can use for the conversion process. The available work memory size may be registered in advance in the print server 1 for each image forming apparatus 3, or may be acquired by the determination unit 15 from the image forming apparatus 3.

When the maximum work memory size is equal to or larger than the available work memory size (YES in step S1302), the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1303). This is because when the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 is converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3, there is a high possibility that the image forming apparatus 3 fails in the conversion process due to memory fullness.

On the other hand, when the maximum work memory size is not equal to or larger than the available work memory size (NO in step S1302), the determination unit 15 determines that the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S1304). ). This is because when the page converted into raster data by the conversion unit 16 is converted into raster data by the image forming apparatus 3, it is unlikely that the image forming apparatus 3 fails in the conversion process due to memory fullness.

As described above, according to the fifth transmission determination method, the determination unit 15 transmits the raster data converted by the conversion unit 16 to the image forming apparatus 3 based on the maximum work memory size and the available memory size. Can be determined. According to the fifth transmission determination method, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of memory fullness (failure of conversion processing) in the image forming apparatus 3.

When the fifth transmission determination method and at least one of the first to fourth transmission determination methods are used in combination, the print server 1 determines that transmission is performed by all or a predetermined number of transmission determination methods. In this case, raster data may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. Further, the determination unit 15 can independently use only the fifth transmission determination method.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations shown here, such as combinations with other elements in the configurations and the like described in the above embodiments. These points can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form thereof.

1: Print server 2: User terminal 3: Image forming device 4: Gateway 5: LAN
11: Reception unit 12: Control unit 13: Storage unit 14: Transmission unit 15: Judgment unit 16: Conversion unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-053624 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-102777

Claims (6)

A printing server that constitutes a printing system together with an image forming apparatus connected via a network.
A receiver that receives document data from the user terminal,
A transmission unit that transmits the document data to the image forming apparatus, and
A conversion unit that converts the document data into raster data in the reverse order of the image forming apparatus,
A determination unit for determining whether to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit to the image forming apparatus, and a determination unit.
With
The transmission unit is a printing server that transmits the raster data to the image forming apparatus when the determination unit determines that the raster data is transmitted. The determination unit includes information on objects included in the document data converted by the conversion unit, the number of pages that the image forming apparatus has not converted, the network band between the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. The printing server according to claim 1 , wherein the printing server determines whether to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit to the image forming apparatus based on at least one of the printing speed and the conversion speed of the above. The determination unit determines whether to transmit the raster data converted by the conversion unit to the image forming apparatus based on the maximum work memory size used by the conversion unit and the available memory size of the image forming apparatus. The print server according to claim 1 or 2. The conversion unit, when the memory full in said image forming apparatus has occurred, any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the image forming apparatus is converted into the raster data of the document data unconverted in forward order The print server described in. With the image forming apparatus
The printing server according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A printing system equipped with. To the print server that configures the printing system together with the image forming device connected via the network
The receiving process of receiving document data from the user terminal,
A first transmission step of transmitting the document data to the image forming apparatus, and
A conversion step of converting the document data into raster data in the reverse order of the image forming apparatus,
A determination step of determining whether to transmit the converted raster data to the image forming apparatus, and
When it is determined that the raster data is to be transmitted, a second transmission step of transmitting the raster data to the image forming apparatus and a second transmission step
A program to execute.

Images